U.S. patent application number 14/516699 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-05 for buckling clamshell container for automated aliquot and dispersal processes.
The applicant listed for this patent is PIONEER HI BRED INTERNATIONAL INC. Invention is credited to Daniel M. Goldman, Michael E. Hartman, James L. Hunter, David L. Johnson, Griffiths J. Tucker.
Application Number | 20150034638 14/516699 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41315166 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150034638 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldman; Daniel M. ; et
al. |
February 5, 2015 |
Buckling Clamshell Container For Automated Aliquot and Dispersal
Processes
Abstract
A package assembly for automated aliquot and/or dispersal
processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention
include, but are not limited to: first and second portions which
cooperate to contain the aliquot, wherein a flexure channel is
defined in each of opposite sides of at least one of the first or
second portions, the flexure channels cooperating to define a
flexure axis extending through the pair of flexure channels. Thus,
embodiments of the present invention may allow at least one of
first and second portions of the package assembly to flex about the
flexure axis in response to an opening force exerted on the package
assembly such that the first and second portions separate in
response to the opening force.
Inventors: |
Goldman; Daniel M.; (Des
Moines, IA) ; Hartman; Michael E.; (Des Moines,
IA) ; Hunter; James L.; (Centennial, CO) ;
Johnson; David L.; (Johnston, IA) ; Tucker; Griffiths
J.; (Davenport, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PIONEER HI BRED INTERNATIONAL INC |
Johnston |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
41315166 |
Appl. No.: |
14/516699 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12476880 |
Jun 2, 2009 |
8887938 |
|
|
14516699 |
|
|
|
|
11774256 |
Jul 6, 2007 |
7938284 |
|
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12476880 |
|
|
|
|
60806660 |
Jul 6, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/4.23 ;
220/281 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01C 15/006 20130101;
A01C 7/02 20130101; B65D 77/30 20130101; B65D 75/22 20130101; B65D
83/06 20130101; B65D 85/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/4.23 ;
220/281 |
International
Class: |
B65D 77/30 20060101
B65D077/30; B65D 85/52 20060101 B65D085/52 |
Claims
1. A package assembly for selectively containing and releasing a
particulate aliquot, the package assembly comprising: a) first and
second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot; and b) at
least one concave portion located on a flange portion defined by at
least one of the first or second portions, the concave portion
defining an aperture configured to receive an opening tool for
separating the first and second portions, thus releasing the
particulate aliquot.
2. The package assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one corresponding concave portion located on a second flange
portion of the package assembly and adapted, upon closing the
package assembly, to substantially align with the other concave
portion to define an aperture configured to receive an opening tool
for encouraging the first and second portions to separate.
3. The package assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second portions are held together in a closed position through an
interference fit.
4. The package assembly according to claim 1, wherein the package
assembly is formed using a process selected from the group
consisting of: thermoforming; vacuum forming; blow molding;
injection molding; casting; and combinations thereof.
5. The package assembly according to claim 1, wherein the package
assembly comprises materials selected from the group consisting of:
polyethylene terephthalate; polyvinyl chloride; polypropylene;
polyester; polylactic acid; high-density polyethylene; low-density
polyethylene; and combinations thereof
6. The package assembly according to claim 1, further comprising
one or more stiffening features located on at least one of the
first and second portions, the stiffening features configured to
minimize bulging between the first and second portions or to
maintain engagement of the first and second portions.
7. A package assembly for selectively containing and releasing a
particulate aliquot, the package assembly comprising: a) a
container portion defining an opening; b) a cover portion including
at least two opposite sides and configured to cooperate with the
container portion to selectively close the opening defined by the
container portion; c) a reinforcing ridge portion disposed
proximate a perimeter of the cover portion and configured to be
capable of engaging an inner periphery of the opening, in an
interference fit therewith, so as to selectively close the opening;
d) a first flange portion extending substantially perpendicular
from an outer periphery of the opening; and e) a second flange
portion extending substantially outward from the reinforcing ridge
such that upon closing the package assembly, the cover portion
closes the opening defined by the container portion and the first
flange portion is substantially adjacent and parallel to the second
flange portion, f) wherein the first and second flange portions
each define concave portions such that upon closing the package
assembly the concave portions substantially align and define an
aperture between the first and second flange portions, the aperture
being configured to receive an opening tool for separating the
cover portion and the container portion, thus releasing the
particulate aliquot.
8. The package assembly according to claim 7, further comprising a
hinge portion located between an edge of the cover portion and the
container portion.
9. The package assembly according to claim 7, further comprising a
shelf portion including a flange extending substantially
perpendicular from an outer periphery of the opening and a wall
portion extending substantially perpendicular from the flange and
wherein the reinforcing ridge is configured to operably engage the
shelf portion so as to selectively close the opening defined by the
container portion.
10. The package assembly according to claim 7, wherein the
container portion, the cover portion, the reinforcing ridge
portion, and the opening defined by the container portion are
substantially rectangular.
11. The package assembly according to claim 8, wherein the
container portion, the cover portion, the reinforcing ridge
portion, and the hinge portion are integrally formed as a
substantially unitary assembly.
