Tear-Away Tamper-Evident Packaging

Abstract

A packaging container that has a tamper-evident feature is described whereby an effort to tamper with the packaging is evident to a later consumer. The packaging includes a lid that is securely attached to a tub. The lid includes an inner portion and an outer portion which are connected by a line which will tear when force is applied to the lid to remove it, thus causing the outer portion to separate from the inner portion of the lid, and thus indicating that an attempt was made to open the packaging. The force required to remove the outer portion of the lid from the inner portion of the lid is preferably less than the force required to remove the inner portion of the lid from the tub.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to packaging, such as packaging used for food, including packaging that allows a potential consumer to see whether the packaging has been previously tampered with.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Food and other items are often packaged in containers where it is intended that the contents are not tampered with. With such containers, it is desirable to warn the potential buyer if the food or other item contained therein has been tampered with. If a container is mangled or otherwise significantly tampered with, it may be easy to see such tampering and it will be evident to the buyer that someone else has already touched the food contained therein, or tried to do so. In this case, the buyer will know not to buy that particular container. However, slight or other tampering may not be readily apparent to the potential buyer because the container does not look tampered with.

Various mechanisms have been used so that packaging containers will show whether they have been tampered with. Where a packaging container includes a tub (or lower portion) and lid (or upper portion), different types of mechanisms have been used to connect the lid and tub in such a way that if they are tampered with, it will be evident to the potential buyer.

For example, the lid may be ultrasonically welded to the tub. Ultrasonic welding is an industrial technique whereby high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations are locally applied to work pieces being held together under pressure to create a solid-state weld. It is commonly used for plastics, and especially for joining dissimilar materials. In ultrasonic welding, there are no connective bolts, nails, soldering materials, or adhesives necessary to bind the materials together. The “weld” between the lid and tub is generally strong, such that if someone tampers with the packaging container by trying to partially pull off the lid, the container will be relatively mangled so that the tampering is evident to a later potential buyer.

Drawbacks of ultrasonic welding, however, are that it is an expensive process and the machinery used to ultrasonically weld plastic container pieces together may be loud and thus harmful to employees in the workplace. Furthermore, a disproportionate part of the total cost of the packaging may be the ultrasonic weld.

Another technique used to join lids to tubs so that tampering may be shown, involves a shrink wrap band. With this technique, the lid is placed on the tub and the packaging container is fitted with a band that may extend around the upper part of the tub that engages the lid. Heat is then applied to the container and the band shrinks so as to firmly hold the lid in place on the tub. After the packaging is assembled in this manner, if someone later attempts to partially remove the lid from the tub, the shrink wrap band will generally be removed or altered enough to show that someone has indeed tried to tamper with the packaging.

Drawbacks of the shrink wrap band include cost and that it involves a labor intensive process. For example, to apply heat to the shrink wrap band, the assembled container is typically run through a heat tunnel on a conveyor. This typically involves a significant capital investment for the machinery. Furthermore, the application of heat itself may be a drawback to certain contents. For example, where the container contains food such as lettuce or other produce, the food may be adversely affected by the heat. Still further, shrink wrap bands typically comprise a vinyl-based material which is not easily recycled. So after the shrink wrap band is removed, it represents a separate discardable item that may not be easily recycled.

Other techniques have also been used to join lids to tubs, or to join other components of packaging in a way that will make it evident to a potential consumer that the packaging has been tampered with. However, these techniques often involve multiple or complex tabs, layers or other locking devices that add to the cost to manufacture the packaging and make it difficult for the consumer to open the packaging after the item is purchased. Indeed, some of these types of packaging are so difficult to open that a consumer may either resort to scissors or knives to open them and risk injury, or pull apart the packaging with such force that when it finally opens, its contents go flying.

Furthermore, different types of packaging that include a tamper-evident feature are often bulky or otherwise lack aesthetic appeal. This is a significant drawback because the packaging of a consumer product may serve a marketing function and play a significant role in enticing the consumer to buy the product in the first place.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a packaging that addresses the foregoing issues. For example, there is a need for a packaging that provides a tamper-evident function without requiring expensive or labor intensive manufacturing processes. As another example, there is also a need for a packaging that provides a tamper-evident function without requiring excessive force to open the packaging. There is also a need for improved tamper-evident features that are not easily circumvented by a tampering consumer. There is also a need for packaging having a tamper-evident feature that is aesthetically pleasing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention addresses the foregoing issues and drawbacks and provides an improved tamper-evident packaging.

In an aspect of the current invention, a tamper-evident packaging is described that may be manufactured at decreased cost, that may be assembled with less labor and that avoids cumbersome or dangerous manufacturing processes and that avoids significant capital equipment expense. For example, the perforated, weakened or other type of separation line may be manufactured using a simple mechanical process as opposed to lasers. As another example, the tamper-evident packaging of the current invention may be sealed without a heat intensive process that could damage the contents in the packaging.

In another aspect of the invention, a tamper-evident packaging that is relatively easy to open is described. To this end, cumbersome tabs, latches and other mechanical means may be avoided. Instead, it is preferred that the packing have an aesthetically pleasing design that may serve a marketing function and/or may entice the consumer to buy the packaged product.

In another aspect of the invention, a tamper-evident packaging that includes a cover or label that may provide instructions regarding the tamper-evident feature or that may provide a marketing function is described.

In another aspect of the invention, a packaging that may be readily opened without the use of adhesives, complex tabs, zippers and/or other hard-to-open components is described. To this end, the packaging of the current invention may comprise two separate pieces such as a tub and a lid, that do not require complicated hinges, frangible pieces or other components that increase cost and complexity. Instead, the lid may include a tab to help the consumer remove the lid from the tub.

In another aspect of the invention, a packaging having a lid that shows tampering and that may also be used to re-seal the packaging is described. To this end, the lid may include a tamper-evident component that may be removed from the lid, but when removed, the lid may still be used to engage a tub to reseal the packaging. Furthermore, the lid may comprise a material that plastically deforms in response to tampering, to make the tampering evident to later consumers. Accordingly, the current invention includes the use of multiple tamper-evident features.

In another aspect of the invention, a packaging is described where the force that is required to detach or remove the component that indicates tampering, e.g., the tamper-evident component, is less than the force that is required to remove the lid from the tub to gain access to the contents therein. To this end, a lid may include an outer portion that serves as a tamper-evident component and an inner portion, and the force required to remove the outer portion from the inner portion may be less than the force required to remove the inner portion from the tub.

The relative amounts of force required may arise from the manner in which the outer and inner portions engage the tub. For example, the outer portion may engage the tub by a friction fit, while the inner portion may engage the tub by a snap lock, click lock or other type of engagement that is more difficult to disengage than a friction fit. In another embodiment, the outer portion may not engage the tub by friction. The relative forces required to remove the tamper-evident component and to remove the lid from the tub may be adjusted. For example, the strength of the perforation or other tamper-evident feature that joins portions of the lid may be adjusted by, e.g., increasing the bridges of the perforation line. As another example, the engagement between the lid and tub may be adjusted by increasing the protrusion of a knob that forms part of the engagement.

