U.S. patent application number 12/031650 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-20 for tamper-evident packaging system.
This patent application is currently assigned to PWP INDUSTRIES. Invention is credited to Terry Vovan.
Application Number | 20090206082 12/031650 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40954162 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090206082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vovan; Terry |
August 20, 2009 |
TAMPER-EVIDENT PACKAGING SYSTEM
Abstract
A container system suitable for food can comprise a tray, a lid
and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may comprise locking
means, means to impede access to the locking means and a skirt with
a skirt edge. A container system can comprise a tray, a lid, an
aperture, a flap and an activation member. The activation member of
the a first container system can be configured to release heated
gases from a second container system by depressing the flap of the
second system when the first system is stacked on top the second
system. The container system can also comprise a dome surface, at
least one stacking rib and an aperture surface. The aperture
surface can comprise the aperture and flap. The aperture surface
can be at least partially above the dome surface and below the at
least one stacking rib. The aperture surface may be sloped.
Inventors: |
Vovan; Terry; (Upland,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
PWP INDUSTRIES
Vernon
CA
|
Family ID: |
40954162 |
Appl. No.: |
12/031650 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/266 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00361
20130101; B65D 2543/00685 20130101; B65D 2543/00731 20130101; B65D
43/0249 20130101; B65D 2401/10 20200501; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
B65D 2543/00796 20130101; B65D 2543/0062 20130101; B65D 2543/00842
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/266 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A container system suitable for food, the system comprising: a
tray member with a first connection lip; a lid member with a second
connection lip configured to connect with the first connection lip
of the tray member; and a locking mechanism configured to engage
when the tray member and lid member are positioned to connect to
each other, the locking mechanism comprising: a snaplock; a skirt
with a skirt edge; and an undercut rib to conceal the skirt edge
when the snaplock is closed.
2. A container system suitable for food, the system comprising: a
tray member with a first connection lip; a lid member with a second
connection lip configured to be secured to the first connection lip
of the tray member; and a locking mechanism configured to engage
when the tray member and lid member are positioned to be secured to
each other, the locking mechanism comprising: locking means; a
skirt with a skirt edge; and impediment means configured to impede
access to the skirt edge when the locking means is secured.
3. The container system of claim 2, the locking means comprising a
male member and a female member configured to receive the male
member.
4. The container system of claim 2, the impediment means comprising
a finger guard.
5. The container system of claim 2, wherein the first and second
connection lips are configured to form a seal between the lid
member and the tray member.
6. The container system of claim 2, wherein the first connection
lip comprises a ridge and the second connection lip comprises a
groove configured to receive the ridge.
7. The container system of claim 2, wherein the skirt further
comprises: a flat portion; and a rib portion configured to impede
access to the skirt edge.
8. The container system of claim 2, wherein the finger guard is a
raised rib with a side surface configured to overhang and impede
access to the skirt edge.
9. The container system of claim 2, further comprising a
tamper-evident separation mechanism.
10. The container system of claim 9, wherein the tamper-evident
separation mechanism comprises: a pull tab; and a break-locus at
which the skirt is configured to break in order to allow the user
to open the container system at the seal between the lid member and
the tray member.
11. The container system of claim 10, wherein the break-locus
comprises a weak section configured to allow a single piece of
material to separate into two pieces when the pull tab is
pulled.
12. The container system of claim 11, wherein the weak section
comprises a perforated section.
13. The container system of claim 11, wherein the weak section
comprises a thin section that is less than 0.007 inch thick.
14. The container system of claim 10, wherein the pull tab
comprises grip features.
15. The container system of claim 14, wherein the grip features
comprise ridges.
16. The container system of claim 2, wherein the container system
is stackable.
17. The container system of claim 10, wherein the skirt folds along
the break-locus to allow the male and female members to engage with
each other.
18. The container system of claim 17, wherein the pull tab is
mechanically linked to the skirt such that when the skirt folds and
the male and female members engage, the pull tab protrudes.
19. The container system of claim 18, wherein all of the system
structures are comprised by and molded as a unitary piece with
either the lid member or the tray member, further comprising a
gripping area on the same unitary piece as the pull tab such that
pulling on the gripping area in a contrary direction from the pull
tab tends to separate the pull tab along the break locus.
20. The container system of claim 19, wherein the gripping area is
located on the tray member and the pull tab is molded as a unitary
piece with the tray member.
21. The container system of claim 18, wherein the system is
configured such that the pull tab and skirt are both attached to
either the tray member or the lid member before the tray member and
lid member have been secured together by the locking mechanism and
the pull tab and skirt are both attached to the other of the lid
member or tray member after the locking mechanism has been
opened.
22. The container system of claim 18, wherein the system is
configured such that pulling on the pull tab after the male member
has engaged with the female member can cause the skirt to break at
the break locus, allowing the pull tab and the separated portion of
the skirt to separate and indicate that the tray member and the lid
member have been closed and subsequently opened, providing evidence
of potential tampering.
