U.S. patent application number 13/910806 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for tamper evident packaging.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANORAMIC, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Richard J. Dyble, Paul R. Schumacher, Timothy M. Stirmel. Invention is credited to Richard J. Dyble, Paul R. Schumacher, Timothy M. Stirmel.
Application Number | 20130320015 13/910806 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49668982 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130320015 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dyble; Richard J. ; et
al. |
December 5, 2013 |
Tamper Evident Packaging
Abstract
Disclosed is a tamper evident packaging that provides a
packaging piece with a lid, a base section, and tamper evidencing
means. The tamper evidencing means is provided on the base of the
packaging piece by way of an internal and external rib structure
with a perforated channel formed therebetween. The lid is
configured with an engagement portion having a lid flange that is
positioned within the perforated channel when the packaging is
closed, thereby prohibiting access to the lid flange and preventing
the opening of and tampering with the packaging piece. The
perforated channel allows for the removal of the external rib
structure from the interior rib structure, thereby granting access
to the lid flange and allowing for the packaging to be opened, as
well as providing the evidence that the packaging may have been
tampered with.
Inventors: |
Dyble; Richard J.;
(Janesville, WI) ; Schumacher; Paul R.;
(Janesville, WI) ; Stirmel; Timothy M.;
(Janesville, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dyble; Richard J.
Schumacher; Paul R.
Stirmel; Timothy M. |
Janesville
Janesville
Janesville |
WI
WI
WI |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PANORAMIC, INC.
Janesville
WI
|
Family ID: |
49668982 |
Appl. No.: |
13/910806 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61655829 |
Jun 5, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/276 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/0266 20130101;
B65D 43/0249 20130101; B65D 2543/00194 20130101; B65D 2543/00685
20130101; B65D 2543/0062 20130101; B65D 2543/00842 20130101; B65D
2543/00796 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00555
20130101; B65D 2543/00731 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/276 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/02 20060101
B65D043/02 |
Claims
1. A tamper-evident packaging comprising a base section having an
interior rib structure; a lid having a raised channel and a lid
flange; and a tamper evidencing means irreversibly removably
attached to the interior rib structure; the interior rib structure
receivable within the raised channel of the lid, wherein the lid
flange is substantially inaccessible by the location of the tamper
evidencing means.
2. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 1, wherein the tamper
evidencing means extends substantially along the periphery of the
interior rib.
3. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 1, wherein the raised
channel and the interior rib structure are configured to provide a
secure, snap-like engagement between the lid and the base.
4. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 1, wherein the lid has at
least one corner pull tab.
5. The tamper-evident packaging of claim further comprising a
connecting means joining the base section to the lid.
6. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 5, wherein the tamper
evidencing means extends substantially along the periphery of the
interior rib.
7. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 5, wherein the raised
channel and the interior rib structure are configured to provide a
secure, snap-like engagement between the lid and the base.
8. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 5, wherein the lid has at
least one corner pull tab.
9. A tamper-evident packaging comprising a lid section having a
main cover portion and an engagement portion located substantially
near the outer perimeter of the main cover portion, the engagement
portion having a lid flange extending therefrom; a base section
having at least one sidewall having a top end; an interior rib
structure formed at the top end of the at least one sidewall, said
interior rib structure extending along at least a portion of the
perimeter of the base section; at least one tamper evidencing means
irreplaceably removably coupled to the perimeter of the base
section, said at least one tamper evidencing means extending along
at least a portion of the perimeter of the base section; and
wherein the lid flange is receivable within the channel such that
access to the lid flange is blocked by the at least one tamper
evidencing means.
10. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 9 wherein the at least
one tamper evidencing means further comprises an exterior rib
structure disposed generally parallel to the interior rib
structure; and a channel formed between the interior rib structure
and the exterior rib structure.
11. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 10 wherein the at least
one tamper evidencing means further comprises a plurality of
perforations extending along at least a portion of the channel,
said perforations disposed generally parallel to the interior and
exterior rib structures.
12. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 11 wherein the at least
one tamper evidencing means is formed along substantially the
entire perimeter of the base portion.
13. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 11 wherein at least a
portion of the lid section is coupled to the base section by a
connecting means.
14. The tamper-evident packaging of claim 9 further comprising a
first tamper evidencing means and a second tamper evidencing means.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/655,829 filed Jun. 5, 2012 and
entitled "Tamper Evident Packaging," which is incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to packaging
systems, and more particularly to a package design with a
tamper-evident securing feature.