12. The package assembly according to claim 7, further comprising
at least one notch portion defined by the first flange portion, the
at least one notch portion being adapted to allow a portion of a
disengaging tool to pass therethrough for encouraging the cover
portion to disengage from the container portion.
13. The package assembly according to claim 7, further comprising
one or more stiffening features located on the cover portion, the
stiffening features configured to minimize bulging between the
cover and container portions or to maintain engagement of the cover
and container portions.
14. The package assembly according to claim 13, wherein the
stiffening features include a pair of elongate stiffening ribs
disposed on the cover portion.
15. The package assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a
beveled cover portion end disposed along an inner surface of the
reinforcing ridge portion opposite the hinge portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/476,880, filed Jun. 2, 2009, which claims
priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/774,256, filed
Jul. 6, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,284 and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/806,660, filed Jul. 6, 2006, each of which is
hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to containers for
receiving, containing, and selectively dispensing a plurality of
objects via automated processes. More specifically, the present
invention provides a partially flexible buckling clamshell
container for receiving metered seed sample aliquots. The container
of the present invention may be selectively opened by automated
processes by elastically deforming at a predetermined point to
release one or more objects contained therein when the container is
inverted and subjected to an opening force.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A number of packaging containers have been developed for
holding and sealing products and/or individual parts or components.
For example, conventional vacuum molded or thermoformed plastic
containers (such as those produced to package small hardware
components such as screws and/or nails) often include a container
body defining an aperture and an attached lid that is designed to
selectively close the aperture. For example, some conventional
packaging containers further include corresponding flange portions
(extending from the container body and the lid, respectively) that
are designed to fit snugly against one another so as to seal the
container body. Some conventional packaging containers further
include an adhesive material disposed between flange portions for
sealing the lid closed about the aperture defined by the container
body.
[0004] Such conventional containers are often well-suited for
providing a robust package that may provide adequate protection to
the product contained therein. However, once closed and sealed,
such conventional packages are not well suited for re-opening, much
less re-opening by automated processes. Thus, conventional
containers such as the type described generally above may not be
well-suited to serve as an aliquot container for receiving,
selectively holding, and selectively dispensing one or more
particles or components as part of an intermediate research and/or
manufacturing step. For example, manual dexterity and/or the use of
a cutting tool, may be required to open and remove products from
many conventional packaging containers (especially those that
include corresponding flange portions and adhesives disposed there
between). In addition, such containers are not well suited for
re-opening (after being closed) by simple automated processes (such
as the application of a compressive force on the container) because
of the constant interference fit between the lids and reservoirs of
conventional packaging containers.
[0005] Thus in order to facilitate the selective capture,
retention, and dispensing of particulate components by simple
automated and/or manual processes, there is a need in the art for a
packaging container that not only allows for the quick and complete
capture and retention of particulate components, but also a
container that may be quickly and easily re-opened so as to
selectively dispense the particulate components held therein upon
the application of a simple automated and/or manual opening force
to the container. For example, there exists a need in the art for
an easily-opened clamshell container for segregating and
selectively dispensing an aliquot of a particular seed type using
mainly automated processes. Furthermore, there exists a need for a
packaging container that is not only easily closed and re-opened as
described above, but that is easily and economically manufactured
and provided with a lid and reservoir portion that are provided in
a one-piece assembly such that the lid may remain connected to the
reservoir portion of the container even as the container is
selectively opened to disperse the particulate components held
therein.
SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0006] The present invention addresses the above needs and achieves
other advantages by providing various embodiments of a package
assembly for selectively containing and releasing a particulate
aliquot. In one embodiment, the package assembly generally
comprises first and second portions which cooperate to contain the
aliquot, at least one of the first or second portions defining a
pair of opposite sides and having a flexure channel defined in each
of the opposite sides, wherein the flexure channels define a
flexure axis extending through the flexure channels, and wherein
the package assembly is configured such that upon application of an
opening force, one of the first or second portions flexes outwardly
about the flexure axis so that the first and second portions
separate, thus releasing the particulate aliquot. Some embodiments
may further comprise at least one concave portion located on a
flange portion defined by at least one of the first or second
portions, the concave portion defining an aperture configured to
receive an opening tool for encouraging the first and second
portions to separate. Some embodiments may further comprise at
least one corresponding concave portion located on a second flange
portion of the package assembly and adapted, upon closing the
package assembly, to substantially align with the other concave
portion to define an aperture configured to receive an opening tool
for encouraging the first and second portions to separate.
[0007] In some embodiments, the first and second portions may
define first and second flange portions, respectively, and the
package assembly may further comprise a notch portion located on
one of the first or second flange portions, the notch portion
configured to allow a disengaging tool to apply a substantially
normal force against the other of the first or second flanges, for
encouraging the first and second portions to separate. In some
embodiments, the first and second portions may be held together in
a closed position through an interference fit. In some embodiments,
each of the flexure channels may define a cross-sectional shape
selected from the group consisting of an open rectangular shape, an
open oval shape, a half-circular shape, generally U-shaped,
generally V-shaped, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments,
one flexure channel may define a cross-sectional shape that is
different than the other flexure channel. In some embodiments, the
package assembly may be formed using a process selected from the
group consisting of thermoforming, vacuum forming, blow molding,
injection molding, casting, and combinations thereof. In some
embodiments, the package assembly may comprise materials selected
from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl
chloride, polypropylene, polyester, polylactic acid, high-density
polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and combinations thereof.
