U.S. patent application number 13/191361 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-09 for damage resistant container and locking feature.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMBRAILO PACKAGING, INC.. Invention is credited to Anthony M. Cadiente.
Application Number | 20120031921 13/191361 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45555356 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120031921 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cadiente; Anthony M. |
February 9, 2012 |
DAMAGE RESISTANT CONTAINER AND LOCKING FEATURE
Abstract
The invention encompasses packaging containers and locking
features enabling damage resistant closed containers that are
suitable for mechanized and automated closing and loading
operations.
Inventors: |
Cadiente; Anthony M.;
(Salinas, CA) |
Assignee: |
SAMBRAILO PACKAGING, INC.
Watsonville
CA
|
Family ID: |
45555356 |
Appl. No.: |
13/191361 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61370751 |
Aug 4, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/835 ;
220/788 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00685
20130101; B65D 85/34 20130101; B65D 2543/00472 20130101; B65D
2543/0062 20130101; B65D 2543/00805 20130101; B65D 2543/00296
20130101; B65D 2543/00694 20130101; B65D 2543/00453 20130101; B65D
2543/00768 20130101; B65D 2543/00666 20130101; B65D 2543/00796
20130101; B65D 43/162 20130101; B65D 2543/00101 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/835 ;
220/788 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/16 20060101
B65D043/16; B65D 43/22 20060101 B65D043/22 |
Claims
1. A produce package comprising: a packaging container with a lid
and a basket, both engageable to form a closed package; the lid and
basket each include a portion of a locking feature configured such
that each portion of the locking feature can be engaged together to
enable secure closure of the container; and the locking feature
comprising a receiving feature arranged at one of the lid or the
basket and a complementary engagement member arranged at the other
of the lid or the basket, such that when the lid is closed the
engagement member engages with the receiving feature reversibly
locking the container in a closed configuration, the package
configured such that, the receiving feature includes a guide
feature and a lock; and the complementary lock engagement member
includes a protrusion that is configured to mate with the receiving
feature and engage with the lock to reversibly lock the container
when closed.
2. The produce package recited in claim 1, wherein, the locking
feature includes a receiving feature and complementary lock
engagement member; the receiving feature comprises a recess
arranged on the lid; the complementary lock engagement member is
arranged at upper portion of the basket and includes a protrusion
that is configured to mate with and engage the recess in the lid to
reversibly lock the container when closed.
3. The produce package recited in claim 1, wherein the receiving
feature is arranged at upper portion of the basket and includes a
guide feature and the lock; the complementary lock engagement
member is arranged on the lid and includes a protrusion that is
configured to mate with the receiving feature and engage with the
lock to reversibly lock the container when closed.
4. The produce package recited in claim 3, wherein an upper portion
of the basket comprises a substantially circumferential ridge
feature and a lower portion of the lid comprises a substantially
circumferential ridge feature, wherein the two ridge features are
configured to engage one another when the container is closed and
wherein said closing is assisted by the guiding of the
complementary lock engagement member into position to engage the
receiving feature and lock.
5. The produce package recited in claim 4, wherein the guide
feature is arranged in the inner sidewall of the first ridge.
6. The produce package recited in claim 3, wherein the protrusion
has a shaft portion that extends toward a tip arranged at a distal
end of the protrusion, said tip including a flared portion that is
wider than the shaft in at least one dimension; and wherein the
guide feature comprises a pocket comprising a pocket sidewall that
extends downward to a bottom of the pocket, the inside of the
pocket having a neck and the lock comprises a bulge near the bottom
of the pocket, the bulge being wider than the neck in at least one
dimension and operating as the lock; and and wherein the flared
portion of the protrusion is wider than the neck in at least one
dimension thereby functioning as the lock, such that when the
container is closed the protrusion is guided into position by the
guide feature of the of the receiving feature and the flared
portion engages with the bulge reversibly locking the closed
container.
7. The produce package recited in claim 3, wherein the protrusion
has a first width and wherein the lock comprises an orifice
arranged to receive the protrusion and orifice is sized smaller
than the protrusion in at least one dimension such that when the
container is closed the protrusion reversibly engages the orifice
in a press fit to reversibly lock the container in a closed
configuration.
8. The produce package recited in claim 3, wherein the receiving
feature comprises a groove arranged at and extending around a
substantial portion of the upper portion of the basket; and the
protrusion of the complementary lock engagement member is arranged
at and extending around a substantial portion of the lid and is
configured to engage with the groove of the basket.