[0003] Thermoformed plastic packaging is common in the packaging
industry. However, there remains a need for plastic packaging which
can be securely closed and has a unique means to provide visual
evidence of tampering, to thereby ensure the safety and quality of
the packaged item. There is also a need for a packaging that is
capable of visually evidencing tampering that is sturdy and
structurally sound, so as to not become damaged during bulk
shipping, which may suggest tampering that did not occur or that
defeats the ability of the packaging to show tamper evidence.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention satisfies this need by providing
tamper-evident packaging wherein the tamper evidencing means is
provided on the base of the packaging piece, as opposed to the lid,
and the tamper evidencing is executed by way of a pair of rib
structures and a perforated channel. The packaging may be
constructed as either a two-piece, lid and base packaging or a
unitary clamshell packaging where the lid is hingedly adjoined to
the base. The tamper evidence is provided via a perforated channel
located on the base of the packaging piece. The perforated channel
is constructed on at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the
base. The perforated channel retains an outer flange at the
perimeter of the lid. The outer flange can only be accessed, and
therefore permit opening of the package, upon tearing along the
perforations in the perforated channel and removing the outer ring
portion of the base. As such, it is clear to an observer that when
a portion of the perforated channel has been torn away, the
packaging is not secured and may have been tampered with.
[0005] One aspect of the invention provides a tamper-evident
packaging including a base section having an interior rib
structure, a lid having a raised channel and a lid flange and a
tamper evidencing means irreversibly removably attached to the
interior rib structure such that the interior rib structure is
receivable within the raised channel of the lid, wherein the lid
flange is substantially inaccessible by the location of the tamper
evidencing means.
[0006] The tamper-evident packaging may also include the tamper
evidencing means extends substantially along the periphery of the
interior rib.
[0007] The tamper-evident packaging may also include the raised
channel and the interior rib structure are configured to provide a
secure, snap-like engagement between the lid and the base.
[0008] The lid of the tamper-evident packaging may also include at
least one corner pull tab.
[0009] The tamper-evident packaging may also include a connecting
means joining the base section to the lid.
[0010] The tamper evidencing means of the tamper-evident packaging
may extend substantially along the periphery of the interior
rib.
[0011] The raised channel and the interior rib structure of the
tamper-evident packaging may also be configured to provide a
secure, snap-like engagement between the lid and the base.
[0012] The lid of the tamper-evident packaging may also include at
least one corner pull tab.
[0013] Another aspect of the invention provides a tamper-evident
packaging including a lid section having a main cover portion and
an engagement portion located substantially near the outer
perimeter of the main cover portion, the engagement portion having
a lid flange extending therefrom. The tamper-evident packaging also
includes a base section having at least one sidewall having a top
end and an interior rib structure formed at the top end of the at
least one sidewall where the interior rib structure extends along
at least a portion of the perimeter of the base section. The
tamper-evident packaging also includes at least one tamper
evidencing means irreplaceably removably coupled to the perimeter
of the base section, said at least one tamper evidencing means
extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the base
section. The lid flange of the tamper-evident packaging is
receivable within the channel such that access to the lid flange is
blocked by the tamper evidencing means.
[0014] The tamper-evident packaging may also include the at least
one tamper evidencing means taking the form of an exterior rib
structure disposed generally parallel to the interior rib structure
and a channel formed between the interior rib structure and the
exterior rib structure.
[0015] The tamper-evident packaging may also include the at least
one tamper evidencing means including a plurality of perforations
extending along at least a portion of the channel, wherein the
perforations disposed generally parallel to the interior and
exterior rib structures.
[0016] The tamper evidencing means of the tamper-evident packaging
may also be formed along substantially the entire perimeter of the
base portion.
[0017] The tamper-evident packaging may also include at least a
portion of the lid section coupled to the base section by a
connecting means.
[0018] The tamper-evident packaging may also include a first tamper
evidencing means and a second tamper evidencing means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 1B is a partial breakaway view of the first embodiment
of the tamper-evident packaging according to the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of
the tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention
taken along line 2A-2A of FIG. 1A.
[0022] FIG. 2B is a close-up, cross-sectional view of a tamper
evidencing means of the tamper-evident packaging according to the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a human hand acting on the
tamper evidencing means of the first embodiment of the
tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a human hand acting on a lid
portion of the first embodiment of the tamper-evident packaging
according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5B is a partial breakaway view of the second embodiment
of the tamper-evident packaging according to the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment
of the tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention
taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 5A.
