Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02720376 2010-11-08
TAMPER-EVIDENT CONTAINER WITH EXTENDED BAND
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
10001] The inventions relate generally to containers, particularly
tamper-evident
containers with extended bands.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Retail markets have utilized rigid and flexible plastic
containers to contain
and display perishable and fragile food items both hot and cold, such as
sandwiches, salads
and bakery items. These traditional roles of plastic packaging are now the
minimum expected
standards, and the requirements placed on plastic food packaging continue to
expand as
increasing demands are placed upon it. Presentation, brand presence, consumer
desires, added
value to enhance commercial competitiveness, differentiation, imagery and
psychology has
resulted in the design and application of plastic packaging becoming more
challenging.
Convenience continues to shape the future of packaging, with consumers
gravitating toward
packaged convenience items that minimize the impact on their behavior forcing
packaging
manufacturers to include social and environmental considerations into their
development
process.
[0003] Rigid plastic food containers are typically manufactured from
Polystyrene,
Polypropylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polylactide, Polyvinyl
Chloride (PVC), or
other rigid polymers. They generally comprise either of two-parts--a tray and
base--or they
may be a one-piece construction with a hinge that modifies one portion of the
container to act
as the base and the other connected portion to act as a lid. This general
configuration of food
containers in a large variety of shapes and cross-sections (circular,
rectangular, square, and
elliptical, etc.) has been available in the marketplace for many years.
[0004] However, a limitation or concern has been undisclosed potentially
malicious ingress into such containers that can lead to inadvertent or
intentional contamination
of the contents of the food container. This has created an increased awareness
of and demand
for tamper-resistant and tamper-evident food packaging systems. Product
tampering has been
in existence for as long as there have been packaged consumer goods. The
causes of
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tampering are varied but generally take one of two forms: the first is
malevolent tampering,
and the second is for personal gratification, where one samples a product and
puts it back on
the shelf and the next customer is unaware of the contamination. Both modes of
tampering
compromises the safety and quality of food package contents. The costs of
tampering are
enormous. In addition to the recalling of tampered, as well as un-tampered
product, the
resulting negative publicity can lead to reduction in revenue and brand
equity, with retailers
being forced to stop purchasing from one or more products form the affected
company or
even litigation.
[0005) In 1982, Johnson and Johnson (J&J) experienced such a situation
when
numerous bottles of its Extra-Strength Tylenol capsules had been laced with
cyanide. By the
end of the crisis, J&J had spent $100 million recalling 31 million bottles,
they ceased
production of the product and further pursued redesign of its bottles. Seven
people died from
the ingestion of the cyanide-laced pills. The threat of tampering has been
amplified in the wake
of the terrorist attack of Sep. 11, 2001. Possible contamination of food
product on a
potentially larger scale been envisioned.
[0006] In the packaging industry, tampering is the interference with the
package
contents, and the risk of tampering is a phenomenon that we have come to
accept as a
necessary evil when making purchases. Today, it is impossible to find food
packaging that
does not have a security feature. Virtually every packaged food product is
enclosed or is
attached to a tamper-evident or tamper-proof security feature. Tamper-evident
means that a
package that has undergone tampering will show some readily observable sign
that the
tampering has taken place; the sign may be audible or visible. It is the
opinion of the inventor
that in addition to its functions of protecting the product inside against
physical and
microbiological harm and oxygen ingress, and of providing brand recognition
and product
differentiation in the marketplace, packaging should also be designed to
protect the consumer
against tampering, whether deliberate or accidental.
[0007] Methods developed and currently used to combat tampering have
included
bonding the edges of existing packages. The advantage of such an approach is
that a barrier
against tampering could be achieved without changing the packaging design.
Alternatively,
addition of clear or printed shrink-wrap over the neck edge joint between the
lid and tray or
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the entire package that keeps the packaging and its contents secure have been
used. These
methods provide some assurance to the consumer that the product has not been
interfered
with. Similarly, other attempts developed to combat packaging product
tampering include
under-lid barriers (e.g. heat-sealed pop-up lids, glued boxes and tape seals).
[0008] A limitation associated with these methods, however, is that they
achieve
only a low level of tamper-evident packaging. They are either not sufficiently
or distinctively
visible to the consumer, or they can be returned to their original condition
with a glue gun and
a hair dryer. This further makes disposal of unused sealing material a
security issue as unused,
intact seals may be used to reseal contaminated product.
[0009] It would be advantageous to consumers if there were a simple
method that
would rapidly indicate if a rigid plastic food package had been interfered
with, that is, opened
and then re-closed prior to purchase.
[0010] As it is extremely difficult to develop product packaging that is
regarded as
fully tamper-proof, the packaging industry's efforts have been directed to
develop solutions
that would ensure that any tampering can be clearly visible to the potential
consumer. In
response to the evolving demands of consumers, retailers continue to seek
novel plastic
packaging solutions to improve on the safety, convenience and therefore
marketability of food
product.