9. The produce package recited in claim 8, wherein the guide
feature of the receiving feature comprises at least one tapered
sidewall of the groove arranged to enable ease of engagement with
the protrusion of the lid; the protrusion having at least one
tapered sidewall having a taper that is generally complementary to
the taper of the groove sidewall and includes a locking tab
suitable for engaging lock catch of the groove when the container
is closed.
10. The produce package recited in claim 3, wherein the guide
feature of the receiving feature comprises at least one tapered
sidewall; and the protrusion further comprises at least one tapered
sidewall having a taper that is generally complementary to the
taper of the guide feature and includes a locking tab suitable for
engaging a locking catch of the receiving feature when the
container is closed.
11. The produce package recited in claim 10 wherein the locking tab
of the protrusion comprises a portion of a protrusion sidewall and
is arranged to engage the catch when the container is closed.
12. The produce package recited in claim 11, wherein the guide of
the receiving feature comprises a plurality of tapered sidewalls;
and the protrusion further comprises a plurality of tapered
sidewalls; and the locking tab of the protrusion comprises a
portion of at least one of the plurality of sidewalls if the
protrusion.
13. A produce package comprising: a packaging container comprising
a lid operatively attached with a basket with a hinge, both
engageable to form a closed package; the lid and basket each
include a portion of a locking feature configured such that each
portion of the locking feature can be engaged together to enable
secure closure of the container; and the locking feature comprising
a receptacle arranged at one of the lid or the basket and a
complementary projection arranged at the other of the lid or the
basket, such that when the lid is closed the projection engages
with the receptacle reversibly locking the container in a closed
configuration.
14. The produce package recited in claim 13, wherein the receptacle
of the locking feature comprises a slot having an opening having a
sidewall extending down to a bottom of the slot such that the
sidewall tapers down from a wider opening to a narrower bottom
portion and the projection having a wider base portion tapering
down to distal tip portion wherein the tip portion is narrower than
the opening in at least one dimension and wherein the projection is
inserted into the receptacle to engage the feature.
15. The produce package recited in claim 14, wherein the projection
includes a sidewall that includes a locking tab and the slot
sidewall includes a recess sized to engage the tab enabling
securement of the locking feature when the container is closed.
16. The produce package recited in claim 15, wherein the projection
a flared out portion near the tip of the projection and the
receptacle has a neck portion and an expanded bulge portion near a
bottom of the receptacle the bulge being wider than the neck in at
least one dimension, the flared out portion being wider than the
neck enabling the flared out portion to engage the bulge one the
flared out portion is moved past the neck further enabling further
securement of the locking feature when the container is closed.
17. The produce package recited in claim 13, wherein the receptacle
has a guide feature than enables the complementary projection to be
guided into position as the container is closed.
18. The produce package recited in claim 13, wherein the projection
includes a tip portion at an end of the projection configured such
that the tip portion includes a flared end that is larger than a
portion of the projection proximal to the tip portion, the
receptacle includes an end portion at a bottom of the receptacle
configured such that the end portion includes a narrow neck portion
expanding into a bulge that is wider than the neck at a portion of
the receptacle closer to the bottom than the neck and wherein said
neck is narrower in at least one dimension that the flared end of
the projection; and the locking feature is configured such that
when the container is closed the flared end of the protrusion
engages the bulge in the receptacle to lock the locking
feature.
19. The produce package recited in claim 13, wherein the projection
includes a tip portion at a distal end of the projection, the
receptacle includes a neck portion proximal to a bottom of the
receptacle, the neck sized such that when the projection and
receptacle are engaged when the container is closed a press fit
between the neck and the tip portion locking feature is engaged
locking the container closed.
20. A method of closing a produce packaging container, the method
comprising: having a packaging container with a lid attached to a
basket with a hinge, the lid and basket each include a portion of a
locking feature configured such that each portion of the locking
feature can be engaged together to enable secure closure of the
container, the locking feature comprising a receptacle arranged at
one of the lid or the basket and a complementary projection
arranged at the other of the lid or the basket, such that when the
lid is closed the projection engages with the receptacle reversibly
locking the container in a closed configuration; closing the lid
onto the basket such that the operation of closing the lid
comprises guiding the projection into position using a guide
feature of the receptacle; and reversibly locking the container in
a closed configuration by engaging the complementary projection
with the receptacle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/370,751
filed Aug. 4, 2010 which is incorporated herein by reference for
all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an improved method and
produce packaging configuration enabling the improved packing,
storage, and shipping of produce and other items. More
particularly, the present invention has improved resilience to
damage during shipping and display. In particular the package has
improved resistance to damage induced by consumer mishandling and
dropping of the package while full of produce product.
