Tamper-evident container with a tabbed hinge

Abstract

A tamper-evident container includes a base and a lid. A base extension and a lid extension are connected to a hinge to join the base and the lid together in a closed, pre-use configuration. A tab extends from either the lid extension or the base extension in a direction away from the lid and the base such that the tab extends beyond the hinge. The tab is joined to one of the extensions via weakened regions that can be torn when the tab is pulled to indicate that the container has been tampered with or opened.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to tamper-evident containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, as listed below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tamper-evident container in an open configuration showing a hinge with two fold lines.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the section encircled at 2 of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 1 in a closed, pre-use configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 1 with the tab partially pulled away from the lid extension along the weakened regions.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 1 in an open configuration after the tab has been pulled away from the lid extension along the weakened regions such that that the lid is detached from the base.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 1 after it has been opened by detaching the lid from the base and then closing the container again by sealing the lid and base together.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 1 in a closed, pre-use configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tamper-evident container in an open configuration that differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 based on the configuration of the tab.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tamper-evident container in an open configuration that differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 based on the location of the tab.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a tamper-evident container in an open configuration showing a hinge with a single, non-weakened fold line.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 10 in a closed, pre-use configuration.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tamper-evident container in an open configuration with a single, weakened fold line.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the section encircled at 13 of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 12 in a closed, pre-use configuration.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tamper-evident container in an open configuration with a hinge having a smaller cross-sectional thickness than portions adjacent to the hinge.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the section encircled at 16 of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 15 in a closed, pre-use configuration.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge in the tamper-evident container of FIG. 16 taken along cutting line 18-18 of FIG. 16.

It should be noted that these figures are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of methods, structure and/or materials utilized in certain exemplary embodiments and to supplement the written description provided below. These drawings are not, however, to scale and may not precisely reflect the precise structural or performance characteristics of any given embodiment, and should not be interpreted as defining or limiting the range of values or properties encompassed by exemplary embodiments. For example, the relative thicknesses and positioning of components may be reduced or exaggerated for clarity. The use of similar or identical reference numbers in the various drawings is intended to indicate the presence of a similar or identical element or feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The inventive concepts will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts are shown. The advantages and features of the inventive concepts and methods of achieving them will be apparent from the following exemplary embodiments that will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the inventive concepts are not limited to the following exemplary embodiments, and may be implemented in various forms. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are provided only to disclose the inventive concepts and let those skilled in the art know the category of the inventive concepts. In the drawings, embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited to the specific examples provided herein and are exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals or the same reference designators denote the same elements throughout the specification.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular terms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Moreover, exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views, perspective views, and/or top or plan views that are idealized exemplary views. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some features may be exaggerated for clarity. Accordingly, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an edge may be illustrated with sharp ends and without rounded or curved features even though such rounded or curved features may be preferable. Thus, the regions or elements illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region or an element of a container and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to containers that may be used, for example, in the food industry. In particular, certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to tamper-evident containers that may be used for storing and/or transporting food products.

Certain embodiments can advantageously be supplied to an intermediary user in an open, preloading configuration (e.g., FIG. 1). The intermediary user can load the container with any desired item, such as a food product, and can then close the container into a closed, pre-use configuration (e.g., FIG. 3). When in this state, the container can be resistant to opening at any region other than at the hinge, which is provided with a tamper-evident tab. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an end user can ultimately access the packaged contents of the container using the tamper-evident tab. The tab can be pulled to assist in separating primary components of the container (e.g., a lid and a base) from each other. The tab can remain coupled with one of the primary components of the container (e.g., the lid), but can be separated from the other primary component such as the base to indicate that the tab has been used (e.g., FIG. 5). After the tab has been fully pulled to detach the lid from the base, the container can be closed again by sealing the lid and base together in a closed, post-use configuration (e.g., FIG. 6). Further details of embodiments of tamper-evident containers are provided below.

FIGS. 1-7 show a container 100 with several primary components or elements including a base 110, a hinge 130, a lid 140, and a tab 160. Other embodiments of a tamper-evident container are described with reference to FIGS. 8-18. In particular, container 100′ is shown in FIG. 8, container 100″ in FIG. 9, container 200 in FIGS. 10-11, container 200′ in FIGS. 12-14, and container 300 in FIGS. 15-18. The containers may have any suitable shapes such as those that are round, oval, rectangular, and irregular shapes. Additionally, the containers may have any suitable size. For example, the containers may hold volumes ranging from 4 ounces through 64 ounces.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a tamper-evident container 100 shown in an open, preloading configuration. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the base 110 and the lid 140 are connected or otherwise adjoined to one another. For example, the base 110 and the lid 140 may be connected via a hinged portion or hinge 130. In some embodiments, the base 110, the lid 140, and the hinge 130 may be integrally formed from a unitary piece of material. For example, in some embodiments the container 100 is formed from a single piece or sheet of thermoformed plastic. Examples of suitable plastic materials include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene.