In another aspect of the invention, the tamper-evident component may resemble a peripheral strip. The strip may extend partially or entirely around the periphery of the lid.

In another aspect of the invention, a tab and/or recess may be included in the lid design to help provide a tamper-evident function and/or to prevent tampering. The tab and recess may be configured so that when the lid is sealed to the tub, the tab and/or recess may be in close proximity to the outer edge of the tub. For example, the tab and/or recess may cover the outer edge of the tub prior to and after the removal of the tamper-evident component. In this manner, the tab and/or recess may make it difficult for a tampering consumer to insert his or her finger between the lid and tub, and simultaneously remove both the lid and the tamper-evident component which would circumvent the tamper-evident function. The outer edge of the tub may also be configured so that it is in close proximity to the tab and/or recess to also hinder simultaneous removal.

In another aspect of the invention, the lid may include a tamper-evident component that may extend partially around the periphery of the lid, and that may be removable from the lid. The tamper-evident component and the lid may both include a tab having a recess similar to that described above. The tabs may be positioned near each other when the tamper-evident component is still attached to the lid. Taken together, the combination of the recessed tabs on the lid and tamper-evident component may hinder a tampering consumer's ability to insert a finger between the lid and tub to simultaneously remove the lid and tamper-evident component.

Other aspects of the invention relate to the manner in which it may be manufactured. For example, the separating line may occur in a horizontal plane, as opposed to a sidewall, to ease manufacture. As another example, the separating line may also be cut or otherwise imparted on the same plane as the rest of the lid edges being cut during manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging including a tub and lid that are shown separately.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 1 where the tub and lid are engaged.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 1 where an outer portion of the lid is partially separated from an inner portion of the lid.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the packaging with the outer portion of the lid completely separated from the inner portion and removed.

FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of how the lid and tub may engage each other prior to their engagement.

FIG. 5B shows the embodiment of FIG. 5A with the lid and tub engaged.

FIG. 6 shows different shapes of the tear-away tamper-evident packaging of the current invention.

FIG. 7 shows how the lid and tub may engage each other for different packaging shapes.

FIG. 8A shows another embodiment of how the lid and tub may engage each other prior to their engagement.

FIG. 8B shows the embodiment of FIG. 8A with the lid and tub engaged.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging container.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the packaging container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the packaging container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 a is a top perspective view of the top of the packaging container in a closed position having a lid with a recessed tab.

FIG. 12 b is a bottom perspective view of the packaging container in a closed position having a lid with a recessed tab.

FIG. 13 a is a top perspective view of the packaging container in an open position having a lid with a recessed tab.

FIG. 13 b is a bottom perspective view of the packaging container in an open position having a lid with a recessed tab with a closed lid and recess.

FIG. 14 is a side section view of the packaging container having a lid with a recessed tab.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the packaging container having a lid with a recessed tab.

FIG. 16 is a side view of another embodiment of the packaging container having a lid with a recessed tab.

FIG. 17 is a top view of another embodiment of the packaging container having a lid with a recessed tab and an extended lip.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the packaging container having a lid with a recessed tab and an extended lip.

FIG. 19 is a top view of another embodiment of the packaging container having a lid with tabs on the lid and tamper-evident component.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 with the tamper-evident component removed.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 with the tamper-evident component and lid removed.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 19 with the tamper-evident component and lid removed.

FIG. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 19.

FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 19 with the tamper-evident component removed.

FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 19 with the tamper-evident component and lid removed.

FIG. 28 is a side perspective view of the packaging container of FIG. 19.

FIG. 29 is a side perspective view of the packaging container of FIG. 19 with the tamper-evident component.

FIG. 30 is a side perspective view of the packaging container of FIG. 19 with the tamper-evident component and lid removed.

FIG. 31 is a section view of the packaging container of FIG. 19.

FIG. 32 is a section view of the packaging container of FIG. 19.

FIG. 33 is a top view of an alternate embodiment to that shown in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The current invention preferably provides packaging for food and other items that may alert a consumer to any tampering with the packaging that has occurred. To this end, the current invention preferably includes a tamper-evident feature or component that may be configured as described herein. Other configurations for this feature or component may also be used. The current invention also preferably avoids expensive or labor intensive manufacturing processes. The current invention may also provide marketing functions and may provide a packaging that may be readily opened.

The current invention is now described with reference to the figures. Components appearing in more than one figure bear the same reference numerals.

An embodiment of the current invention is shown in FIGS. 1-4. Packaging container 10 may generally include tub 20 and lid 30. The shape of tub 20 and lid 30 may vary, and the configurations shown in FIGS. 1-4 are only one example of the current invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the shapes and configurations of tubs 20 and lids 30 shown.

In a preferred embodiment, tub 20 and lid 30 may comprise two separate pieces that form packaging 10 when combined. In this manner, hinges and other components that have been used in the past to join upper and lower portions of a packaging may be avoided. This may reduce complexity and manufacturing costs, as well as make it easier for the consumer to open packaging 10.

In any event, it is preferred that the shapes and/or configurations of tub 20 and lid 30 generally correspond so that they may engage each other as discussed herein. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, tub 20 may have several tub compartments 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. Each compartment may include walls that serve to form the compartments. Similarly, lid 30 may include lid sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 that generally correspond to compartments 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. That is, sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 may include downward walls that protrude into the compartments of tub 20 and engage the walls of the tub compartments by a friction fit, snap lock fit, click fit and/or other type of fit as described herein. Alternatively, the corresponding compartment walls of tub 20 and lid 30 need not engage each other in a locking fashion.

Lid 30 may also include a peripheral wall, flange or other feature around its perimeter that may correspond to and/or engage a similarly located wall, flange or other feature on tub 20. These walls, flanges or other features may fit with or engage each other as described herein.

An embodiment of the type of fit or engagement that may exist between tub 20 and lid 30 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Tub 20 and lid 30 may each include a rim, flange, edge or peripheral section or portion near their perimeters. In the embodiment shown, this may comprise an inverted U shape 200 on tub 20, and inverted U shape 300 on lid 30. The inverted U shaped sections 200, 300 may include inner walls 201, 301, and outer walls 202, 302 that are joined by connecting sections 203, 303. Sections 200, 300 may correspond to and engage each other. It should be noted that the peripheral edges of tub 20 and lid 30 are not limited to U shapes as described above. Instead, other shapes and configurations may be used on tub 20 and lid 30 that engage each other.

Lid 30 may also include inner portion 40 and outer portion 50 which may be separated by line 60, which may itself comprise a perforation or other weakening between portions 40, 50. Outer portion 50 may serve as a tamper-evident component or feature. Line 60 may be formed in the connecting section 303 of the inverted U shape 300 of lid 30.