[0028] FIG. 6B is a close-up, cross-sectional view of an
alternative embodiment of the tamper evidencing means of the
tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a human hand acting on the
tamper evidencing means of the second embodiment of the
tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a human hand acting on the
lid portion of the second embodiment of the tamper-evident
packaging according to the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 9A is top view of the second embodiment of the
tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment
of the tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention
along line 9B-9B of FIG. 9A.
[0033] FIG. 9C is a side view of the second embodiment of the
tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the tamper-evident packaging according to the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention
with the tamper evidencing means separated from the base
portion.
[0036] FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention
with the tamper evidencing means and the lid separated from the
base portion.
[0037] FIG. 11A is top view of the first embodiment of the
tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment
of the tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention
along line 11B-11B of FIG. 11A.
[0039] FIG. 11C is a side view of the first embodiment of the
tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the first embodiment of
the tamper-evident packaging according to the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the first embodiment of
the tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention
with the tamper evidencing means separated from the base
portion.
[0042] FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the first embodiment of
the tamper-evident packaging according to the present invention
with the tamper evidencing means and the lid separated from the
base portion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0043] Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the
physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the
invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While
the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be
changed without departing from the invention.
[0044] As shown in the Figures, the present invention is a
tamper-evident packaging piece 10 having a lid 20 and a base
section 30.
[0045] The base section 30 may have a generally bowl-like
configuration comprising a main base portion 31, at least one side
wall 32, and an interior rib structure 33 formed at the top 34 of
the at least one side wall 32, about the perimeter 35 of the base
section 30. A tamper evidencing means 40 may be coupled to the
perimeter 35 of the base section 30, along at least a portion of
the perimeter 35 of the base section 30.
[0046] The main base portion 31 may be substantially flat to create
a sturdy base for the packaging piece 10 to sit on. Extending from
the perimeter of the base portion 31 is the at least one side wall
32. The at least one side wall 32 may extend generally
perpendicular from the base portion 31. The side walls 32 may be
substantially planar or may have a somewhat curved or rounded
transition from the base portion 31 to the top 34 of the side wall
32 that forms the perimeter 35 of the base section 30.
[0047] The tamper evidencing means 40 may be made up of an exterior
rib structure 36 positioned parallel to the interior rib structure
33 and a channel 37 formed between the interior rib structure 33
and the exterior rib structure 36. The channel 37 of the tamper
evidencing means 40 may have perforations 38 formed substantially
near the central point in the channel 37, extending parallel with
the interior rib structure 33 and the exterior rib structure 36.
The perforations 38 allow for the disengagement of the exterior rib
structure 36 from the remainder of the base section 30.
[0048] The tamper evidencing means 40 may also have one or more
tear tabs 39 to provide improved access to the exterior rib
structure 36 and the perforations 38, to assist in the removal of
the exterior rib structure 36 from the base section 30. In the
embodiments shown, the tear tab 39 is located in one corner, but
the tear tab 39 may be located in a different position, or in more
than location on the base section 30.
[0049] The lid 20 may have a main cover portion 21 having a top
side 21a and a bottom side 21b and engagement portion 22 located
substantially near the outer perimeter 23 of the main cover portion
21. The main cover portion 21 may be substantially flat and
configured to enclose the packaging area formed by the main base
portion 31 and the at least one side wall 32 of the base section
30. The engagement portion 22 may be constructed with an outer wall
24 extending substantially perpendicular to the main cover portion
21 in the direction of the bottom side 21b. The outer wall 24 may
have a lid flange 25 extending therefrom. In a preferred
embodiment, the lid flange 25 extends from a distal end 24b of the
outer wall 24. The lid flange 25 is configured to provide a
manipulation point to assist in the separation of the lid 20 from
the base section 30.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the engagement portion 22 may
have a raised channel 26 to provide a secure, snap closure with the
base section 30, configured to accommodate interior structure rib
33 of the base section 30. The raised channel 26 has an inner wall
27 and an outer wall 24. The raised channel 26 is sized and
configured in a substantially cooperative manner to the counterpart
portions of interior rib structure 33 to provide secure, snap-like
engagement between the elements and maintain secure closure between
the lid 20 and the base section 30.
