U.S. patent application number 14/842842 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-02 for tamper-evident container structure.
The applicant listed for this patent is SOUTH PLASTIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Tong-Chang Wang.
Application Number | 20170057706 14/842842 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58097471 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170057706 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Tong-Chang |
March 2, 2017 |
TAMPER-EVIDENT CONTAINER STRUCTURE
Abstract
Disclosed is a tamper-evident container for food storage that
uses a round male to female post lock on a single corner. After the
cover is locked to the tray base, it requires breaking the corner
tray tab to open the container. This tab tear off provides positive
evidence of container opening to indicate the container has been
opened or tampered with.
Inventors: |
Wang; Tong-Chang; (NEW
TAIPEI CITY, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SOUTH PLASTIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD. |
NEW TAIPEI CITY |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
58097471 |
Appl. No.: |
14/842842 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/0254 20130101;
B65D 2401/10 20200501; B65D 1/34 20130101; B65D 43/0237
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/02 20060101
B65D043/02; B65D 1/34 20060101 B65D001/34 |
Claims
1. A tamper-evident container structure, comprising: a plastic tray
base, which has a side that is open and an opposite side that is
closed, the plastic tray base having an interior space in which at
least one stop block is formed in such a way that the stop block
circumferentially extends along an inner circumference of the
plastic tray base, the plastic tray base having an outer
circumference on which a first flange is formed in such a way that
the first flange circumferentially extends around the plastic tray
base; a cover, which is coupled to the open surface of the plastic
tray base to selectively close the plastic tray base, the cover
having an outer circumference on which a second flange is formed in
such a way that the second flange circumferentially extends around
the cover and at least one downward-projecting block formed inboard
and at an inner side of the second flange, the length and width of
the second flange being smaller than the length and width of the
first flange; at least one first protrusion, which is formed at a
predetermined location on the circumference of the plastic tray
base, the first protrusion comprising at least one tear-off section
formed at a predetermined location thereof, at least one
perforation line being formed at a connection between the tear-off
section and the first protrusion, a cut-off section being formed
between the tear-off section and the plastic tray base, the
tear-off section comprising at least one first post and a first
recess formed at a predetermined location thereof; and at least one
second protrusion, which is formed at a predetermined location on
the circumference of the cover, the second protrusion comprising at
least one second post and a second recess formed at a predetermined
location thereof, the second post and the first post being
engageable with each other to tightly couple the first protrusion
and the second protrusion to each other, mating engagement between
the first recess and the second recess making the second protrusion
received and embedded in the first recess so as to effectively
prevent a user from lifting off the cover by means of the second
protrusion using a finger nail or a pry tool.
2. The tamper-evident container structure according to claim 1,
wherein the first protrusion is arranged at a location on one side,
one end, or one corner of the circumference of the plastic tray
base, the first protrusion having a middle section in which the
tear-off section is formed, the second protrusion being arranged at
a location on one side, one end, or one corner of the circumference
of the cover.
3. The tamper-evident container structure according to claim 2,
wherein the first post is formed on an undersurface of the tear-off
section, the first post having a lower portion on which the
engagement block is formed to surround the first post, the second
post being formed on an undersurface of the second protrusion, the
second post having a lower portion on which the projection block is
formed to surround the second post, the projection block and the
engagement block being engageable with each other to couple the
first post and the second post to each other so as to have the
first protrusion and the second protrusion tightly coupled to each
other.
4. The tamper-evident container structure according to claim 2,
wherein the plastic tray base has a shape of one of a circle, a
trapezoid, a rectangle, and a triangle.
5. The tamper-evident container structure according to claim 2,
wherein the cover has a shape of one of a circle, a trapezoid, a
rectangle, and a triangle.
6. (canceled)
7. The tamper-evident container structure according to claim 3,
wherein the first post is a raised triangular block.
8. The tamper-evident container structure according to claim 3,
wherein the second post is a raised triangular block.