Inverted U-shaped regions 200, 300 may each also include outwardly extending lips or edges 204, 304 which may help support lid 30 on tub 20. More specifically, lid edge 304 may be supported by tub edge 204. Though FIGS. 5A and 5B show tub edge 204 extending to the outer edge of lid edge 304, tub edge 204 need not extend all the way to the outer edge of lid edge 304. Alternatively, tub 20 need not include tub edge 204.

As shown, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, inner portion 40 may engage tub 20 through snap lock 42, while outer portion 50 may engage tub 20 through friction fit 52. Snap lock or click lock 42 may operate based on the engagement of lid ridges 40a, 40b, 40c and tub ridges 20a, 20b, 20c. To this end it is preferred that lid ridges 40a, 40b, 40c are configured to correspond to tub ridges 20a, 20b, 20c.

As discussed in more detail below, it is preferred that snap lock 42 requires more force to disengage lid 30 from tub 20 than the force required to remove outer portion 50 from inner portion 40. That is, more force is preferably required to overcome the engagement of these ridges than to overcome any friction fit between tub surface 20d and lid surface 50d, and/or to overcome the force required to tear line 60.

It may also be the case that outer portion 50 of lid 30 may be lifted away from tub surface 20d so that there is no frictional fit or frictional force to overcome between outer portion 50 and tub 20. In any event, it is preferred that the amount of force required to remove outer portion 50 is less than the force required to remove inner portion 40 from tub 20.

Another example of the fit or engagement that may exist between tub 20 and lid 30 is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Tub 20 and lid 30 may each include an inverted U-shaped region 200, 300, though other shapes and configurations may be used for the peripheral edges of tub 20 and lid 30. To this end, the inverted U shapes 200, 300 may include inner walls 201, 301 and outer walls 202, 302 that are joined by connecting sections 203, 303. These inverted U shapes 200, 300 may correspond and engage each other. Lid 30 may also include inner portion 40 and outer portion 50 which may be separated by line 60, which may itself comprise a perforation or other weakening between portions 40, 50 as discussed above. Outer portion 50 may serve as a tamper-evident component or feature. Line 60 may be formed in the area where the connecting section 303 of the inverted U shape 300 of lid 30.

Inverted U shapes 200, 300 may each also include outwardly extending lips or edges 204, 304 which may help support lid 30 on tub 20. As noted in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B, tub edge 204 need not extend as far outward as shown. Alternatively, tub 20 need not include edge 204.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, inner portion 40 may engage tub 20 through snap lock 42, while outer portion 50 may engage tub 20 through friction fit 52, or may simply be adjacent to tub 20. As discussed above, snap lock 42 may operate through lid ridges 40a, 40b, 40c engaging corresponding ridges 20a, 20b, 20c. As discussed above, it preferably requires more force to overcome the engagement of these ridges than to overcome any friction fit between tub surface 20d and lid surface 53, and/or to overcome the force required to tear line 60.

It may also be the case that outer portion 50 of lid 30 may be lifted away from tub surface 20d so that there is no frictional fit or frictional force to overcome. In any event, it is preferred that the amount of force required to remove outer portion 50 is less than the force required to remove inner portion 40 of lid 30 from tub 20.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the knob or surface feature formed by lid ridges 40a, 40b, 40c may represent more of a protrusion into the corresponding groove or recess formed by tub ridges 20a, 20b, 20c. Accordingly, this surface feature may provide an increased secure fit.

It should be noted that the current invention is not limited to the examples of snap fits 42 shown in the figures. Instead, the current invention includes any other structure that may provide a fit between a tub and lid that generally requires more force to overcome than is required to remove tamper-evident component, e.g., the force required to remove outer portion 50 from inner portion 40.

As mentioned above, the packaging may have multiple compartments. An advantage of having multiple compartments in both tub 20 and lid 30 is that this may generally increase the number of walls and surface area of the walls that may engage each other when tub 20 and lid 30 are joined together. This is advantageous because it allows for a tight fit and good seal between tub 20 and lid 30 that locks in freshness of the food contained therein. If the contents are something other than food, a good hermetic seal may still be advantageous. While the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 shows five compartments, not all of them need to reflect a tight fit. Also, packaging 10 may include a single compartment as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7.

In any event, as discussed below, a tight fit between tub 20 and lid 30 is also advantageous because the engagement provided by snap lock fits 42 may also increase the amount of force that may be needed to separate lid 30 from tub 20. More particularly, this may increase the amount of force that may be needed to separate the inner portion 40 of lid 30 from inner portion 50 of lid 30, as well as from tub 20. Alternatively, any interior walls of tub 20 and lid 30 need not provide a locking fit, as this may be accomplished by the peripheral edge section 200, 300 of tub 20 and lid 30.

As also discussed below, the tamper-evident feature of the current invention involves a consumer being able to see that at least some of the outer portion 50 of lid 30 has been detached or removed from the inner portion 40 of lid 30. And it is preferred that the amount of force required to remove outer portion 50 from inner portion 40 is less than the force required to remove inner portion 40 from tub 20. This may occur because the force required to tear line 60 may be generally less than the force to disengage snap lock fit(s) 42.

In this manner, it is preferred that a would-be consumer who tampers with packaging 10 would have a difficult time attempting to simultaneously remove both the inner and outer portions 40, 50 of lid 30 from tub 20 so as to circumvent the tamper-evident feature. Instead, the relative removal forces are such that if the tampering consumer attempted to simultaneously remove both inner and outer portions 40, 50 from tub 20, line 60 would begin to separate thereby providing evidence that packaging 10 has been tampered with.

In any event, tub 20 and lid 30 may still engage each other with fewer corresponding compartments than shown in FIGS. 1-4. Furthermore, instead of lid 30 fitting inside tub 20 as shown in FIGS. 1-3, lid 30 may engage the outside of tub 20. Still further, lid 30 may engage tub 20 by a combination of inside and outside engagements.

As another alternative, tub 20 and lid 30 may engage each other by latches or other mechanical features. Other means of engaging tub 20 and lid 30 may be used within the scope of the invention. In any event, it is preferred that the fit between tub 20 and inner portion 40 of lid 30 requires some amount of force to separate them that is greater than the force required to remove outer portion 50 from tub 20 and to break line 60.

Lid 30 is now further described. As shown, lid 30 may comprise inner portion 40 and outer portion 50. Lid 30 may also include an inverted U-shaped section 300 near its perimeter that engages the inverted U-shaped section 200 of tub 20. As noted above, connecting sections 203, 303 may join the inner and outer peripheral walls of the inverted U shape of tub 20 and lid 30.