FIG. 3 depicts the tamper-evident container 100 with the hinge 130 folded such that lid 140 is closed on the base 110 after an initial filling of the base 110, but the lid 140 has not yet been uncoupled from the base 110, as evidenced by the fact that the weakened regions 164a-b are unbroken. In FIG. 4, portions of the weakened regions 164a-b remain intact but some tearing has occurred as the tab is pulled upward. Continued pulling on tab 160 results in complete tearing of weakened regions 164a-b to separate the tab 160 along the weakened regions 164a-b such that the container transitions out of the closed pre-use configuration to the open configuration shown in FIG. 5. Tearing of the weakened regions 164a-b indicates that the lid 140 may have been uncoupled from the base 110 such that a user can see that the contents of the container may have been tampered with or otherwise accessed. This provides a user such as a consumer with a tamper-evident indication. The tearing does not occur in a coaxial configuration with hinge 130.

The base 110 includes a base extension 120, which connects the base 110 to the hinge 130. The lid 140 includes a lid extension 150, which connects the lid 140 to the hinge 130. The configuration of the hinge 130 and the tab 160 are discussed in greater detail below after introducing various elements of the base 110 and the lid 140.

As shown in FIG. 1, the base 110 may include a bottom end 111. The bottom end 111 can have any suitable shape and configuration. For example, in some embodiments at least a portion of the bottom end 111 is substantially planar. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom end 111 includes a raised platform surrounded by a recessed perimeter. The recessed perimeter has a contact surface on the outside of the base and at least a portion of the contact surface may be substantially planar such that the base 110 may readily rest upon a planar surface. The raised platform may be upwardly offset relative to the contact surface.

The base 110 may be generally bowl-shaped, although other shapes and configurations are possible such as base 210 that is relatively shallow compared with base 110 as shown in FIGS. 10-11. The base 110 may further include a sidewall 112 that extends upwardly from the bottom end 111. The bottom end 111 and the sidewall 112 can cooperate to define a cavity 113. When the container 100 is in a closed configuration, the lid 140 and the base 110 may be coupled or otherwise attached such that the cavity 113 defined by the base 110 is closed by the lid 140, or stated otherwise, is enclosed by the lid 140 and the base 110.

In some embodiments, the sidewall 112 may extend upwardly in a substantially vertical manner that it is substantially perpendicular to the bottom end 111. In other embodiments, the sidewall 112 may extend upwardly and may be angled radially outwardly. For example, the sidewall 112 may extend upwardly in a radially outward direction at an angle of about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees, or from about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the sidewall 112 may extent upwardly in a curved or arcuate manner. Accordingly, as can be appreciated, the sidewall 112 may extend upwardly in a variety of ways depending on the desired shape and characteristics of the container 100.

The sidewall 112 may be substantially uniform or flat, or it may comprise one or more features for reinforcement, grip assistance, etc. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall 112 comprises a plurality of substantially vertically oriented ribs. The ribs may provide the base 110 with strength and/or may augment its rigidity.

The base 110 of the container 100 may further comprise a base connection interface 114 disposed at an upper end of the sidewall 112. The base connection interface 114 may be configured to interact with a portion the lid 140 so as to close the container 100, as further discussed below. In some embodiments, the base connection interface 114 may extend about an entirety of the periphery of the sidewall 112, as in the depicted embodiments. In other embodiments, the base connection interface 114 may extend about at least a majority of a periphery of the sidewall 112. For example, in various embodiments, the base connection interface 114 may extend about at least ½, ⅔, or ¾ of a total periphery of the upper end of the sidewall 112. In yet other embodiments, the base connection interface 114 may extend around a smaller portion of the sidewall 112.

A base flange 116 can extend outwardly relative to the base connection interface 114. The base flange 116 may be directly connected to or otherwise coupled with an upper end of the base connection interface 114. Accordingly, the base flange 116 may be configured such that it is at a higher position than is base connection interface 114, as compared with to the bottom end 111. As shown in FIG. 1, the base flange 116 is positioned at an upper end of the base connection interface 114, and the base flange 116 extends radially outwardly in a horizontal direction from the base connection interface 114. In other embodiments, the base flange 116 may be at about the same height, or may be lower than, the connection interface 114 relative to the bottom end 111.

At least a portion of the base flange 116 can be flat or planer. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base flange 116 defines a plane that is parallel to the plane defined by the bottom end 111. The planar portion of the base flange 116 may extend about at least a majority of the perimeter of the base. In some embodiments, at least a majority of the base flange 116 may be substantially planar. In yet other embodiments, only a portion of the base flange 116 may be substantially planar.