10011] As such, the inventors recognizes that greater utility of such
rigid plastic
containers would be obtained through improved tamper-evident containerization
methods and
designs to increase the safety to the consumer but yet retains both the
functional aspects
required from rigid plastic packaging. The present inventions fulfill this
need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
[0012] In one embodiment, a container can include a base, a lid, and a
tamper-
evident, closed band. The base can define a space and an opening at a
periphery, the opening
can include at least one outwardly extending base flange, and the flange can
have a contact
surface. The base can also include a base sealing section. The lid can have a
shape that
generally matches the opening of the base generally at a periphery of the lid.
The lid can also
include at least one outwardly extending lid flange with a contact surface at
the periphery, as
well as a lid sealing section. The base sealing section and the lid sealing
section can together
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form a reclosable snap fit when the lid is forcibly applied to the opening of
the base to
generally close the opening. Further, the base flange and lid flange can be in
at least
approximate alignment when the opening is closed such that the lid and base
flanges can be
manually pulled apart to separate the lid and base and overcome the snap fit.
The lid and base
flanges can also include a removed portion to create an increased distance
between contact
surfaces on the lid and base flanges at at least one region. The tamper-
evident, closed band
can attach at a first end to one of the base and lid substantially along its
entire periphery. At a
second end, the band can have a free end. The tamper-evident band can be
substantially
detachable from the base or lid as a closed band. The band can also extend to
substantially
prevent direct manual access to the lid and base flanges.
[0013] In another embodiment, a container can also include a base, a
lid, and a
tamper-evident tab. The base can define a space and an opening at a periphery,
the opening
having at least one outwardly extending base flange, and the base flange
having a contact
surface. The base can also have a sealing section. The lid can define a shape
that generally
matches the opening of the base generally at a periphery of the lid. The lid
can also have at
least one outwardly extending lid flange that has a contact surface at the
periphery such that
the base flange and lid flange can be in at least approximate alignment when
the opening is
closed by the lid. Further, the lid can have a sealing section such that the
lid sealing section
and the base sealing section can together form a continuous reclosable snap
fit connection.
This can allow the lid and base flanges to be manually pulled apart to
separate the lid and base.
The lid and base flanges can additionally have a removed portion creating an
increased
distance between corresponding contact surfaces of the lid and base flanges at
at least one
region. The tamper-evident, closed band can attach at a first end to one of
the base and lid
substantially along its entire periphery. The band can also have a free end at
a second end.
The tamper-evident band can extend to substantially prevent direct manual
access to the lid
and base flanges. Further, the band can be detachable from the base or lid at
a separated
portion such that the band can be bent at the separated portion to allow
manual access to the
lid and base flanges near the separated portion.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, a container can include a base, a lid,
and a
tamper-evident band. The base can define a space and an opening at a
periphery. The
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opening can include at least one outwardly extending base flange. Further, the
base can have
a base sealing section. The lid can define a shape that generally matches the
opening of the
base generally at a periphery of the lid. The lid can also include at least
one outwardly
extending lid flange at the periphery and a lid sealing section, such that the
base sealing
section and the lid sealing section can together form a continuous and
reclosable snap fit when
the lid is forcibly applied to the opening of the base to generally close the
opening. The base
flange and lid flange can also be in at least approximate alignment when the
opening is closed
such that the lid and base flanges can be manually pulled apart to separate
the lid and base and
overcome the snap fit. The tamper-evident band can attach at a first end to
one of the base
and lid substantially along its entire periphery and have a free end at a
second end. The
tamper-evident band can extend to substantially prevent direct manual access
to the lid and
base flanges. The band can also be detachable from the base or lid such that a
majority of the
lid and base flanges can be exposed upon detachment. However, the band can
remain partially
attached to one of the base and lid and the band can sever into a strip near
the remaining
partial attachment.
[0015] In
another embodiment, a base can define a space and an opening at a
periphery, the opening comprising at least one outwardly extending base flange
and the base
further comprising a base snap-fit portion. A lid can define a shape that
generally matches the
opening of the base generally at a periphery of the lid. The lid also can have
at least one
outwardly extending lid flange at the periphery and a lid snap-fit portion,
such that the base
snap-fit portion and the lid snap-fit portion can together form a snap fit
when the lid is forcibly
applied to the opening of the base to generally close the opening. Also, the
base flange and lid
flange can be in at least approximate alignment when the opening is closed
such that the lid
and base flanges can be manually pulled apart to separate the lid and base and
overcome the
snap fit. A tamper-evident band can attach at a first end to the lid
substantially along its entire
periphery and have a free end at a second end. The tamper-evident band can be
substantially
detachable from the lid at at least a corner portion. Further, the band can
extend to
substantially prevent direct manual access to the lid and base flanges. Upon
tearing, the band
can remain partially attached to the one of the base and lid, forming a strip
and a remaining
partial attachment.