Inner and outer lid portions 40, 50 may be connected together through various techniques. For example, portions 40, 50 may be connected via line 60. In a preferred embodiment, line 60 is a perforation line 60 that may generally extend about the periphery of lid 30 and that may be formed during manufacture. For example, inner and outer portions 40, 50 may initially be contiguous with each other when lid 30 is formed by a thermoforming process. A stamping or separating operation may then occur during manufacture to impart perforation line 60, thereby creating inner portion 40 and outer portion 50.

It is preferred that mechanical processes be performed to impart line 60 to lid 30. This helps reduce manufacturing costs and avoids the use of more expensive and potentially dangerous manufacturing steps involving laser cutting and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. 8A and 8B, perforation line 60 may be formed as alternating bridges 61 and gaps 62 between inner and outer portions 40, 50. The lengths and frequency of the bridges 61 and gaps 62 may vary. In this manner, the force required to separate line 60 may be adjusted.

Alternatively, line 60 may comprise a thin or weakened section line existing between portions 40, 50. In this manner, line 60 may not actually comprise a perforated configuration. In this scenario, the amount of weakening may vary to adjust the force required to separate line 60.

In any event, it is preferred that line 60 be configured to allow outer portion 50 to be readily removed from inner portion 40 without the significant difficulty often experienced by other packaging with complex tabs and the like. It is also preferred that outer portion 50 may be removed without readily removing inner portion 40 from tub 20. This may occur by (i) the relative force required to disengage the friction fit 52, if any, and/or the force required to break line 60 being smaller than (ii) the force to disengage snap lock 42.

To this end, line 60 may comprise any configuration that allows outer portion 50 to be readily removed from inner portion 40. It is preferred that the amount of force required to remove outer portion 50 from inner portion 40 is less than the force required to remove inner portion 40 from tub 20.

As indicated above, line 60 may be configured so that it generally extends around and/or near the periphery of lid 30. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, line 60 generally extends around the square with rounded corners. Line 60 may extend completely or only partially around lid 30.

Line 60 may be positioned as part of connecting section 303. This may allow line 60 to be generally locked in a horizontal plane which may aid in manufacturing and which may allow the use of simple mechanical processes to create line 60.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, line 60 may also be configured so that a tab 70 is formed as part of inner portion 40. A corresponding recess 71 may also be formed in outer portion 50 to correspond to tab 70. As described below, tab 70 may aid the consumer in removing inner portion 40 of lid 30 from tub 20, e.g., the consumer may grasp tab 70 with his or her thumb and forefinger.

While one tab 70 is shown in FIG. 1, multiple tabs 70 may be formed of the same or different shapes. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, tabs 70 may be located at more than one corner. As another example, tab 70 is shown as semi-circle in FIG. 1, but other shapes may be used, e.g., square, parabolic, etc.

The tamper-evident feature or component of the current invention is now further described. This component or feature may be represented by outer portion 50 and/or the process of separating the inner and outer portions 40, 50 of lid 30 with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5A-5B and 8A-8B. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5B and 8B, lid 30 is engaged with tub 20. At this point, the inverted U-shaped regions 200, 300 of tub 20 and lid 30 engage each other.

As outer portion 50 is torn away, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A, line 60 is broken while the snap lock fit 42 remains in place. More specifically, bridges 61 are broken as inner and outer lid portions 40, 50 separate. Outer portion 50 may generally be torn away from inner portion 40 so that the outer walls 202, 302 of tub 20 and lid 30 that engage each other are simply separated and not rubbed to involve friction. In FIG. 3, line 60 is formed at a location so that when outer portion 50 is removed, the outer edge of inner portion 40 may generally extend to connecting section 203 of tub 20.

If outer portion 50 has been partially or entirely removed before the packaging 10 and its contents are actually bought or otherwise acquired by the consumer, tampering with the packaging 10 may be shown. Also, when outer portion 50 is removed by the purchasing consumer, the inner portion 40 may still be supported by the connecting section 203 of tub 20.

As indicated above, line 60 may comprise a weakened line in the plastic or other material comprising lid 30 that will readily break when outer portion 50 is pressed down or pulled up, e.g., by a consumer's fingers or hand, so that outer portion 50 of the lid 30 will separate from inner portion 40 along perforation 60, preferably without removing inner portion 40 from tub 20. The amount of force required to break line 60 may be adjusted by varying the lengths of bridges 61 and/or by varying the material (and its tensile strength) used for bridges 61.

After the consumer has purchased the food or other items contained in packaging 10, he or she may lift lid 30 by pulling up on outer portion 50 anywhere along the perimeter of lid 30. In doing so, force will be applied to outer portion 50 such that it begins to separate from inner portion 40 along line 60. The consumer may continue to pull up on the outer portion 50 such that line 60 tears completely, allowing outer portion 50 to completely separate the inner portion 40 of lid 30.

At this stage, outer portion 50 may be discarded or recycled by the consumer. In a preferred embodiment, outer portion 50 may be completely removed from inner portion 40 and the rest of packaging 10. This may contribute to a smooth aesthetic appearance as opposed to the situation where a removable piece is still attached to the rest of packaging 10. It is also preferred that outer portion 50 comprise only one removable piece to avoid the situation where multiple pieces become detached which then have to be discarded.

Where outer portion 50 is completely removed, as shown in FIG. 4, tub 20 and inner portion 40 of lid 30 may remain. The consumer may then complete the opening process of packaging 10 by removing the remaining inner portion 40 from tub 20 by pulling up at tab 70. This may require more force due to the snap lock fit 42 existing between inner portion 40 and tub 20. When it is time to reseal packaging 10, the consumer may press the inner portion 40 back into place on tub 20. To this end, fit 42 between tub 20 and lid 30 may secure these two components together.

The edge of lid 30 may initially extend beyond the edge of tub 20, e.g., edge 304 may initially extend beyond tub edge 204. When outer portion 50 of lid 30 is removed, the outer edge of lid 30, i.e., the outer edge of inner portion 40, may then extend to a point along U-shaped section 200.

Alternatively, the outer edge of outer portion 50 may initially coincide with the edge of tub 20, so that when outer portion 50 is removed, the outer edge of inner portion 40 is set back from the edge of tub 20. Other configurations of edges may also be used.

Besides providing a means for initially sealing and then resealing packaging 10, the embodiment discussed above also provides a tamper-evident function. That is, if someone had previously attempted to access the contents of packaging container 10, that prior tampering would be readily apparent because outer portion 50 would be partially or completely detached from the inner portion 40 at line 60. In this manner, packaging container 10 of the current invention preferably makes it evident that tampering has occurred.

To facilitate the tamper-evident feature of packaging 10, snap lock fit 42 between tub 20 and inner portion 40 of lid 30, or other means used to attach inner portion 40 and tub 20, is preferably strong enough so that a consumer looking to tamper with packaging 10 may not easily remove both the inner and outer portions 40, 50 of lid 30 at the same time. Accordingly, it is preferred that line 60 allows outer portion 50 to be removed from inner portion 30 more easily than it would be to remove the entire lid 30 from tub 20. To this end, it is preferred that the amount of force required to separate outer portion 50 from inner portion 40 is more than the force to separate inner portion 40 from tub 20.