9. The tamper-evident container structure according to claim 3,
wherein the first post is formed on a surface of the tear-off
section and the second post is formed on a surface of the second
protrusion, the projection block and the engagement block being
engageable with each other to couple the first post and the second
post to each other to have the first protrusion and the second
protrusion tightly coupled to each other.
Description
(a) TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a tamper-evident
container structure, which comprises a plastic tray base and a
cover that are attachable to each other with a first post and a
second post coupled to each other, wherein the plastic tray base is
provided on a circumference thereof with a first flange that is
greater than a second flange provided along a circumference of the
cover, so that unauthorized opening of the cover is prevented,
unless a tear-off section that is formed at a predetermined
location on a first protrusion with perforation lines provided on
opposite sides of the tear-off section and a cut-off section formed
between the perforation lines and the plastic tray base is torn to
allow for opening and lifting of the cover, thereby providing a
tamper evident effect.
(b) DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] Various plastic containers that are made through vacuum
forming are available, including boxes, cups, or bowls, which are
fit for storage of food for keeping the food fresh. Such products
are generally made of clear materials, allowing general consumers
to see therethrough to observe food therein when they intend to
purchase the food and this eliminates unnecessary arguing and
quarrels after the sale. However, to inspect the food contained in
such a container is intact and fresh, some consumers may open,
without permission and authorization, the container to directly
inspect the food. Some of such food containers, after being opened
by the consumers, are not properly sealed to the original condition
so that the food contained therein may get contaminated or spoiled.
In addition, this may also lead to damage of the plastic container
and affects the outside appearance of the container. Further, if it
is not timely recognized that the package container has been
tampered and opened, deterioration of the food contained therein
would cause a waste of food and is also an economic burden of the
shops.
[0003] Although temper evident containers are known, the
conventional tamper evident containers often have a locking method
that permits defeating the temper evident features using finger
nails or pry tool to lift the covet.
[0004] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to
provide a tamper-evident container, which provides a tamper evident
effect to eliminate the drawbacks and deficiency of the prior art
devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Thus, to prevent damage of the outside appearance of a
plastic container and food contained in the container losing
freshness resulting from unauthorized opening and tampering of the
plastic container, the primary object of the present invention is
to provide a tamper-evident container structure, which comprises a
plastic tray base, a cover, a first protrusion section, a second
protrusion section, a first post, a second post, perforation lines,
and a cut-off section to provide a tamper indicating effect of
ready identification of unauthorized opening or tampering.
[0006] To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides
a tamper-evident container structure, which generally comprises a
plastic tray base, the plastic tray base having one surface that is
open and an opposite surface that is closed, the plastic tray base
having an interior space in which at least one stop block is formed
in such a way that the stop block circumferentially extends along
an inner circumference of the plastic tray base, the plastic tray
base having an outer circumference on which a first flange is
formed in such a way that the first flange circumferentially
extends around the plastic tray base;
[0007] a cover, which is coupled to the open surface of the plastic
tray base to selectively close the plastic tray base, the cover
having an outer circumference on which a second flange is formed in
such a way that the second flange circumferentially extends around
the cover and at least one downward-projecting block formed inboard
and at an inner side of the second flange, length and width of the
second flange being smaller than length and width of the first
flange;
[0008] at least one first protrusion, which is formed at a
predetermined location on the circumference of the plastic tray
base, the first protrusion comprising at least one tear-off section
formed at a predetermined location thereof, at least one
perforation line being formed at a connection between the tear-off
section and the first protrusion, a cut-off section being formed
between the tear-off section and the plastic tray base, the
tear-off section comprising at least one first post formed at a
predetermined location thereof and a first recess; and
[0009] at least one second protrusion, which is formed at a
predetermined location on the circumference of the cover, the
second protrusion comprising at least one second post formed at a
predetermined location thereof and a second recess, the second post
and the first post being engageable with each other to tightly
couple the first protrusion and the second protrusion to each
other, the first recess and the second recess being in mating
engagement with each other.