In other embodiments, the base flange 116 may have configurations that are non-planar and/or multi-planar. For example, the base flange 116 may extend upwardly at an angle relative to a horizontal plane (e.g., at an angle no less than about 30, 45, 60, or 75 degrees). Depending on the shape of the container, the base flange 116 may have substantially planar regions, substantially conical regions, and or regions that define other shapes. For example, where the base flange 116 extends upwardly at a constant angle along the periphery of the container 100 at each radial position, and the container is substantially rectangular, the upwardly extending flange 116 may define a different plane along each of the linear regions of the rectangle, and the flange 116 may define substantially conical regions at the corners that connect adjacent planar regions. As another example, where the base flange 116 extends upwardly at a constant angle along the periphery of the container 100 at each radial position, and the container is substantially circular, the flange 116 may define a substantially conical region that extends about at least a majority of the periphery of the base 110.

The base flange 116 may further comprise a free edge 118 that defines at least a portion of the outermost perimeter of the base 110. In some embodiments, the free edge 118 may extend about at least a majority of the outermost periphery of the sidewall 112. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the free edge 118 extends about the outermost periphery of the sidewall 112 everywhere other than at the base extension 120. In other embodiments, the free edge 118 may extend about the entirety of the outermost periphery of the sidewall 112. The free edge 118 of the base flange 116 may therefore extend about at least a majority, up to and including the entirety, of the outermost perimeter of the base 110.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 140 may include a top end 141. The top end 141 can have any suitable shape and configuration. For example, in some embodiments at least a portion of the top end 141 is substantially planar. The top end 141 can engage the top ends of the ribs of the sidewall 112 of the base to provide additional dimensional stability to the container.

The lid 140 can include a lid connection interface 144 that is configured to interact with a complementary or otherwise cooperative portion of the base 110. For example, the lid connection interface 144 may be configured to selectively couple with the base connection interface 114. After the container 100 has been transitioned to the open post-use configuration, it may be closed again, and thereby transitioned to a closed post-use configuration. For example, the connection interfaces 114, 144 and the base 110 and the lid 140, respectively, can be configured to repeatedly engage with each other and disengage from each other. In some embodiments, the connection interfaces 114, 144 are complementary in shape (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 7), and the lid connection interface 144 and the base connection interface 114 may be substantially the same shape, size and conformation. In some embodiments, the lid connection interface 144 may be configured to be received by the base connection interface 114, and it may be slightly larger than the base connection interface 114 to assist in providing a tight seal therewith. In other embodiments, the base connection interface 114 may be configured to be received by the lid connection interface 144.

The lid connection interface 144 may extend about the entire periphery of the lid 140, as shown in the depicted embodiments. In some embodiments, the lid connection interface 144 may only extend about at least a majority of the periphery of the lid 140.

The relative dimensions of the base flange 116 and the lid flange 146 are such that the free edge 148 of the lid 140 and the free edge 118 of the base 110 can be touched by a user, but cannot be grasped to separate the lid 140 from the base 110. As shown in FIGS. 3-4 and FIG. 7, the free edge 118 of the base 110 extends radially outward further than the free edge 148 of the lid 140. This configuration combined with the close tolerance between the free edge 118 of the base 110 and the free edge 148 of the lid 140 makes it difficult for a user to separate the lid 140 from the base 110 without the use of tab 160.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, and with additional reference to FIG. 2, the base extension 120 extends from the base 110 and the lid extension 150 extends from the lid 140. The base extension has a first end 122a opposite from a second end 122b. The lid extension 150 has a first end 152a opposite from a second end 152b. The base extension 120 connects the base 110 to the hinge 130 and the lid extension 150 connects the lid 140 to the hinge 130 such that the base 110 is connected to the lid 140 via the hinge 130.

At least a portion of the base extension 120 and a portion of the lid extension 150 may be flat or planer. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base extension 120 and the lid extension 150 are in the same plane when the container is in the open configuration as depicted in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, only a portion of the base extension 120 and the lid extension 150 may be substantially planar.

The hinge 130 has a first end 132a opposite from a second end 132b. The hinge 130 also has a first section 134a opposite from a second section 134b. The first section 134a terminates at the first end 132a and the second section 134b terminates at the second end 132b.

The tab 160 extends from the lid extension, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-7, in a direction away from the base 110 and the lid 140. The tab 160 extends beyond the hinge 130. The tab comprises a free edge 161 that defines an outermost perimeter of the tab 160 between a first end 162a and a second end 162b when the container 100 is in a closed, pre-use configuration with the lid coupled to the base as shown in FIGS. 3-4.

When the container 100 is in a closed, pre-use configuration with the lid coupled to the base, the tab 160 is between the first section 134a of the hinge 130 and the second section 134b of the hinge 130 and also between the first weakened region 164a and the second weakened region 164b, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. Additionally, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the first end 162a of the free edge 161 of the tab 160 transitions to the first weakened region 164a that is integral with the same extension from which the tab 160 extends, and the second end 162b of the free edge 161 of the tab 160 transitions to a second weakened region 164b that is integral with the same extension from which the tab 160 extends.