Some embodiments may further comprise one or more stiffening
features located on at least one of the first and second portions,
wherein the stiffening features may be configured to minimize
bulging between the first and second portions or to maintain
engagement of the first and second portions.
[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a
package assembly for selectively containing and releasing a
particulate aliquot that generally comprises a container portion
defining an opening, a cover portion including at least two
opposite sides and configured to cooperate with the container
portion to selectively close the opening defined by the container
portion, and a reinforcing ridge portion disposed proximate a
perimeter of the cover portion and configured to be capable of
engaging an inner periphery of the opening, in an interference fit
therewith, so as to selectively close the opening, the reinforcing
ridge portion defining a flexure channel on each of the opposite
sides of the cover portion, the flexure channels defining a flexure
axis extending substantially perpendicularly to the opposite sides
of the cover portion, the cover portion being configured such that
when an opening force is applied to package assembly, the cover
portion flexes outwardly from the container portion about the
flexure axis and thereby disengages the reinforcing ridge portion
from the inner periphery of the opening so that the cover portion
disengages from the container portion, thus releasing the
particulate aliquot.
[0009] Some embodiments may further comprise a hinge portion
located between an edge of the cover portion and the container
portion. Some embodiments may further comprise a shelf portion
including a flange extending substantially perpendicular from an
outer periphery of the opening and a wall portion extending
substantially perpendicular from the flange and wherein the
reinforcing ridge is configured to operably engage the shelf
portion so as to selectively close the opening defined by the
container portion. Some embodiments may further comprise a first
flange portion extending substantially perpendicular from an outer
periphery of the opening, and a second flange portion extending
substantially outward from the reinforcing ridge such that upon
closing the package assembly, the cover portion closes the opening
defined by the container portion and the first flange portion is
substantially adjacent and parallel to the second flange portion.
In some embodiments, the first and second flange portions may each
define concave portions such that upon closing the package assembly
the concave portions substantially align and define an aperture
between the first and second flange portions, the aperture being
configured to receive an opening tool for encouraging the cover
portion to flex outwardly from the container portion about the
flexure axis so that the cover portion disengages from the
container portion.
[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the flexure channels
may define a cross-sectional shape selected from the group
consisting of an open rectangular shape, an open oval shape, a
half-circular shape, generally U-shaped, generally V-shaped, and
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one flexure channel may
define an open rectangular cross-sectional shape and the other
flexure channel defines a generally V-shaped cross-sectional shape.
In some embodiments, the container portion, the cover portion, the
reinforcing ridge portion, and the opening defined by the container
portion may be substantially rectangular. In some embodiments, the
container portion, the cover portion, the reinforcing ridge
portion, and the hinge portion may be integrally formed as a
substantially unitary assembly. Some embodiments may further
comprise at least one notch portion defined by the first flange
portion, the at least one notch portion being adapted to allow a
portion of a disengaging tool to pass there through for encouraging
the cover portion to disengage from the container portion. Some
embodiments may further comprise one or more stiffening features
located on the cover portion, wherein the stiffening features may
be configured to minimize bulging between the cover and container
portions or to maintain engagement of the cover and container
portions. In some embodiments, the stiffening features may include
a pair of elongate stiffening ribs disposed on the cover portion.
Some embodiments may further comprise a beveled cover portion end
disposed along an inner surface of the reinforcing ridge portion
opposite the hinge portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a package assembly
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2a shows a side view of a package assembly according to
one embodiment of the present invention including an exemplary
flexing action of the cover portion of the package assembly in
response to an opening force;
[0014] FIG. 2b shows a side view of a package assembly according to
one embodiment of the present invention including disengagement of
the cover portion from the container portion after the application
of an opening force; and
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a package assembly
according to one embodiment of the present invention showing, for
example, the shelf portion, first flange portion, and second flange
portion;
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a package assembly
according to another embodiment of the present invention that
includes a corresponding concave portion defined by the first
flange portion;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a package assembly
according to another embodiment of the present invention that
includes a notch portion defined by the first flange portion;
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a package assembly
according to another embodiment of the present invention that
includes both a corresponding concave portion and a notch portion
defined by the first flange portion;
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a package assembly
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention that
includes dissimilar flexure channels; and
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the package assembly of
FIG. 7 from a slightly different angle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,
this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0022] While the embodiments of the present invention are described
below in the context of an agricultural research environment
wherein the package assembly may be used to receive, contain,
segregate, and selectively dispense seed aliquots containing seeds
of a particular type (such as, for example, seeds corresponding to
a selected corn plant hybrid or genetically modified organism
(GMO)), it should be understood that the package assembly
embodiments of the present invention may also serve as a closable
package assembly that is configured to be capable of being opened
via a simple application of linear compressive forces. For example,
in some embodiments, the package assembly 100 of the present
invention may be used to contain components in a "parts kit" in a
manufacturing environment such that the components may be closed
and contained within package assembly and thereafter be easily
removed from the package assembly by simple manual and/or automated
steps. In addition, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the
package assembly of the present invention may be used for holding
and selectively dispensing a variety of particles, components,
powders, fluids, foods, and/or other items that may require
temporary containment and/or segregation prior to being utilized
for a downstream process. Embodiments of the present invention may
thus be useful for segregating, containing, and selectively
dispensing such items when required. An example of a particulate
preparation process is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/774,230, entitled "System, Method, and Computer Program
Product for Automated High-Throughput Seed Sample Aliquot
Preparation, Treatment, and Dispersal," which claims priority from
United States Provisional Application No. 60/806,684, also entitled
"System, Method, and Computer Program Product for Automated
High-Throughput Seed Sample Aliquot Preparation, Treatment, and
Dispersal," both of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their entirety. An example of a method of handling a
particulate container is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/774,205, entitled "Method of Handling Clamshell Containers
Containing a Particulate Aliquot," which is also hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0023] A package assembly in accordance with the present invention
comprises first and second portions that cooperate to contain a
particulate aliquot. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a package
assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
As shown, the package assembly 100 of the depicted embodiment may
generally comprise a container portion 110 defining an opening 120
and including at least two opposite sides 112, 114. The package
assembly 100 may further comprise a cover portion 130 configured to
cooperate with the container portion 110 to selectively close the
opening 120 defined by the container portion 110.