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[0016] In a further embodiment, a base can define a space and an opening
at a
periphery, the opening comprising at least one outwardly extending base
flange, the flange
having a contact surface, and the base further comprising a base snap-fit
portion. A lid can
define a shape that generally matches the opening of the base generally at a
periphery of the
lid. The lid can also have at least one outwardly extending lid flange having
a contact surface
at the periphery and a lid snap-fit portion, such that the base snap-fit
portion and the lid snap-
fit portion can together form a continuous reclosable snap fit when the lid is
forcibly applied
to the opening of the base to generally close the opening. Also, the base
flange and lid flange
can be in at least approximate alignment when the opening is closed such that
the lid and base
flanges can be manually pulled apart to separate the lid and base and overcome
the snap fit. A
tamper-evident band can attach at a first end to at least one of the lid and
base. The band can
be tearable from the lid or base along at least 1/5 of the first end. The band
can additionally
have a corner lock along a corner wall portion. The band can prevent direct
manual access to
the lid and base flanges while attached to at least one of the lid and base.
The band can
expose the lid and base flanges upon tearing, such that the flanges or band
can be pulled to
separate the lid and base.
[00171 In a further embodiment, a base can define a space and an opening
at a
periphery, the opening comprising at least one outwardly extending base flange
and the base
further comprising a base snap-fit portion. A lid can define a shape that
generally matches the
opening of the base generally at a periphery of the lid. The lid can also have
at least one
outwardly extending lid flange at the periphery and a lid snap-fit portion,
such that the base
snap-fit portion and the lid snap-fit portion can together form a continuous
reclosable snap fit
when the lid is forcibly applied to the opening of the base to generally close
the opening.
Also, the base flange and lid flange can be in at least approximate alignment
when the opening
is closed such that the lid and base flanges can be manually pulled apart to
separate the lid and
base and overcome the snap fit. A tamper-evident band can attach at a first
end to the lid
substantially along its entire periphery and have a free end at a second end.
The tamper-
evident band can be substantially detachable from the lid at at least a
separating portion. The
band can also include two or more inward protrusions that abut the base flange
at the
separating portion at least when the band is pulled upward from the base.
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[0018] In a further embodiment, a base can define a space and an opening
at a
periphery, the opening comprising at least one outwardly extending base flange
and the base
further comprising a base snap-fit portion. The base and the opening can also
define a
polygonal shape with one or more corners. A lid can define a shape that
generally matches the
opening of the base generally at a periphery of the lid. The lid can also have
at least one
outwardly extending lid flange at the periphery and a lid snap-fit portion,
such that the base
snap-fit portion and the lid snap-fit portion can together form a continuous
horizontal snap fit
when the lid is forcibly applied to the opening of the base to generally close
the opening.
Also, the base flange and lid flange can be in at least approximate alignment
when the opening
is closed such that the lid and base flanges can be manually pulled apart to
separate the lid and
base and overcome the snap fit. A tamper-evident band can attach at a first
end to the lid
along each of its sides and be unattached at at least one corner portion. The
tamper-evident
band can also have a free end at a second end. The tamper-evident band can
substantially
detachable from the lid. Prior to detachment, the band extends to
substantially prevent direct
manual access to the lid and base flanges. The band can also include two or
more inward
protrusions (68) that abut the base flange at the corner portion at least when
the band is pulled
upward from the base.
[0019] In an additional embodiment, a container lid can be configured to
form a
snap-fit with a base. The container lid can have a broad central portion, a
snap-fit portion, a
lid flange, and a detachable skirt. The snap-fit portion can be at a periphery
of the broad
central portion and be configured to form a snap-fit with a base. Outward from
the snap-fit
portion can be the lid flange with one or more raised portions at a corner of
the lid flange.
Finally, the skirt can be detachable and attached to the lid flange along the
periphery of the
container lid. The skirt can also have one or more inward protrusions.
[0020] In another embodiment, a method of forming a container can be
provided.
A first portion can be formed, defining a space, an opening, a periphery, and
a sealing portion.
A second portion can be formed and shaped to cover the opening. The second
portion can
also include a periphery and a sealing portion. A series of perforations can
then be cut in at
least one of the first or second portions to form a removeable, closed band
encircling a
periphery of the first or second portion. The first portion can be applied to
the second
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portion, bringing the two sealing portions adjacent each other and closing the
opening.