[0010] In the above-described first protrusion, the first
protrusion has a middle section that comprises the tear-off section
formed therein.
[0011] In the above-described tear-off section, the first post is
formed on a surface of the tear-off section.
[0012] In the above-described first post, the first post has a
lower portion on which an engagement block is formed to
circumferentially extend along an inner circumference of the first
post and the first post is a raised triangular block.
[0013] In the above-described second protrusion, the second post is
formed on a surface of the second protrusion.
[0014] In the above-described second post, the second post has a
lower end on which a projection block is formed to
circumferentially surround the second post and the second post is a
raised triangular block, so that engagement between the projection
block and the engagement block couples the first post and the
second post to each other.
[0015] In the above-described first recess, the first recess is
arranged in a portion of the tear-off section of the first
protrusion that is put into engagement with the second
protrusion.
[0016] In the above-described second recess, the second recess is
arranged in a portion of the second protrusion that is put into
engagement with the tear-off section.
[0017] The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief
introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these
and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention
itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the
art, the following detailed description of the invention and the
claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical
reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.
[0018] Many other advantages and features of the present invention
will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making
reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets
of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment
incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by
way of illustrative example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a portion of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a recess of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a use of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a use of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an embodiment of posts of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an embodiment of protrusions
of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an embodiment of a plastic
tray base and a cover of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The following descriptions are exemplary embodiments only,
and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following
description provides a convenient illustration for implementing
exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the
described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement
of the elements described without departing from the scope of the
invention as set forth in the appended claims.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, which are respectively a
perspective view and an exploded view of the present invention, as
shown in the drawings, the present invention generally comprises a
plastic tray base 1. The plastic tray base 1 has one surface that
is open and an opposite surface that is closed. The plastic tray
base 1 has an interior space in which at least one stop block 11 is
formed in such a way that the stop block 11 circumferentially
extends along an inner circumference of the plastic tray base 1.
The plastic tray base 1 has an outer circumference on which a first
flange 12 is formed in such a way that the first flange 12
circumferentially extends around the plastic tray base 1.
[0031] A cover 2 is coupled to the open surface of the plastic tray
base 1 to selectively close the plastic tray base 1. The cover 2
has an outer circumference on which a second flange 21 is formed in
such a way that the second flange 21 circumferentially extends
around the cover 2 and at least one downward-projecting block 22
formed inboard and at an inner side of the second flange 21. Length
and width of the second flange 21 are smaller than length and width
of the first flange 12.
[0032] At least one first protrusion 3 is formed at a predetermined
location on the circumference of the plastic tray base 1. The first
protrusion 3 has a middle section in which at least one tear-off
section 31 is formed. At least one perforation line 32 is formed at
a connection between the tear-off section 31 and the first
protrusion 3 and a cut-off section 33 is formed between the
tear-off section 31 and the plastic tray base 1. At least one first
post 34 is formed on a surface of the tear-off section 31. The
tear-off section 31 is provided, at a predetermined location
thereof, with a first recess 35.
[0033] At least one second protrusion 4 is formed at a
predetermined location on the circumference of the cover 2. At
least one second post 41 is formed on a surface of the second
protrusion 4. The second protrusion 4 is provided, at a
predetermined location thereof, with a second recess 42. The second
post 41 and the first post 34 are structured to mate and thus in
coupled engagement with each other to couple the first protrusion 3
and the second protrusion 4 to each other. The first recess 35 and
the second recess 42 are in mating engagement with each other.
[0034] In the structure of the first post 34 described above, the
first post 34 has a lower portion that comprises an engagement
block 341, which, defining a groove, circumferentially extends
along an inner circumference of the first post 34. The first post
34 may be a triangular raised block.
[0035] In the structure of the second post 41 described above, the
second post 41 is a triangular raised block and the second post 41
has a lower portion that comprises a projection block 411 formed
thereon to circumferentially surround the second post 41. Mutual
mating engagement between the projection block 411 and the
engagement block 341 couples and joins the first post 34 and the
second post 41 to each other.