23. The container system of claim 22, wherein the pull tab is
configured such that pulling up on the pull tab causes more force
to be exerted tending to cause separation at the break locus than
is exerted tending to remove the male member from the female member
of the locking mechanism.
24. The container system of claim 17, wherein: the first connection
lip comprises an outwardly-extending flange that extends
substantially around the perimeter of the lid portion; the second
connection lip comprises an outwardly-extending flange that extends
substantially around the perimeter of the tray portion; the first
and second connection lips are configured to abut substantially
along the full perimeter of the container system when the system is
in the closed configuration; and the skirt comprises a portion of
one connection lip, and the skirt is configured to extend beyond
that lip such that when the skirt is folded along the break-locus,
the extended portion of the skirt secures the abutting lip.
25. The container system of claim 24, wherein the break-locus is
located along an outer edge of a connection lip that extends
farther out than the outer edge of the abutting connection lip.
26. The container system of claim 25, wherein the tray member
comprises the skirt and break locus and the second connection lip
extends beyond the first connection lip when the tray member and
lid member are connected.
27. The container system of claim 24, wherein the lid member
comprises the female member and the finger guard, and the tray
member comprises the male member, the skirt, and the pull tab.
28. The container system of claim 27, wherein the female member is
formed as a depression in the first connection lip, the finger
guard is formed as a protrusion from the first connection lip, and
the male member is formed as a protrusion from the second
connection lip.
29. The container system of claim 27, wherein the male member fits
into the female member with an interference fit.
30. A method of making a tamper-evident food container system, the
method comprising: providing a first container portion comprising a
lid formed from a single piece of material, the lid having an
outward lid extension substantially surrounding the perimeter
thereof; providing a second container portion comprising a tray
formed from a single piece of material, the tray having an outward
tray extension substantially surrounding the perimeter thereof;
establishing an enclosed space by positioning the lid and the tray
together with the outward lid extension and the outward tray
extension abutting each other around substantially the full
perimeter of the enclosed space; securing the lid to the tray by
inserting a male portion of a locking mechanism of one container
portion into a female portion of a locking mechanism in the other
container portion at a securement complex; further securing the lid
to the tray at the securement complex by folding a portion of the
long outward extension of one container portion over a sandwiched
section of the outward extension of the other container portion;
and preventing future undetected tampering by causing a pull tab to
protrude from the food-container system, the pull tab configured to
permanently separate from the container portion to which it was
previously attached when the tab is pulled with sufficient force to
separate the lid from the tray.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein further securing the lid to the
tray comprises positioning the folded portion of the outward
extension of one container portion underneath an overhanging
feature on the other container portion to impede unfolding of the
long outward extension.
32. A method of making a tamper-evident food container system, the
method comprising: forming a lid from a single piece of material;
forming a tray from a single piece of material; forming a
securement mechanism on the food container system, the securement
mechanism comprising: a secured section; a skirt comprising a
separable portion, a pull tab forming part of the separable
portion, and a skirt edge, the skirt foldable along a separation
locus such that the skirt is configured to fold around the secured
section; a male snap in either the secured section or the skirt; a
female snap receptacle in either the secured section or the skirt,
the female snap receptacle configured to receive the male snap when
the skirt is folded; and a skirt overhang configured to impede
access to the skirt edge when the skirt is folded.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising forming at least one
ridge in the skirt, the ridge configured to impede access to the
skirt edge when the skirt is folded and the skirt overhang
overhangs the skirt edge.
34. The method of claim 32, further comprising: securing the
securement mechanism by inserting the male snap into the female
snap receptacle; positioning the skirt edge underneath the skirt
overhang; and subsequently, configuring the tab to protrude such
that when a user pulls the tab to open the container system, the
tab irreversibly separates to provide evidence that the container
has previously been opened.
35. A container system suitable for food, the system comprising: a
tray member; a lid member, wherein the tray and lid members have a
connecting portion; and a locking mechanism, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises: a rotating section; a pre-formed connection
around which the rotating section is configured to rotate; and a
closure assembly configured such that, when the closure assembly is
in a closed state, the closure assembly is closed together more
strongly than the pre-formed connection so that attempts to open
the closure assembly will disconnect the preformed connection, thus
unlocking the locking mechanism.
36. The container system of claim 35, wherein: the rotating section
is configured to pivot at a first fulcrum when the locking
mechanism is in an initial unlocked configuration, the first
fulcrum comprising the pre-formed connection; the rotating section
pivots at a second fulcrum when the locking mechanism is in a
subsequent locked configuration and the preformed connection has
disconnected; and the connecting portion comprises a seal around
the perimeter of the container system where the lid member and the
tray member seal together, and the locking mechanism is located
outside the connecting portion.