Advantageously, the closed band can extend to block access to the periphery of
a first or
second portion to which it is not attached.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container
comprising:
a base defining a space and an opening at a periphery, the base comprising at
least
one outwardly from the base extending base flange, the flange comprising a
contact
surface, and the base further comprising a base sealing section;
a lid defining a shape that generally matches a shape of the opening of the
base
generally at a periphery of the lid, the lid comprising at least one outwardly
from the lid
extending lid flange comprising a contact surface at the periphery and a lid
sealing
section, where the lid sealing section and the base sealing section and can
together form a
continuous reclosable snap fit connection when the lid is forcibly applied to
the opening
of the base to generally close the opening, and where the base flange and the
lid flange
can be in at least approximate alignment when the opening is closed, and where
the lid
flange and the base flange can be manually pulled apart to separate the lid
and the base
and overcome the snap fit, at least one of the lid flange and the base flange
further
comprising a removed portion that is removed outwards from the contact surface
of the
lid flange or the contact surface of the base flange to create an increased
distance
between the contact surface of the lid flange and the contact surface of the
base flange
corresponding at at least one region; and
a tamper-evident, annular closed band attached at a first end to one of the
base
and the lid substantially along the entire respective periphery of the one of
the base and
the lid and having a free end at a second end, the tamper-evident band being
substantially
detachable from the base or the lid as a closed band, and extending to
substantially
prevent direct manual access to the lid and base flanges.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
container
comprising:
a base defining a space and an opening at a periphery, the base comprising at
least
one outwardly from the base extending base flange, the flange comprising a
contact
surface, and the base further comprising a base sealing section;
a lid defining a shape that generally matches a shape of the opening of the
base
generally at a periphery of the lid, the lid comprising at least one outwardly
from the lid
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extending lid flange comprising a contact surface at the periphery and a lid
sealing
section, where the lid sealing section and the base sealing section and can
together form a
continuous reclosable snap fit connection when the lid is forcibly applied to
the opening
of the base to generally close the opening, and where the base flange and the
lid flange
can be in at least approximate alignment when the opening is closed, and where
the lid
flange and the base flange can be manually pulled apart to separate the lid
and the base
and overcome the snap fit, at least one of the lid flange and the base flange
further
comprising a removed portion that is removed outwards from the contact surface
of the
lid flange or the contact surface of the base flange to create an increased
distance
between the contact surface of the lid flange and the contact surface of the
base flange
corresponding at at least one region; and
a tamper-evident, annular closed band attached at a first end to one of the
base
and the lid substantially along the entire respective periphery of the one of
the base and
the lid and having a free end at a second end, the tamper-evident band
extending to
substantially prevent direct manual access to the lid flange and the base
flange, and the
tamper-evident band being detachable from the base or the lid at a separated
portion such
that the band can be bent at the separated portion so as to allow manual
access to the lid
flange and the base flange at the separated portion.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
container comprising:
a base defining a space and an opening at a periphery, the base comprising at
least
one outwardly from the base extending base flange and the base further
comprising a
base sealing section;
a lid defining a shape that generally matches a shape of the opening of the
base
generally at a periphery of the lid, the lid comprising at least one outwardly
from the lid
extending lid flange at the periphery such that the base flange and the lid
flange can be in
at least approximate alignment when the opening is closed by the lid, the lid
additionally
comprising a lid sealing section where the lid sealing section and the base
sealing section
can together form a continuous reclosable snap-fit connection when the opening
is closed
by the lid, and where the lid flange and the base flange can be manually
pulled apart to
separate the lid and the base; and
a tamper-evident, closed band attached at a first end to one of the base and
the lid
substantially along the entire respective periphery of the one of the base and
the lid and
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having a free end at a second end, the tamper-evident band extending to
substantially
prevent direct manual access to the lid flange and the base flange, and being
detachable
from the base or the lid as a closed band such that a majority of the lid
flange and the
base flange can be exposed upon detachment while the closed band can remain
partially
attached to one of the base and the lid.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
container comprising:
a base defining a space and an opening at a periphery, the base comprising at
least
one outwardly from the base extending base flange and the base further
comprising a
base snap-fit portion;
a lid defining a shape that generally matches a shape of the opening of the
base
generally at a periphery of the lid, the lid comprising at least one outwardly
from the lid
extending lid flange at the periphery and a lid snap-fit portion, such that
the base snap-fit
portion and the lid snap-fit portion can together form a snap fit when the lid
is forcibly
applied to the opening of the base to generally close the opening, and such
that the base
flange and the lid flange can be in at least approximate alignment when the
opening is
closed such that the lid flange and the base flange can be manually pulled
apart to
separate the lid and the base and overcome the snap fit; and
a tamper-evident band attached at a first end to one of the base and the lid
substantially along the entire respective periphery of the one of the base and
the lid and
having a free end at a second end, the tamper-evident band extending to
substantially
prevent direct manual access to the lid flange and the base flange, and being
detachable
from the base or the lid such that a majority of the lid flange and the base
flange can be
