The present invention relates to a packaging container, more specifically, to clamshell-type packaging containers. Clamshell packaging is used for secure display or storage of items, as well as for easy opening.
A packaging container includes a base section with a peripheral wall defining a chamber. The peripheral wall includes spaced apart inner and outer wall segments with the outer wall segment including at least one aperture formed therein and a laterally extending flange extending therefrom. At least one depression is formed within the outer wall segment with the at least one aperture formed within the at least one depression.
The packaging container further includes a cover section having a side wall portion defining a cover; the cover section is pivotally coupled to the base section and configured to pivot between an open state and a closed state. At least one inwardly protruding section is formed in the side wall portion of the cover section and is shaped to correspond with the at least one depression formed within the peripheral wall of the base section. The at least one projection is formed within the at least one inwardly protruding section and extends inwardly from the side wall portion of the cover section for engaging the at least one aperture formed within the outer wall segment of the peripheral wall, thereby retaining the cover section over the base section and securing the packaging container in a closed position. The at least one projection is released from the aperture by depressing the deformable flange, thereby opening the packaging container.
A peripheral flange extends laterally from the side wall portion of the cover section. The peripheral flange is adapted to contact the laterally extending flange of the base section when the packaging container is in a closed position. The peripheral flange has a cut out section at the inwardly protruding section of the peripheral wall, such as to provide unobstructed access for depressing the deformable flange of the base section for opening the packaging container.
The packaging container may further include a plate pivotally attached to the base section for dividing the chamber into first and second areas. In one embodiment, the base section includes a plurality of wells formed in a bottom wall thereof and the plate includes a plurality of holes formed therein for aligning with the plurality of wells formed in the bottom wall for securing items positioned in the wells.
Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
In accordance with the present embodiments of a packaging container,
Packaging container 10 includes a base section 20 having a chamber 25 defined by a peripheral wall 30. Peripheral wall 30 forms the perimeter of chamber 25 and is collectively formed by spaced-apart inner wall segment 30a and an outer wall segment 30b adjoined by a top ledge 30c.
In order to facilitate a secure closure of packaging container 10, outer wall segment 30b includes at least one depression 40 formed therein. At least one aperture 42 is formed within depression 40 for engaging an inwardly protruding section formed on a cover section 50, as will be discussed in detail below. A plurality of apertures 42 may be included in some embodiments. At least one additional aperture 43, which aligns with aperture 42, may also be formed within inner wall segment 30a of peripheral wall 30. Top ledge 30c also includes a scalloped area 44 formed therein adjacent to depression 40 formed within outer wall segment 30b for facilitating release of cover section 50. Further, a laterally extending flange 45 extends from outer wall segment 30b as show in
Packaging container 10 also includes a cover section 50 pivotally coupled to base section 20 at a hinge 52. Cover section 50 is configured to pivot about hinge 52 between an open state and a closed state. In particular, cover section 50 includes a top surface having a recessed face 77 and side wall portion 54, which is collectively formed by first and second lateral walls 55, 57 and first and second end walls 58, 59. Side wall portion 54 defines a cover compartment 60 that fits over base section 20. First lateral wall 55 includes at least one inwardly protruding section 65 shaped to correspond with depression 40 formed within outer wall segment 30b of peripheral wall 30. In addition, a post 67 projects from inwardly protruding section 65. In one embodiment, post 67 includes an angled edge 67a and a top edge 67b. Post 67 is adapted to engage corresponding apertures 42 and 43. A peripheral flange 70 extends horizontally from a perimeter of cover section 50 such that, when packaging container 10 is in a closed position, peripheral flange 70 abuts flange 45 of base section 20. Peripheral flange 70 includes a cut out area 71 adjacent to inwardly protruding section 65, as will be discussed below.
In order to provide a container that is secure when closed, but is also easy to open by a user, packaging container 10 includes features that allows for easy one-hand opening. In particular, laterally extending flange 45 is deformable such that when flange 45 depressed in a region 75 adjacent to depression 40 of outer wall segment 30b, outer wall segment 30b and inner wall segment 30a move inwardly, as shown in
Each of flanges 45 and 70 includes a hanger opening 72a, 72b formed at one side such that packaging container 10 can be hung on and kept in a display rack used for storage or selling of items contained in packaging container 10. When packaging container 10 is in a closed position hanger openings 72a and 72b align with one another. Hanger openings 72a and 72b are formed by a circular hole, a linear groove, or a combination such that packaging container 10 can be hung on any display rack having a circular rack rod or a thin plate-shaped rack rod. Thus, packaging container 10 can be suspended from a display rack through hanger openings 72a and 72b. In alternate embodiments, packaging container may include only one hanger opening 72a.