Furthermore, the close fit between tub 20 and lid 30 may render it difficult for a tampering consumer to insert his or her finger between peripheral edges 204, 304 in an attempt to remove outer and inner portions 50, 40 at the same time. If such an attempt is made, it is preferred that line 60 would in any event begin breaking so as to reveal tampering. To this end, the force required to break line 60 may be adjusted so that inserting a finger between tub edge 204 and lid edge 304 show tampering.

The packaging 10 of the current invention may also include a label 80 that may be placed on the top of lid 30. The underside of label 80 may include adhesive that will secure adhesive label to lid 30. Label 80 may comprise paper with an adhesive backing, but other materials may be used.

Label 80 may include instructions indicating where the consumer is to lift up in order to open the container. It may include instructions regarding the opening process including the removal and discard of outer portion 50, and may also include a warning indicating that possible tampering may have occurred if the outer portion is already partially or completely separated at the perforated line. Label 80 may also include a description of the contents in the packaging and/or any other marketing or other information that may be desired.

As mentioned above, packaging 10 may assume different shapes and sizes. As shown in FIG. 6, packaging 10 may comprise a square 110, circle 210 or triangle 310. As noted above, however, other shapes and configurations may still be used within the scope of the current invention. As described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4, each embodiment of the packaging may include tub 120, 220, 320 and lid 130, 230, 330. The lid may include inner portion 140, 240, 340 and outer portion 150, 250, 350 with line 160, 260, 360 therebetween. Inner portions 140, 240, 340 may include tab 170, 270, 370 as discussed above.

There is preferably a tight fit between the lid and tub in any of these configurations. To this end, FIG. 7 shows where the friction fit 152, 252, 352, if any, between outer portion 150, 250, 350 and tub 20 may be located, as well as the location of snap lock fit 142, 242, 342 between inner portion 140, 240, 340 and tub 120, 220, 320. In this manner, if a consumer attempts to tamper with the packaging, the outer portion of the lid will tear away while the inner portion remains fitted within the tub. In these configurations, outer portion 150, 250, 350 forms the tamper-evident component or feature.

It should be noted that snap lock fit 42, 142, 242, 342 may take other forms than the sample shown in FIG. 5A-5B or 8A-8B. To this end, any configuration of ridges, tongue and groove arrangement or other engagement which allows snap lock fit or click fit 42, 142, 242, 342 to require more force to disengage than the force required to remove outer lid portion 50, 150, 250, 350 from inner lid portion 40, 140, 240, 340 is within the scope of the invention.

With the tamper-evident component or feature of the current invention, expensive machinery and/or labor intensive process, such as those used in ultrasonic welding or heat shrink band wrapping, may be avoided. This results in cost savings.

Instead, the assembly of the packaging container 10 may only involve placing lid 30 having line 60 on tub 20. In one embodiment, this is all the assembly required. Where an adhesive label is also used, assembly of the container packaging 10 may include the foregoing steps along with placing adhesive label 80 on lid 30.

Other aspects and benefits of the current invention are now described. The two-piece nature of the current invention, i.e., tub and lid, may be preferable over other packaging designs such as those including a hinge connecting a top and bottom. For example, the two-piece design may require less material and may also require a smaller footprint on the manufacturing line because in its opened and flat, or plan, configuration, a hinged design requires more space. Also, the two-piece design of the current invention may be easier to open than other designs such as those that include multiple or complex tabs. Also, the tamper-evident feature of the current invention may be evident all around or substantially around packaging 10 while tampering with a hinge-type packaging may not be because the hinge may preclude use of this feature. Also, the two-piece design may require less room during shipping or storage because lids and tubs may be stacked separately in a compact fashion. This is in contrast to hinged or other packaging designs that may require storage volume. Additional benefits of the two part design include the opportunity to use different colors, thickness, transparency, finish and materials for the tub and lid.

Another embodiment of the current invention is now described with references to FIGS. 9-16, where reference numerals generally correspond to those used above, but are in the 400 range. This packaging embodiment 410 preferably further hinders a tampering consumer's ability to simultaneously remove both the tamper-evident outer portion 450 of lid 430 along with inner portion 440 and the rest of lid 430. In other words, this embodiment aims to avoid a tampering consumer's ability to circumvent the tamper-evident feature.

For example, as seen with the prior embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, a tampering consumer might attempt to grasp both outer portion 50 and tab 70 of inner portion 40, so as to remove the entire lid 30 at one time and circumvent the tamper-evident feature. To this end, the tampering consumer could attempt to insert a finger between tub 20 and lid 30 in an attempt to pry up inner portion 40 as outer portion 50 is lifted. As discussed in connection with the prior embodiment, it is preferred that the force required to break line 60 would be low enough to break during any such attempt to thereby show tampering.

In any event, the embodiment of FIGS. 9-16 further addresses this issue by including downwardly-extending recess 472 in tab 470 that reduces or eliminates any gap between the lid inner portion 440 and tub 420 in which a finger or other object might otherwise be inserted. As discussed in more detail below, and as shown in FIGS. 12b and 13b, recess 472 hinders tampering because its bottom surface 472a touches or is in close proximity to tub peripheral edge 404, and the recess inward surface 472d touches or is in close proximity to tub surface 420d.

This alternative embodiment is now discussed in more detail. Similar to the foregoing embodiment, packaging 410 may comprise tub 420 and lid 430. Lid 430 may include inner portion 440 and outer portion 450 on either side of line 460. Outer portion 450 may include tab 470 that in turn may include downwardly-extending recess 472. As discussed in more detail later, recess 472 may be configured and/or positioned so that its bottom surface 472a and inward surface 472d touch or is in close proximity to surfaces of tub 420 to reduce or eliminate any gap 490 (as shown in FIG. 12b). This, in turn, preferably hinders a tampering consumer from inserting a finger or other object between tub 420 and lid 430 in an attempt to simultaneously remove inner and outer lid portions 440, 450 from tub 420.

Outer portion 450 with tab 470 and recess 472 may be configured as shown in FIGS. 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, 14 and 15. FIGS. 12a and 12b show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of tub 420 with lid 430 in a closed position with outer portion 450 still attached. FIGS. 13a and 13b show these same views with the tub 420 and lid 430 in an open position (with outer portion 450 still attached) such as before lid 430 is placed on tub 420.

The configuration of tab 470 and recess 472 and the manner in which they may hinder or prevent circumvention of the tamper-evident feature is now further described. Tab 470 and recess 472 may be attached to or incorporated into the design of lid 430. For example, tab 470 and recess 472 may be formed as a contiguous portion of lid 430.