[0036] In the structure of the first recess described above, the
first recess is arranged in a portion of the tear-off section of
the first protrusion that is put into engagement with the second
protrusion.
[0037] In the structure of the second recess described above, the
second recess is arranged in a portion of the second protrusion
that is put into engagement with the tear-off section.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, which are respectively a
schematic view showing a portion of the present invention and a
cross-sectional view showing a portion of the present invention, as
shown in the drawings, the plastic tray base 1 is closed and sealed
through tight engagement between the stop block 11 and the
downward-projecting block 22 and between the first flange 12 and
the second flange 21. In addition, the projection block 411 that is
formed on the upper portion of the first post 34 and
circumferentially surrounding the first post 34 and the engagement
block 341 that is arranged on the upper portion of the second post
41 and circumferentially extends and surrounds an inner
circumference of the second post 41 are structured to allow the
projection block 411 and the engagement block 341 to mate and
engage each other so as to couple the first post 34 and the second
post 41 to each other thereby coupling the first protrusion 3 and
the second protrusion 4 together to effectively and hermetically
combine the plastic tray base 1 and the cover 2.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, which is a schematic view illustrating a
recess of the present invention, as shown in the drawing, the
tear-off section 31 of the first protrusion 3 is provided with the
first recess 35 at the connection thereof with the second
protrusion 4; and the second protrusion 4 is provided with the
second recess 42 at the connection thereof with the tear-off
section 31. Mating engagement between the first recess 5 and the
second recess 6 makes the section protrusion 4 received and
embedded in the first recess 35 so as to effectively prevent a user
from lifting off the cover 2 by means of the second protrusion 4
using finger nails or pry tool, thereby achieving a tamper
indicating effect.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, which are views illustrating a
use of the present invention, as shown in the drawings, the first
protrusion 3 and the second protrusion 4 are coupled together
through coupling between the first post 34 and the second post 41.
In an attempt to open the cover 2, a user applies a force to the
first protrusion 3 in a downward direction and also applies a force
to the tear-off section 31 in an upward direction so that the
forces that are opposite to each other and respectively in the
upward and downward directions cause the tear-off section 31 to be
torn along the perforation line 32 to the cut-off section 33 and
thus lifted upward. Once the tear-off section 31 is completely
torn, the cover 2 is free to open and lift. As such, positive
evidence is provided for tampering indication of unauthorized
opening and access.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 8, which is a view illustrating an
embodiment of the posts of the present invention, as shown in the
drawing, the first post 34 is formed on a surface of the tear-off
section 31 and the first post 34 has an upper portion that
comprises a projection block 411 that circumferentially surrounds
the first post 34. The second post 41 is provided on a surface of
the second protrusion 4 and the second post 41 has an upper section
that comprises an engagement block 341 circumferentially
surrounding the second post 41. Mating engagement between the
projection block 411 and the engagement block 341 couples the first
post 34 and the second post 41 to each other so as to have the
first protrusion 3 and the second protrusion 4 tightly coupled to
each other.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 9, which is a view illustrating another
embodiment of the protrusions of the present invention, as shown in
the drawing, the first protrusion 3 is arranged at one side, one
corner, or any location of the plastic tray base 1 and the second
protrusion 4 is correspondingly arranged at one side, one corner,
or any location of the cover 2. Coupling achieved between the first
post 34 and the second post 41 couples the first protrusion 3 and
the second protrusion 4 to each other to provide the same effect as
described above.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 10, which is a view illustrating another
embodiment of the plastic tray base and the cover of the present
invention, as shown in the drawing, the plastic tray base 1 and the
cover 2 are connected to each other in a pivoting manner at one
side thereof for effectively closing or opening the plastic tray
base 1.
[0044] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above, or two or more together may also find a useful application
in other types of methods differing from the type described
above.
[0045] While certain novel features of this invention have been
shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is
not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be
understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and
changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in
its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing in any way from the claims of the present invention.
* * * * *