U.S. patent application number 12/916411 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for tamper evident container.
This patent application is currently assigned to PLACON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Donald E. McCumber.
Application Number | 20120103990 12/916411 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45995506 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120103990 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCumber; Donald E. |
May 3, 2012 |
Tamper Evident Container
Abstract
A thermoformed thermoplastic container has a lid which closes on
a base in a snap fit. A signal tab is hinged to the base and has a
tubular projection which folds over the lid and is received in a
friction fit with a downwardly extending lid projection. After the
container is filled with product, the signal tab is pressed into
place on the lid and lies flat. In order to open the lid the signal
tab is pulled up, thereby severing a perforated line extending
around the lid projection, and separating the lid projection from
the lid which prevents the signal tab from again engaging with the
lid, thereby serving as an indicator to a customer that the package
has been opened.
Inventors: |
McCumber; Donald E.;
(Madison, WI) |
Assignee: |
PLACON CORPORATION
Madison
WI
|
Family ID: |
45995506 |
Appl. No.: |
12/916411 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/270 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2251/105 20130101;
B65D 41/165 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/270 |
International
Class: |
B65D 17/34 20060101
B65D017/34 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a base having portions defining an
interior and having an upper wall; a lid having an upper wall, the
lid being releasably engageable with the base so the lid upper wall
overlies the base upper wall; portions of the lid upper wall which
define a lid projection, wherein a region of weakened material
extends around the lid projection; a signal tab connected by a
first hinge to the base; and a projection extending from the signal
tab, wherein the signal tab is pivotable about the hinge to engage
and connect the signal tab projection with the lid projection, such
that when, after said engagement, the signal tab is pivoted away
from the container lid, the lid projection which is connected to
the signal tab projection is caused to be severed from the lid
upper wall at the region of weakened material, thereafter
preventing the lid projection from being secured to the lid upper
wall and providing an indication of the prior manipulation of the
signal tab.
2. The container of claim 1 further comprising portions of the base
upper wall which define a relief below the base upper wall, and
wherein the lid projection extends into the relief when the lid is
closed on the base.
3. The container of claim 2 wherein the relief comprises a closed
cavity which extends beneath the base upper wall.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid has a top wall with a
downwardly extending peripheral skirt spaced from a downwardly
extending interior skirt, and where the base has a downwardly
extending peripheral skirt spaced outwardly from a base side wall,
and wherein the lid peripheral skirt and interior skirt engage the
base peripheral skirt and side wall to retain the lid on the base
when it is closed thereon.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein the signal tab comprises: a
first element which extends outwardly from the first hinge to a
second hinge; and a second element which extends outwardly from the
second hinge, the hinge tab projection extending from the second
element.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein the base upper wall extends to
underlie the region of weakened material, such that downward force
on the lid projection is resisted by the base upper wall and
severing of the region of weakened material is resisted.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid is connected to the
base by a hinge, and is pivotable about the hinge from a position
which reveals the container interior to a position which closes the
container interior.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid is separable from the
base, and further comprising: portions of the lid which define a
second lid projection surrounded by a second region of weakened
material, positioned opposite the lid projection; a second signal
tab connected by a second hinge to the base; and a second
projection extending from the second signal tab, wherein the second
signal tab is pivotable about the second hinge to engage and
connect the second signal tab projection with the second lid
projection, such that when, after said engagement, the second
signal tab is pivoted away from the container lid, the second lid
projection which is connected to the second signal tab second
projection is caused to be severed from the lid upper wall at the
second region of weakened material, thereafter preventing the
second lid projection from being secured to the lid and providing
an indication of the prior manipulation of the second signal
tab.
9. The container of claim 1 wherein the lid has a top wall which
projects above the level of the lid upper wall, such that when the
signal tab is engaged with the lid projection, the signal tab does
not project substantially above the level of the lid top wall.
10. The container of claim 1 wherein the region of weakened
material comprises a line of perforations which encircles the lid
projection.
11. A container comprising: a container first part having a first
wall; a container second part having portions defining a second
wall, the second part being releasably engageable with the first
part so the first wall and the second wall are substantially
parallel and in close proximity, the engaged container first part
and container second part defining a container interior; portions
of the first wall which define a first projection, wherein a region
of weakened material extends around the first projection; a signal
tab connected by a hinge to the container second part; and a second
projection extending from the signal tab, wherein the signal tab is
pivotable about the hinge and the second projection is configured
to cooperate with the first projection to secure the signal tab
second projection to the container first part first projection,
such that after said engagement, pivoting of the signal tab away
from the container first part causes the first projection to be
severed from the first part first wall at the region of weakened
material thereafter preventing the signal tab second projection
from being secured to the container first part first wall and
providing an indication of the prior manipulation of the signal
tab.