Tab 470 may be located at a corner of lid 430, though other locations may be used. As shown in FIGS. 12a and 13a, tab 470 may include upwardly-extending wall 473, horizontal or intermediate section surface 474, upward projection or wall 475 and ridge or top surface 476. Line 460 may extend through top surface 476 so that when outer portion 450 is removed, tab 470 is also removed.

Recess 472 may be formed by walls 471 which may extend downwardly from ridge 476 to the floor or bottom surface 472a. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 12b and 13b, recess 472 may extend sufficiently downward so that when packaging 410 is closed, its bottom surface 472b extends below tub connecting section 403 and engages or is in close proximity to tub edge 404. Recess 472 may also include an inward facing wall 472d that engages or is close proximity to tub surface 420d.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of packaging 410 with tub 420 and lid 430 engaged at a location showing recess 472. As shown, recess 472, may extend downward to or near tub edge 404, so that lid surface 472d may engage or be in close proximity to tub surface 420d, and recess bottom surface 472a may engage or be in close proximity to tub edge 404, thereby reducing or eliminating gap 490. Snap lock 442 and the rest of the design described above may be used in this embodiment. As shown in the top view of FIG. 15, outer portion 450 including tab 470 may serve as part of the tamper-evident function by placing line 460 exterior to recess 472 but interior to the rest of tab 470 so that outer portion 450 may be easily removed and discarded. It is preferred that the amount of force required to remove outer portion 450 from recess 472 along line 460 is less than the force required to remove recess 472 and inner portion 440 from tub 420.

With gap 490 between tub 420 and lid 430 effectively reduced or removed due to the presence of recess 472, circumvention of the tamper-resistant feature may be more difficult, providing added protection for the consumer. This is because a finger or small object may be difficult to insert between lid 430 and tub 420 remove lid 430 without also breaking alternative bridges 461 of line 460. To this end, line 460 may be adjusted so that the force associated with a tampering consumer results in bridges 461 being broken.

Tab 470 may include instructions 500 for the consumer, for example, “Pull Here First” as shown in FIGS. 12a and 13a or “Pull Here” as shown in FIG. 15. By pulling at that location, force may be applied to tab 470 and outer portion 450 such that it begins to separate from inner portion 440 along line 460. The consumer may continue to pull up on the outer portion 450 such that line 460 tears alternative bridges 461 around lid 430 to allow outer portion 450 to completely separate from the inner portion 440 of lid 430. At this point, recessed portion 472 may still remain as part of inner portion 440. Instructions 500 may also prevent unintentional opening where outer portion 450 and lid 430 are removed without breaking alternative bridges 461.

As seen in FIG. 16, an alternative design of packaging 610 of the embodiment including a recess is described wherein recess 672 may extend upward. Recess 672 may be formed between projections or lid walls 665, 666. This embodiment may accomplish the same goal of the previous one—to prevent access to any gap 690 between tub 620 and lid 630 to avoid circumvention of the tamper-evident feature. Projection 665, with improved recess 672, preferably block access to surface of tub 620d.

It is also preferred that outer portion 650 cover or be in close proximity to the entire area to prevent unauthorized access. Here, outer portion 650 may be configured evenly with the bottom of tub surface 620d in the horizontal plane. To this end, tub 620 need not include any outward edge similar to edge 404 in FIGS. 12-13 or edge 204 in FIGS. 5 and 8. By configuring outer portion 650 in this manner, packaging 610 may be easier to open when outer portion 650 is pulled up because outer portion 650 may be flush with the bottom of surface 620d. Lid edge 666 may be the area which improved outer portion 650 may be attached to lid edge 666 which may remain after improved outer portion 650 is removed and discarded. Lid edge 666 and projection 665 may provide an ample area for the consumer to grasp when removing lid 630. Projection 665 with improved recess 672 may be incorporated into the design of lid 630 thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs because the material may be the same and no additional part are used which may require additional assembly.

An additional alternative design of packaging 710 is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Tub 720 may include extended lip 775 in order to accomplish the same task as the recess component described above. FIG. 17 shows tub 720 with extended lip 745 but without lid 730 or a recessed portion. Extended lip 775 prevents unauthorized access that might occur by the insertion of a finger or small object because no gap 790 is present between tub 720 and lid 730. Extended lip 775 may project diagonally from one corner of tub 720, and may form an extension of edge of tub surface 720d. Gap 790 is preferably removed because outer portion 750 may be placed directly on extended lip 775 thereby removing an open space between improved outer portion 750 and extended lip 775. FIG. 18 shows a side view of this embodiment with outer portion 750 attached and lid 730 in place. Extended lip 775 may be incorporated into the design of tub 720, the material may be the same, and no additional parts may be needed which may require additional assembly.

Another packaging embodiment 1010 of the current invention is now described with reference to FIGS. 19-32, where reference numerals are similar to those used above but are in the 1000 range. Similar to the above-described embodiments, packaging 1010 may include tub 1020 and lid 1030, where lid 1030 includes an inner portion 1040 and outer portion 1050 that may serve as a tamper-evident feature 1050. Inner and outer portions 1040, 1050 may be attached by line 1060 that may be similar to lines 60, 460 described above.

Packaging 1010 may include several unique features. For example, inner and outer portions 1040, 1050 may include tabs to help with their removal from tub 1020. To this end, inner portion 1040 may include tab 1070, and outer portion 1050 may include tab 1080. As such, packaging 1010 may represent a two-tab system that provides a sleek appearance that is aesthetically pleasing and may in and of itself serve a marketing function to entice purchases. Tabs 1070, 1080 may also have instructions on them to supplement the appearance and operation of this embodiment.

The aesthetically pleasing appearance of packaging 1010 may also be enhanced by the fact that the strip portion 1050a of tamper-evident component 1050 may reside within the periphery of tub 1020. This is in contrast to other existing designs where the tamper-evident component is located at the outermost periphery of a lid or packaging.

Another unique feature of packaging 1010 is that outer portion or tamper-evident feature 1050 may only extend partially around the periphery of the perimeter of lid 1030 instead of its entire periphery. This may be beneficial because once removed, outer portion 1050 may form a strip which may be easier to discard and which may be safer than the closed loop that would result where outer portion 1050 extends around the entire periphery of lid 1030. In this embodiment, line 1060 may extend only partially around the periphery of lid 1030 and not around its entire periphery. This may save in manufacturing costs, and may also contribute to the aesthetically pleasing overall design of packaging 1010. As shown in the figures, outer portion 1050 and line 1060 do not extend around the periphery.

Another unique feature of packaging 1010 is that it may include multiple tamper-evident components or features. As discussed above, packaging 1010 may include the tamper-evident feature provided by line 1060. Beyond this, lid 1030 may comprise a material that plastically deforms upon any attempt at tampering. For example, tabs 1070, 1080 may comprise a material that will appear plastically deformed if they are tampered with. Accordingly, if a tampering consumer attempts to open packaging 1010, lid 1030 may be bent and not elastically return to its initial configuration. As another example, tabs 1070, 1080 may also show tampering if they are dislodged from one another as discussed below.