BACKGROUND
[0003] When displayed in stores or when moved through distribution
channels packages can be mishandled, dropped, or otherwise subject
to breakage. In the ordinary course of use, a broken container can
spill produce contained within the container throughout the
immediate area. This spillage can dirty floors and also pose a
slipping and tripping risk to people and machines near the spilled
product. This poses particular risks to retailers when such
containers are dropped and spill throughout crowded customer
environments. This is problematic for a number of reasons, not the
least of which is the substantial litigation risks imposed upon a
retailer when spilled and frequently slippery produce products
spill over consumer areas. Moreover, such risks and problems are
compounded when delicate contents such a produce items are
mishandled. It would be helpful to have resilient and yet low cost
containers to prevent the spillage of produce.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with the principles of the present invention,
an improved apparatus and method for packaging, transporting, and
storing items in a resilient container is disclosed.
[0005] In general, the present invention is directed toward methods
and produce packaging configurations that are low cost, easily
manufacturable, easy to use, and relatively robust providing
increased protection from mishaps caused by mishandling of the
containers. increase
[0006] One embodiment of the invention comprises a produce package
a packaging container with a lid and a basket, both engageable to
form a closed package. Particular utility is achieved using hinged
containers but the invention is not limited to such. The lid and
basket each include a portion of an engageable locking feature
configured to enable secure closure of the container. The locking
feature comprises a receiving feature and a complementary
engagement member each arranged at the other of the lid or the
basket and configured such that when the lid is closed the
engagement member engages with the receiving feature reversibly
locking the container in a closed configuration. The receiving
feature further includes a guide feature and a lock. The
complementary lock engagement member includes a protrusion that is
configured to mate with the receiving feature and engage with the
lock to reversibly lock the container when closed. The operation of
the protrusion with the guide feature is particularly helpful in
assisting in the closure of the container. In particular, this is
useful during a loading operation where items are placed in the
container which is then closed. Such a container is of particular
utility when used in automated loading processes.
[0007] In another aspect, the invention discloses a method using at
least the following operation. A packaging container with a lid
attached to a basket with a hinge is provided. This operation can
be preceded by a loading step when contents are introduced into the
opened container. The container itself is configured to comprise a
lid and basket each including a portion of a locking feature
configured such that each portion of the locking feature can be
engaged together to enable secure closure of the container. The
locking feature comprising a receptacle arranged at one of the lid
or the basket and a complementary projection arranged at the other
of the lid or the basket. The lid is then closed such that the
operation of closing the lid comprises guiding the projection into
position using a guide feature of the receptacle such that
projection engages with the receptacle reversibly locking the
container in a closed configuration.
[0008] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying
drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The following detailed description will be more readily
understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of a robust
packaging container in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a simplified close up perspective view of a
container showing a locking feature of a packaging container in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3(a) is a simplified isolated close up section view of
a locking feature of a packaging container in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 3(b) and 3(c) are simplified isolated close up section
views of a locking feature such as shown in FIG. 3(a) the view
depicted is along a section axis that is 90.degree. rotated
relative to the view of FIG. 3(a).
[0014] FIG. 3(d) is a simplified perspective view a portion of a
container showing an extension and associated engagement groove in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a section view of another embodiment of a locking
feature of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 provides a number of views of an example package in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of the
present invention.
[0018] It is to be understood that in the drawings like reference
numerals designate like structural elements. Also, it is understood
that the depictions in the Figures are not necessarily to
scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention has been particularly shown and
described with respect to certain embodiments and specific features
thereof. The embodiments set forth hereinbelow are to be taken as
illustrative rather than limiting. It should be readily apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and
modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0020] Generally, the principles of the invention encompass robust
packaging devices and containers as well as an associated mode of
packing such containers.
[0021] One approach to the problem of relatively delicate
containers is problem is to provide an improved container. In
particular the container is enhanced by the use of improved locking
features that are also suited to automated loading and closure.
[0022] To that end, an improved packaging container for the
packaging of produce and other items is disclosed.
[0023] Having reference to FIG. 1, a first preferred embodiment of
the produce basket 100 of the present invention is shown. Produce
basket 100 is a one-piece structure incorporating both basket body
102 and lid 101. That portion of produce basket 100 joining basket
body 102 and lid 101 is formed as a hinge, 103. While a first
preferred embodiment is a vacuum formed plastic structure, the
principles of the present invention are equally applicable to
alternative materials and manufacturing technologies. In a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the basket is formed
of Kodapak.RTM. PET Copolyester 9921, available from Eastman Kodak.