37. A container system suitable for heated food, the system
comprising: a tray member comprising an activation member; and a
lid member comprising an aperture partially covered by a flap, the
aperture and flap configured to enable the release of heated gases
when the flap is depressed; wherein the activation member is
configured to depress a flap in a second container system.
38. The container system of claim 37, wherein the container system
is stackable.
39. The container system of claim 37, wherein the activation member
protrudes downward in the bottom of the tray member.
40. The container system of claim 37 further comprising: a dome
surface; at least one stacking rib; and an aperture surface
comprising: the aperture; and the flap; and wherein the aperture
surface is at least partially above the dome surface and below the
at least one stacking rib.
41. The container system of claim 40, wherein the aperture surface
is sloped.
42. The container system of claim 41, wherein the slope is between
approximately 0 and approximately 60 degrees.
43. The container system of claim 41, wherein the slope is between
approximately 15 and approximately 45 degrees.
44. The container system of claim 41, wherein the slope is between
25 and 35 degrees.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] Disclosed are container systems for foodstuffs. This
disclosure relates to a food packaging containment system that is
suitable for heated food items such as rotisserie chicken and the
like. The system can include a tray compartment, a lid member and a
tamper-evident locking mechanism. The disclosure also relates to a
food containment system that can include a tray compartment, a lid
member and structures for release of heated gases.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Packaging for food (e.g., packaging for roasted chickens)
has various drawbacks. For example, many chicken roaster packages
lack a means whereby a consumer can know whether the packaging has
been tampered with. Release of heated gases has also been a
problem. Packages can sometimes be too hot to carry
conveniently.
SUMMARY
[0005] In some embodiments, a container system suitable for food
comprises a tray member with a first connection lip, a lid member
with a second connection lip configured to connect with the first
connection lip of the tray member and a locking mechanism. The
first and second connection lips are configured to form a seal
between the lid member and the tray member. The connection lips may
form a ridge and groove configured to receive the ridge. The
locking mechanism can be configured to engage when the tray member
and lid member are positioned to connect. The locking mechanism may
comprise locking means, a skirt with a skirt edge and means for
impeding access to the skirt edge.
[0006] In some embodiments the locking means may comprise a male
member and a female member configured to receive the male member.
The means for impeding access to the skirt edge may comprise a
finger guard that impedes access to the skirt edge when the male
member is received into the female member. The finger guard may be
a raised rib with a side surface configured to overhang and impede
access to the skirt edge. The skirt may further comprise a flat
portion and a rib portion configured to impede access to the skirt
edge. The container system may be stackable.
[0007] In some embodiments, the container system further comprises
a tamper-evident separation mechanism. The tamper-evident
separation mechanism may comprise a pull tab and a break-locus at
which the skirt is configured to break in order to allow the user
to open the container system at the seal between the lid member and
the tray member. The break-locus can allow a single piece of
material to separate into two pieces when the pull tab is pulled.
The break-locus can take many forms, for example, it may be a
perforated section or a thin section. The break-locus may also be
an area around which the skirt folds along to allow the male and
female members to engage with each other.
[0008] In addition, the system may be configured such that pulling
on the pull tab after the male member has engaged with the female
member can cause the skirt to break at the break-locus, allowing
the pull tab and the separated portion of the skirt to separate and
indicating that the tray member and the lid member have been closed
and subsequently opened. This provides a consumer with evidence of
potential tampering.
[0009] Some embodiments comprise a container system suitable for
heated food. A first container system may comprise a tray with an
activation member and a lid. The lid can have an aperture partially
covered by a flap. The aperture and flap are configured to enable
the release of heated gases when the flap is depressed. The
activation member is configured to depress a flap in a second
container system. The activation member may optionally protrude
downward in the bottom of the tray member.
[0010] The container system of some embodiments comprise a dome
surface, at least one stacking rib and an aperture surface. The
aperture surface may comprise the aperture and the flap and the
aperture surface is configured such that it is at least partially
above the dome surface and below the at least one stacking rib. The
aperture surface may also be sloped.
[0011] Some embodiments encompass a method of making a
tamper-evident food container system. The method may comprise
providing a first container portion of a lid formed from a single
piece of material, the lid having an outward lid extension
substantially surrounding the perimeter thereof. Providing a second
container portion comprising a tray formed from a single piece of
material, the tray having an outward tray extension substantially
surrounding the perimeter thereof. Establishing an enclosed space
by positioning the lid and the tray together with the outward lid
extension and the outward tray extension abutting each other around
substantially the full perimeter of the enclosed space and securing
the lid to the tray by inserting a male portion of a locking
mechanism of one container portion into a female portion of a
locking mechanism in the other container portion at a securement
complex. Further securing the lid to the tray at the securement
complex by folding a portion of the long outward extension of one
container portion over a sandwiched section of the outward
extension of the other container portion and preventing future
undetected tampering by causing a pull tab to protrude from the
side of the food-container system, the pull tab configured to
permanently separate from the container portion when the tab is
pulled with sufficient force to separate the lid from the tray.