[0024] Furthermore, in order to effectively close the opening 120
defined by the container portion 110, the cover portion 130 may
comprise a reinforcing ridge portion 140 disposed proximate a
perimeter of the cover portion 130 and configured to be capable of
engaging an inner periphery of the opening 120, in an interference
fit, so as to selectively close the opening 120, such that the
cover portion 130 is not easily disengaged from the container
portion 110 without the application of an opening force, as
described herein. Furthermore, the reinforcing ridge portion 140
may also define a pair of flexure channels 145 on opposite sides
131, 133 of the cover portion 130. Furthermore, the flexure
channels 145 may cooperate to define a flexure axis 142 extending
substantially perpendicularly to the opposite sides 131, 133 of the
cover portion 130 that define the flexure channels 145 such that
the flexure axis 142 is substantially parallel to the opposite
sides 112, 114 of the container portion 110. It should be noted
that in various embodiments, only a portion of the cover portion
130 and the container portion 110 may cooperate to hold the
portions in a closed position. Moreover, an interference fit need
not be required to hold the cover portion 130 in a closed position
over the opening 120 of the container portion 110. Package
assemblies of various embodiments of the present invention may be
configured so that at least one of first or second portions flex
outwardly about a flexure axis in response to an opening force. In
such a manner, the first and second portions may separate, at least
partially, in response to the opening force, thus releasing at
least a portion of a particulate aliquot contained within the
package assembly. Thus, for example, package assemblies of other
embodiments may comprise independent first and second portions.
Additionally, an adhesive or heat sealing material may be used to
hold the first and second portions (or a portion of the first and
second portions) in a closed position, wherein the adhesive or
sealing material is designed to fail when the package assembly is
subjected to an opening force.
[0025] According to various embodiments of the present invention,
the container portion 110, the cover portion 130, and the opening
120 defined by the container portion may be formed into a variety
of different shapes. For example, in some embodiments, as shown
generally in FIGS. 1-3, the various components of the package
assembly may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape. In
other embodiments the various components (such as the container
portion 110, cover portion 130, and reinforcing ridge portion 140)
may be formed to have a variety of other shapes, including but not
limited to: polygonal shapes (including, but not limited to
rectangles, triangles, hexagons); circular; oval; semicircular; and
combinations of such shapes.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2a, the flexure channels 145 defined in the
reinforcing ridge portion 140 of the cover portion 130 may have a
substantially half-circular cross section. According to other
embodiments, the flexure channels 145 may also define various other
cross-sectional shapes that may be tailored to define a flexure
axis 142 (see FIG. 1, for example) extending substantially
perpendicularly to the opposing sides 131, 133 of the cover portion
130. For example, a flexure channel may, in some alternative
embodiments, define a cross-sectional shape that may include, but
is not limited to: an open rectangular shape; an open oval shape; a
half-circular shape; generally U-shaped; generally V-shaped; and
combinations of such cross-sectional shapes. The shape of the
cross-section of the flexure channels 145 may thus be tailored to
suit the material used to form the cover portion 130 and/or the
reinforcing ridge portion 140 so as to define a distinct flexure
axis 142 across a width of the cover portion 130 such that the
cover portion flexes outwardly from the container portion 110 about
the flexure axis 142 defined by the opposing flexure channels
145.
[0027] Thus, as shown generally in FIG. 2a, the cover portion 130
may be configured to flex outwardly from the container portion 110
about the flexure axis 142 (see FIG. 1), when an opening force is
applied to the package assembly 100. In the depicted embodiment,
the opening force comprises a compressive force 200 applied to
opposite sides 112, 114 of the container portion 110. However, in
the depicted embodiment and in various other embodiments, an
opening force may comprise any force applied to the package
assembly 100 configured such that a first or second portion of the
package assembly 100 flexes outwardly about a flexure axis so that
the portions separate. In the depicted embodiment, the compressive
force 200 initiates disengagement of the reinforcing ridge portion
140 from the inner periphery of the opening 120 so that the cover
portion 130 disengages from the container portion 110. As shown
generally in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the package assembly 100 of the
present invention may, in some exemplary embodiments, be inverted
such that the cover portion 130 may drop away from the container
portion 110 after the reinforcing ridge portion 140 has been
disengaged from the inner periphery of the opening 120 (due, for
example, to a compressive force 200 applied to the opposite sides
112, 114 of the container portion 100 as shown generally in FIG.