Tub 1020 is now further described with reference to FIGS. 21, 24, 27 and 30-32. As shown, tub 1020 may form a container to define an interior volume 1021 to hold food or other items. To this end, tub 1020 may comprise bottom 1021a and sides 1021b. The shape of interior 1021 may vary to suit the desired contents.

Tub 1020 may include inverted U-shaped region 1200 at the top of its sides 1021a. U-shaped region 1200 may generally extend around the periphery of tub 1020, but in the embodiment shown, region 1200 does not extend all the way around the periphery of tub 1020 so as to accommodate tabs 1070, 1080. Tub U-shaped region 1200 may include inner wall 1201 and outer wall 1202 that may be joined by connecting section 1203. Similar to the embodiments described above, inner wall 1201 may include snap lock, click lock or other engagement 1042 to engage with lid 1030. That is, tub 1020 may include tub ridges 1020a, 1020b, 1020c that engage corresponding lid ridges 1030a, 1030b, 1030c. The amount of force required to disengage or dislodge engagement 1042 may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the extent to which the protrusion formed at 1020b, 1040b extends. Alternatively, the angles of surfaces 1020a/1040a, 1020b/1040b, 1020c/1040c may be made more or less severe.

Inner wall 1201 may extend generally upward to connecting section 1203, which may itself include channel, groove or section 1203a and wall or ridge 1203b. As discussed later, channel 1203a may be horizontal and accommodate tamper-evident feature 1040. Section 1203a may extend outward to ridge 1203b. Ridge 1203b may further extend upward and outward to tub outer wall 1202. Outer wall 1202 may extend downward thereby forming outer surface 1220d. At the bottom of outer tub wall 1202, outer tub edge, rim or flange 1204 may extend outward. As shown in FIG. 21, outer tub edge 1204 may extend around the periphery of tub 1020, though this is optional. Wall 1203b may generally extend around the periphery of tub 1020 but may also include ends 1203b′ and 1203b″ that provide an opening for tabs 1070, 1080 as discussed later.

Lid 1030 is now further described with reference to FIGS. 19, 20, 22, 23, 31 and 32. As mentioned above, lid 1030 may include inner portion 1040 and outer portion 1050 that are joined by line 1060. FIGS. 19, 22 and 32 show lid 1030 mounted to tub 1020 while both inner and outer portions 1040, 1050 are in place. As shown, outer portion 1050 and line 1060 do not extend around the entire periphery of tub 1020. Instead, they do not extend to that part of the periphery occupied by tab 1070.

Before it is removed, or tampered with, outer portion 1050 may be located in channel 1203a. It is preferred that this tamper-evident feature 1050 is generally placed on the surface of channel 1203a and is not adhered or otherwise attached thereto. Locating tamper-evident feature 1050 generally or mostly within the periphery of tub 1020 contributes to the sleek appearance of packaging 1020. That is, when in this position, outer portion 1050 may be bounded by line 1060 to the inside and the interior wall or surface 1203c of ridge 1203b to the outside. As such, outer portion 1050 does not form any type of protruding feature from packaging 1010.

As shown in FIG. 32, tamper-evident feature 1050 need not touch or butt up against the interior wall 1204c of ridge 1204b. As such, there is no friction or other mechanism that would impede tamper-evident feature 1050 from being dislodged to show tampering. This is another aspect of how the force required to show tampering may be adjusted.

Unlike lids in other existing types of packaging, lid 30 may not include an outer wall. More specifically, with other types of existing packaging, the lid and tub or container share a common configuration for their peripheral regions that engage each other. In the packaging 1010 of the current invention, however, lid 1030 may radially extend to the outer edge of outer portion 1050 which does not form any type of outer wall. Instead, lid 1030 may generally end at the top of U-shaped region 1300. This again contributes to the sleek appearance of packaging 1010 because lid 1030 is thus compact and generally resides within tub 1020.

The connection between lid inner and outer portions 1040, 1050 is now further described. As with the embodiments discussed above, inner and outer portions 1040, 1050 may be joined by line 1060. As with lines 60, 460, line 1060 comprise a number of bridges 1061 separated by gaps 1062. Alternatively, line 1060 may comprise contiguous material that may be weakened. In any event, it is preferred that line 1060 may be formed by a mechanical operation as opposed to more expensive and potentially dangerous laser or other manufacturing steps. And as with lines 60, 460, it is preferred that line 1060 may be broken with a desired breaking force. As discussed above, the requisite breaking force of line 1060 may be adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 19, tabs 1070, 1080 may be joined by bridges 1061a, 1061b. In this manner, it is preferred that tabs 1070, 1080 will readily separate if attempted tampering occurs. For example, if a would-be consumer attempts to avoid the tamper-evident feature of packaging 1010 by trying to lift both tabs 1070, 1080 at the same time, it is preferred that bridges 1061a and/or 1061b readily break thereby showing the tampering.

The tear-away, tamper-evident feature(s) of packaging 1010, the manner in which outer portion 1050 may be removed from inner portion 1040 and the manner in which lid 1030 may be removed from tub 1020 are now further described. In general, a purchasing consumer may first remove lid outer portion 1050 by pulling up or peeling away tab 1080, and continuing to remove outer portion 1050 until it is separated from packaging 1010. The consumer may then pull up on tab 1070 so that inner portion 1040 and the rest of lid 1030 is removed from tub 1020 to access the contents in packaging 1010.

To facilitate this process, tabs 1070, 1080 may include instructions as shown in the figures. For example, tab 1080 may include text stating “peel 1” to indicate that the consumer is to pull or peel tab 1080 away first so as to remove outer portion 1050. Alternatively, tab 1080 may simply state “1” to show that the consumer it is the first item to be removed. In so doing, the consumer may separate tab 1080 from tab 1070 by breaking bridges 1061b, 1061a. To this end, it is preferred that the force required to break line 1060 and remove outer lid portion 1050 is less than the force required to disengage snap fit, click fit or other engagement 1042 between tub 1020 and lid 1030. The relative forces may be adjusted as described herein.

As the consumer continues to peel away outer portion 1050, additional bridges 1061 of line 1060 along strip 1050a are broken. This may continue until outer portion 1050 is removed from packaging 1010 as shown in FIG. 20. At this point, outer portion or tear-away tamper-evident feature 1050 may generally form a strip of material which may be discarded. This may be advantageous and safer when compared to removable tamper-evident components that form a closed loop.