The weakened regions 164a-b may include any suitable form of weakening, such as a frangible line, a line of perforation, and/or a region of reduced thickness. In the illustrated embodiment, the weakened regions 164a-b comprise a line of perforation. The weakened regions 164a-b can permit controlled separation of the tab 160 from a neighboring portion of the lid extension 150.

When the container 100 is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the free edge 161 of the tab 160 traverses at least a portion of the hinge 130 and the hinge 130 is not coaxially aligned with the free edge 161 of the tab 160, the first weakened region 164a, or the second weakened region 164b. In the depicted embodiments, the free edge 161 of the tab traverses the hinge 130 at opposing ends 162a-b.

As indicated above, the container transitions from a closed, pre-use configuration to an open configuration by tearing along the weakened regions 164a-b such that the base 110 and the lid 140 are separated. The tearing of the weakened regions 164a-b occurs from first end 162a of the free edge 161 of the tab 160 to the first terminal end 166a of the weakened region 164a and from the second end 162b of the free edge 161 of the tab 160 to the second terminal end 166b of the weakened region 164b. At least a majority of the first weakened region 164a may be between the first section 134a of the hinge and the base 110 or and the lid 140. Similarly, at least a majority of the second weakened region 164b may be between the second section 134b of the hinge 130 and the base 110 or the lid 140. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-7, the weakened regions 164a-b are each respectively between the lid 140 and the hinge 130. More particularly, the weakened regions 164a-b are respectively between the lid 140 and first section 134a of the hinge 130 and the second section 134b of the hinge 130, when the container 100 is in the closed, pre-use configuration.

As best seen in FIG. 2, a section of the free edge 161 of the tab 160 may be curved, a section of the first weakened region 164a may be curved, and a section of the second weakened region 164b may be curved. These sections are curved when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration and after the container has been opened.

The first weakened region 164a and the second weakened region 164b have opposing sides that extend and terminate respectively at the first terminal end 166a and the second terminal end 166b. Each end 166a-b may have rounded corners at the opposing sides of the respective first weakened region 164a and the second weakened region 164b. The rounded corners enhance the safe handling of the container 100 after the base 110 and the lid 140 have been separated by tearing the first weakened region 164a and the second weakened region 164b to avoid the creation of sharp edges.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, a section of the free edge 161 of the tab 160 forms an angle θ₁ with the first section 134a of the hinge 130 in a range from about 110° to about 170° and another section of the free edge of the tab forms an angle θ₂ with the second section of the hinge in a range from about 110° to about 170°. Stated otherwise, when the container 100 is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the free edge 161 of the tab 160 traverses at least a portion of the hinge 130, the first section 134a and the second section 134b, at opposing ends 162a-b, at angles θ_1-2. Angles θ_1-2 may be symmetrical as depicted in the illustrated embodiments. When the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, a section of the first weakened region 164a forms an angle Ø₁ with the first section 134a of the hinge 130 in a range from about 20° to about 70° and a section of the second weakened region 164b forms an angle Ø₂ with the second section 134b of the hinge 130 in a range from about 20° to about 70°. The angles Ø_1-2 may be symmetrical as depicted in the illustrated embodiments. When the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, a section of the first weakened region 164a and a section of the second weakened region 164b may be approximately parallel with the hinge 130.

As shown in FIG. 4, lid extension 150 includes a first end 152a opposite from a second end 152b. As shown in FIG. 2, lid extension 150 also includes a first portion 154a adjacent to the first weakened region 164a that remains connected to the first section 134a of the hinge 130 after the first weakened region 164a has been torn, as shown in FIG. 5. Similarly, on the other side, lid extension 150 also includes a second portion 154b adjacent to the the second weakened region 164b that remains connected to the second section 134b of the hinge 130 after the second weakened region 164b has been torn, as also shown in FIG. 5.

Lid extension 150 also includes remainder portion 156, which includes a first region 157a and a second region 157b. When the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the first region 157a of the remainder portion 156 of the lid extension 150 is adjacent to the first weakened region 164a and the second region 157b of the remainder portion 156 of the lid extension 150 is adjacent to the second weakened region 164b. The remainder portion 156 moves with the tab 160 to separate the lid connection interface 144 and the base connection interface 114 when the tab 160 and either the first portion 134a or the second portion 134b are pulled simultaneously in opposite directions. The remainder portion 156 remains integrally connected with the tab 160 after the lid and the base have been separated from each other.

