Patent Application
20100140267
1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention is directed to containers and packaging, and more particularly, to containers and packaging that include an integrally formed hang tab for use in suspending the container/package for display, and still more particularly to tamper-resistant containers or packages that include an integrally molded hang tab which can be removed when the package is initially opened by the consumer.
2. Background of the Related Art
Disposable containers for packaging, distributing, displaying or otherwise housing consumer items, especially perishable foods, are becoming increasingly important. Historically, perishable products had to be brought to market and sold quickly before exposure to the atmosphere caused the products to lose their freshness.
The advent of plastics resulted in many products being wrapped or packaged in plastic, both in the form of flexible plastic bags and solid plastic containers. The use of plastics in the modern-day convenience food industry has significantly improved the “shelf life” of perishable products, allowing both merchants and their customers to store the products for longer periods of time, resulting in substantial savings.
It has been found that consumers like recloseable packages, particularly for comestible products, especially in circumstances where more than one serving of a comestible product is contained therein, in order to reduce drying out or other deterioration of the comestible food product. In addition, consumers prefer to visually inspect the food product within such containers prior to purchase. Thus, fabricating containers from clear see-through plastics is desirable. For example, packaging provided for bakery goods has often been in the form of clear, plastic clamshell packaging, because, among other things, such clear, plastic clamshell packaging provides a baked-on-the-premises image which grocery retailers have found to be especially appealing to consumers.
Typically, plastic containers will include a fairly rigid lid and base, although they may be subject to some amount of flexure. The lid provided must be capable of properly and effectively sealing the container, yet the container must be constructed so that the lid is relatively easy to remove, and even replace, since it is expected that the container and lid would normally be reused.
In addition to the aforementioned consumer design preferences, it is desirable to fabricate containers that include features which either deter unauthorized tampering or clearly indicate whether unauthorized tampering has occurred, or both. These tamper-resistant/evident features typically include structural elements which, when the container is tampered with or opened without authorization, enable the consumer to easily visually recognize such tampering so that the product can then be rejected. Such tamper-resistant/evident elements are important for, among other things, deterring theft and preventing the loss of product and income for the seller, as well as instilling consumer confidence in the integrity of the contents within the container and confidence in the ability of the seller and/or manufacturer to provide and maintain quality goods.
Additionally, in many instances it is desirable to display the products by hanging the packaging from a hook or hanger arm. U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,882 discloses a combination transparent container and hanging tag. The container has a hinged lid and a product-receiving base. The hang tag is of one piece foldable material and is dimensioned to be folded at one end within the container and at its other end folded so as to pass outside of the container between the lid and the base walls. Such a construction is considered disadvantageous for several reasons. First, the container assembly is a two-part construction and therefore must be assembled prior to the insertion of the product, thereby increasing packaging costs. Second, the cumbersome hang tag remains associated with the container even after the sale of the product to a consumer and the initial opening of the package.
Thus, there is a compelling interest in the development of containers having consumer-preferable design elements, such as recloseability features which are reliable and easy to operate, along with tamper-resistant/evident features that deter tampering and clearly indicate whether tampering has occurred, and which are also reliable without being burdensome to the legitimate consumer. Moreover, it is desirable to provide such containers with an economical mechanism for displaying the product using a hook or hanger. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to containers that meets these needs.
The present invention meets the aforementioned needs, while also improving upon and solving problems associated with previous containers by providing a product container that includes, inter alia, a cover portion and a base portion, wherein the cover portion and the base portion are adapted and configured to engage about their periphery and form a product storage compartment. The container also includes a hinge section that joins the cover portion with the base portion and allows the cover portion to articulate between an open position wherein the cover portion is spaced apart from the base portion to a closed position wherein the cover is engaged with the base portion.
The container further includes an integrally formed hang tab which projects from either the base portion or the cover portion of the product container and includes mechanism for suspending the container from a hook when the cover portion is in the closed position. The hang tab is formed at least in part from material scavenged from the hinge section of the container. In certain constructions the hang tab is formed exclusively from material scavenged from the hinge section and in alternative constructions, material can be scavenged from the base portion and/or the cover portion. It is presently envisioned that the hang tab is connected to the base portion through a fold line. In alternative constructions, the hang tab connected to the base portion or cover portion through a score line. Preferably, the hang tab defines an aperture which is adapted and configured for receiving a display hook.
In certain constructions of the present invention, the hinge section includes at least one frangible strip for facilitating separation of the cover portion from the base portion. It is envisioned that the at least one frangible strip of the hinge section is delimited at least in part by a pair of parallel score lines.
