U.S. patent application number 15/271242 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-22 for plastic packaging with tamper evidence.
The applicant listed for this patent is SZP ADVANCED PACHAGING PRODUCTS LTD. Invention is credited to ADNAN ASLAN, MICHAEL SHMELTZER.
Application Number | 20180079568 15/271242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61617797 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180079568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHMELTZER; MICHAEL ; et
al. |
March 22, 2018 |
PLASTIC PACKAGING WITH TAMPER EVIDENCE
Abstract
Plastic packaging including a bottom portion, a complementary
lid formed separately and independently from the bottom portion,
and a tamper evidence lock including a frangible portion, the
tamper evidence lock having a first portion integrally formed with
the lid and a complementary second portion integrally formed with
the bottom portion, for locking the lid to the bottom portion when
the first portion is locked to the second portion forming the
tamper evidence lock, and a method of providing tamper
evidence.
Inventors: |
SHMELTZER; MICHAEL; (KFAR
VRADIM, IL) ; ASLAN; ADNAN; (KFAR MAZRAA,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SZP ADVANCED PACHAGING PRODUCTS LTD |
Shavei Zion |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
61617797 |
Appl. No.: |
15/271242 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/0239 20130101;
B65D 43/162 20130101; B65D 2543/00453 20130101; B65D 2543/00351
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 55/02 20060101
B65D055/02; B65D 43/16 20060101 B65D043/16; B65D 50/00 20060101
B65D050/00; B65D 43/22 20060101 B65D043/22 |
Claims
1. Plastic packaging comprising: a bottom portion; a complementary
lid formed separately and independently from the bottom portion;
and a tamper evidence lock including a frangible portion; the
tamper evidence lock having a first portion integrally formed with
the lid and a complementary second portion integrally formed with
the bottom portion, for locking the lid to the bottom portion when
the first portion is locked to the second portion forming the
tamper evidence lock.
2. The plastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein the lid and
the bottom portion are formed independently by thermoforming.
3. Plastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the first
portion includes a top portion, a frangible portion, and a locking
portion; the top portion defines a depending protrusion; the
locking portion includes a locking recess; the second portion
includes a complementary locking recess on a locking member of the
bottom; and the locking recess in the locking portion is configured
to frictionally engage the complementary locking recess on the
locking member.
4. Plastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the second
portion includes a base portion, frangible portion, and a locking
portion; the base portion defines an upstanding protrusion; and the
locking portion includes a locking recess; the first portion
includes a complementary locking recess on a locking member on the
lid; and the locking recess in the locking portion is configured to
frictionally engage the complementary locking recess on the locking
member.
5. Plastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the first
portion includes a base portion, frangible portion, and a locking
portion; the base portion defines an upstanding protrusion; and the
locking portion includes a locking recess; the second portion
includes a complementary locking recess on a locking member on the
bottom portion; and the locking recess in the locking portion is
configured to frictionally engage the complementary locking recess
on the locking member.
6. Plastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the first
portion includes a locking member on the lid arranged for
interlocking engagement by the snap-fit of its edges under the
tamper evident lock.
7. Plastic packaging according to claim 1, wherein: the
tamper-evident lock includes a first, frangible portion formed on
the lid; and the second portion of the tamper evident lock includes
a recess in the bottom portion; wherein the frangible portion is
disposed in registration with the recess in the bottom portion.
8. The container according to claim 1, wherein: the bottom portion
includes a channel formed in an inner wall of the bottom portion;
and the lid includes an edge configured to frictionally engage the
channel.
9. The container according to claim 1, further comprising an
undercut against which the locking portion of the lock rests for
receiving a distal end of the locking portion, thereby providing
reinforcement to the tamper evident lock.
10. Plastic packaging according to claim 2, wherein: the first
portion includes a top portion, a frangible portion, and a locking
portion; the top portion defines a depending protrusion; the
locking portion includes a locking recess; the second portion
includes a complementary locking recess on a locking member of the
bottom; and the locking recess in the locking portion is configured
to frictionally engage the complementary locking recess on the
locking member.
11. Plastic packaging according to claim 2, wherein: the second
portion includes a base portion, frangible portion, and a locking
portion; the base portion defines an upstanding protrusion; and the
locking portion includes a locking recess; the first portion
includes a complementary locking recess on a locking member on the
lid; and the locking recess in the locking portion is configured to
frictionally engage the complementary locking recess on the locking
member.