Alternative materials include, but are not limited to various
polymeric and monomeric plastics including but not limited to
styrenes, polyethylenes including HDPE and LPDE, polyesters and
polyurethanes; metals and foils thereof; paper products including
chipboard, pressboard, and flakeboard; wood and combinations of the
foregoing. Alternative manufacturing technologies include, but are
again not limited to thermocasting; casting, including die-casting;
thermosetting; extrusion; sintering; lamination; the use of
built-up structures and other processes well known to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0024] The container 100 embodiment of FIG. 1 has a lid 101 and a
body 102 arranged in a closable package. As shown here, the lid 101
includes raised circumferential ridge 104 that is mated to engage a
raised circumferential ridge 105 of the body 102. The locking of
the two ridges 104, 105 can be enhanced with the sidewall locking
bumps 106 shown here on the lid ridge 104. It is pointed out that
while disclosed here as a contiguous raised ridge, the ridges can
include a recessed feature as well. Additionally, not all
embodiments require that a ridge be contiguous. Other embodiments
can used a plurality of shorter ridges arranged around the outer
circumference if the lid and basket. In particular embodiments,
such ridges can be those located at the corners. The bumps 106 of
one ridge (i.e., the lid ridge 104) can be sized and arranged to
press fit against the other ridge (i.e., basket ridge 105). In one
case, where a first ridge circumscribes a greater "diameter" than
the inner ridge, bumps arranged on an outer surface of inner ridge
can be press fit against an inner surface of the inner ridge. Also,
the position of the bumps can be placed on an outer surface of the
inner ridge or a combination of inner and outer surface to enable
the press fit.
[0025] Importantly, one or more locking features 200 are arranged
in the sidewall portions of the lid 101 and body 102. Each locking
feature 200 includes a locking member 201 for engagement with a
locking receptacle 202. In this embodiment the locking member 201
is part of the lid 101 and the locking receptacle 202 is formed in
the body 102. When engaged they lock the lid and body tightly
together. It should be pointed out that the position of the locking
member and the locking receptacle can be reverse (i.e., member 201
on the basket 102).
[0026] It is specifically pointed out that although disclosed as a
pair of mated ridge elements 104, 105, the packaging container need
not have ridges and the described features can be formed in the
associated lid and basket of the container.
[0027] FIG. 2 provides a closer view of the locking feature 200.
Here, the locking member 201 comprises a protrusion that is
configured to engage the receptacle 202 by insertion of the member
201 into the locking receptacle 202.
[0028] Importantly, in many embodiments, the tip 201t of the member
is intended to have a narrower dimension than the base (not shown
in this view) of the member. This generates a member that becomes
narrower (in at least one dimension) as it extends toward the tip
201t. Additionally, the opening 202o of the receptacle 202 wider
than the tip 201t of the member. And also wider than the bottom
202b of the receptacle 202. This is helpful in that the small tip
201t can easily fit into the much larger opening 202o enabling a
machine to easily fit the two components together during a
mechanized closing operation. Smooth sidewalls of the member 201
and receptacle 202 will enable an easier engagement of the member
201 with receptacle 202 during automated processing. Thus, the
receptacle uses the tapered smooth walls as a guide feature that
easier closure of the container during processing and closing.
[0029] As an added securement feature the member 201 has an
engagement tab (not shown in the view) that is sized to engage with
a mated lock catch, depicted here as recess feature 202r located
inside the receptacle 202. Upon closing, the catch and tab engage
to further lock the locking feature 201/202 together.
[0030] It is also to be pointed out that further locking aspects
can be included. For example, here another protuberance 211p can be
arranged on the one or another of the ridges (here, ridge 104) such
that when closed the protuberance engages with a complementary
recess 211r on the other ridge (here, ridge 105).
[0031] Importantly, in one embodiment of the invention, the inside
walls of the receptacle 202 are sized such that when the member 201
is inserted into the receptacle 202, the walls of the receptacle
202 engage outer walls of the member 201 to establish a first lock
a the receptacle walls are press fitted against the outer walls of
the member. In particular, the tip region 201t of the member is
sized such that it engages in a press fit with a bottom portion
202b of the receptacle 202 to form the first lock. This first lock
can be replaced by a bulbous locking feature such as discussed with
respect to FIG. 4. Alternatively, both the press fit and the
feature of FIG. 4 can be used together to enhance the locking of
the container. To establish an even more robust lock the receptacle
202 and member 201 include an engagement bump 201e configured to
engage a recess feature 202r in the receptacle 202 forming a second
lock. It should be pointed out that one particularly useful
implementation uses the press fit first lock together with the
second lock of 201e/202r to establish an embodiment using two
locks. This two lock (or more) implementation is more robust that
containers currently in the market.