[0012] Some methods may comprise the further step wherein securing
the lid to the tray comprises positioning the folded portion of the
outward extension of one container portion underneath an
overhanging feature on the other container portion to impede
unfolding of the long outward extension.
[0013] Some methods of making a tamper-evident food container
system may involve the following steps. Forming a lid and tray,
each from a single piece of material. Forming a securement
mechanism on the food container system with a secured section, a
skirt with a separable portion, a pull tab forming part of the
separable portion, and a skirt edge. The skirt configured to fold
along a separation locus around the secured section. The securement
mechanism also has a male snap in either the secured section or the
skirt, a female snap receptacle in either the secured section or
the skirt, the female snap receptacle configured to receive the
male snap when the skirt is folded, and a skirt overhang configured
to impede access to the skirt edge when the skirt is folded.
[0014] Some methods may further comprise forming at least one ridge
in the skirt, the ridge configured to impede access to the skirt
edge when the skirt is folded and the skirt overhang overhangs the
skirt edge. Some methods may even further comprise securing the
securement mechanism by inserting the male snap into the female
snap receptacle; positioning the skirt edge underneath the skirt
overhang; and subsequently, configuring the tab to protrude such
that when a user pulls the tab to open the container system, the
tab irreversibly separates to provide evidence that the container
has previously been opened.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an assembled container system
with a locking mechanism in the opened and unlocked position and
means for the release of heated gases.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the container
system.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an isometric detail view of the locking mechanism
in the opened, unlocked position.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an isometric detail view of the locking mechanism
in the opened, unlocked position as a skirt rotates around a break
locus.
[0019] FIG. 4A is a single-plane cross sectional view of the
locking mechanism taken in the plane of the line C-C of FIG. 4.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an isometric detail view of the locking mechanism
in the closed, locked position.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an isometric detail view of the locking mechanism
wherein the break locus has been broken.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a top view of the container system.
[0023] FIG. 7A is a single-plane cross sectional view of the closed
and locked locking mechanism taken in the plane of the line A-A of
FIG. 7.
[0024] FIG. 7B is a single-plane cross sectional view of the closed
and locked locking mechanism taken in the plane of the line B-B of
FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a top view of the tray member.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of two assembled container
systems in a stacked configuration.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a single-plane cross sectional view of two
assembled container systems in a stacked configuration showing the
interaction between the steam vent and the activation member, the
section taken in the plane of the line D-D of FIG. 9.
[0028] FIG. 10A is a detail view of the interaction between the
steam vent and the activation member taken along line E-E of FIG.
10.
[0029] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an
assembled container system with a locking mechanism in the open and
unlocked position.
[0030] FIG. 12 is an exploded isometric view of the container
system with locking mechanism.
[0031] FIG. 13 is an isometric detail view of the locking mechanism
in the opened, unlocked position taken along line K-K of FIG.
11.
[0032] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the locking mechanism in the
closed, locked position.
[0033] FIG. 14A is a single-plane cross sectional view of the
closed and locked locking mechanism taken in the plane of the line
L-L of FIG. 14.
[0034] FIG. 15 is an isometric detail view of parts of the locking
mechanism associated with the lid member taken along line F-F of
FIG. 12.
[0035] FIG. 16 is an isometric detail view of parts of the locking
mechanism associated with the tray member taken along line G-G of
FIG. 12.
[0036] FIG. 16A is a single-plane cross sectional view of parts of
the locking mechanism associated with the tray member taken in the
plane of the line H-H of FIG. 16.
[0037] FIG. 17 is an isometric detail bottom view of parts of the
locking mechanism associated with the tray member viewed from the
bottom of the tray member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Rigid and flexible plastic containers can be used to protect
and display both perishable and fragile food items such as
sandwiches, salads and bakery items. The roles of plastic packaging
can be expanded to meet additional demands. Presentation, brand
presence, consumer desires, added value to enhance commercial
competitiveness, differentiation, imagery and psychology can all be
factors in package design and application. Convenience and
versatility continue to shape the future of packaging, with
consumers gravitating toward packaged convenience items. Thus,
social and environmental considerations can be advantageously
included in the development process of plastic packaging. The
provision of multiple compartments in a variety of shapes and
utilities in rigid plastic containers is an example of a useful
advantage.
[0039] Plastic food containers can be manufactured, for example,
from Polystyrene, Polypropylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET),
Polylactide, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), or other rigid polymers.
Materials that can be used include thermoformable plastics such as:
Oriented Polystyrene (OPS); Talc-Filled Polypropylene (TFPP); High
Impact Polystyrene (HIPS); Polypropylene (PP); Polyethylene
Terepthalate (PET); Amorphous PET (APET); Crystallized Polyethylene
(CPET); polylactide or polylactic acid (PLA); Polystyrene; Styrene
Block Copolymer blends; and the like. Plastic food containers can
comprise multiple parts--e.g., a tray and lid--or they may be a
one-piece construction with a hinge that allows one portion of the
container to act as the tray and the other connected portion to act
as a lid. Plastic packages can be manufactured in a variety of
shapes and cross-sections: circular, rectangular, square,
elliptical, etc.