12. Plastic packaging according to claim 2, wherein: the first
portion includes a base portion, frangible portion, and a locking
portion; the base portion defines an upstanding protrusion; and the
locking portion includes a locking recess; the second portion
includes a complementary locking recess on a locking member on the
bottom portion; and the locking recess in the locking portion is
configured to frictionally engage the complementary locking recess
on the locking member.
13. Plastic packaging according to claim 2, wherein: the first
portion includes a locking member on the lid arranged for
interlocking engagement by the snap-fit of its edges under the
tamper evident lock.
14. Plastic packaging according to claim 2, wherein: the
tamper-evident lock includes a first, frangible portion formed on
the lid; and the second portion of the tamper evident lock includes
a recess in the bottom portion; wherein the frangible portion is
disposed in registration with the recess in the bottom portion.
15. The container according to claim 1, wherein: the bottom portion
includes a channel formed in an inner wall of the bottom portion;
and the lid includes an edge configured to frictionally engage the
channel.
16. A method for providing tamper evidence for a plastic container,
the method comprising: forming a lid with an integrally formed
first portion of a tamper evident lock; separately and
independently forming a complementary bottom portion with an
integrally formed second portion of the tamper evident lock; the
tamper evident lock including a frangible portion; placing the lid
on the bottom; and lockingly engaging the first portion and the
second portion of the tamper evident lock so as to frangibly lock
the lid to the bottom.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step of lockingly
engaging includes folding one of the first portion and the second
portion of the tamper evident lock until it engages the
complementary portion.
18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising inserting
a distal end of an edge of the lid into an undercut defined in a
portion of the packaging against which the locking portion rests,
thereby providing reinforcement to the tamper evident lock.
19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising inserting
a distal end of an edge of the lid into an undercut defined in a
portion of the packaging against which the locking portion rests,
thereby providing reinforcement to the tamper evident lock.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to plastic packaging, in
general and, in particular, to plastic packaging including tamper
evidence.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional plastic packaging includes a bottom portion,
which is a container that holds the products, and a lid to close
the container. Plastic containers can be formed by several
different technologies. One known technology is thermoforming,
typically vacuum forming. Conventional thermoformed packaging
having tamper evidence includes a single clam shell-like unit
including an integrally manufactured lid and bottom portion, hinged
to one another by a flexible plastic hinge. This means that they
must both be made of the same material, of the same thickness and
the same color.
[0003] A second technology for forming plastic packaging is
injection molding. Plastic containers formed by injection molding
are typically formed of two separate parts, a lid and a bottom
portion, which may be formed of different materials, and/or of
different colors, if desired. However, injection molding for food
packaging requires polypropylene as the raw material and has a very
high tooling cost, so the molds for these containers are very
expensive.
[0004] Many types of tamper evidence are known in packaging that
make unauthorized access to products inside the container easily
detectable. Frangible or break-away locks and one-way pull-tight
and ladder locks which cannot be reattached are also used.
[0005] Tamper evidence can be provided on injection molded and on
thermoformed packaging. Typically, tamper evidence in clamshell
packaging is provided by the hinge portion that connects the two
parts of the clamshell that must be torn in order to open the
packaging. Tamper evidence can also be provided on two part
packaging, typically only on the lid, or only on the bottom part of
the container, a portion of which must be torn off in order to
permit separation of the lid from the bottom portion to open the
packaging.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a long felt need for inexpensive but
effective tamper evidence on a two part packaging, and it would be
very desirable if this tamper evidence lock is arranged on the two
parts of the packaging.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to plastic packaging formed
from a bottom portion and a complementary lid that are separately
and independently formed, preferably, although not necessarily, by
thermoforming. When coupled to one another, the lid and the bottom
portion form a tamper evident lock that must be broken in order to
open the packaging and separate the lid from the bottom portion.
Separately thermoforming the lid and the bottom portion permits the
use of a lid that is significantly thinner than the bottom portion,
resulting in savings in manufacturing costs. In addition, the lid
and the bottom portion can be formed of different materials and/or
of different colors, as desired.
[0008] Thus, there is provided, according to the present invention,
a plastic container including a bottom portion, a complementary lid
formed separately and independently from the bottom portion, and a
tamper evidence lock including a frangible portion. The tamper
evidence lock has a first portion integrally formed with the lid
and a complementary second portion integrally formed with the
bottom portion, for locking the lid to the bottom portion when the
first portion is locked to the second portion forming the tamper
evidence lock.
[0009] According to some embodiments of the invention, the lid and
the bottom portion are formed independently by thermoforming.