exposed upon detachment while the band can remain partially attached to one of
the base
and the lid and the band can sever into a strip at the remaining partial
attachment.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
container comprising:
a base defining a space and an opening at a periphery, the base comprising at
least
one outwardly from the base extending base flange, the flange comprising a
contact
surface, and the base further comprising a base snap-fit portion;
a lid defining a shape that generally matches a shape of the opening of the
base
generally at a periphery of the lid, the lid comprising at least one outwardly
from the lid
extending lid flange comprising a contact surface at the periphery and a lid
snap-fit
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portion, such that the base snap-fit portion and the lid snap-fit portion can
together form a
continuous reclosable snap fit connection when the lid is forcibly applied to
the opening
of the base to generally close the opening, and such that the base flange and
the lid flange
can be in at least approximate alignment when the opening is closed such that
the lid
flange and the base flange can be manually pulled apart to separate the lid
and the base
and overcome the snap fit; and
a tamper-evident band attached at a first end to at least one of the lid and
the base,
and being tearable therefrom along at least 1/5 of said first end, the tamper-
evident band
comprising a corner lock along a corner wall portion, the tamper-evident band
preventing
direct manual access to the lid and base flanges while attached to at least
one of the lid
and the base, the tamper-evident band exposing the lid flange and the base
flange upon
tearing such that said flanges or band can be pulled to separate the lid and
the base.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
container comprising:
a base defining a space and an opening at a periphery, the base comprising at
least
one outwardly from the base extending base flange and the base further
comprising a
base snap-fit portion;
a lid defining a shape that generally matches a shape of the opening of the
base
generally at a periphery of the lid, the lid comprising at least one outwardly
from the lid
extending lid flange at the periphery and a lid snap-fit portion, such that
the base snap-fit
portion and the lid snap-fit portion can together form a continuous reclosable
snap fit
connection, when the lid is forcibly applied to the opening of the base to
generally close
the opening, and such that the base flange and the lid flange can be in at
least
approximate alignment when the opening is closed such that the lid flange and
the base
flange can be manually pulled apart to separate the lid and the base and
overcome the
snap fit; and
a tamper-evident band attached at a first end to the lid substantially along
the
entire periphery of the lid and having a free end at a second end, the tamper-
evident band
being at least partially detachable from the lid at at least a separating
portion, and
extending to block direct manual access to the lid flange and the base flange,
the band
further comprising two or more inward protrusions that abut the base flange at
said
separating portion at least when the band is pulled upward from the base.
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According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
container comprising:
a base defining a space and an opening at a periphery, the base comprising at
least
one outwardly from the base extending base flange and the base further
comprising a
base snap-fit portion, the base and the opening defining a polygonal shape;
a lid defining a shape that generally matches a shape of the opening of the
base
generally at a periphery of the lid, the lid comprising at least one outwardly
from the lid
extending lid flange at the periphery and a lid snap-fit portion, such that
the base snap-fit
portion and the lid snap-fit portion can together form a continuous horizontal
snap fit
when the lid is forcibly applied to the opening of the base to generally close
the opening,
and such that the base flange and the lid flange can be in at least
approximate alignment
when the opening is closed such that the lid flange and the base flange can be
manually
pulled apart to separate the lid and the base and overcome the snap fit; and
a tamper-evident band attached at a first end to the lid along each of the
sides of
the lid and unattached at at least one corner portion, and the tamper-evident
band having
a free end at a second end, the tamper-evident band being substantially
detachable from
the lid, and extending to substantially prevent direct manual access to the
lid flange and
the base flange, the band further comprising two or more inward protrusions
that abut the
base flange at said corner portion at least when the band is pulled upward
from the base.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
container lid configured to form a snap-fit with a base, the container lid
comprising:
a central portion;
a snap-fit portion at a periphery of the central portion, configured to form
the
snap-fit with the base;
a lid flange outwardly extending from the snap-fit portion, the lid flange
comprising one or more raised portions at a corner of the lid flange; and
a detachable skirt attached to the lid flange along the periphery of the
container
lid, the skirt comprising one or more inward protrusions.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
container lid configured to form a snap-fit with a base, the container lid
comprising:
a central portion;
a snap-fit portion at a periphery of the central portion, configured to form
the
snap-fit with the base;
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a lid flange outwardly extending from the snap-fit portion, the lid flange
comprising one or more raised portions at a corner of the lid flange; and
a detachable skirt attached to the lid flange along the periphery of the
container
lid, the skirt comprising one or more inward protrusions;
wherein the skirt is detachable from the lid as a closed, annular band.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
method
of forming a container comprising:
forming a base defining a space, a periphery, an opening at the periphery, and
a
base snap-fit portion, wherein the base comprises at least one outwardly from
the base
extending base flange;
forming a lid shaped to match a shape of the opening at the periphery and
comprising at least one outwardly from the lid extending lid flange at the
periphery and a
lid snap-fit portion; and
cutting a series of perforations in the lid to form a tamper-evident band
encircling
a periphery of the lid and having a free end, the tamper-evident band being at
least
partially detachable from the lid at at least a separating portion;
forcibly applying the lid to the base to close the opening and bring the two
sealing
portions adjacent each other to form a reversible seal;