The first portion 154a and the second portion 154b are each sized to be grasped between a thumb and finger of a user's first hand and the tab 160 is sized to be grasped between a thumb and finger of a user's second hand such that the container is opened by simultaneously pulling, in opposite directions, the tab and either the first portion or the second portion of the extension from which the tab extends. Pulling tab 160 upward, as shown in FIG. 4, causes portions of the weakened regions 164a-b to tear. More particularly, the tearing of the weakened regions 164a-b starts at the first end 162a of the free edge 161 of the tab 160 and at the second end 162b of the free edge 161 of the tab 160 and then moves along each respective weakened region towards the terminal ends 166a-b. In some embodiments, the weakened regions 164a-b may be sufficiently weak that a user can grasp the tab 160 while also grasping the base 110 and just pull the tab to cause the necessary tearing. In other embodiments, it may be necessary to pull tab 160 and hold either first portion 154a or the second portion 154b. In additional embodiments, it may be necessary to pull tab 160 and to sequentially hold the first portion 154a to tear the first weakened region 164a and then hold the second portion 154b while pulling tab 160 to tear the second weakened region 164b.

As shown in FIG. 5, after the container is opened by tearing along the weakened regions, the free edge 161 is expanded to include the edge created by tearing the first weakened region 164a and the the second weakened region 164b. The expanded portions of the free edge 161 may include sections that are substantially parallel with the hinge 160.

Other embodiments of a tamper-evident container such as those depicted in FIGS. 8-9 at 100′ and 100″ may resemble the container 100 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-7. Additionally, container 200, container 200′, and container 300, which are respectively depicted in FIGS. 10-11, FIGS. 12-14, and FIGS. 15-18, may resemble container 100 too. It will be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments may have analogous features. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to “1,” “2,” or “3”. Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the container and related components shown in FIGS. 8-18 may not be shown or identified by a reference numeral or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the container 100′, container 100″, container 200′, container 200, and container 300. Any suitable combination of the features, and variations of the same, described with respect to the container 100 and components illustrated in FIG. 1, can be employed with the other containers and their components, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter.

FIG. 8 depicts another embodiment of a tamper-evident container at 100′ with a tab 160′. The tab 160′ is may be configured as shown to have a groove 163′ that functions to provide grip assistance. Groove 163′ may be replaced in another embodiment with raised lettering that also functions to provide grip assistance. For example, the word “pull” could be legible when the container is in the closed configuration so that a user can easily appreciate the mechanism for opening the container and simultaneously benefit from the grip assistance provided by the raised letters. Other forms of texturing may also be used.

FIG. 9 depicts an additional embodiment featuring a reversal of the arrangement of the tab. In particular, FIG. 9 depicts the tab 160″ extending from the base extension 120″ instead of the lid extension 150″ in a direction away from the lid 140″ and the base 110″ when the container is in a closed, pre-use configuration with the lid coupled to the base. In this embodiment, a user pulls tab 160″ downward instead of upward as in the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-8. Like the container 100, when the container 100″ is in a closed, pre-use configuration, the container is opened by tearing along the weakened regions to the first and second ends of the same extension from which the tab extends such that the lid and the base are separated.

Container 200, container 200′, and container 300 differ from container 100 primarily with respect to their hinges and the configuration of the seal between the lids and the bases. Container 100 has a hinge 130, as best seen in FIG. 2, with two fold lines. Container 200 has a hinge 230 with a single fold line as shown in FIGS. 10-11. A hinge comprising a single fold line may also be weakened as shown in FIGS. 12-14. The hinge may also be “coined” to deform the sheet used to form the container such that the hinge is an area with a thinner cross-section than adjacent portions as best seen in FIG. 18. As mentioned, the configuration of the rims of the lids and the bases differs for the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11-17 relative to those shown in FIGS. 1-9. These configurations are described in detail below but in short the configuration shown for the embodiments in FIGS. 1-9 are essentially reversed for those shown in FIGS. 11-17.

Container 200 is shown in FIG. 10 in an open configuration like the view of container 100 in FIG. 1. Container 200 is shown in FIG. 11 in a closed, pre-use configuration like the view of container 100 in FIG. 3. The single fold line of hinge 230 does not permit the open configuration shown in FIG. 10 to be achieved as easily as the two fold lines of hinge 130. In addition to opening more easily, the two fold lines of hinge 130 also enable container 100 to more easily remain open.

Container 200′ differs from container 200 only with respect to its hinge 230′. Both hinge 230 and hinge 230′ have a single fold line but the fold line of hinge 230′ is weakened so that it folds open more easily than hinge 230 and remains open more readily than hinge 230. The weakened fold line may include any suitable form of weakening, such as a frangible line, a line of perforation, and/or a region of reduced thickness. In the illustrated embodiment, the weakened fold line of hinge 230′ comprises perforations. The weakened fold line of hinge 230′ is not configured to be a tear line because opening a container with the configuration of the embodiments disclosed herein requires a user to pinch half of a fold line and the adjacent portions of the base extension and the lid extension while pulling on the tab, which prevents tearing along the hinge. In other words, the ability to tear along the hinge is not relevant because the tearing occurs along the weakened regions such as weakened regions 264a-b. Because hinge 230′ does not need to be torn, it may be designed to differ in resistance to tearing relative to weakened regions 264a-b. For example, hinge 230′ may not be tearable like weakened regions 264a-b or it may require significantly more force to tear hinge 230′ than is required to tear along weakened regions 264a-b.