[0010] There is also provided, according to embodiments of the
invention, a method for providing tamper evidence for a plastic
container, the method including forming a lid having an integrally
formed first portion of a tamper evident lock, separately and
independently forming a complementary bottom portion having an
integrally formed second portion of the tamper evident lock, the
tamper evident lock including a frangible portion, placing the lid
on the bottom portion, and lockingly engaging the first portion and
the second portion of the tamper evident lock so as to frangibly
lock the lid to the bottom portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention will be further understood and
appreciated from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of tamper-evident plastic
packaging constructed and operative in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the packaging of FIG.
1, once the frangible portion is removed or folded away;
[0014] FIG. 3a is a sectional illustration of the tamper evident
lock of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIGS. 3b to 3e are sectional illustrations of the method of
operation of the tamper evident lock of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4a is a schematic illustration of tamper-evident
plastic packaging constructed and operative in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4b is a schematic illustration of the packaging of FIG.
4a, once the frangible portions are removed or folded away;
[0018] FIGS. 5a to 5d are sectional illustrations of the operation
of the tamper evident lock of FIG. 4a;
[0019] FIG. 6a is a schematic illustration of tamper-evident
plastic packaging constructed and operative in accordance with
another alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 6b and 6c are schematic illustrations of the packaging
of FIG. 6a, once the frangible portions are partially and
completely removed or folded away, respectively;
[0021] FIGS. 7a and 7b are sectional illustrations of the tamper
evident lock of FIGS. 6b and 6c, respectively;
[0022] FIG. 8a is a schematic illustration of tamper-evident
plastic packaging constructed and operative in accordance with a
further alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8b is a schematic illustration of the packaging of FIG.
8a, once the frangible portion is partially and completely removed
or folded away;
[0024] FIG. 8c is a sectional illustration of the tamper evident
lock of FIG. 8a;
[0025] FIG. 9a is a schematic illustration of the packaging of FIG.
8a, once the frangible portion is removed or folded away;
[0026] FIG. 9b is a sectional illustration of the tamper evident
lock of FIG. 8a, once the frangible portion is removed or folded
away;
[0027] FIG. 9c is a schematic illustration of the packaging of FIG.
8a in the open orientation; and
[0028] FIG. 9d is a sectional illustration of the tamper evident
lock of FIG. 9a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention relates to plastic packaging having
tamper evidence. In particular, it relates to plastic packaging
including a bottom portion which contains the goods or products, a
complementary, separately and independently formed lid, and a
tamper evident lock, portions of which are formed on the lid and
complementary portions of which are formed on the bottom portion.
The complementary portions of the tamper evidence lock are locked
to one another after filling the container such that the packaging
can only be opened by breaking the lock. When the lock is broken,
it provides evidence of possible opening of the lid from the bottom
portion. Thus, a frangible plastic lock, that provides tamper
evidence, is formed of two portions complementary to one another,
one integrally formed with the lid and one integrally formed with
the bottom portion and arranged to lock to one another after the
container is filled. Preferably, the edges of the lid fit securely
into an undercut or groove or channel in the inner wall of the
bottom portion or in another relatively inaccessible portion of the
bottom portion. In this way, it is very difficult to insert a
finger or tool and pry, partially or completely, the lid from the
bottom without tearing or removing the frangible portion. In this
way, the lock provides an indication of whether the package has
been opened and the contents possibly tampered with.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic
illustration of tamper-evident packaging 10 constructed and
operative in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Packaging 10 includes a lid 12 and a complementary
bottom portion 14. Lid 12 and bottom portion 14 are formed
individually and independently, preferably, although not
necessarily, by thermoforming. A first portion of a tamper evident
lock is formed on the lid 12 and a second, complementary portion of
the lock is formed on the bottom portion 14. In this embodiment,
the frangible portion of a tamper evident lock 16 is integrally
formed with bottom portion 14. Tamper evident lock 16 includes a
frangible breakaway or foldable component 18 which cannot be
reattached after tearing or bending. Frangible portion 18 may be
defined by perforated or scored lines or lines weakened in any
other known manner. This prevents access to the goods inside the
packaging until the packaging is opened, and demonstrates that the
packaging has not been opened. Once the frangible portion is
removed or folded away, as shown schematically in FIG. 2, the user
can open the packaging by separating the lid from the bottom
portion.
[0031] FIG. 3a is a sectional illustration of the tamper evident
lock 16 of FIG. 1 in use. Goods (not shown) have been inserted into
the packaging bottom portion 14 and the bottom portion is closed
with the lid 12. The second portion of the tamper evident lock 16
that is integrally formed with the bottom portion 14 is sealingly
coupled to the complementary first portion, here illustrated as a
locking member 17 that is integrally formed with the lid 12.