[0040] The use of such plastics for holding heated food has many
advantages, especially with rotisserie chicken applications.
However, many currently available food packages have not been
designed to cater to the consumer's needs as related to the risk of
tampering or the handling of container systems for heated foods.
Many of the currently available container systems have no way of
indicating whether the container has been prematurely opened or
tampered with. In addition, heating of the container contents can
result in high temperature fluids and gases, increased pressure
build-up, and so forth. A hot container can thus be painful to
touch. Such constraints also place limitations on the logistical
elements such as containerization of large quantities of heated
food product. This disclosure provides for a unique approach that
achieves these objectives, among others.
[0041] Embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings. Inventions disclosed herein
may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed
as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, example
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete and will convey the scope of the invention to those
skilled in the art.
[0042] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 and
2, there is shown a dome-shaped, rigid polymer construct food
container system 1. The food container system 1 can include a lid
member 2 and tray member 4 which forms the primary recess into
which heated foodstuff, such as a rotisserie chicken, is
placed.
[0043] The lid member 2 and tray member 4 of the container system 1
can be molded, through thermoforming manufacturing means, from a
single sheetline of polymer material work piece into a
predetermined shape and thickness as required. The lid member 2 and
tray member 4 of the container system 1 may also be formed, through
thermoforming manufacturing means, into a curvilinear geometry to
thereby provide the end user with a variety of polygonal shapes. In
the container system 1, the lid member 2 has geometry that permits
even mating with the tray member 4 at their peripheral edge, where
even mating can imply that two structures mate evenly.
Additionally, mating between lid member 2 and tray member 4 can be
releaseably-sealable and achieved using a snap-fit grip, shown here
as components 62, 64. The releaseably-sealable mechanism can be a
slotable mechanical interface wherein the tray member snap-fit grip
component 64 is the male element and the lid member snap-fit grip
component 62 is the female element.
[0044] FIG. 1 shows the container system 1 with a locking mechanism
20 configured to engage when the tray member 4 and lid member 2 are
positioned to permit even mating. The locking mechanism 20 may
comprise locking means and impediment means, wherein the locking
means and impediment means can be the same structure.
[0045] Locking means, as used herein, is a broad term and is used
in its ordinary meaning. Locking means can include but are not
limited to any of the following: anything that attaches two pieces
of material together, male and female locking parts, a button and
button receiver (e.g., button hole), a hook, an interference fit, a
tongue and groove, a tongue and slot, a rivet, a snap, mating
portions of plastic containers, etc. Locking means can also include
the locking mechanisms disclosed in the Figures.
[0046] Impediment means, as used herein, is a broad term and is
used in its ordinary meaning. Impediment means can include but are
not limited to any of the following: structures or voids (lack of
structure) that make access to another structure more difficult,
that prevent easy access to another structure, that prohibit access
to another structure, that block or partially block access to
another structure, that prevent access to a structure in normal
use, etc.
[0047] The locking means can be configured to lock the locking
mechanism and the impediment means can be configured to deny access
to at least a part of the locking means. The locking means may be a
male member 21, and a female member 23 configured to receive the
male member 21. The locking means can have an interference fit. The
locking mechanism 20 may further comprise a skirt 25 with a skirt
edge 27. The locking means can be separate from the sealing
mechanism. The impediment means may be a finger guard 29 configured
to impede access to the skirt edge 27 after the male 21 and female
23 members are joined.
[0048] The locking mechanism can take on many different
configurations. For example, the Figures show the male member 21
associated with the tray member 4 and the female member 23 with the
lid member 2; this association can be reversed with the male member
21 formed as part of the lid and the female part formed as part of
the tray. In addition, the locking mechanism 20 can be integrated
into the releaseably-sealable mechanism. The principles of the
locking mechanism 20 can be applied using different configurations
from those displayed in the Figures. In addition, a container
system 1 can have one or more locking mechanisms 20.
[0049] Now turning to FIG. 3, the locking mechanism 20 of some
embodiments will be discussed in more detail. The skirt 25 of the
locking mechanism 20 may comprise a flat portion 31 and at least
one rib portion 33. The at least one rib portion 33 can increase
the structural rigidity of the skirt 25. The at least one rib
portion 33 may be configured to impede access to the skirt edge 27
when the locking mechanism 20 is in the locked position, as will be
explained in more detail below. The finger guard 29 also works to
impede access to the skirt edge 27. The finger guard 29 may
comprise a raised rib. The raised rib may have a side surface 35
configured to overhang and impede access to the skirt edge 27 when
the locking mechanism 20 is in the locked position.