Container 300 features a hinge 330 that is also a weakened, single fold line. More specifically, hinge 330 is a region of reduced thickness as best appreciated with reference to FIG. 18. Hinge 330 may be formed by any suitable method. For example, hinge 330 may be formed by a molding technique referred to as “coining” which involves thinning by deformation of the sheet used to form the container.

Container 300 is shown in FIG. 15 in an open configuration. FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the section encircled at 16 of the tamper-evident container of FIG. 15. Like FIG. 13, FIG. 15 shows essentially the same features that are shown in FIG. 2 other than the particular hinge while also showing some different relative dimensions and designs for some of the components. Weakened regions 164a-b, 264a-b, and 364a-b may have different curves or different lengths, which impact the contours of lid extensions 150, 250, and 350; the base extensions 120, 220, and 320; and the tabs 160, 260, and 360. For example, tabs 260 and 360 may extend further and be narrower than tab 160, as depicted.

The disclosed configurations are easily opened. For example, when container 300 is in the closed, pre-use configuration shown in FIG. 17, one can grasp first portion 354a of lid extension 350, the adjacent half of hinge 360, and base extension 320 between one's thumb and index finger while simultaneously grasping the tab 360 between one's thumb and index finger with the other hand and pulling in opposite directions. It is advantageous to have a single tab between two weakened portions so that a user can open the container just as easily whether left handed or right handed. The first and second portions of the extension that remain connected to the hinge are advantageously sized to be grasped with about half of one's thumb. Additionally, the first and second weakened regions may extend further from the hinge so that it is easier to grasp half of the hinge and to tear along the weakened regions.

The configuration of the components of the lids and the bases in containers 200 and 300 that form a seal are identical. These components of containers 200 and 300 are essentially the reverse of the components of the lid and base of container 100 that enable base 110 and lid 140 to be sealed together. Base 310 has a sidewall 312 with a base connection interface 314 that extends from an inner perimeter 315 at the mouth of base 310. Base 310 has a flange 316 extending from a recessed track 317. Recessed track 317 is part of the base connection interface 314. Flange 316 terminates at a free edge 318.

Lid 340 has a top end 341 that extends to a channel defined by a lid connection interface 344, a connecting wall 345, and a channel inner wall 347. Lid connection interface 344 extends to a lid flange 346 that terminates at a free edge 348. When container 300 is closed with the lid 340 and the base 310 sealed together, base connection interface 314 extends into the channel of lid 340 and against lid connection interface 344. Lid connection interface 344 and base connection interface 314 have a complementary or otherwise cooperative portion of the base 110. For example, the lid connection interface 344 may be configured to selectively couple with the base connection interface 314. More particularly, lid connection interface 344 has a portion that extends radially inward and fits in the recessed track 317 of base connection interface 314.

After the container 300 has been transitioned to the open post-use configuration, it may be closed again, and thereby transitioned to a closed post-use configuration. For example, the connection interfaces 314, 344 and the base 310 and the lid 340, respectively, can be configured to repeatedly engage with each other and disengage from each other.

Lid flange 346 extends slightly further outward than base flange 316 such that free edge 348 extends slightly beyond free edge 318. The configuration and relative dimensions of the base flange 316 and the lid flange 346 are such that the free edge 348 of the lid 340 and the free edge 318 of the base 310 can be touched by a user, but cannot be grasped to separate the lid 340 from the base 310. This configuration combined with the close tolerance between the free edge 318 of the base 310 and the free edge 348 of the lid 340 makes it difficult for a user to separate the lid 340 from the base 310 without the use of tab 360.

Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified.

References to approximations are made throughout this specification, such as by use of the terms “about” or “approximately.” For each such reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without approximation. For example, where qualifiers such as “about,” “substantially,” and “generally” are used, these terms include within their scope the qualified words in the absence of their qualifiers. For example, where the term “substantially planar” is recited with respect to a feature, it is understood that in further embodiments, the feature can have a precisely planar configuration.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expressly incorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims. Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from the independent and dependent claims that follow are also expressly incorporated into the present written description. These additional embodiments are determined by replacing the dependency of a given dependent claim with the phrase “any of the preceding claims up to and including claim [x],” where the bracketed term “[x]” is replaced with the number of the most recently recited independent claim. For example, for the first claim set that begins with independent claim 1, claim 3 can depend from either of claims 1 and 2, with these separate dependencies yielding two distinct embodiments; claim 4 can depend from any one of claim 1, 2, or 3, with these separate dependencies yielding three distinct embodiments; claim 5 can depend from any one of claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, with these separate dependencies yielding four distinct embodiments; and so on.