Because line 1060 did not extend around the entire periphery of lid 1030, inner portion 1040 and tab 1070 continue to occupy a portion of the periphery of lid 1030 as shown in FIG. 20. Tab 1070 may include text stating “pull 2” or simply “2” to indicate to the consumer that tab 1070 is to be pull up second after outer portion 1050 has been removed. Tab 1070 may be pulled up with sufficient force so that the engagement 1042 between lid 1030 and tub 1020 is overcome and lid 1030 is removed to expose the contents in tub 1020 as shown in FIG. 21.

Regardless of any text or instructions on tabs 1070, 1080 or otherwise, it is preferred that packaging 1010 be opened whereby outer portion or tamper-evident feature 1050 is removed first and then inner portion 1040 and lid 1030 is removed second. Indeed, if a consumer attempted to pull up on tab 1070 first, outer portion 1050 may be pulled up with inner portion 1040, at least for some distance, due to the fact that outer portion 1050 is not attached or fixed to tub 1020. More specifically, tear-away tamper evident strip 1050a is not attached and preferably rests on channel 1203a. This is in contrast to the situation where outer portion 1050 is removed first and inner portion cannot readily be simultaneously removed due to the larger force required to disengage tub/lid fit 1042. Accordingly, a tampering or legitimate consumer who first pulls up on tab 1070 may very well lift up outer portion 1050 and/or strip 1050a because in packaging 1010, it is not intended to break line 1060 by first pulling up on 1070.

However, even in this event, tampering may become evident. To this end, it is preferred that lid 1030 comprise a material that plastically deforms in response to tampering. For example, the bridge section 1070a between tab 1070 and the peripheral part of inner portion 1040 preferably shows deformation once it is pulled up. Plastic deformation would generally prevent it from returning to its initial position, e.g., horizontal. Accordingly, even if a tampering consumer were to pull up on tab 1070 first, the tab would still preferably be plastically deformed thereby indicating tampering. To this end, lid 1030 preferably comprises a material that readily shows plastic deformation to in turn show tampering. Sample materials may include PET, poly propylene, PLA, sheet plastic polystyrene and other materials that may reflect plastic deformation in the current context. To this end, materials that sufficiently low modulus may be used.

Beyond the type of material comprising lid 1030, other properties may affect the ability of tab 1070 and bridge section 1070a to reflect tampering. For example, the thickness of bridge 1070a and/or a similar bridge 1080a between tab 1080 and inner portion, may be sufficiently thin so that after it is bent upward, it does not completely return to its initial position. This would indicate tampering. In any event, the packaging 1070 of the current invention is intended for use whereby outer portion 1050 is removed first, followed by inner portion 1040.

If a tampering consumer attempts to lift both tabs 1070, 1080 in an attempt to circumnavigate the tamper-evident feature of packaging 1010, it is preferred that line 1060 break, at least in part, because the force required to break line 1060 is less than the force to disengage snap fit 1042. Accordingly, it is preferred that the tampering consumer would not be able to remove, or have significant difficulty removing, both inner and outer portions 1040, 1050 while not breaking line 1060 and still disengage snap fit 1042.

Recess 1072 may be substantially similar to the recess of embodiments discussed above. Here, recess 1072 may hinder tampering because it reduces or eliminates any gap 1090 between the bottom surface 1072a of tab 1070 and the edge 1304 of tub 1030. Furthermore, recess 1072 may have an inward surface 1072d that touches or is in close proximity tub surface 1020d. In sum, the configuration of recess 1072 preferably hinders a would-be tampering consumer from inserting a finger or small object underneath lid 1030 and gaining access to tub surface 1020d. Even if that occurs, however, it is preferred that the lid 1030 would be plastically deformed so indicate tampering.

Another feature of packaging 1010 that may help thwart efforts to avoid the tamper-evident feature relates to tub 1020. As discussed above, tub 1020 may include ridge or wall 1203b that extends above strip 1050a and hinders or prevents access to the underside of outer portion 1050, which in turn makes it more difficult to remove outer portion 1050 in appropriately without showing signs of tampering.

The text or instructions on tabs 1070, 1080 may also aid in thwarting attempts to avoid the tamper-evident feature. The instructions may be raised letters from the surface of tabs 1070, 1080. Accordingly, they provide some structural integrity in that if tab 1070 or tab 1080 is pulled up, the tab will not readily bend due to the raised text. Instead, the bending and any associated plastic deformation will be concentrated in bridge sections 1070a, 1080a. Accordingly, plastic deformation is more readily seen so that tampering is shown.

Manufacturing aspects of the current invention are now further described. As indicated previously, it is preferred that line 60, 460, 1060 be formed on a horizontal plane. This allows simple, inexpensive and safe mechanical process to be used to form line 60, 460, 1060. This also provides that line 60, 460, 1060 may be created on the same plane as other edges and/or cuts of lid 30, 430, 1030 before subsequent forming occurs. This lowers manufacturing costs.

The configuration of tub 1020 where tabs 1070, 1080 are eventually placed also helps the tamper-evident feature of packaging 1020. As shown in FIG. 24, tub section 1204a preferably has a width that supports bridge portions 1070a, 1080a of tabs 1070, 1080. During manufacture, when lid 1030 is placed on tub 1020, tub section 1204a provides a receiving area for tabs 1070, 1080 to be placed with little or no plastic deformation. As such, when manufacturing of packaging 1010 is complete, tabs 1070, 1080 (as well as bridge sections 1070a, 1080a) are smooth. Accordingly, if any tampering occurs later on, it will be shown due to the plastic deformation that will have occurred.

Referring to FIG. 33, an alternate embodiment is shown. Here, notches or score lines 1070a′, 1070a″ may exist in bridge section 1070a of tab 70. This may facilitate removal of inner portion 1040. Furthermore, notches or score lines 1070a′, 1070a″ may make it easier for tab 1070 to be bent upward. Besides helping the consumer open package 1070, this may also more readily show tampering. This is because any plastic deformation of tab 1070 that may result from tampering may be more readily shown. It is preferred that lines 1070a′, 1070a″ are strong enough so that 1070 remains as part of lid 1030, so that tab 1070 may continue to aid the consumer in subsequent openings and closings of package 1010.

Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A tamper-evident packaging, comprising: a tub; anda lid having an inner portion engaging the tub, and an outer portion that is joined to the inner portion by a line such that when the outer portion is lifted in an attempt to remove the lid from the tub, the line tears, thereby allowing the outer portion to partially or completely separate from the inner portion;wherein the remaining inner portion of the lid is appropriately sized and shaped to provide a seal with the tub; andwherein after the outer portion of the lid is completely separated from the inner portion of the lid, the remaining inner portion of the lid is then removable from the tub by pulling up on a tab that protrudes from one corner of the inner portion.

2. A tamper-evident packaging, comprising: a tub; anda lid having an inner portion engaging the tub and an outer portion that is joined to the inner portion by a line;wherein the amount of force required to remove the outer portion from the inner portion along the line is less than the amount of force required to remove the inner portion from the tub.