wherein the tamper-evident band extends to block direct manual access to the
lid
and base flanges, and
wherein the band further comprises two or more protrusions that abut the base
flange at the separating portion at least when the band is pulled upward from
the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The following drawings and the associated descriptions are
provided to
illustrate particular embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit
the scope of the
claims
[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a container
system in
an open position,
[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container system of Figure
1 in a
closed position;
[0024] Figure 3 is a side view of the container system of Figure 2;
[0025] Figure 4 is a top view of the container system of Figure 2,
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CA 02720376 2015-10-20
100261 Figure 4A is an enlarged view of the container system of Figure
4 at 4A-
4A;
[0027] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the container
system of Figure 4
at 4B-4B;
[0028] Figure 4C is a cross-sectional side view of the container
system of Figure 4
at 4C-4C;
[0029] Figure 4D is an enlarged view of the container system of 4B at
4D-4D;
[0030] Figure 4E is an enlarged view of the container system of 4C at
4E-4E,
[0031] Figure 4F is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of a
container
system, corresponding to Figure 4D;
[0032] Figure 4G is an enlarged view of another alternative embodiment
of a
container system, corresponding to Figure 4D;
[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lid of Figure 1;
[0034] Figure 6 is a side view of the lid of Figure 5;
[0035] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the container system of Figure
1 in an
open, torn position;
8f
CA 02720376 2010-11-08
[0036] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the container system of Figure
1 in a
partially opened position;
[0037] Figure 8A is an enlarged view of the container system of Figure
8;
[0038] Figure 8B is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of a
lid,
corresponding to Figure 8A; and
[0039] Figure 8C is an enlarged view of another alternative embodiment
of a lid,
corresponding to Figure 8A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The following description and examples illustrate preferred
embodiments of
a container system. The container system is disclosed in the context of use
with various food
products. The principles of the present invention, however, are not limited to
food products. It
will be understood by those of skill in the art in view of the present
disclosure that the
container system described can be used with other types of goods, including,
but not limited
to: haberdashery, fasteners, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and the like. One
skilled in the art
may also find additional applications for the devices and systems disclosed
herein. Thus, the
illustrations and descriptions of the container system in connection with food
are merely
exemplary of some possible applications of the container system.
[0041] To assist in the description of these components, the following
coordinate
terms are used. Figure 1 depicts an x-y-z Cartesian coordinate system, with
the container
system primarily lying in the x-y plane. As described herein, terms such as
"height" refer to
distance in the z-direction, and "higher/upward" and "lower/downward" refer to
the positive
and negative z-direction, respectively. Similarly, terms such as "outward" and
"inward"
generally refer to directions in the x-y plane directed generally away from or
toward the center
of the container system. Similarly, terms such as "lateral" will refer to the
x-direction and
"longitudinal" will refer to the y-direction. A detailed description of a
preferred embodiment
of the container system, and its associated method of use, now follows.
[0042] Figure 1 depicts a container system 1 including a base 10 and a
lid 40. As
will be further discussed below, the lid 40 can include a band 60, as depicted
here. The base
can define a space into which foods (or other products) can be inserted. The
lid 40 can
then be applied to the base 10 to close the space. As will be discussed
further below, in the
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CA 02720376 2010-11-08
depicted embodiment the space can be sealed from the ambient atmosphere such
that the
space is leak proof However, in other embodiments the lid 40 and base 10 can
combine to
form a fully or partially vented space such that gases, liquids, or larger
particles can enter
and/or exit.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the entire container system 1 can be
composed
of substantially the same material, such as Polystyrene, Polypropylene,
Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET), Polylactide, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), other
thermoplastics, or other
materials. However, other materials can be used. Additionally, in preferred
embodiments the
materials can be clear such that an observer can see the contents of the
container system 1 and
receive some verification of the freshness, quality, and nature of the goods
contained.
However, in other embodiments the materials can be frosted, darkened,
pigmented, have
labels applied, or be treated in other ways.
[0044] Additionally, as depicted the container system 1 has a generally
square,
tubular shape. The base 10 can gradually taper from a smaller bottom 11 to a
larger opening
at its opposite end. However, other shapes are possible. For example, the
container system 1
can have a circular, triangular, hexagonal, ovoid, or other cross-sectional
shape. Further, the
container system 1 can have a varying cross-sectional shape and size that may
differ from that
in the depicted embodiment. As one relatively small example regarding shape,
in some
embodiments the base 10 can include ribbing along its sides.
[0045] As depicted in Figures 2 and 3, the base 10 can include a bottom
11 and
four side walls 13. As discussed above, when the container system 1 has a
different shape, the
number of side walls 13 can vary. Further, as depicted the base 10 can taper
downwards,
although this is not necessary in all embodiments. Further, as depicted, the
base 10 can
include a stacking rim 12. The stacking rim 12 can generally match a stacking
rim 42 on the
lid 40. Thus, when two container systems 1 are stacked, one-on-another, the
stacking rims
12, 42 can interengage and significantly improve the stability of the stacked
system. Further,
the base 10 can include an opening, a flange 14 generally along its periphery,
and corner
flanges 16 generally at the corners. Even further, although not depicted here,
the base 10 can
include a variety of additional features such as ribbing, indicia, gripping
surfaces, and the like.