[0050] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3-5, in discussing the
locking function of the locking mechanism 20. With the lid member 2
placed on the tray member 4, and whether or not the snap-fit
components 62, 64 are in a sealed configuration, a user can
initiate locking of the locking mechanism 20. To do this, a user
may bend the skirt 25 to engage the male 21 and female 23 members.
Once the male 21 and female 23 members are engaged, the locking
mechanism 20 is in an initial locked configuration (FIG. 5). While
the male 21 and female 23 members are engaging each other, the
skirt edge 27 can also abut, be adjacent to, or lie under the side
surface 35 of the finger guard 29. The side surface 35 may be
sloped or undercut so as to create an overhang. In this way, as the
skirt 25 and skirt edge 27 engage or come into close proximity with
the finger guard 29 and the side surface 35, the skirt 25 and skirt
edge 27 become more enclosed by the finger guard 29 and side
surface 35 (FIG. 7A-B). This can have the advantage of impeding
access to the skirt edge. For example, after the male member 21 and
the female member 23 are in a locked position, the finger card can
prevent a finger from easily accessing the skirt edge. There are
various ways to impede access to the skirt edge 27. The illustrated
finger guard 29 is one such way. Other ways may include the use of
different shaped ridges or slots to impede access to or to
completely enclose the skirt edge 27.
[0051] The finger guard 29 or other structures that are designed to
impede access to the skirt edge 27 provide many benefits. Impeding
access to the skirt edge 27 is one way of helping to ensure that
the locking mechanism 20 stays in a locked configuration. Impeding
access to the skirt edge 27 helps to prevent tampering and helps to
ensure that the tamper-evident mechanism works as designed, as
explained below.
[0052] In addition to the finger guard 29, the at least one rib
portion 33 may also impede access to the skirt edge 27. The at
least one rib portion 33 can provide many benefits including
strengthening the skirt 25 and thereby increasing the rigidity of
the skirt. This can help maintain the skirt 25 in the locked
configuration, keeping the system securely closed. This is because
as the rigidity of the skirt 25 increases, the skirt 25 in a locked
configuration is more difficult to bend or flex in a manner that
can enable the skirt's 25 removal from the locked configuration. A
raised rib portion close to the skirt edge can also decrease access
to the skirt edge 27 thus further impeding access to the skirt edge
27 when used in conjunction with the finger guard 29 or other
impediment means.
[0053] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, other embodiments of the container
system 1 may further comprise a tamper-evident separation mechanism
40. The tamper-evident separation mechanism 40 may comprise a pull
tab 42 and a break-locus 44 at which the skirt 25 is configured to
break. When a user attempts to open the lock mechanism 20, the
break-locus 44 is configured to break. This action serves two
purposes, first a user can quickly and easily identify if or when
the container system 1 has already been opened or otherwise
tampered with. Second, it allows a user to unseal the lid member 2
and tray member 4 and to open the container system 1.
[0054] While the locking mechanism 20 is locked and the break-locus
44 is unbroken, a user can be prevented from separating the lid
member 2 and tray member 4. This should be true when, for example,
there are two locking mechanisms 20 on opposite sides of the
container system 1, or when the lid member and tray member are
connected at a hinge and the container system has a locking
mechanism on the opposite side of the container system away from
the hinge.
[0055] The break-locus 44 can comprise a weak section of material
configured to allow a single piece of material to separate into two
pieces (see FIG. 6) when the pull tab 42 is pulled or when a user
attempts to unlock the locking mechanism 20. The pull tab 42 may
comprise grip features 46 wherein the grip features 46 may comprise
ridges. The weak section can, for example, comprise a perforated
section or a thin section. The perforated section can be an area
defined by perforations in the material. The thin section can be
defined by the relative thickness of material along one area
compared to adjoining areas. The thin section can, for example,
comprise a thickness of less than 0.007 inches.
[0056] The pull tab 42 may be configured such that pulling on the
pull tab 42 causes more force to be exerted at the break-locus 44
than at the locking means. This tends to cause separation at the
break-locus 44 rather than, for example, separating the male member
21 from the female member 23 of the locking mechanism 20. In this
way, the skirt 25 breaks at the break-locus 44 when the pull tab 42
is pulled.
[0057] The pull tab 42 may be used in concert with a gripping area
66 to break the break-locus 44. A user can hold the pull tab 42
with one hand and a gripping area 66 with another hand and apply
force in opposite directions so as to separate the break-locus
44.
[0058] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the container
system 1 may be stackable. This provides additional benefits
especially to the grocer as it allows for easy display and requires
less shelf space.
[0059] Returning now to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the pull tab
42 of the tamper-evident mechanism 40 is mechanically linked to the
skirt 25 such that when the skirt 25 folds and the male 21 and
female 23 members engage, and the pull tab 42 protrudes.