As shown in
For the sake of simplicity
In the embodiments shown in
Similar to the previously described embodiments, in order to facilitate a secure closure of packaging container 110, outer wall segment 130b includes at least one depression 140 formed therein. An aperture 142 is formed within depression 140 for engaging a projection formed on a cover section, as will be discussed in detail below. At least one additional aperture 143, which aligns with aperture 142, may also be formed within inner wall segment 130a of peripheral wall 130. A laterally extending flange 145 is extends from outer wall segment 130b.
Packaging container 110 further includes a plate 146 pivotally attached to base section 120 at hinge or pivot axis 151. Plate 146 including a plurality of holes 148 formed therein for aligning with plurality of wells 123 formed in bottom surface 126. Plate 146 is adapted to secure items positioned in wells 123. When plate 146 is in an open position, items may be placed in wells 123. Plate 146 may then be pivoted about hinge or pivot axis 151 such that it is parallel to bottom surface 126 and holes 148 are aligned with wells 123. Alternatively, plate 146 may be closed first allowing items, such as long cylindrical items, to be placed into through holes 148 and into wells 123. Plate 146 and holes 148 may provide support for holding such items within wells 123. Plate 146 includes a flange 149 which abuts ridges 124 of chamber 125, thereby holding plate 146 in a position parallel to a bottom surface of chamber 125. Once plate is in a closed position, cover section 150 may be pivoted over base section 120 as discussed below.
Cover section 150 pivotally coupled to base section 120 at a hinge 152. Cover section 150 is configured to pivot about hinge 152 between an open state and a closed state. In particular, cover section 150 includes a side wall portion 154 collectively formed by first and second lateral walls 155, 157 and first and second end walls 158, 159. Side wall portion 154 defines a cover compartment 160 that fits over base section 120. First lateral wall 155 includes at least one inwardly protruding section 165 shaped to correspond with depression 140 formed within outer wall segment 130b of peripheral wall 130. In addition, a post 167 projects from inwardly protruding section 165. Post 167 is adapted to engage corresponding aperture 142. A peripheral flange 170 extends horizontally from a perimeter of cover section 150 such that, when packaging container 110 is in a closed position, peripheral flange 170 abuts flange 145 of base section 120. Peripheral flange 170 includes a cut out area 171 adjacent to inwardly protruding section 165, as will be discussed below.
As discussed with respect to the embodiment of
An additional embodiment is shown in
Laterally extending flange 245 is deformable such that when flange 245 is depressed in a region 275 adjacent to depression 240, outer and inner segments of peripheral wall 230 move inwardly, thereby releasing post 267 from aperture 242 (and any additional apertures) and opening packaging container 210. Peripheral flange 270 of cover section 250 includes a cut out area 271 at inwardly protruding section 265 of side wall portion 254, such as to provide unobstructed access for depressing deformable flange 245 of base section 220 for opening packaging container 210. As shown in
As shown in
In particular, in order to facilitate a secure closure of packaging container 410, outer wall segment 430b includes at least one depression 440 formed therein. An aperture 442 is formed within depression 440 for engaging an inwardly protruding section formed on a cover section 450. At least one additional aperture 443, which aligns with aperture 442, may also be formed within inner wall segment 430a. A scalloped area 444 is also formed therein adjacent to depression 440 formed within outer wall segment 430b for facilitating release of cover section 450. Cover section 450 includes at least one inwardly protruding section 465 shaped to correspond with depression 440 formed within outer wall segment 430b. In addition, a post 467 projects from inwardly protruding section 465 for engaging corresponding apertures 442 and 443. A peripheral flange 470 extends horizontally from a perimeter of cover section 450 such that, when packaging container 410 is in a closed position, peripheral flange 470 abuts flange 445 of base section 420.