[0032] Further reference is made to FIG. 3(a) which is a different
view of the locking feature 200 and also FIG. 3(b) which is a
simplified diagrammatic side section view of embodiments of the
locking feature 200.
[0033] FIG. 3(a) shows the narrower dimensions of the tip 201t of
the locking feature member 201 relative to the wider base portion
201b. Also, shown is the wider dimension 212 of the receptacle
opening 202o. The dimension 212 is wider in at least one dimension
as compared with both the receptacle "bottom" 202b and the member
tip 201t (e.g., dimension 211)). Also, shown are some added
securement feature components. For example, one embodiment of tab
201e of the member 201 sized to engage the mated recess feature
202r of the receptacle 202. Also shown are the smooth sidewalls S
of the member 201 and receptacle 202. As is shown by arrow 203, the
member 201 is pushed into the receptacle 202 to engage and lock the
feature 200 together. The wider upper opening 202o and smooth
sidewalls S ease the insertion of member 301 into the receptacle
201. The wider opening 202o can account for misalignments and other
difficulties in automated closing processes. The smaller dimension
211 of the member tip 201t enable easy engagement of the narrower
member tip 201t with the wider 212 opening 202o of the receptacle
202. Thus, the tapered aspect of the engagement feature 200 enables
easy engagement of the member 201 with the mated receptacle 202.
The smooth sidewalls S can enable easier seating of the member 201
into the receptacle 202 during closure as well.
[0034] FIG. 3(b) is a side section view of a locking feature
embodiment 200. The view can be taken, for example, along the
section 209 of FIG. 3(a). This view shows another optional aspect
with a taper in a second axis as shown. Thus, if FIG. 3(a) shows a
side-to-side arrangement of a feature 200, then FIG. 3(b) shows a
"front-to-back" arrangement of a similar feature. In this view,
similar tapering dimensions can be included in some embodiments.
For example, the wider base 201b can also taper into the narrower
dimensions of the tip 201t in this axis. Also, the dimension 222 of
the receptacle opening 202o is generally wider than that of the
bottom 202b. Also shown is the added securement feature components
including the engagement bump (e.g., tab 201e) of the member 201
sized to engage the mated recess feature (e.g., catch 202r) of the
receptacle 202. Also shown are further smooth sidewalls S of the
member 201 and receptacle 202. As is shown by arrow 213, the member
201 is pushed into the receptacle 202 to engage and lock the
feature 200 together as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3(c) which
is a closed feature. As shown, the member 201 is seated and locked
in position inside the receptacle 202. The engagement bump 201e of
the member 201 is shown engaged with the mated recess feature 202r
of the receptacle 202.
[0035] With reference to circle 301 of the closed feature 200 shown
in FIG. 3(c), a bottom portion of one possible embodiment of a
locking feature 200 is shown.
[0036] In one embodiment, the packaging container can comprise a
ridge, but also a mated groove sized to receive the ridge. One
simplified example of such an embodiment is shown and described
with respect to FIG. 3(d). For example, a corner portion of one
embodiment is depicted. The basket 352 and lid 351 are arranged to
be closed. Here, the basket 352 can include a ridge feature 353
having a groove 354 formed therein. It is the pointed out that the
ridge is not required. Instead the groove 354 can be formed in an
upper portion of the basket without a deliberately formed ridge. In
any case, the groove is adapted to receive an extension 355 sized
to engage the groove 354.
[0037] To continue with the discussion of FIG. 3(d), in this
embodiment, a package 350 having a lid 351 and a basket 352 can be
used to secure the container in a closed configuration. The basket
352 and lid 351 are arranged to be closed. Although disclosed here
as having a groove 354 formed in a ridge feature 353 it is the
pointed out that the ridge 353 is not required to practice the
invention. Instead the groove 354 can be formed in an upper portion
of the basket 352 without a deliberately formed ridge.
[0038] In any case, the groove 354 can operate as an engagement
feature suitable for engaging a complementary extension 355 in one
of the lid or basket. The extension being in one of the lid or
basket and the groove being in the other (here, in the lid 351).