12. The container of claim 11 further comprising portions of the
first container part which engage with portions of the second
container part to engage them together and retain the container in
a closed configuration.
13. The container of claim 11 wherein the signal tab comprises: a
first element which extends outwardly from the hinge to a second
hinge; and a second element which extends outwardly from the second
hinge, the hinge tab second projection extending from the second
element.
14. The container of claim 11 wherein the container first part is
entirely separable from the container second part, and wherein
portions of the container first part and container second part
define a second tamper evident mechanism positioned opposite the
signal tab.
15. The container of claim 11 wherein the signal tab second
projection and the container first part first projection are
configured to engage with each other in a friction fit.
16. A container comprising: a base having an upper wall, and a side
wall which extends downwardly from the upper wall to a bottom wall,
the base defining a container interior; a lid having an upper wall,
the lid being releasably engageable with the base so the lid upper
wall overlies the base upper wall, and so the lid closes the
container interior; portions of the base which define a relief
below the base upper wall; portions of the lid upper wall which
define a downwardly extending lid projection, the lid projection
extending into the base relief when the lid is closed on and
engaged with the base, wherein a region of weakened material
extends around the lid projection; a signal tab hingedly connected
to the base; and a projection extending from the signal tab to be
received within the lid projection and engaged thereto, such that
when the signal tab is pivoted away from the container lid, the lid
projection is severed from the lid upper wall at the region of
weakened material thereafter preventing the lid projection from
being secured to the lid upper wall and providing an indication of
the prior manipulation of the signal tab.
17. The container of claim 16 wherein the relief comprises portions
of the base which define a downwardly extending closed
projection.
18. The container of claim 16 wherein the signal tab is connected
to the base by a first hinge, and further comprises: a first
element which extends outwardly from the first hinge to a second
hinge; and a second element which extends outwardly from the second
hinge, the hinge tab projection extending from the second
element.
19. The container of claim 16 further comprising portions of the
lid which engage the base to retain the container in a closed
configuration.
20. The container of claim 17 wherein the lid is entirely separable
from the base, and wherein portions of the lid and base define a
second tamper evident mechanism positioned opposite the signal tab.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to reclosable containers in
general, and more particularly to containers having elements which
indicate that the container has been opened after its original
closure.
[0004] There are a number of consumer products, such as bakery or
deli foods, which are placed in containers which are closed and put
on display for consumer selection. This type of merchandizing can
reduce retailer labor, and allows consumers to select the products
they desire at their own pace. However, particularly with
consumable foodstuffs, customers may seek some assurance that the
products they are purchasing have not been tampered with or been
pilfered by others. This can be done by applying a shrink-wrapped
plastic band to the sealed container, although this requires
special equipment and can unduly add cost.
[0005] Containers are also known which employ press-fit connectors
on the container base and lid which engage with one another when
the container is closed to retain the container in a closed
configuration. Weakened regions of material such as perforations
are disposed such that the force necessary to open the lid causes
portions of the container to be severed, either to be separated
from the container or to be retained on an opposed container part.
Such arrangements provide evidence of tampering either due to the
absence of some package part, or due to the open condition of the
container. Yet for the untrained observer, the absence of a
container part may not immediately indicate tampering, and,
although an open container is readily understood, customers may
wish to have containers that are reclosable for retention of
partial quantities of product.
[0006] What is needed is an economical container that effectively
presents consumer merchandise, is reclosable, and which clearly
indicates that it has been opened after its initial closure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The container of the present invention is preferably formed
of thermoformed thermoplastic material, and has a lid which closes
on a base in a retention fit. A signal tab is hinged to the base
and has a tubular projection which folds over the lid and is
received in a friction fit with a downwardly extending lid
projection. After the container is filled with product, the signal
tab is pressed into place on the lid and lies flat. In order to
open the lid the signal tab is pulled up, thereby severing a
perforated line extending around the lid projection, and separating
the lid projection from the lid which prevents the signal tab from
again engaging with the lid, thereby serving as an indicator to a
customer that the package has been opened. The lid may be hinged to
the base, or the lid may be entirely separable from the base and
multiple signal tabs may be provided on multiple sides of the
container to engage with multiple lid projections. Because the
signal tab plays no part in retaining the lid in its closed
condition, the package may always be reclosed.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
reclosable container which provides an indication of access to its
interior after its original closure.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
tamper evident mechanism suitable for a wide variety of reclosable
containers.