2a). As shown generally in FIG. 2b, the package assembly 100 may
thus be used to disperse a plurality of particles 300 (such as a
seed sample aliquot) that have been segregated and contained within
the container portion 110 of the package assembly 100 of the
present invention. As described generally above, the package
assembly 100 of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2a of the present
invention may be advantageously opened by the simple application of
a compressive force 200 on the opposite sides 112, 114 of the
container portion 110 of the package assembly 100 while suspending
the package assembly 100 in an inverted position (as shown
generally in FIG. 2a). It should be noted that in other
embodiments, the application of a compressive force may comprise
applying a force to one of opposing sides 112, 114 while the other
side is supported, so as to effect a compressive force on the
package assembly 100.
[0028] According to some other embodiments, the package assembly
100 may be positioned in a substantially upright position (i.e.
with the cover portion 130 positioned above the container portion
110) during the application of a compressive force 200 to the
opposing sides 112, 114 of the container portion, As described
generally above, the cover portion 130 may thus flex outwardly from
the container portion 110 about the flexure axis 142 and disengage
from the interference fit with an inner periphery of the opening
120 defined in the container portion 110. In such embodiments, a
hinge portion 150 (as discussed further below) disposed between the
container portion 110 and the cover portion 130 may be biased to
expand so as to urge the cover portion 130 away from the container
portion 110 once the reinforcing ridge portion 140 of the cover
portion 130 has been initially disengaged from the container
portion 110 by the application of the compressive force 200.
[0029] As shown generally in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the package assembly
100 may further comprise a hinge portion 150 located between an
edge of the cover portion 130 and one of the at least two opposite
sides 112, 114 of the container portion 110 such that the cover
portion 130 and the container portion 110 may form a substantially
unitary package assembly 100 even when the cover portion 130 (and
the reinforcing ridge portion 140 extending therefrom) is
disengaged from the inner periphery of the opening 120 defined in
the container portion 110 (as shown generally in FIG. 2b). In some
embodiments of the present invention, the hinge portion 150 may be
integrally formed with one or both of the container portion 110 and
the cover portion 130 to form a unitary package assembly 100.
According to some alternative embodiments, the hinge portion 150
may also be operably engaged with one or both of the container
portion 110 and the cover portion 130 using an adhesive material in
order to form the package assembly 100 (such as that shown, for
example, in FIG. 1). As described generally above, the hinge
portion 150 may be formed with a bias towards the "open" position
(as shown generally in FIG. 2b) such that the hinge portion 150 may
urge the cover portion 130 generally away from the container
portion 110 once the compressive force 200 has caused the initial
disengagement of the reinforcing ridge portion 140 from an inner
periphery of the opening 120 defined in the container portion
110.
[0030] In some additional embodiments of the present invention, as
shown generally in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the package assembly 100 may
further comprise a shelf portion including a flange 116 extending
substantially perpendicular from an outer periphery of the opening
120 and a wall portion 118 extending substantially perpendicular
from the flange 116. The shelf portion defined by the flange 116
and wall portion 118 may thus provide a seating area for the
reinforcing ridge portion 140 of the cover portion 130 as the cover
portion 130 is engaged with the container portion 110 to close the
opening 120 defined therein. For example, as shown in the exemplary
cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the package assembly in
FIG. 3, the reinforcing ridge 140 may be configured to engage the
shelf portion (comprising the flange 116 and wall portion 118, for
example) so as to selectively close the opening 120 defined in the
container portion. Thus, the shelf portion defined by the flange
116 and wall portion 118 may, in some embodiments, prevent the
cover portion 130 from encroaching upon the volume of the container
portion 110 and potentially damaging and/or crushing the plurality
of particles 300 (such as a seed sample aliquot) contained
therein.
[0031] Furthermore, as shown generally in FIGS. 1 and 3, the
package assembly 100 may also comprise a pair of complementary
flange portions 119, 132 extending outward from an outer periphery
of the opening 120 and the reinforcing ridge portion 140 of the
cover portion 130, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 3,
the package assembly 100 may further comprise a first flange
portion 119 extending substantially perpendicular from at outer
periphery of the opening 120 (which may, in some embodiments, be
defined by an edge of the wall portion 118 of the shelf portion),
and a second flange portion 132 extending substantially outward
from the reinforcing ridge 140 such that when the cover portion 130
closes the opening 120 defined by the container portion 110, the
first flange portion 119 is substantially adjacent and parallel to
the second flange portion 132. Furthermore, as shown generally in
FIGS. 1 and 2a, the second flange portion 132 may define a pair of
opposite concave portions 135 substantially coaxial with the
flexure axis 142. According to such embodiments, the pair of
opposite concave portions 135 may form a corresponding pair of
apertures between the first and second flange portions 119, 132
when the cover portion 130 closes the opening 120 defined by the
container portion 110. For example, in some such embodiments, the
pair of apertures defined by the opposite concave portions 135
formed in the second flange portion 132 may be adapted to be
capable of receiving one or more opening tools for encouraging the
cover portion 130 to flex outwardly from the container portion 110
about the flexure axis 142 (see generally FIG. 2a) so that the
cover portion 130 disengages from the container portion 110. Thus,
such opposite concave portions 135 defined by the second flange
portion 132 may serve to define a corresponding pair of apertures
between the flange portions 119, 132 so that one or more opening
tools (such as, for example, a screwdriver, knife, or other
narrow-bladed implement) and/or a fingertip may be inserted into
the aperture located at or near the flexure axis 142 so as to urge
the cover portion 130 out of its interference fit with the
container portion 110. One skilled in the art will also appreciate
that the apertures defined by the opposite concave portions 135
defined by the second flange portion 132 may also define a
corresponding pair of apertures for receiving one or more opening
tools that, in some embodiments, may act alone to create the
opening force, or, in other embodiments, may serve to accompany the
application of another opening force, such as, for example, the
compressive force 200 (see FIG. 2a) in order to urge the cover
portion 130 outwardly from the container portion 110 about the
flexure axis 142. The compressive force 200 and/or the application
of one or more opening tools at the location of the opposing ridges
135 may thus disengage the reinforcing ridge portion 140 from the
inner periphery of the opening 120 so that the cover portion 130
disengages from the container portion 110. It should be noted that
in other embodiments, one or more concave portions may be located
anywhere on the package assembly wherein the concave portion(s) are
configured to receive an opening tool for encouraging the first and
second portions to separate.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a package
assembly 100 similar to that shown and described with respect to
FIGS. 1-3. As above, the package assembly 100 includes a pair of
opposite concave portions 135 defined by the second flange portion
132 of the cover portion 130, however the depicted embodiment also
includes at least one corresponding concave portion 151 defined by
the first flange portion 119. The corresponding concave portion 151
is configured such that when the cover portion 130 is engaged with
the container portion 110, the corresponding concave portion 151
substantially aligns with one of the opposite concave portions 135
defined by the second flange portion 132. In such a manner, the
aligned corresponding concave portion 151 and concave portion 135
form a larger aperture between the first and second flange portions
119, 132 when the cover portion 130 closes the opening 120 defined
by the container portion 110. As a result, the aperture formed by
the corresponding concave portion 151 and the concave portion 135
creates a larger target for receiving an opening tool for
encouraging the cover portion 130 to flex outwardly from the
container portion 110 about the flexure axis 142 so that the cover
portion 130 disengages from the container portion 110. In various
embodiments, this may increase opening success for packaging
assemblies with dimensional variability. It should be noted that
although one corresponding concave portion 151 is shown in the
drawing, in other embodiments an opposing concave portion may be
included so as to substantially align with the other of the
opposing concave portions 135 when the cover portion 130 closes the
opening 120 defined by the container portion 110.
[0033] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
shown in FIG. 5. This embodiment is similar to that described with
respect to FIGS. 1-3, however in this embodiment, at least one
notch portion 153 is defined by the first flange portion 119. The
notch portion 153 is configured to allow a disengaging device to
exert an opening force against the second flange 132 through the
notch portion 153. In such a manner, the disengaging device may
alone to create the opening force, or may further facilitate
disengaging the cover portion 130 from the container portion 110.
In various embodiments, a disengaging device may be any device,
tool, and/or mechanism configured to exert a force through the
notch portion 153 against the second flange 132. The disengaging
device may comprise, but is not limited to, a pneumatically
operated pin. It should be noted that in some embodiments, a
disengaging device may be responsible for facilitating disengaging
the cover portion 130 from the container portion 110 without the
use of an opening device. As such, in various embodiments a
disengaging device may be used alone, or in combination with one or
more opening tools received in one or both of the pair of apertures
defined by the opposing concave portions 135. As a result, in
various embodiments, this may also increase opening success for
packaging assemblies with dimensional variability. It should be
noted that although the notch portion 153 shown in the depicted
embodiment is generally rectangular in shape, one skilled in the
art will recognize that a notch portion in accordance with the
present invention may take many other shapes, including, but not
limited to, a half circular shape, a half oval shape, a triangular
shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, and combinations
thereof.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows still another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. The depicted embodiment includes both a
corresponding concave portion 151 and a notch portion 153 defined
by the first flange portion 119. As described above, the
corresponding concave portion 151 is configured such that when the
cover portion 130 is engaged with the container portion 110, the
corresponding concave portion 151 substantially aligns with one of
the opposing concave portions 135 defined by the second flange
portion 132. The notch portion 153 is configured to allow one or
more disengaging devices to exert a force against the second flange
132 through the notch portion 153. In such a manner, an opening
force such as, for example, compressive force 200 of the depicted
embodiment, may thus initiate the disengagement of the reinforcing
ridge portion 140 from the inner periphery of the opening 120 so
that the cover portion 130 disengages from the container portion
110. Additionally, an opening tool may be received by an aperture
defined by the concave portion 135 and the corresponding concave
portion 151 for encouraging the cover portion 130 to flex outwardly
from the container portion 110 about the flexure axis 142 (see
generally FIG. 2a). Simultaneously, a disengaging device may exert
a force against the second flange 132 through the notch portion
153, to further encourage disengagement of the cover portion 130
from the container portion 110. As a result, in various
embodiments, this may further increase opening success for
packaging assemblies with dimensional variability.
[0035] FIGS. 7 and 8 show another exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the package assembly
100 generally comprises a container portion 110 defining an opening
120 and including at least two opposite sides 112, 114, and a cover
portion 130 configured to cooperate with the container portion 110
to selectively close the opening 120 defined by the container
portion 110. The cover portion 130 comprises a reinforcing ridge
portion 140 disposed proximate a perimeter of the cover portion 130
and configured to be capable of engaging an inner periphery of the
opening 120, in an interference fit, so as to selectively close the
opening 120, such that the cover portion 130 is not easily
disengaged from the container portion 110 without the application
of an opening force, as described herein. The reinforcing ridge
portion 140 also defines flexure channels 145 and 146, which are
located on opposite sides 133, 131 of the cover portion 130.
Furthermore, the flexure channels 145, 146 may cooperate to define
a flexure axis 142 extending substantially perpendicularly to the
opposite sides 133, 131 of the cover portion 130 defining the
flexure channels 145, 146 such that the flexure axis 142 is
substantially parallel to the opposite sides 112, 114 of the
container portion 110. As shown generally in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
package assembly 100 of the depicted embodiment further comprises a
hinge portion 150 operably engaged between an edge of the cover
portion 130 and side 114 of the container portion 110 such that the
cover portion 130 and the container portion 110 form a
substantially unitary package assembly 100 even when the cover
portion 130 (and the reinforcing ridge portion 140 extending
therefrom) is disengaged from the inner periphery of the opening
120 defined in the container portion 110.
[0036] Furthermore, as shown generally in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
package assembly 100 of the depicted embodiment also comprises a
pair of complementary flange portions 119, 132 extending outward
from an outer periphery of the opening 120 and the reinforcing
ridge portion 140 of the cover portion 130, respectively, such that
in the closed position, the first flange portion 119 is
substantially adjacent and parallel to the second flange portion
132. In addition, the second flange portion 132 may define a
concave portion 135 located substantially adjacent to flexure
channel 145 and the first flange portion 119 may also define a
corresponding concave portion 151. Accordingly, when the package
assembly 100 is in a closed position, concave portions 135 and 151
may be substantially adjacent to each other and may form an
aperture between the first and second flange portions 119, 132. The
aperture formed by the concave portion 135 and corresponding
concave portion 151 is configured to receive an opening tool that
creates an opening force for encouraging the cover portion 130 and
the container portion 110 to separate. As noted above, in various
embodiments, an opening tool may be any implement configured to aid
in encouraging package assembly portions to separate, such as, for
example, a screwdriver, knife, or other narrow-bladed implement,
etc.
[0037] In the depicted embodiment, flexure channel 145, defined in
the reinforcing ridge portion 140 on one side 133 of the cover
portion 130, has a different configuration than flexure channel
146, defined in the reinforcing ridge portion 140 on an opposite
side 131 of the cover portion 130. In the depicted embodiment,
flexure channel 145 has an open rectangular cross-sectional shape,
and flexure channel 146 has a generally V-shaped cross-sectional
shape. As noted above, according to other embodiments, the flexure
channels 145, 146 may also define various other cross-sectional
shapes that may be tailored to define a flexure axis 142 extending
substantially perpendicularly to the opposing sides 131, 133 of the
cover portion 130. For example, one or both of the flexure channels
145, 146 may, in some other embodiments, define cross-sectional
shapes that may include, but are not limited to: an open
rectangular shape; an open oval shape; an open circular shape;
generally U-shaped; generally V-shaped; and combinations of such
cross-sectional shapes. The shape of the cross-section of the
flexure channels 145, 146 may thus be tailored to suit the material
used to form the cover portion 130 and/or the reinforcing ridge
portion 140 so as to define a distinct flexure axis 142 across a
width of the cover portion 130 such that the cover portion flexes
outwardly from the container portion 110 about the flexure axis 142
defined by the opposing flexure channels 145, 146.
[0038] Thus, when the package assembly 100 of the depicted
embodiment is in a closed position, the cover portion 130 may be
configured to flex outwardly from the container portion 110 about
the flexure axis 142 upon the application of an opening force. In
the depicted embodiment, the package assembly 100 is configured to
receive an opening tool via the aperture defined by concave portion
135 and corresponding concave portion 151, which are configured to
substantially align when the package assembly is in a closed
position. In the depicted embodiment, upon insertion of the opening
tool into the aperture, the opening tool exerts an opening force
against at least one of the cover portion 130 or container portion
120. As such, the opening force initiates disengagement of the
reinforcing ridge portion 140 from the inner periphery of the
opening 120 so that the cover portion 130 disengages from the
container portion 110. Thus, if the package assembly 100 of the
depicted embodiment contains a particulate aliquot and is inverted,
the cover portion 130 may drop away from the container portion 110
after the reinforcing ridge portion 240 has been disengaged from
the inner periphery of the opening 110, thus releasing the
particulate aliquot.