The groove 354 is sized to engage the sized to engage the extension
355. As with the ridges previously described, the groove can extend
around the full circumference of the container or only a portion of
as desired by the designer. The groove 354 and extension 355 can
both comprise tapered sidewalls configured to improve engagement
and machine operation and can also include locking features as with
the previous embodiments. For example, the extension 355 can have a
cross section similar to that of 201 as shown in FIGS. 3(a), 3(b)
and 4 thereby optionally including locking features (201e, 202r,
201t, 202b, etc.) designed to assist in securing the container in a
closed configuration. Additionally, the separate locking features
shown in FIG. 2 can be used in addition to those of the groove an
extension of FIG. 3(d).
[0039] FIG. 4 can be used to illustrate another optional aspect of
a locking mechanism as illustrated expanded view 301. The
receptacle 202 is again shown with a receptacle bottom 202b and the
member 201 with a tip 201t. Here the receptacle 202 has an inner
sidewall having a neck 231 that is sized to be narrower in at least
one dimension than a bulge portion of the bottom 202 which opened
up to an expanded size. Additionally, the member includes a
sidewall 232 that tapers as it extends toward a flared distal to
tip 201t. It is pointed out that the flared tip 201t is slightly
wider than the neck 231 of the receptacle 202. Additionally, the
tip flare 201t of the member 201 has a size and dimension that is
generally closer to that of the bulge 202b than it is to that of
the neck 232. The idea being that the neck 231 is narrower than the
flared tip 201t thus, when closed, the tip 201t is pressed through
the tight neck 231 until it is seated in the expanded region on the
other side of the neck (here depicted as the bulge portion 202b
arranged at a bottom portion of the receptacle 202).
[0040] Also, in another embodiment a portion of the member 201 has
a somewhat larger dimension than a complementary portion of the
receptacle 202. The difference in sizes enables a reversible lock
of the lid to the basket. In such a case, the member 201 is simply
larger in one or more of the dimensions than the similar dimension
of a mated portion of the receptacle. By press fitting the two
elements together a tight fit at the bottommost portion of the
receptacle can assist in forming a resiliently closed locking
feature.
[0041] In one application, the container can include a number of
these features suitable for locking a container together in a
durable closure. In one approach, the container can be filled with
one or two pound of product (e.g., strawberries) and rugged enough
to be dropped from 4 feet to a floor without the lid opening. This
will enable the contents to not scatter and create a hazard in the
immediately surrounding area. This design enables a rugged
container while still providing an automation friendly container
suitable for machine closing processes.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a generalized example of one possible embodiment
of a container 500 in many views. In this embodiment, the container
500 can have two locking features 200 along one of the sidewalls.
Even this level of locking features achieves excellent results.
Here, an example feature 200 can be 1-1.5 inches long; 0.5-1.5
inches deep, and 0.4-1.0 inches deep to achieve excellent results.
However, it is pointed out that there can be as few as one locking
feature per container and can also be many such features. The
features can be present on 1, 2, 3, or all side walls depending on
container shape and the needs of the user/manufacturer.
[0043] FIG. 6 is a generalized flow diagram illustrating aspects of
a method aspect of the invention. To begin, a container of the type
described herein is provided (Step 601). The desired articles are
inserted into the basket of the open container (Step 603). This can
be done in an automated matter or by hand depending on the need of
the user. Once, filled the containers are then closed, typically
using an automated manufacturing machine. The guide features of the
container guide the engagement members into the receiving members
enabling a reversible lock to be established.
[0044] Aspects of this invention have been particularly shown and
described with respect to certain selected embodiments and specific
features thereof. However, it should be noted that the
above-described embodiments are intended to describe the principles
of the invention, not limit its scope. Therefore, as is readily
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, various changes and
modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended
claims. In particular, specific dimensions are subject to a wide
range of flexibility in accordance with the principles of the
present invention. Moreover, the number and shape of the locking
feature are also subject to a great degree of flexibility in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. Other
embodiments and variations to the depicted embodiments will be
apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in
the following claims. Although only a few specific configurations
are expressly disclosed herein, it should be appreciated by anyone
having ordinary skill in the art that, using the teachings
disclosed herein, many different packaging configurations can be
implemented and still fall within the scope of the claims. Further,
reference in the claims to an element in the singular is not
intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly stated, but
rather, "one or more". Furthermore, the embodiments illustratively
disclosed herein can be practiced without any element which is not
specifically disclosed herein.
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