Similar to the embodiment discussed in
As shown in
In particular, in order to facilitate a secure closure of packaging container 510, outer wall segment 530b includes at least one depression 540 formed therein. An aperture 542 is formed within depression 540 for engaging an inwardly protruding section 565 formed on a cover section 550. At least one additional aperture 543, which aligns with aperture 542, may also be formed within inner wall segment 530a. A scalloped area 544 is also formed therein adjacent to depression 540 formed within outer wall segment 530b for facilitating release of cover section 550. Cover section 550 includes at least one inwardly protruding section 565 shaped to correspond with depression 540 formed within outer wall segment 530b. In addition, a post 567 projects from inwardly protruding section 565 for engaging corresponding apertures 542 and 543. A peripheral flange 570 extends horizontally from a perimeter of cover section 550 such that, when packaging container 510 is in a closed position, peripheral flange 570 abuts flange 545 of base section 520.
Similar to the embodiment discussed in
Each of
Packaging container 610 further includes a stand 615 extending from and pivotally coupled to laterally extending flange 645 of base section 620 at hinge 647. Stand 615 includes a C-shaped portion 617 for engaging a notch 618 that extends from a bottom surface 626 of base section 620. When packaging container 610 is in a closed position, stand 615 is rotated about hinge 647 such that notch 618 of packaging container 610 fits within C-shaped portion 617 of stand 615. A flange 619 extends around a perimeter of stand 615, thereby creating a stable base for stand 615. Thus, packaging container 610 is supported in an upright position by stand 615.
In particular, in order to facilitate a secure closure of packaging container 710, outer wall segment 730b includes at least one depression 740 formed therein. An aperture 742 is formed within depression 740 for engaging an inwardly protruding section formed on a cover section 750. At least one additional aperture 743, which aligns with aperture 742, may also be formed within inner wall segment 730a. A scalloped area 744 is also formed therein adjacent to depression 740 formed within outer wall segment 730b for facilitating release of cover section 750. Cover section 750 includes at least one inwardly protruding section 765 shaped to correspond with depression 740 formed within outer wall segment 730b. In addition, a post 767 projects from inwardly protruding section 765 for engaging corresponding apertures 742 and 743. A peripheral flange 770 extends horizontally from a perimeter of cover section 750 such that, when packaging container 710 is in a closed position, peripheral flange 770 abuts flange 745 of base section 720.
In order to provide a container that is secure when closed, but is also easy to open by a user, packaging container 710 includes features that allows for easy one-hand opening. In particular, laterally extending flange 745 is deformable such that when flange 745 depressed in a region 775 adjacent to depression 740 of outer wall segment 730b, outer wall segment 730b and inner wall segment 730a move inwardly, thereby releasing post 767 from apertures 742 and 743 and opening packaging container 710.
Further, a stand 715 extends from and is pivotally coupled to laterally extending flange 745 of base section 720 at hinge 748 at an end opposite divider plate 746. Stand 715 includes a C-shaped portion 717 for engaging a notch 718 that extends from a bottom surface 726 of base section 720. As noted above, when plate 746 is in an open position, items may be placed in chamber 725. Plate 746 may then be pivoted about pivot axis 747 such that it is parallel to a bottom surface of chamber 725. Plate 746 includes a flange 749 which abuts ridges 724 of chamber 725, thereby holding plate 746 in a position parallel to a bottom surface of chamber 725. Once plate is in a closed position, a cover section 750 may be pivoted over base section 720, securing packaging container 710 in a closed position. Stand 715 may then be rotated about hinge 748 such that notch 718 of packaging container 710 fits within C-shaped portion 717 of stand 715. A flange 719 extends around a perimeter of stand 615, thereby creating a stable base for stand 715. Thus, packaging container 710 is securely supported in an upright position by stand 715 as shown in
Packaging container 810 further includes a stand 815 extending from and pivotally coupled to laterally extending flange 845 of base section 820 at hinge 847. Stand 815 includes a C-shaped portion 817 for engaging a notch 818 that extends from a bottom surface 826 of base section 820. Further, stand 815 includes a hollow interior portion forming a chamber 816 covered by a lid 812 pivotally coupled thereto. Lid 812 includes a depressed face portion 827 for mating with a perimeter 828 of chamber 816 to provide a secure closure of chamber 816. When packaging container 810 and chamber 815 are in closed positions, stand 815 is rotated about hinge 847 such that notch 818 of packaging container 810 fits within C-shaped portion 817 of stand 815. A flange 819 extends around a perimeter of chamber 815 and lid 812, thereby creating a stable base for stand 815. Thus, packaging container 810 is supported in an upright position by stand 815 that further includes chamber 816 for storing additional items.