[0051] The lid 20 may further have one or more corner pull tabs 28,
generally extending the lid flange 25, to provide improved gripping
capabilities to assist in the separation of the lid 20 from the
base section 30, thereby opening the packaging piece 10.
[0052] When the packaging piece 10 is closed, the outer wall 24
extends adjacent to interior rib structure 33 thereby positioning
the lid flange 25 and/or the pull tab 28 within the channel 37. In
this position, the lid flange 25 or the pull tab 28 is prohibited
from being accessed (to thereby open or tamper with the packaging
piece 10) due to the barrier formed by the exterior rib structure
36. When the perforations are torn apart to separate the exterior
rib structure 36 from the remainder of the base section 30, the lid
flange 25 and/or the pull tab 28 becomes accessible and the lid 20
and the base portion 30 can be at least substantially separated.
Such separation of the exterior rib structure 36 along the
perforations 38 is clearly visible and indicates that tampering
with the packaging may have occurred.
[0053] As noted, the tamper evidencing means 40 may be formed along
at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the base portion 30.
As shown in the figures, the tamper evidencing means 40 may be
formed substantially about the full perimeter of the packaging
piece 10. In FIGS. 1-4 and 11A-12C, for example, the tamper
evidencing means 40 surrounds nearly the entirety of the perimeter
35 of the base 30, but for the perimeter portion having the
connecting means 50. In FIGS. 5-10C, for example, the tamper
evidencing means 40 surrounds nearly the entirety of the perimeter
35 of the base 30, but for gap 41. Alternatively, the tamper
evidencing means 40 may surround the entire perimeter 35 having no
gap 41 or connecting means 50. The tamper evidencing means 40 may
also be located only at a corner of the packaging piece 10,
providing access to the pull tab 28. The tamper evidencing means
may also be located on a portion of one side 34 or more than one
side 34, or the packaging piece 10 may have more than one tamper
evidencing means 40 located on separate parts of the packaging
piece 10, such as two corners.
[0054] The lid 20 and base section 30 can take on a variety of
shapes and sizes, so long as the lid 20 and base section 30 forming
a packaging piece 10 have a corresponding shape and size to
accommodate the secure closure discussed above. The figures show
square and rectangular packaging pieces 10, although a packaging
piece can be formed into other shapes such as circles, triangles,
other polygons, and other shapes suitable for packaging a desired
item.
[0055] FIGS. 1-4 and 11A-12C show a first embodiment of the
packaging piece 10. In this embodiment, the lid 20 and the base
section 30 are partially connected via connecting means 50, such as
the hinge-like mechanism shown, thereby making a clam shell-type
packaging piece 10. The connecting means 50 may extend along the
perimeters 23, 35 of the lid 20 and the base 30, along a
substantially entire side of the packaging piece 10, or as shown,
may be provided on only a portion thereof.
[0056] FIGS. 5-10C show a second embodiment of the lid 20 and the
base section 30 as separable elements to form the packaging piece.
In this embodiment, there are no connecting means 50 adjoining the
two elements together when in the open position.
[0057] Furthermore, with reference to FIGS. 10A-10C and 12A-12C, a
user may open the packaging piece 10 by first removing the tamper
evidencing means 40 by gripping the tamper evidencing means 40 and
pulling the tamper evidencing means 40 away from the base section
30 along perforations 38. This step may be aided by providing a tab
39 or a gap 41 for a user to grip. Prior tampering with the
packaging piece 10 will be evidenced by any separation of the
tamper evidencing means 40 from the base section 30 before the user
proceeds in removal of the tamper evidencing means 40. After the
tamper evidencing means 40 has been removed, the user may lift the
lid 20 from the base section 30, effectively separating the raised
channel 26 from the interior rib structure 33. This step may be
aided by providing a lid flange 25 or a pull tab 28.
[0058] Containers according to the present invention may be formed
from a variety of materials, such as thermoformable plastics such
as polyethylene terephthalate (PETE/PET or PETG), high density
polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low density
polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and/or polystyrene (PS).
Generally, containers according to the present invention may be
constructed in a variety of methods, such as a two-step method
including a thermoforming step and a cutting step. The
thermoforming step may generally form the three-dimensional shape
of such container and the cutting step may at least separate the
formed container from some waste. The cutting step may include a
step of creating the tamper evident means discussed herein.
Additionally or alternatively, the tamper evident means may be
established prior to (e.g. during the thermoforming step) or after
the cutting step.
* * * * *