[0032] FIGS. 3b to 3e are sectional illustrations of the method of
locking the tamper evident lock of FIG. 3a. As can be seen most
clearly in FIG. 3b, the second portion of the tamper evident lock
16 of this embodiment includes three portions--a base portion 20, a
frangible portion 18, and a locking portion 22, separated by
weakened lines 23 and 25. Base portion 20 defines an upstanding
protrusion 24. Locking portion 22 includes a locking recess 26
which is configured to frictionally engage a complementary locking
recess 28 on the first portion of the tamper evident lock 16,
namely, a locking member 17 integrally formed with the lid 12.
[0033] When the packaging has been filled (not shown), the lid 12
is placed on the bottom portion 14, such that the edge 13 of the
lid frictionally engages the upper edge 15 of the bottom portion.
See FIGS. 3b to 3e, enlarged illustrations of the tamper evident
lock of FIG. 1. In this position, protrusion 24 of base portion 20
of the tamper evident lock 16 is located beneath and adjacent to
locking recess 28 of the lid. Frangible portion 18 and locking
portion 22 are now folded along scored or perforated or otherwise
weakened lines 23 and 25, and locking recess 26 is pressed into
complementary locking recess 28 until the lid is locked to the
base, as by snap fit of the first and second portions of the tamper
evident lock. The distal end 27 of the locking portion 22 rests
against and engages a portion of the lid. In this way, the lid
cannot be separated from the bottom portion and the tamper evident
lock cannot be disengaged and unfolded without breaking the
frangible portion 18. If desired, the tamper evident lock can be
further strengthened by defining an undercut (not shown) in the
portion of the lid against which locking portion 22 rests and
locking portion 22 can be slightly longer than the locking member
17. In this way, the distal end 27 of locking portion 22 can be
inserted into the undercut, thereby providing reinforcement to the
tamper evident lock.
[0034] FIGS. 4a to 5d are schematic illustrations of tamper-evident
packaging 30 constructed and operative in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4a is a
schematic illustration of tamper-evident packaging 30 in a closed
and locked orientation. Packaging 30 includes a lid 32 and a bottom
portion 34. Lid 32 and bottom portion 34 are formed, individually
and independently, preferably, although not necessarily, by
thermoforming. A first portion of a tamper evident lock is formed
on the lid 32 and a second portion of the lock is formed on the
bottom portion 34. Packaging 30 is similar to packaging 10 but the
frangible portion of tamper-evident lock 36 is integrally formed
with lid 32 instead of with bottom portion 34. Tamper evident lock
36 includes a frangible breakaway or foldable component 38 which
cannot be reattached after tearing or bending. Frangible portion 38
may be perforated or scored or weakened in any known manner. This
prevents access to the goods inside the packaging until desired,
and demonstrates that the packaging has not been opened. In the
illustrated embodiment, two tamper-evident locks 36 are provided,
one on either side of the packaging.
[0035] In order to gain access to the goods (not shown) in the
bottom portion 34 of the packaging of FIG. 4a, the frangible
portion 38 must be torn and removed. Once the frangible portion is
removed or folded away, as shown schematically in FIG. 4b, the user
can open the packaging by separating the lid from the bottom
portion.
[0036] FIGS. 5a to 5d are sectional illustrations of the tamper
evident lock of FIG. 4b. The first portion of tamper evident lock
36 of this embodiment includes three sections--a top section 40, a
frangible section 38 and a locking section 42. Top section 40
defines a depending protrusion 44. Locking section 42 includes a
locking recess 46 which is configured to frictionally engage a
complementary locking recess 48 on the locking member 37 of the
second portion of the lock, on the bottom portion 34.
[0037] When the packaging has been filled (not shown), the lid 32
is placed on the bottom portion 34 such that the edge 33 of the lid
frictionally engages a channel 35 formed by the upper edge of the
bottom portion. In this position, protrusion 44 of top portion 40
of the tamper evident lock 36 is disposed above and adjacent to
locking recess 48 of the bottom portion. Frangible portion 38 and
locking portion 42 are now folded along scored or perforated or
otherwise weakened lines 43 and 45 and locking recess 46 is pressed
into complementary locking recess 48 until the lid is locked to the
bottom portion by the tamper evident lock, as seen in FIGS. 5c and
5d. The distal end 47 of the locking portion 42 rests against and
engages a depending skirt on locking member 37 of the lid.