[0010] Further objects, features and advantages of the invention
will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the container of this
invention in an open configuration.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric view of the container of
FIG. 1 with the lid closed on the base, prior to engagement of a
signal tab.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary isometric view of the container of
FIG. 2 with the signal tab closed on the lid.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary isometric view of the container of
FIG. 3 with the signal tab opened and indicating that the
container's closure has been disturbed.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1
in the process of being closed.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 3
taken along section line 6-6.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 4
taken along section line 7-7.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative
embodiment container of this invention having a lid which is fully
separable from the base.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-8, wherein like
numbers refer to similar parts, a reclosable container 20 is shown
in FIGS. 1-7. As shown in FIG. 1, the container 20 is preferably
thermoformed from a sheet of thermoplastic material, for example
transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The container has a
base 22 with a bottom wall 24 and an upwardly extending side wall
26 which define a container interior 28 which will receive contents
such as food products. The side wall 26 extends to an upper lip 30
which has a surrounding peripheral skirt 32 which terminates in an
outwardly extending terminal flange 34.
[0020] An integral hinge 36 extends from the terminal flange 34,
and a lid 38 is connected by the hinge so it may be pivoted into a
closed position on the base 22. The lid 38 has an outwardly
extending flange 40 which is connected to the hinge 36, and a
peripheral skirt 42 which extends upwardly from the flange. A top
wall 44 extends from the skirt 42, such that when the lid 38 is
closed on the base 22 the container interior 28 is sealed. The top
wall 44 is preferably formed with an interior skirt 46 which is
configured such that the peripheral skirt 42 and the interior skirt
snap into engagement with the base peripheral skirt 32 and portions
of the base side wall to retain the lid in a closed configuration
on the base. The container 20 may thus be loaded with product and
then placed on display in a retail establishment for consumer
self-service. However, because the lid may be repeatedly opened and
resealed on the base, a consumer will desire to know that the
contents of the container have not been tampered with after the
initial loading with product by the retailer. The consumer is
provided with this information by a tamper-evident mechanism 48
which is integrally formed with the container 20.
[0021] The tamper-evident mechanism 48 has a signal tab 50 which is
connected by an integrally formed hinge 52 to the base terminal
flange 34. The signal tab 50 has a narrow rectangular spacer
element 54 which is joined by an intermediate integrally formed
hinge 56 to a main element 58. The main element 58 is formed with a
tubular projection 60 which may be generally cylindrical or tapered
like the frustum of a cone.
[0022] The tamper-evident mechanism 48 further has a cooperating
structure formed on the lid 38 of the container 20. As shown in
FIG. 5, the lid 38 has an upper wall 62 which extends inwardly from
the peripheral skirt 42. A lid projection 64 extends downwardly
from the lid upper wall 62 and is of a size and shape to engage
with the signal tab projection 60 in an interference or friction
fit. For example, the lid projection 64 may be generally square in
section, to engage with the frustoconical signal tab
projection.
[0023] The base 22 has an upper wall 66 which extends inwardly from
the base peripheral skirt 32 and is positioned to directly underlie
the lid upper wall 62 when the lid 38 is closed on the base. The
base upper wall 66 and the lid upper wall are thus substantially
parallel and in close proximity to one another when the lid is
closed on the base. A relief 68 is formed in the base upper wall 66
to allow the lid projection to pass through without obstruction.
The relief 68 may be a die-cut opening, but for ease of
manufacturing it is formed as a downwardly extending closed
projection. The relief 68 is larger than the lid projection and
does not engage it. Hence when the lid 38 is closed on the base 22,
the lid projection does not hamper the snap fit seal between the
lid and the base.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, a region of weakened material 70 is
formed in the lid upper wall 62 around the lid projection 64. The
region of weakened material 70 may be formed, for example, by a
die-cut with notched segments or perforations, or by a thinning of
the plastic or by other means. As shown in FIG. 6, the region of
weakened material 70 may define, for example, a circle, which is
greater in diameter than the size of the base upper wall relief 68,
such that the region of weakened material is supported on the base
upper wall 66 and separation of the lid projection 64 at the region
of weakened material is prevented when the lid projection 64 is
pressed downwardly. It will be noted that the closed cavity of the
base relief 68 serves to protect the downwardly extending lid
projection from inadvertent engagement by a customer which might
tend to push the projection 64 upwardly and disturb the region of
weakened material 70.