In a preferred embodiment, the cover portion and the base portion are adapted and configured to lock together about their periphery by way of a circumferential engagement mechanism which prevents the container from being opened until the at least one frangible strip of the hinge section is ruptured.
It is presently envisioned that the cover section includes an outwardly extending flange and the base portion includes an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about its perimeter and configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the cover is in the closed position.
In a presently preferred embodiment, a skirt depends downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the base portion, and the hinge section extends from a lower edge of the skirt to an outwardly extending flange of the cover portion.
In certain constructions, the cover portion and the base portion of the container have a generally circular configuration. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other shapes can be utilized for the container without departing from the inventive aspects of the present invention.
The present invention is also directed to tamper-resistant/evident container that includes, inter alia, a cover portion that includes an outwardly extending peripheral flange; a base portion having an upper peripheral edge; a hinge that joins the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion with the base portion; and a hang tab that projects from the base section. The hang tab includes structure for suspending the container from a hook when the container is closed; and the hang tab is formed at least in part from material scavenged from the hinge.
In certain constructions, the upper peripheral edge of the base portion further includes an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion which is configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed.
Preferably, a skirt depends downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the base portion, and the hinge extends from a lower edge of the skirt to the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion.
In a preferred embodiment of the tamper-resistant/evident container, the hinge includes a frangible section, which upon severing facilitates the removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container. Preferably, the frangible section of the hinge is further delimited by a plurality of spaced apart notches associated with the score lines.
It is envisioned that the cover portion and the base portion can have a generally circular configuration. Alternatively, the cover portion and the base portion can have a generally rectangular configuration.
Preferably, the container is capable of being resealed in a substantially leak resistant manner after a portion of the frangible section of the hinge is removed to open the container.
The present invention is also directed to a tamper-resistant/evident container that includes a cover portion having an outwardly extending peripheral flange; a base portion having an upper peripheral edge, wherein the cover portion and base portion are adapted and configured to lock together about their periphery by way of a circumferential engagement mechanism.
The container further includes a hinge joining the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion with the base portion, the hinge including a frangible section, which upon severing, provides an arm extending outwardly from the base portion for facilitating removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.
A hang tab projects from the base section of the container and defines an aperture for enabling the container to be suspended from a hook when the cover portion is in the closed position; wherein the hang tab is formed at least in part from material scavenged from the hinge of the container.
It is envisioned that the container can further include an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed.
Still further, the present invention is directed to a thermoformed plastic tamper-resistant/evident container the includes, inter alia, a cover portion including an outwardly extending peripheral flange; a base portion including an upper peripheral edge; and a hinge joining the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion with the base portion. The container further includes a hang tab projecting from either the base portion or the cover portion of the product container for use in displaying the container when the cover section is in the closed position. In certain constructions, the container is made from a polymeric material and the hang tab is formed at least in part from material scavenged from the hinge.
It is envisioned that the polymeric material can be chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephtalate and combinations thereof. However other currently existing or newly created polymers or synthetic materials can be used, such as polylactic acid based polymers which include impact modifiers.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the drawings.
So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject invention pertains will more readily understand how to make and use the tamper-resistant/evident package disclosed herein, embodiments thereof will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, wherein:
The advantages of a tamper-resistant/evident container constructed in accordance with the present invention will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred and exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments thereof, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Unless otherwise apparent, or stated, directional references, such as “right,” “left,” “upper,” “lower,” “outward,” “inward,” etc., are intended to be relative to the orientation of a particular embodiment of the invention as shown in the first numbered view of that embodiment. In addition, a given reference numeral indicates the same or similar structure when it appears in different figures and like reference numerals identify similar structural elements and/or features of the subject invention.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject invention illustrated in
In use, container 10 would be filled with the contents for which consumer protection is desired and cover portion 12 would be engaged with base portion 14. In accordance with the present invention, cover portion 12 and base portion 14 include structural features that facilitate the formation of a non-permanent engagement between cover portion 12 to base portion 14.
In this embodiment, the non-permanent engagement between cover portion 12 and base portion 14 is facilitated by, among other things, a peripheral locking shoulder 20 and an radially inward circumferential groove 22 formed below an outwardly extending peripheral flange 24 on cover portion 12, which can be seated within a corresponding mating circumferential recess 26 on base portion 14. Circumferential recess 26 on base portion 14 is formed below an upper peripheral rim 28 and includes a radially inward projecting rib 30 and a radially inwardly extending rim 32.
When cover portion 12 is closed on base portion 14, projecting rib 30 mates with circumferential groove 22 on cover portion 12 and extending rim 32 mates with locking shoulder 20 on cover portion 12. In addition, outwardly extending peripheral flange 24 on cover portion 12 abuts upper peripheral rim 28 on base portion 14.
Container 10 incorporates features which are intended to prevent and deter opening container 10 without first removing frangible strip 18 from hinge 16. In this embodiment, container 10 includes an upwardly projecting bead 34 on base portion 14 that extends substantially about the perimeter of peripheral rim 28 and is positioned to surround the outer edge of flange 24 of cover portion 12 when container 10 is closed. The position and upward extension of bead 34 is configured to hinder the relatively easy method of removing a cover from conventional containers that may resemble or have characteristics in common with container 10. As can be best viewed in
Hinge 16 includes an upper outwardly projecting arm 36 connected to base portion 14, and a similar lower outwardly projecting arm 38, which is connected to cover portion 12. In particular, upper arm 36 is connected with a skirt 40 that projects downward from upper peripheral rim 28 and radially outward with respect to base portion 14. Lower arm 38 is connected with the peripheral flange 24. Upper and lower arms 36 and 38 are joined together by a common attachment to frangible strip 18 to form hinge 16.
Preferably, frangible strip 18 is delimited at least in part by a pair of parallel score lines 42a, 42b or areas that have been weakened or stressed during the forming process. Frangible strip 18 may be further delimited by a plurality of spaced apart areas in which material has been removed associated with the score lines, by a plurality of spaced apart depressions associated with the score lines, or by perforation lines. The width and depth of the areas and/or depressions can vary to control the tear resistance offered by frangible strip 18. Alternatively, the integral hinge 16 could be formed with a single score line or perforation line, rather than a pair of score lines. In this instance, the single score line could be severed to create a pair of projections which would be used to open the container.
In this embodiment, strip 18 includes laterally opposed grasping tabs 44a and 44b to provide a convenient location for gripping strip 18. Preferably, instructional indicia is imprinted on strip 18 to facilitate its removal from hinge 16 and/or consumer understanding of the significance of its removal as it relates to product tampering. Strip 18 and/or the instructional indicia preferably thereon can be colored or embossed, or otherwise fabricated to direct attention thereto.
As can be best viewed in
The presence of bead 34 prevents unauthorized access to the contents of container 10 by making it difficult to pull cover portion 12 from base portion 14. If access to container 10 is desired, strip 18 must be removed so that upper and lower arms 36 and 38 are free to be used to leverage cover portion 12 from base portion 14. Cover portion 12 may be replaced on base portion 14 after container 10 is opened. Strip 18, however, once removed, is not replaceable. Thus, removal of strip 18 functions as a clear indicator of possible tampering, in that if strip 18 is partially or fully removed prior to purchase, it is readily apparent to a consumer that someone may have already gained access to the contents of container 10.
The lateral separation L1 between blades 46a, 46b is in this embodiment about 0.36 inches. The length L2 of blades 46a, 46b is about 2.25 inches. Blades 46a, 46b include an offset recessed portion 48 with a series of substantially similar nicks 50 cut therein between cutting edges 52. The width L3 of cutting edges 52 is preferably 0.36 inches. Preferably, the offset L4 between recessed portion 48 and cutting edges 52 is approximately 0.001 inches.
In this embodiment, blade 46a includes seven (7) nicks 50 while blade 46b includes eight (8) nicks 50. The nicks 50 on blade 46a are offset with respect to the nicks 50 on blade 46b, which results in a desirable zipper-like effect when removing strip 18. Preferably, nicks 50 are triangular shaped, about 0.010 inches deep and about 0.020 inches wide, and define an approximately 90 degree angle at its deepest convergence point 54. The length L5 between nicks 50, as measured between the respective convergence points 54 of adjacent nicks 50, is approximately 0.252 inches. The length L6 between the respective convergence points 54 of adjacent offset nicks 50 on blade 46b is about 0.126 inches. The length L7 of blades 46a, 46b is about 0.1 inches, and each blade edge defines an angle of about 45 degrees.
It should be readily understood that a container constructed in accordance with the present invention, which is preferably a plastic container used for carrying edible items, can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be formed from resins or plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate (“PETE”), as well as other suitable materials which are currently existing or newly developed or combinations thereof. For example, the container can be formed using a polylactic acid based material, and preferable one that includes an impact modifier. The forming process can also vary to include methods such as thermo-forming, injection molding or blow molding. The container can be transparent or translucent, and may be colored in either instance. Also, vents can be provided in the container to promote airflow therethrough, if appropriate based on the intended contents of the container.
Preferably, container 10 is formed from a roll of PETE subjected to a vacuum and pressure mold with plug assist. During manufacture, blades 46a, 46b of
For example, various other methods can be employed to form frangible strip 18 of hinge 16. For example, score lines, nicks or penetrations can be created with the molding tool itself during the forming step. Alternatively, a high die forming process can be employed where, after the forming step, the container is indexed to a trim station, where one or more knives liberate the container and create the score lines or perforations. Also, an intermittent cutter can be employed between the forming step or the trim step, a progressive punch and die operation can be employed, or a numerically controlled laser can be employed to create the nicks. It is also envisioned that electro-mechanical, ultra-sonic or hydrodynamic systems can be employed in the forming process.
Container 10 could also be formed with locking arrangements known in the art other than the tamper-resistant/evident closure of the subject invention, such as traditional male and female locking features.
Referring to
Container 110 includes embossed or raised patterned sections 156a and 156b on opposing tabs 144a and 144b of strip 118, respectively, to facilitate removal of strip 118. Patterned sections 158a and 158b are also disposed on opposing sides of upper arm 136 to facilitate separation of cover portion 112 from base portion 114. Instructional indicia can be imprinted on upper arm 136 between patterned sections 158a and 158b.
In this embodiment, score line 142b is situated on hinge 116 to define two tabs 160a and 160b which are connected with lower arm 138. Tabs 160a, 160b remain in place on hinge 116 until strip 118 is removed, as can be best viewed in
In the embodiments of
In the embodiment disclosed in
It has been discovered that the container depicted in
As further disclosed in these embodiments, a circumferential engagement sealing interface between cover portion 212 and base portion 214 is defined in part by a plurality of outwardly bowed arcuate portions 290. As depicted, outwardly bowed arcuate portions 290 are connected by rounded corner portions 292.
Container 210 may also include an additional independent, engaging mechanism that provides even further structural integrity, enhances security by urging flange 224 to remain in position against peripheral rim 222, and facilitates the reattachment of cover portion 212 to base portion 214, among other things. As depicted in
Thus, when container 210 is closed, male engaging member 268 on base portion 214 and female engaging member 270 on cover portion 212 form an engagement which further secures base portion 214 to cover portion 212. In addition to urging flange 224 against rim 222, the aforementioned features increase the amount of force that would be necessary to pry cover portion 212 from base portion 214 in an unauthorized manner (i.e., without removal of strip 218).
Also, the aforementioned engagement facilitates the reattachment of cover portion 212 with base portion 214 after container 210 is opened legitimately by a consumer. Container 210 can be reclosed after purchase by urging cover portion 212 onto base portion 214, and in particular, this can be accomplished by pressing on the corners of cover portion 212, as indicated by instructional indicia printed in the outer corner areas of cover portion 212 in this embodiment. In reclosing container 210, the initial engagement of male member 268 with female member 270 facilitates the subsequent step of applying pressure on the corners of cover portion 212, making it easier to reattach cover portion 212 to base portion 214. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other engagement mechanisms, devices, engagements and container designs, and combinations thereof, could be incorporated in any embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
In this embodiment, a plurality of supporting gussets 362a-h, each extending from about the enclosed bottom of base portion 314 to about extending rim 332 are disposed proximate the eight corners of base portion 314 to provide enhanced structural integrity. Gussets 362 also define interior spaces 363 that can be used to facilitate fingers of a user to remove an object (such as a pie, for example) from container 310. Container 310 can also be provided with lower and upper vents 364, 365 respectively, disposed circumferentially proximate the top and bottom of the container 310 to facilitate defrosting or heating of the contents of container 310. In the case of a frozen pie, for example, warm air can be drawn in through upper vents 365. As air enters through upper vent 365, it is cooled, and sinks out through lower vent 364. If desired, vents 364 can be positioned proximate the lower portions of gussets 362, whereby each gusset can act as an air duct to facilitate transport of air through the container. It will be appreciated that vents 364, 365 can also operate to cool the contents of container 310, whereby relatively cool ambient air can be drawn in through lower ducts 364 and out of upper ducts 365, whereby the air is heated by the contents of the container to drive the flow. It will be appreciated that the location of vents 364, 365 can be varied, as desired. As depicted, vents 365 are disposed in welled recesses that form ribs 372 in cover portion 312 of container 310.
It was discovered through experimentation that it is desirable to have gussets 362 extend as close to the bottom 317 of base 314 as possible. This spreads out the load of the contents of container 310 over a larger area of containers 310 when containers 310 are stacked. It has also been discovered that it is desirable to have gussets 362 extend up to flange 375 to prevent flexure of container 310 to prevent flange 324 from being separated from bead 334. These design features significantly help make container 310 ore tamper resistant by making container 310 more resistant to flexure.
As depicted, bottom 317 of base 314 is generally octagonal, and is adapted and configured to nest within the octagonal recess 312a formed in cover portion 312. The octagonal features permit directional stacking which can facilitate the alignment, transport, display and merchandising of goods. It will be understood that other shapes besides octagonal can be used, as understood by those of skill in the art.
As depicted in
As further disclosed in this embodiment, a circumferential engagement sealing interface between cover portion 312 and base portion 314 is defined in part by a rounded segment 390, a relatively straight segment 392 and two rounded corner portions 394. The shape of interface is adapted and configured to provide substantial resistance to ensure container 310 is relatively tamper resistant.
Container 310 also includes an additional independent, engaging mechanism that provides even further structural integrity, enhances security by urging flange 324 to remain in position against peripheral rim 322, and facilitates the reattachment of cover portion 312 to base portion 314, among other things. A plurality of male engaging members 368 project upwardly from base portion 314 disposed circumferentially about container 310. Male engaging members 368 actually cooperate to urge flange 324 against peripheral rim 322. This advantageously helps prevent tampering with the container. Members 368 also facilitate in guiding and aligning cover portion 312 with base portion to facilitate the reclosing of container 310 after it has been opened.
It will be understood that the cover portions 12, 112, 212 and 312 and base portions 14, 114, 214 and 314 can be made of different colored materials. For example, all or a part of the cover portions and/or base portions can be transparent while the rest of the container can be translucent or opaque. In accordance with one embodiment, two-tone sheeting is used (such as PET) wherein a dark opaque material is mated adjacently to a transparent segment. The separation between the two sections can be routed in the machine direction of the thermoforming machine used to make the containers. The transition area from transparent to opaque can be aligned with the tamper evident strip of the container so that the cover portion can be a different color than (or transparent or translucent compared to) the base portion.
Referring now to
Container 410 includes, inter alia, a cover portion 412, a base portion 414 and a hinge section 416 joining the cover portion 412 with the base portion 414. The hinge section 416 allows the cover portion 412 to articulate between an open position, wherein the cover portion 412 is spaced apart from the base portion 414, to a closed position, wherein the cover portion 412 is engaged with the base portion 414. The cover portion 412 and the base portion 414 are adapted and configured to engage about their periphery and form a product storage compartment when the container 410 is closed.
The hinge section 416 includes first and second frangible strips 418 for facilitating separation of the cover portion 412 from the base portion 414. The frangible strips 418 of the hinge section 416 are delimited at least in part by a pair of parallel score lines 442a (top) and 442b (bottom). As was discussed previously, the frangible strips 418 of the hinge section 416 can further be delimited by a plurality of spaced apart notches associated with the score lines 442a and 442b.
Unlike the previously disclosed containers, container 410 includes a hang tab 450. As shown in
As shown in
Cut line 454 is used to define an aperture 460 in hang tab 450 which is adapted and configured for receiving, for example, a product display hook or support arm. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the hang tab can be formed in the shape of a hook which can be suspended from, for example, a hanger bar or other display structure. In the embodiment shown herein, when the container is opened by the consumer by removing tear strips 418, the hang tab 450 remains connected to the base portion 414 of container 410. However, in certain constructions, the hang tab and hinge section of the container can be constructed such that when the tear strips/frangible strips are removed the hang tab is also removed from the container.
As previously described with respect to containers 10, 110, 210 and 310, the cover portion 412 and the base portion 414 of the container are adapted and configured to lock together about their periphery by way of a circumferential engagement mechanism which prevents the container from being opened until the frangible strip 418 of the hinge section 416 is ruptured.
Like the previously described embodiments, the cover section 412 includes an outwardly extending flange 424 and the base portion 414 includes an upwardly projecting bead 434 that extends substantially about its perimeter and is configured to render the outwardly extending flange 424 of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the cover portion 412 is in the closed position.
A skirt depends 440 downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the base portion 414 of the container 410, and the hinge section 416 extends from a lower edge of the skirt 440 to the outwardly extending flange 424 of the cover portion 412.
Although the previously described container 410 included a tear strip feature, container with hang tabs can be constructed without such a feature and these containers need not be tamper evident.
Although exemplary and preferred aspects and embodiments of the present invention and forming methods have been described with a full set of features, it is to be understood that the disclosed container and method of manufacture may be practiced successfully without the incorporation of each of those features. The scope of the present invention is not limited only to the tamper-resistant/evident containers and methods of manufacture disclosed herein. Thus, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be utilized without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and method disclosed herein, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