[0060] Additional features in some embodiments deal with the
sealing engagement of the lid member 2 and the tray member 4.
Referencing FIGS. 2 and 3, the container system 1, comprises a
first connection lip 62 with an outwardly-extending flange 70 that
extends substantially around the perimeter of the lid 2, and a
second connection lip 64 also with an outwardly-extending flange 68
that extends substantially around the perimeter of the tray 4. The
first and second connection lips 62, 64 are configured to abut
substantially along the full perimeter of the container system 1
when the system 1 is in the closed configuration. The skirt 25 can
comprise a portion of second connection lip 64, and the skirt 25
can be configured to extend beyond lip 64 such that when the skirt
25 is folded along the break locus 44, the extended portion of the
skirt 25 secures to the first connection lip 62. In the figures,
the skirt 25 is shown as part of second connection lip 64 but the
disclosure also embodies the configuration where the skirt 25 is
part of the first connection lip 62. In the later configuration,
when the skirt 25 is folded it secures to the second connection lip
64.
[0061] The container system 1 may have the configuration depicted
in FIG. 3, where the break locus 44 (along which the skirt 25
folds) is located along an outer edge 68 of a connection lip 64.
The outer edge 68 of the connection lip 64 can extend beyond the
outer edge 70 of the abutting connection lip 62, as shown. This
configuration can allow the skirt 25 room to fold around the outer
edge 70 of the connection lip 62.
[0062] In some embodiments, a container system 1 suitable for food
can comprise a tray member 4 and a lid member 2 wherein the tray 4
and lid 2 members have a connecting portion and a locking mechanism
20. The locking mechanism 20 may comprise a rotating section 25, a
pre-formed connection 44 around which the rotating section 25 is
configured to rotate and a closure assembly. When the closure
assembly is in a closed state, the closure assembly can be closed
together more strongly than the pre-formed connection 44 so that
attempts to open the closure assembly will disconnect the preformed
connection 44, thus unlocking the locking mechanism 20.
[0063] In some embodiments (e.g., those illustrated in FIG. 3 and
FIG. 4), the container system 1 may be configured such that the
rotating section 25 is configured to pivot at a first fulcrum 51
when the locking mechanism 20 is in an initial unlocked
configuration, where the first fulcrum 51 can comprise a pre-formed
connection 44. The rotating section 25 pivots at a second fulcrum
53 when the locking mechanism 20 is in a subsequent locked
configuration and the preformed connection 44 has disconnected. In
addition, where the connecting portion can comprise a seal around
the perimeter of the container system 1 where the lid member 2 and
the tray member 4 seal together, and the locking mechanism 20 can
be located outside the connecting portion.
[0064] With reference now to FIGS. 7-10A, some embodiments can
comprise a first container system 1 suitable for heated food. The
first container system 1 can comprise a tray member 4 with an
activation member 92 and a lid member 2. The lid member 2 can have
an aperture 88 partially covered by a flap 90. The aperture 88 and
flap 90 can enable the release of heated gases.
[0065] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment in which the container system is
stackable. Here, the activation member 92 is configured to depress
a flap 90' in a second container system 1'. This can enable the
release of heated gases through the aperture 88' of the second
container system 1'.
[0066] Also in FIG. 10, in some embodiments of the container system
1, the activation member 92 protrudes downward from the bottom of
the tray member 4.
[0067] FIG. 10A demonstrates how the activation member 92 of the
first container system 1 works with the aperture 88' and flap 90'
of the second container system 1' to release heated gases from the
second container system 1'. As the first container system 1 is
placed on top of the second container system 1', the activation
member 92 of the first container system 1 interacts with the flap
90' of the second container system 1'. The interaction is such that
the activation member 92 depresses the flap 90'. The depressed flap
90' allows for an increase in the release of heated gases from the
second container system 1'.
[0068] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 9, a container
system 1 can comprise a dome surface 82, at least one stacking rib
84, and an aperture surface 86. The aperture surface 86 can
comprise an aperture 88 and a flap 90. The aperture surface 86 can
be at least partially above the dome surface 82 and below the at
least one stacking rib 84. This configuration of the aperture
surface 86 is beneficial in that the activation member 92 need not
protrude below other points or areas in the bottom of the tray
member 4. Thus when the container system 1 is in an unstacked
configuration, the system 1 will sit properly, in a stable manner,
on a flat surface.
[0069] The aperture surface 86 may optionally be sloped. The slope
may be between approximately 0 and 60 degrees. The slope may also
be between approximately 15 and 45 degrees. The slope may be
between 25 and 35 degrees. The sloped aperture surface 86
advantageously provides clearance for the heated gases to escape
the container system 1. This is especially true when the container
systems are in a stacked configuration.
[0070] The ability to release heated gases is a useful
characteristic in the design of container systems for heated food.