Recitation in the claims of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements specifically recited in means-plus-function format, if any, are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112 ¶6. Embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.

Claims

1. A tamper-evident container comprising: a base comprising a base extension, the base extension having a first end opposite from a second end;a lid comprising a lid extension, the lid extension having a first end opposite from a second end;a hinge, wherein the base extension connects the base to the hinge, wherein the lid extension connects the lid to the hinge, and wherein the hinge has a first section opposite from a second section; anda tab extending from either the lid extension or the base extension in a direction such that the tab extends beyond the hinge, the tab comprising a free edge that defines an outermost perimeter of the tab between a first end and a second end when the container is in a closed, pre-use configuration with the lid coupled to the base; wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the first end of the free edge of the tab transitions to a first weakened region that is integral with the same extension from which the tab extends, and the second end of the free edge of the tab transitions to a second weakened region that is integral with the same extension from which the tab extends;wherein the hinge is not coaxially aligned with the free edge of the tab, the first weakened region, or the second weakened region;wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the tab is adjacent to and between the first section of the hinge and the second section of the hinge; andwherein, when the container is in a closed, pre-use configuration, the container is opened by tearing along the weakened regions to the first and second ends of the same extension from which the tab extends such that the lid and the base are separated.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein a section of the free edge of the tab is curved.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the tab extends from the lid extension between a first portion and a second portion of the lid extension, and wherein the first and the second portion of the lid extension are each sized to be grasped between a thumb and finger of a user's first hand and the tab is sized to be grasped between a thumb and finger of a user's second hand such that the container is opened by simultaneously pulling, in opposite directions, the tab and either the first portion or the second portion of the lid extension.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein, when the container is in a closed, pre-use configuration with the lid coupled to the base, the tab extends from the base extension between a first portion of the base extension and a second portion of the base extension, and wherein the first and the second portion of the base extension are each sized to be grasped between a thumb and finger of a user's first hand and the tab is sized to be grasped between a thumb and finger of a user's second hand such that the container is opened by simultaneously pulling, in opposite directions, the tab and either the first portion or the second portion of the base extension.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, a section of the free edge of the tab forms an angle with the first section of the hinge in a range from about 110° to about 170° and another section of the free edge of the tab forms an angle with the second section of the hinge in a range from about 110° to about 170°.

6. The container of claim 4, wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, a section of the first weakened region forms an angle with the first section of the hinge in a range from about 20° to about 70° and a section of the second weakened region forms an angle with the second section of the hinge in a range from about 20° to about 70°.

7. The container of claim 4, wherein at least a majority of the first weakened region is between the first section of the hinge and the lid or the base, and wherein at least a majority of the second weakened region is between the second section of the hinge and the lid or the base.

8. The container of claim 4, wherein, when the container is in the closed pre-use configuration, the tab extends from the lid extension; andwherein, after the container is opened by tearing along the weakened regions, a first portion of the lid extension remains connected to the first portion of the hinge and a second portion of the lid extension remains connected to the second portion of the hinge.

9. The container of claim 4, wherein, when the container is in the closed pre-use configuration, the tab extends from the base extension; andwherein, after the container is opened by tearing along the weakened regions, a first portion of the base extension remains connected to the first portion of the hinge and a second portion of the base extension remains connected to the second portion of the hinge.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the tab is between the first weakened region and the second weakened region.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, a section of the first weakened region and a section of the second weakened region are approximately parallel with the hinge.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein, after the container is opened, the free edge of the tab has sections that are substantially parallel with the hinge.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein, when the container is in the closed pre-use configuration, the container is opened by simultaneously pulling, in opposite directions, the tab and either the first section of the hinge or the second section of the hinge.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the hinge is selected from the group consisting of two fold lines, a single fold line, and a region of reduced thickness.

15. A tamper-evident container comprising: a base comprising a base extension, the base extension having a first end opposite from a second end;a lid comprising a lid extension, the lid extension having a first end opposite from a second end;a hinge, wherein the base extension connects the base to the hinge, wherein the lid extension connects the lid to the hinge, and wherein the hinge has a first section opposite from a second section; anda tab extending from either the lid extension or the base extension in a direction away from the lid and the base such that the tab extends beyond the hinge, the tab comprising a free edge that defines an outermost perimeter of the tab between a first end and a second end when the container is in a closed, pre-use configuration with the lid coupled to the base;wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the first end of the free edge of the tab transitions to a first weakened region that is integral with the same extension from which the tab extends, and the second end of the free edge of the tab transitions to a second weakened region that is integral with the same extension from which the tab extends;wherein the hinge is not coaxially aligned with the free edge of the tab, the first weakened region, or the second weakened region;wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the tab is adjacent to and between the first section of the hinge and the second section of the hinge;wherein, when the container is in a closed, pre-use configuration, the container is opened by tearing along the weakened regions to the first and second ends of the same extension from which the tab extends such that the lid and the base are separated;wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the same extension from which the tab extends comprises a first portion adjacent to the first weakened region that remains connected to the first section of the hinge after the first weakened region has been torn and comprises a second portion adjacent to the second weakened region that remains connected to the first section of the hinge after the first weakened region has been torn; andwherein the first portion and the second portion are each sized to be grasped between a thumb and finger of a user's first hand, and wherein the tab is sized to be grasped between a thumb and finger of a user's second hand such that the container is opened by simultaneously pulling, in opposite directions, the tab and either the first portion or the second portion of the extension from which the tab extends.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein a section of the free edge of the tab is curved, a section of the first weakened region is curved, and a section of the second weakened region is curved.