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CA 02720376 2010-11-08
Also, as will be described in greater detail below, the base 10 can include
various features that
facilitate opening, closing, and sealing the container system 1.
[0046] As depicted in Figures 4 and 4A, the lid 40 can have a shape
generally
similar to that of the base 10. More particularly, the lid 40 in the depicted
embodiment can
have a shape that approximately matches that of the opening of the base 10.
The lid 40 can
include a broad portion 41 generally forming the middle of the lid 40. Nearer
the periphery,
the lid 40 can include a stacking rim 42, as described above, to engage with
the stacking rim
12 of the base 10. Even further toward the periphery, the lid 40 can include a
flange 44 that
can extend to a free end of the lid 40. At the corners of the flange 44 the
lid 40 can include a
corner flange 46. A gripping surface 45 can be included at the corner flange
46, including an
easy-grip surface such as a textured surface. Additionally, as partially
depicted in Figures 4D,
5, and 6, the corner flange 46 can include a raised portion 47. The corner
flange 46 can
include a gradually rising ramp on either side of the raised portion 47.
[0047] As best depicted in Figures 4D and 4E, the lid 40 and base 10 can
combine
to form a snap-fit seal near their peripheries. Figure 4D and 4E depict such
features near the
corners and the sides, respectively. Although the features related to sealing
are substantially
the same between these regions in the depicted embodiments, in other
embodiments they can
vary. For example, in some embodiments it may be desirable to provide a
stronger seal along
the walls and a weaker seal near the corners, to facilitate opening of the
container system 1 at
a desired location.
[0048] As depicted, the base 10 can include a sealing section 18 along
the side
wall 13. The sealing section can be formed by a portion of the side wall 13
expanding
outwardly as it extends upward, forming a lower-boundary or engagement surface
for the
sealing section 48 of the lid 40. The sealing section 18 of the base 10 can
then form a
generally central undercut, where the sealing section 48 of the lid 40 can
extend into and press
against the base 10. The sealing section 18 of the base 10 can then extend
back inward,
forming an upper-boundary or engagement surface for the sealing section 48 of
the lid 40.
The lid sealing section 48 can have similar features as the base sealing
section 18, forming an
outwardly-extending protrusion. The two sections 18, 48 can then come together
to form a
snap-fit connection, wherein at least one of the sections deflects to come
into the sealed
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CA 02720376 2010-11-08
arrangement depicted. The engagement surfaces can be generally continuous and
facilitate the
formation of a seal. Alternatively (or additionally) the seal can be formed in
the central
section of the sealing sections 18, 48. In either case, in the depicted
embodiment a snap-fit
connection can be formed that additionally provides a seal. When the seal
extends around the
entire periphery of the container system 1, the space within the container can
be isolated from
the ambient atmosphere by a liquid and/or gas tight seal. Advantageously, the
depicted
embodiment can also be reclosable and resealable.
[0049] In other embodiments, details of the sealing and snap-fit may
vary. For
example, in some embodiments the direction of the protrusions can be reversed.
Further, in
some embodiments the form of the seal can vary along the periphery of the
container system
1. Even further, in some embodiments a complete, liquid and/or gas tight seal
might not be
formed, such as where venting is provided. A variety of additional variations
are possible and
contemplated in the embodiments of the invention. For example, in some
embodiments there
can be a seal that does not snap-fit or vice versa, or the sealing and snap-
fit functionality can
arise from separate structures.
[0050] As discussed above, the lid 40 and the base 10 can also include
flanges 14,
16, 44, and 46. As depicted in Figure 4D, the corner flanges 16, 46 can be
separated. In the
depicted embodiment, the separation can be formed by the flanges being raised
(lid) and
lowered (base) outwards from their respective contact surfaces 50, 26. The
contact surfaces
50, 26 of the lid 40 and base 10 can generally limit the translation of the
lid 40 into the base
10. Further, the contact surface 26 on the base 10 can provide support to the
lid 40,
preventing a lower lid 40 from excessive deflection or breaking when bearing a
load from
above. The contact surfaces 50, 26 can further be configured to support the
lid 40 sufficiently
to withstand application of the lid 40 to the base 10 during an automated
machine process.
Although the contact surfaces 50, 26 are depicted as being horizontal, in
other embodiments
they can be angled, curved, vertical, or otherwise.
[0051] As further depicted, the lid corner flange 46 can be raised from
the lid
contact surface 50, and the base comer flange 16 can generally be lowered,
creating a distance
between the lid corner flange 46 and the base comer flange 16, and also
forming a lower
contact surface 26C accessible for opening by, e.g., a human finger. Comparing
with Figure
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CA 02720376 2010-11-08
4E, in which only the lid flange 14 is lowered and the lid flange 44 is not,
there can be less
space between the flanges along the sides as compared to the corners.