[0025] Two detents 72 are formed, one on either side of the signal
tab projection 60. These detents prevent the main element 58 of the
signal tab 50 from approaching so close to the base upper wall 66
so as to prevent a user from engaging the main element 58 and
pulling it upwardly. The height of the detents 72 serves to
maintain a narrow gap between the base upper wall 66 and the signal
tab main element, so an edge of the main element can be readily
engaged and manipulated.
[0026] The container 20 is loaded with product while the lid 38 is
opened, as shown in FIG. 1. The lid 38 is then closed on the base
22 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The lid 38 has molded structure which
engages the base 22 and secures the lid in a closed configuration
on the base. For example, the lid outer peripheral skirt 42 and
interior skirt 46 engage the base peripheral skirt 32 and side wall
26 respectively. Once closed on the base, the lid 38 may be opened
and closed repeatedly. To provide a customer an indication of
whether the container has been opened after its initial loading,
the signal tab 50 is pivoted on the hinges 52, 56, to bring the
signal tab projection 60 into engagement with the lid projection
64, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. The signal tab spacer element 54 is
at least as wide as the distance the base upper wall 66 is spaced
above the base terminal flange 34. The signal tab projection 60 is
dimensioned so that when it is pressed into engagement with the lid
projection 64 the parts are deformed to retain the two in
engagement with one another. As shown in FIG. 3, the lid upper wall
62 is preferably slightly relieved below the level of the surround
lid top wall 44, such that the engaged signal tab 50 does not
project substantially above the top wall and provide an obstruction
which might be readily engaged when handling loaded containers, for
example while stacking them one on another.
[0027] Once the signal tab projection 60 is secured to the lid
projection 64, the lid 38 may not be opened without first getting
the signal tab 50 out of the way. However, the dimensions of the
parts are such that the force required to separate the signal tab
projection 60 from the lid projection 64 is greater than the force
required to sever the line of weakened material 70 and separate the
lid projection 64 and its surrounding portion of the lid upper wall
62 from the lid. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, when the signal
tab 50 is engaged by a user and pivoted away from the lid, the
discrete element 73 containing the lid projection 64 remains
affixed to the signal tab, leaving a perforated opening 75 in the
lid above the base relief 68. The signal tab 50, no longer
connected to the lid, then extends away from the base 22 providing
a clear signal that the container has been tampered with after its
initial closure. The hinge 52 may undergo plastic deformation when
the signal tab is folded into engagement with the lid, with the
result that the signal tab extends vertically when released from
the lid, as shown in FIG. 7. Although the container 20 may still be
closed, the signal tab 50 can not be restored to its engagement
with the lid 38. It should be noted that the perforated opening 75
does not communicate with the container interior 28, and hence does
not compromise the seal of the container.
[0028] It should be noted that although the projection on the
signal tab has been illustrated as extending from the signal tab
towards the lid to engage with a downwardly extending projection on
the lid, it and the lid projection could also be projecting
upwardly.
[0029] It should be noted that, although in the FIGS. 1-7, the
container is shown having a clamshell construction with a lid which
is attached by an integral hinge to the base, the container may
have an unhinged lid. An alternative embodiment container 74, shown
in FIG. 8, employs a lid 76 which is not hinged to the container
base 78 but is entirely separable from the base. In such a
configuration, the container 74 has multiple tamper-evident
mechanisms 48, at least one on multiple sides of the container, for
example on two opposite sides of the lid, whereby at least one of
the tamper-evident mechanisms must be disturbed to gain access to
the container interior. The mechanisms 48 may be similar to the
ones discussed above.
[0030] It should be noted that the container lid may have a
perforation along the hinge or parallel to the hinge to permit it
to be separated from the base by the consumer.
[0031] It should be noted that although a particular friction fit
arrangement is disclosed between the signal tab projection and the
lid projection, other structures which allow the engagement between
the two parts may be employed, so long as the arrangement is such
that the force required to separate the two parts is greater than
the force required to sever the region of weakened material.
[0032] It is understood that the invention is not limited to the
particular construction and arrangement of parts herein illustrated
and described, but embraces all such modified forms thereof as come
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *