The disclosed subject matter relates to containers and methods for containing a product, wherein the container has a tamper-evident feature.
A variety of plastic containers for containing a product are employed for the packaging, shipping, storage, and sale of products, such as food products and perishables. A concern among buyers of such products is that the container might have been opened after being packaged by, for example, the manufacturer of the product or the store at which the product is being sold. A variety of features have been developed to indicate whether the container has been opened from its initial closed condition. However, such tamper-evident features often result in or require the removal of material, which results in unnecessary waste. Furthermore, conventional tamper-evident features often do not provide a clear or visible indication to the consumer that the container has been opened, without closer inspection.
There thus remains a continued need for an efficient and economic system for providing a tamper-evident plastic container.
The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and are apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the devices particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a tamper-evident plastic container comprising a base portion having a base, and a sidewall extending upwardly from a perimeter of the base to define a compartment, and a base flange extending outwardly from at least a portion of the sidewall. The container includes a lid portion having an outwardly extending lid tab joined to the base flange by a hinge, the lid portion having an open position and a closed position. The lid portion is configured to lockingly engage the base portion in the closed position. Furthermore, one of the base flange and the lid tab has a non-linear path of weakness formed therein to define a frangible connection, wherein the frangible connection is configured to be ruptured to initially open the lid portion from the closed position. The non-linear path of weakness is spaced from the hinge to define a tamper indicator region between the non-linear path of weakness and the hinge, wherein the tamper indicator region remains joined to the hinge after the frangible connection is ruptured.
As disclosed herein, the non-linear path of weakness can have a waveform pattern in plan view. As embodied herein, the non-linear path of weakness can comprise a plurality of discrete connection regions spaced along a length of the non-linear path of weakness. For example, the plurality of discrete connection regions can be equally spaced along the non-linear path of weakness by a distance corresponding to 360 degrees of the waveform pattern. As embodied herein, the plurality of discrete connection regions can be disposed between opposing peaks of the waveform pattern along the non-linear path of weakness. Additionally, or alternatively, the non-linear path of weakness can comprise a plurality of perforations with the plurality of connection regions disposed therebetween.
As further disclosed herein, the hinge can include a hinge member having a first hinge line joined to the base flange and a second hinge line joined to the lid tab. Furthermore, the non-linear path of weakness can be formed in the lid tab, and the lid portion can further comprise at least one grip tab. Two or more of the plurality of discrete connection regions can be separated by a distance corresponding to approximately 360-380 degrees of the waveform pattern and the first hinge line and the second hinge line can each comprise one or more slits.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the disclosed subject matter can include a method of containing a product in a container. The method includes providing a tamper-evident plastic container comprising a base portion having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from a perimeter of the base to define a compartment, and a base flange extending outwardly from at least a portion of the sidewall. The container includes a lid portion having an outwardly extending lid tab joined to the base flange by a hinge. The lid portion has an open position and a closed position. The lid portion is configured to lockingly engage the base portion in the closed position. The container includes one of the base flange and the lid tab having a non-linear path of weakness formed therein to define a frangible connection, wherein the frangible connection is configured to be ruptured to initially open the lid portion from the closed position. The non-linear path of weakness is spaced from the hinge to define a tamper indicator region between the non-linear path of weakness and the hinge. The tamper indicator region remains joined to the hinge after the frangible connection is ruptured. The method includes disposing a product within the compartment and lockingly engaging the lid portion and the base portion in the closed position.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description and drawings are examples and are provided for purpose of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter in any manner.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the devices of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter.
The subject matter of the application will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Each of
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.
As disclosed herein, the containers presented herein can be used, for example, for packaging various products, such as food products and perishables, in a tamper-evident manner, as well as a method of containing a product in such a plastic container.
In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a tamper-evident plastic container is provided. The plastic container disclosed herein includes a base portion having a base, a sidewall extending upwardly from a perimeter of the base to define a compartment, and a base flange extending outwardly from at least a portion of the sidewall. The plastic container has a lid portion having an outwardly extending lid tab joined to the base flange by a hinge. The lid portion has an open position and a closed position, and the lid portion is configured to lockingly engage the base portion in the closed position. One of the base flange and the lid tab of the plastic container disclosed herein has a non-linear path of weakness formed therein to define a frangible connection, wherein the frangible connection is configured to be ruptured to initially open the lid portion from the closed position. The non-linear path of weakness is spaced from the hinge to define a tamper indicator region between the non-linear path of weakness and the hinge, and the tamper indicator region remains joined to the hinge after the frangible connection is ruptured.