Hereinafter, a process of manufacturing the packaging container according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. The process will be described with specific reference to the embodiment of
Packaging container 10 is formed from a preheated sheet of thermoplastic material that is drawn into, or over a mold to create the desired shape of the end product. After the material has reached a stable set point, where upon it is rigid enough to be removed from the mold without losing the shape of the mold upon which it was formed, the sheet is withdrawn in the opposite direction from which it entered the mold. Typically the sheet enters the mold and is removed from the mold in a vertical fashion. Posts 67 are formed utilizing retractable features, such as a round post, or pin. When the heated plastic sheet is drawn into the mold the post is in an extended position. The plastic forms around the post, adopting its shape. The post is then retracted until the face of the post is flush with the sidewall of the mold. Thus, the post is out of the way such that the plastic product can be removed from the mold. Mechanical linkages and drive mechanisms may be used. Alternately, magnetics, pneumatic cylinders or the like may be employed. The timing of the projection of the feature outbound from the sidewall of the mold may be fine-tuned by being in the fully extended position prior to the heated material entering the mold and being activated just after the material has entered the mold, but prior to the material cooling beyond the point where it will be able to form around the feature.
Apertures 42 and 43 are formed within outer wall segment 30b and inner wall segment 30a of wall 30, which are vertical or nearly vertical surfaces. A punch and die mechanism is utilized to form apertures 42 and 43. The punch and die may mimic the profile of the formed post 67, but with a slightly larger profile to allow for clearance and ease of insertion of the formed posts 67 within apertures 43 and 43. Alternatively, the cutout may take a shape that is different from the formed projection. For example, the formed projection could be a simple post, but the cutout could be oval in shape. The function of projections or posts 67 and cutouts or apertures 42, 43 is to prevent the vertical opening of cover section 50 of packaging container 10. Similarly, apertures 42, 43 may be round and projections may be star, octagonal, or the like, in shape. Apertures 42 and 43 are formed after the forming of packaging container 10. Thus, the plastic has formed into the mold, the plastic has been demolded and then the apertures are cutout. In high volume production the cutting of the hole feature occurs at a station between a forming station and a die cutting station. It is in the die cutting station that the planer surfaces of the plastic container are trimmed from the surrounding web of material so that the container can be removed from a leftover perimeter sheet.
Apertures 42 and 43 may also be formed following a die cutting step, i.e. after the formed and die cut plastic part has been removed from the surrounding left over plastic sheet. Thus, the last step in the process is to place the formed and die cut package into a mechanical device, which then punches out the holes. The holes may be formed by a manually actuated device punching one hole at a time or by a fully automated system punching all the holes in a package at once, with automated load and unload of the package into the punching mechanism. The holes may also be cut in the same station as where the planer die cut of the perimeter plastic occurs.
In use, an item or items is placed in chamber 25 of base section 20. Cover section 50 is then rotated to cover base section 20. At this time, post 67 and inwardly protruding section 65 engages depression 40 and corresponding aperture 42. In particular, post 67 of cover section 50 penetrates aperture 42 of base section 20, thereby securing cover section 50 to base section 20. Post 67 includes an angled edge 67a and a top edge 67b. Post 67 penetrates corresponding aperture 42 to prevent base section 50 from being pivoted open. Aperture 43 is provided in inner wall segment 30a such that post 67 may penetrate aperture 43 if first lateral wall 55 is pushed inwardly. Thus, inward deflection of lateral wall 55 will not cause post 67 to become disengaged from apertures 42. In order to open packaging container 10, outer wall segment 30b must be deflected such that post 67 disengages from corresponding aperture 42. In particular, applying downward pressure to deformable flange 45 in an area adjacent to depression 40 causes such deflection of outer wall segment 30b such that post 67 disengages from corresponding aperture 42 and container 10 is opened.
In general, the posts and apertures engage to form a locking feature that uses the shear strength of a post engaged against the wall of material through which the aperture is formed. The force required to separate the posts from the apertures is a function of the shear strength of the formed post, and or the tear strength of the punched hole, rather than the function of friction.
The downward force of closing cover section 50 over base section 20 drives post 67 having beveled or angled edge 67a down across the outer wall segment 30b descending the wall of the package until the post “snaps” into the hole. Since the posts and apertures are formed on vertical walls at 90 degrees, no additional material is required to form a secure closure of packaging container 10.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings, it is not limited to the embodiments and the drawings. It should be understood that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the accompanying claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/844,669, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13844669 | Mar 2013 | US |
Child | 14693270 | US |