[0038] If desired, the tamper evident lock can be further
strengthened by defining an undercut (not shown) in the portion of
the lid against which locking portion 42 rests and locking portion
42 can be slightly longer than the locking member 37. In this way,
the distal end 47 of locking portion 42 can be inserted into the
undercut, thereby providing reinforcement to the tamper evident
lock.
[0039] It will be appreciated that, in these embodiments, the
tamper evident lock is structured in such a way as to allow the
user to bend or shape it into place. Once it is snap-fit or pressed
into place, there is no access to edges of the packaging to permit
someone to separate the lid from the bottom portion and the tamper
evident lock cannot be disengaged and unfolded without breaking the
frangible portion.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 6a to 7b, there are shown schematic
illustrations of tamper-evident packaging 50 constructed and
operative in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
present invention. Packaging 50 includes a lid 52 and a separately
and independently formed bottom portion 54. Packaging 50 preferably
is formed by thermoforming, although other methods of manufacture
can, alternatively, be employed. Packaging 50 includes a tamper
evident lock 56, a first portion thereof being formed on lid 52 and
a second portion thereof being formed on bottom portion 54. Tamper
evident lock 56 includes a frangible breakaway or foldable portion
58, which may be perforated or scored or weakened in any known
manner. In this embodiment, frangible portion 58 is integrally
formed with bottom portion 54. A locking member 57 on the lid is
arranged for interlocking engagement by the snap-fit of its edges
under the tamper evident lock. Once the frangible portion is
removed or folded away, as shown in FIG. 6c, the user can open the
packaging by separating the lid from the bottom portion.
[0041] FIGS. 7a and 7b are sectional illustrations of the tamper
evident lock of FIG. 6a. As can be seen, tamper evident lock 56 of
this embodiment includes three sections--a base section 60,
frangible section 58, and a locking recess 62. When the packaging
has been filled (not shown), the lid 52 is placed on the bottom
portion 54. As the lid is pressed into place, locking member 57
engages locking recess 62 and creates the tamper-evident lock. In
this way, the lid cannot be separated from the bottom portion and
the tamper evident lock cannot be disengaged and unfolded without
breaking the frangible portion.
[0042] FIGS. 8a to 8c are schematic illustrations of tamper-evident
packaging 70 constructed and operative in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention in a sealed
orientation. Packaging 70 includes a lid 72 and a separately and
independently formed bottom portion 80. Packaging 70 preferably is
formed by thermoforming, although other methods of manufacture can,
alternatively, be employed. Bottom portion 80 defines a peripheral
channel 82 and a central recess 84 for receiving goods to be
packaged. Lid 72 is an integral lid having three parts. A sealing
portion 74 is substantially coextensive with the bottom portion 80.
Sealing portion 74 includes a depending ridge 76 adapted and
configured to frictionally and sealingly engage peripheral channel
82 of the bottom portion. An openable and re-closable portion 78 of
lid 72 is affixed by a hinge 79 to sealing portion 74. Lid 72 also
includes a tamper-evident lock 90 having a first, frangible portion
92 formed on the lid. Frangible portion 92 is disposed in
registration with a recess 86 in bottom portion 80, which serves as
a second portion of the tamper evident lock 90.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 9a to 9d, breaking frangible portion 92 of
tamper-evident lock 90 permits openable portion 78 of lid 72 to be
separated or torn from sealing portion 74 to provide access to
goods inside central recess 84. Frangible breakaway or foldable
portion 92 may be perforated or scored or weakened in any known
manner.
[0044] It will be appreciated that, since the lid and the bottom
portion of the packaging of the present invention are separately
and independently formed, they can be formed of different
materials, of the same material but of different thicknesses, of
different colors or textures, or in any other fashion that is
desired. Suitable materials include not only polypropylene, but
also MPET, polystyrene, and other suitable polymers. In addition, a
heat-sealed foil can be provided to cover goods in the packaging
before the lid is sealed to the bottom portion, if desired. This is
the case for any of the embodiments described or illustrated
herein.
[0045] It will further be appreciated that, in each of the
embodiments of the invention, tamper evidence is provided by a
tamper evidence lock having a first portion integrally formed with
the lid and a second portion integrally formed with the bottom
portion. When the first portion is locked to the second portion,
the tamper evidence lock is created between the lid and the bottom
portion. The tamper evidence lock includes a frangible portion
which, when broken, provides access to an edge of the lid so that
the lid to be removed from the bottom portion to open the
packaging, and provides evidence that the packaging has been
opened.
[0046] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
variations, modifications and other applications of the invention
may be made. It will further be appreciated that the invention is
not limited to what has been described hereinabove merely by way of
example. Rather, the invention is limited solely by the claims
which follow.
* * * * *