Solely for purpose of illustration, and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of a tamper-evident plastic container is shown schematically in
As illustrated, and with reference to
The plastic container 100 further has a lid portion 105 having an outwardly extending lid tab 106. Lid tab 106 is joined to the base flange by a hinge 107. The lid portion 105 can have an open position, as shown, for example, in
Further in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, one of the base flange 104 and the lid tab 106 of the plastic container disclosed herein is provided with a non-linear path of weakness 108 formed therein, and defining a frangible connection. Particularly, the frangible connection is configured to be ruptured to initially open the lid portion from the closed position. Additionally, the non-linear path of weakness 108 is spaced from the hinge 107 to define a tamper indicator region 109 between the non-linear path of weakness 108 and the hinge 107, wherein the tamper indicator region 109 remains joined to the hinge 107 after the frangible connection is ruptured. For example and not limitation, the exemplary container embodied herein has a non-linear path of weakness 108 provided on the lid tab. Thus, to initially open the lid from the closed position, the non-linear path of weakness is ruptured such that tamper indicator region 109 extends upwardly as shown, for example, in
Alternatively, and not by way of limitation, the non-linear path of weakness 108 can be provided in the base flange 104, forming a frangible connection therein. In a similar manner as noted above for configurations of the disclosed subject matter in which the non-linear path of weakness 108 is formed in the lid tab 106, the non-linear path of weakness 108 can be spaced from the hinge 107, and the tamper indicator region 109 can remain joined to the hinge 107 after the frangible connection is ruptured so as to extend downwardly from the base flange.
A variety of non-linear path of weakness configurations can be provided in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For example, and as disclosed herein, the non-linear path of weakness 108 can have a waveform pattern in plan view, suitable waveform patterns including, for example, square, sinusoidal, sawtooth, or triangular waveform patterns. Additionally, or in the alternative, the non-linear path of weakness 108 can have an irregular waveform pattern. The non-linear path of weakness 108 can have a generally rounded shape. As embodied herein, for purpose of illustration and not limitation, a non-linear path of weakness having a sinusoidal shape is provided as shown in
The non-linear path of weakness 108 can be formed, for example, by a score line, groove, or by otherwise weakening the nature of the container. Additionally or alternatively, the non-linear path of weakness 108 can be defined by a non-continuous line of weakness so as to define a plurality of discrete connection regions 110. As embodied herein, and as shown in detail view in
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the connection regions 110 can be configured so that in an unopened configuration, the tamper indicator region 109 and the lid tab 106 form a substantially flat surface. In this manner, the package is configured to clearly show that the package has been sealed and has not been opened or tampered with. For example, and with reference to
Additionally, or alternatively, a pair of connection regions 110 at each end of the non-linear path of weakness 108 can be spaced apart by a distance corresponding to less than 360 degrees of a waveform pattern. For example, the pair of connection regions 110 at each end can be separated by a distance 121 corresponding to about 180-200 degrees of a waveform pattern. Additionally, or alternatively, a pair of connection regions 110 (denoted by numeral 125) can be separated by a distance corresponding to less than 180 degrees of a waveform pattern. For example, a distance 118 corresponding to approximately 180 degrees of the waveform pattern of the non-linear path of weakness 108 can be about 0.245 inches, and the distance 121 can be about 0.266 inches.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, and with reference to
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, and with reference to
As embodied herein, the hinge 107 can include hinge member 113, including a first hinge line 114 joined to the base flange 104 and a second hinge line 115 joined to the lid tab 106. The hinge lines 114 and 115 can be formed by score lines, grooves, perforations, or other known living hinge configurations.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, hinge lines 114 and 115 can be configured as slit hinges to create tension such that upon opening, tamper indicator region 109 extends upward to clearly indicate that the product has been opened. For example, hinge lines 114 and 115 can be formed by one or more slits cut through the material of the container, that are spaced from one another and substantially parallel with the non-linear path of weakness. For example, hinge lines 114 and 115 can be formed by three slits. Additionally, or alternatively, hinge lines 114 and 115 can be formed by four slits, each measuring a distance 124 of approximately 1.250-1.4750 inches in length and each separated from one another by a distance 123 of approximately 0.150 inches.
To assist with rupturing the non-linear path of weakness 108, and subsequently opening the lid, the lid portion 105 can be provided with at least one grip tab. For example, and as embodied herein with reference to
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, and with reference to
In accordance with the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the tamper-evident plastic container can be made out of one or more of a plurality of suitable materials. For example, the container can be formed from polystyrene foam, oriented polystyrene (OPS), polypropylene, mineral filled polypropylene, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (APET), thermoplastics, and paper, as known in the art, and/or as disclosed for example by U.S. Pat. No. 9,242,769, the disclosure of which, as noted above is incorporated by reference herein. As embodied herein, the disclosed container is formed of APET. Additionally, as embodied herein, the disclosed container can be formed by a number of methods, including for example but not limitation by thermoforming, stamping, molding, or other suitable process as known in the art and/or as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 9,242,769, the disclosure of which, as noted above, is incorporated by reference herein. As embodied herein, the disclosed container is formed by thermoforming.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the disclosed subject matter includes a method of containing a product in a container. The method includes providing a tamper-evident plastic container having a base portion with a base. A sidewall extends upwardly from a perimeter of the base to define a compartment, and a base flange extends outwardly from at least a portion of the sidewall. The container includes a lid portion having an outwardly extending lid tab joined to the base flange by a hinge. the lid portion has an open position, as shown, for example, in
As embodied herein, and with reference to
While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover, although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter can be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.
In addition to the various embodiments depicted and claimed, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features disclosed and claimed herein. As such, the particular features presented herein can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter includes any suitable combination of the features disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the apparatus and method of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
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