17. The container of claim 15, wherein a section of the free edge of the tab is curved when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration and after the container has been opened.

18. The container of claim 15, wherein, when the container is in a closed, pre-use configuration with the lid coupled to the base, the tab is between the first section of the hinge and the second section of the hinge.

19. The container of claim 15, wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, a section of the free edge of the tab forms an angle with the first section of the hinge in a range from about 110° to about 170° and another section of the free edge of the tab forms an angle with the second section of the hinge in a range from about 110° to about 170°; and wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, a section of the first weakened region forms an angle with the first section of the hinge in a range from about 20° to about 70° and a section of the second weakened region forms an angle with the second section of the hinge in a range from about 20° to about 70°.

20. The container of claim 15, wherein at least a majority of the first weakened region is between the first section of the hinge and the lid and the base, and wherein at least a majority of the second weakened region is between the second section of the hinge and the lid and the base.

21. The container of claim 15, wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, a section of the first weakened region and a section of the second weakened region are approximately parallel with the hinge.

22. The container of claim 15, wherein, after the container is opened, the free edge of the tab has sections that are substantially parallel with the hinge.

23. The container of claim 15, wherein the hinge is selected from the group consisting of two fold lines, a single fold line, and a region of reduced thickness.

24. A tamper-evident container comprising: a base comprising: a bottom end,a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom end to define a cavity,a base connection interface at an upper end of the sidewall that extends about at least a majority of a periphery of the sidewall,a base flange extending outwardly relative to the connection interface, the base flange comprising a free edge that defines at least a section of an outermost perimeter of the base; anda base extension that extends from the base flange, the base extension having a first end opposite from a second end;a lid comprising: a lid connection interface configured to selectively couple with the base connection interface to attach the lid to the base in a configuration that closes the cavity of the base,a lid flange extending outwardly relative to the connection interface of the lid, the lid flange comprising a free edge that defines at least a section of an outermost perimeter of the lid; anda lid extension that extends from the lid flange, the lid extension having a first end opposite from a second end;a hinge, wherein the base extension connects the base to the hinge, wherein the lid extension connects the lid to the hinge, and wherein the hinge has a first section opposite from a second section; anda tab extending from either the lid extension or the base extension in a direction such that the tab extends beyond the hinge, the tab comprising a free edge that defines an outermost perimeter of the tab between a first end and a second end; wherein, when the container is in a closed, pre-use configuration with the lid coupled to the base, the first end of the free edge of the tab transitions to a first weakened region that is integral with the same extension from which the tab extends, and the second end of the free edge of the tab transitions to a second weakened region that is integral with the same extension from which the tab extends;wherein the hinge is not coaxially aligned with the free edge of the tab, the first weakened region, or the second weakened region;wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the free edge of the tab traverses at least a portion of the hinge; andwherein when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the container is opened by tearing along the weakened regions to the first and second ends of the same extension from which the tab extends such that the lid and the base are separated.

25. The container of claim 24, wherein the relative dimensions of the base flange and the lid flange are such that the free edge of the lid and the free edge of the base can be touched by a user, but cannot be grasped to separate the lid from the base.

26. The container of claim 24, wherein the free edge of the base extends radially outward further than the free edge of the lid.

27. The container of claim 24, wherein the free edge of the lid extends radially outward further than the free edge of the base.

28. The container of claim 24, wherein tearing of the weakened regions indicates that the lid has been uncoupled from the base to transition from the closed pre-use configuration to the open configuration.

29. The container of claim 24, wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, the same extension from which the tab extends comprises a first portion adjacent to the first weakened region that remains connected to the first section of the hinge after the first weakened region has been torn and comprises a second portion adjacent to the second weakened region that remains connected to the first section of the hinge after the first weakened region has been torn;wherein, when the container is in the closed, pre-use configuration, a remainder portion of the extension from which the tab extends is adjacent to the first weakened region and the second weakened region; andwherein the remainder portion remains integrally connected with the tab and moves with the tab to separate the lid connection interface and the base connection interface when the tab and either the first portion or the second portion are pulled simultaneously in opposite directions.