The presence of heated gases, such as steam, can decrease
visibility within the container system. This can be a problem as
consumers are less likely to purchase certain food stuffs when they
cannot see the actual food item inside the container system.
[0071] Now with reference to FIGS. 11-17, additional
characteristics will be discussed in the context of an example
embodiment. A container system 101 may comprise a tray 104 and a
lid 102. The lid 102 and tray 104 can be sealably connected, thus
forming a sealed enclosure. The illustrated sealed enclosure may be
especially suited for food storage, and in particular, fish
storage. The sealing connection may be formed by a tongue 164 and a
groove 162. The tongue 164 may fit snuggly into the groove 162
forming a sealed connection. The sealing connection can also be
performed in other ways. The container system 101 may also
optionally have a hinge between the tray 104 and the lid 102.
[0072] The container system 101 may have at least one locking
mechanism 120. The container system 101 preferably has two locking
mechanisms 120, one on either side of the container system 101. The
locking mechanism 120 can have a means for locking the tray 104 and
the lid 102 in place. The locking means can be separate from the
sealing connection.
[0073] Now with particular reference to FIG. 13, the locking means
of the locking mechanism 120 can be a male member 121 and a female
member 123. The locking mechanism 120 may also have a skirt 125
with a skirt edge 127. The locking mechanism 120 may also have a
break-locus 144. The break-locus 144 can be configured to allow the
male member 121 and the female member 123 to engage into a locked
position, as shown in FIG. 14. The locking mechanism 120 may also
have a pull tab 142. The pull tab 142 may protrude from the rest of
the locking mechanism 120.
[0074] The break-locus 144 can comprise a weak section of material
configured to allow a single piece of material to separate into two
pieces when the pull tab 142 is pulled or when a user attempts to
unlock the locking mechanism 120. The pull tab 142 may comprise
grip features 146 wherein the grip features 146 may comprise
ridges. The weak section can, for example, comprise a perforated
section or a thin section. The perforated section can be an area
defined by perforations in the material. The thin section can be
defined by the relative thickness of material along one area
compared to adjoining areas. The thin section can, for example,
comprise a thickness of less than 0.007 inches.
[0075] The pull tab 142 can be attached to the skirt 125 and can
provide a means for opening the locking mechanism, thus allowing
the container system 101 to be opened. A user can hold the pull tab
142 and with a pulling motion break the skirt at the break-locus
144 so as to separate the lid member 102 from the tray member 104.
Pulling the pull tab 142 may also remove the pull tab 143 from the
container system 101. By so doing the male 121 and female 123
members may also become disengaged.
[0076] Breaking the skirt 125 at the break-locus 144 both allows a
user to open the container system 101 and provides notice that the
container system 101 has been opened. This is especially useful to
the consumer buying food stored in container systems, as a locked
container system 101 can provide the consumer with assurances that
the food purchased is safe to consume and that it has not been
tampered with. The unbroken locking mechanism 120 provides the
consumer with this information.
[0077] Similarly to the previously disclosed embodiments, the
container system 101 may have a skirt edge 127 and a means for
impeding access to the skirt edge 127. When the locking mechanism
120 is engaged, the means for impeding access to the skirt edge 127
helps to maintain the locking mechanism 120 in the locked position.
The means for impeding access to the skirt edge 127 may comprise a
raised rib 129. The raised rib 129 may be formed integrally with or
make up a part of the sealing connection. For example, the raised
rib 129 can be a part of the groove 162. The raised rib 129 can
have a side surface 135 configured such that a part of or all of
the skirt edge 127 is received into the side surface 135. The side
surface 135 may be sloped in such a way as to create an overhang at
a top portion so that access to the skirt edge 127 is impeded by
the overhang of the side surface 135.
[0078] The means for impeding access to the skirt edge 127 may take
other forms as well. For example, the means for impeding access can
be a receiving slit configured to receive all or substantially all
of a skirt edge 127. The skirt edge 127 can also be angled in such
a way to make access difficult because of the manner in which the
skirt edge engages another surface. Impeding access to the skirt
edge 127 is one way of helping to ensure that the locking mechanism
120 stays in a locked configuration. Impeding access to the skirt
edge 127 helps to prevent tampering and it helps to ensure that the
tamper-evident mechanism works as designed.
[0079] Now referring to FIG. 14A, the locking mechanism 120 may
also have a cover 150. The cover 150 may enclose all or a part of
the locking means. The cover 150 may have ribs to increase the
structural rigidity of the cover 150. In one configuration, the
cover 150 can enclose the unreceiving end of the female member 123.
This is beneficial because it protects the locking means from
tampering in that a person is not able to apply pressure on the
unreceiving end of the female member 123 to separate the male 121
and female 123 members.
[0080] Although the disclosures presented herein are in the context
of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosures extend
beyond the specifically described embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the disclosures and obvious
modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that
the scope of the disclosures herein described should not be limited
by the particular embodiments described above.
* * * * *