[0039] A notch portion 153 is defined by the first flange portion
119 of the depicted embodiment. The notch portion 153 is configured
to allow a disengaging device to exert another opening force
approximately normal to the second flange 132 through the notch
portion 153. In such a manner, the disengaging device 133 may
further facilitate disengaging the cover portion 130 from the
container portion 110. In various embodiments, a disengaging device
may be any device, tool, and/or mechanism configured to exert a
force through the notch portion 153 against the second flange 132.
As such, in various embodiments a disengaging device may be used
alone, or in combination with an opening tool received in the
aperture defined by the opposing concave portions 135, 151. As a
result, in various embodiments, this may increase opening success
for some package assemblies. It should be noted that although the
notch portion 153 shown in the depicted embodiment is generally
rectangular in shape, one skilled in the art will recognize that a
notch portion in accordance with the present invention may take
many other shapes, including, but not limited to, a half circular
shape, a half oval shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, an
oval shape, and combinations thereof.
[0040] In various embodiments it may be advantageous to reduce or
eliminate bulging of the cover portion when it is engaged with the
container portion, especially those embodiments where small
particles, such as small seeds, are contained in the package
assembly. In such embodiments, the package assembly may include one
or more stiffening features configured to maintain engagement
between the cover portion and the container portion and/or to
reduce bulging of the cover portion and container portion. For
example, the package assembly 100 depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8
includes a pair of elongate stiffening ribs 155 disposed on the
cover portion 130. Although other embodiments may include one or
more stiffening features having a variety of configurations, in the
depicted embodiment the stiffening ribs 155 are oriented parallel
to each other and are positioned proximate and substantially
perpendicular to the flexure axis 142. Because in some embodiments
the cover portion 130 may be engaged through an interference fit
with the container portion 110, including one or more stiffening
features on the cover portion 130 may minimize or eliminate bulging
of the cover portion 130 when the package assembly 100 is in a
closed position (i.e., when the cover portion 130 is engaged with
the container portion 110). In such a manner, in the depicted
embodiment the stiffening ribs 155 may prevent a gap from forming
between the cover portion 130 and the container portion 110 prior
to disengaging the cover portion 130 from the container portion
110.
[0041] As described above, in some embodiments the package assembly
100 may be inverted such that the cover portion 130 may swing away
from the container portion 110 after the reinforcing ridge portion
140 has been disengaged from the inner periphery of the opening 120
due to an opening force. As a result, the package assembly 100 may
thus be used to release a plurality of particles that have been
segregated and contained within the container portion 110 of the
package assembly 100. In some embodiments, after the cover portion
130 has disengaged from the container portion 110, it may extend
downward from the hinge portion 150 approximately perpendicular
from the container portion 110. In some embodiments, in order to
facilitate successful release of substantially all of the particles
contained in the package assembly 100, the cover portion 130 may
include a beveled cover portion end 157 (more clearly shown in FIG.
8) disposed along an inner surface of the reinforcing ridge portion
140 opposite the hinge 150 portion. Although in other embodiments a
beveled cover portion end may have a variety of configurations, in
the depicted embodiment the beveled cover portion end 157 is a
planar surface that is positioned at an approximate forty-five (45)
degree angle relative to the surface of the cover portion 130. In
such a manner, particles may be prevented from hanging up on the
inner surface of the reinforcing ridge portion 140 after being
released.
[0042] As described generally above, according to some embodiments
of the package assembly 100 of the present invention, the container
portion 110, the cover portion 130, the reinforcing ridge 140, and
the hinge portion 150 may be substantially integrally formed such
that the package assembly may be configured as a substantially
one-piece assembly. Various manufacturing processes may be used to
generate such single-piece package assembly 100 embodiments. For
example, integrally-formed package assemblies 100 may be formed
using processes including, but not limited to: thermoforming;
vacuum forming; blow molding; injection molding; casting; and
combinations of such processes. In addition, and as generally
described above, the various container portions 110, cover portions
130, and hinge portions 150 of the package assembly 100 may also,
in some embodiments, be molded and/or formed separately and
operably engaged in subsequent processes that may include, but are
not limited to: joining processes involving the application of a
heat source, adhesive application processes, and/or mechanical
joining processes (such as, for example stapling).
[0043] According to some embodiments of package assembly 100 of the
present invention, the various components (including the container
portion 110, cover portion 130, reinforcing ridge portion 140, and
hinge portion 150, for example) may be composed of one or more
different material types. For example, the container portion 110 of
the package assembly 100 may be formed of a somewhat flexible,
resilient, and/or self-supporting material so as to be capable of
responding to a compressive force 200 (exerted, for example, on
opposing sides 112, 114 of the container portion 110) and deforming
slightly so as to cause the cover portion 130 to flex outwardly
about the flexure axis 142 (as shown in an exemplary side view of
FIG. 2a). For example, the package assembly 100 may comprise a
variety of different polymer compounds that may include, but are
not limited to: polyester; polylactic acid (PLA); polypropylene;
polyethylene terephthalate (PETE); polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
high-density polyethylene (HDPE); low-density polyethylene (LDPE);
and combinations of such materials.
[0044] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it
is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other
embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they
are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
* * * * *