Accordingly, in the
depicted embodiment the corners can form a preferred place to grip,
potentially to open the
container system 1 by pulling the lid 40 and the base 10 apart.
[0052] Additionally, comparing Figures 4D and 4E indicates that the area
of
contact between the contact surfaces 50, 26 of the lid 40 and base 10 can vary
between the
corners and other regions. As depicted in Figure 4D, the base 10 can include
two up-facing
surfaces 26A, 26B, of which only 26B contacts the contact surface 50 of the
lid 40.
However, in Figure 4E the entire base contact surface 26 can interact with the
lid contact
surface 50 along the edges of the container. In other embodiments, the
relations between the
contact surfaces can vary in other ways. Further, although the depicted
contact surfaces are
generally flat, in other embodiments they can comprise other shapes.
Additionally, as
depicted, the lid 40 can include contact surfaces, such as the down-facing
contact surface 36
generally opposite the separate contact surfaces 26A, 26C on the base 10.
100531 Figures 4F and 4G depict alternative embodiments of the lid 40
and base 10
at the corner portion (corresponding with Figure 4D). As depicted in the
embodiment of
Figure 4F, both the lid and base corner flanges 46', 16' can be
raised/lowered. Differing from
Figure 4D, the corner flanges 46', 16' can both extend a greater distance,
further facilitating
their gripping and separation. As depicted in the embodiment of Figure 4G, the
base corner
flange 16" can be non-lowered, or at the same vertical position as the contact
surface 26".
Thus, the distance between the lid and base corner flanges 46", 16" can be
reduced.
Although the embodiments depicted in Figures 4D-4F are described as depicting
corner or
non-corner positions, in other embodiments their locations can vary.
[0054] As further depicted in the Figures, the lid 40 can attach to a
band 60. As
best shown, the band 60 can be a closed band, forming a complete loop and/or
having an
annular structure. Advantageously, a complete loop can require fewer cuts or
similar steps to
form the band 60. Further, the entire band 60 can be removed at once, as
further described
below. The band can attach to the lid 40 at a tear line depicted as a
perforated end 62. In
some embodiments the attachment points can be point-attachments, facilitating
tearing at
these points. However, in other embodiments the band 60 can attach to the lid
40 by other
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CA 02720376 2010-11-08
means, such as at a weakened portion, a portion of thinned material, a groove,
adhered to,
bonded to, or other structures that can form a tear line. The band 60 can be
removable from
the lid 40 by a variety of means such as tearing, pulling, shearing, cutting,
detaching, etc. As
depicted in Figures 4D-4G, the band 60 can extend downward from the lid 40 and
substantially block access to the free end 28 of the base 10. Further, as the
band 60 can
extend completely around the periphery of the lid 40 and base 10, it can block
access to the
entire free end 28 of the base. Thus, while the band 60 is in place a user's
fingers cannot
easily access the flanges 14, 16 of the base 10. Thus, the base 10 cannot be
easily gripped,
only its side walls 13 and bottom 11 being generally available. Further, the
lid 40 cannot be
easily gripped because its periphery is attached to the band 60, leaving only
its upper side
available.
[0055] As a result of this configuration, the container system 1 cannot
be easily
opened while the band 60 is in the depicted position. However, the band 60 can
be removable
from the lid 40 and can have a free end 64 that can be easily accessible.
Thus, one can grasp
the free end 64 of the band 60 and pull it from the lid 40, exposing the
flanges of the lid 40
and base 10 and allowing opening of the container system 1. Advantageously,
the band 60
can be substantially symmetrical with no specific tab to pull. Thus, the band
60 can be
removed from any side. The symmetry also allows a label to be applied to any
side wall 13
without need to identify which side should be a "front" or "back".
100561 It will be noted that additional embodiments of this design are
contemplated herein. For example, in some embodiments the band 60 can attach
to the base
instead of the lid 40. In such cases, the band 60 can extend upward,
preventing access to a
lid free end. In other embodiments, portions of the flanges 14, 16, 44, 46 of
the lid 40 and
base 10 can be too close together for a person to easily grasp there between.
In such
embodiments, the band 60 can extend over only a portion of the periphery. As
another
example, in some embodiments the band 60 can attach to both the lid 40 and the
base 10, even
though in the depicted embodiments the band 60 is not attached to the base 10.
It will be
clear from the description herein that a wide variety of additional forms of
the band 60 are
possible.
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CA 02720376 2010-11-08
[0057] Further, as depicted, the band 60 can attach to the lid 40 only
in particular
areas. For example, as depicted in Figures 4 and 4D, the band 60 can be
generally detached
from the lid 40 near the corners (while attached elsewhere, as depicted in
Figures 4E). This
can result from the attachment between the band and the lid being pre-cut at
or near the
corners, or at a removed portion as further described herein (i.e. when the
container is
generally round). Thus, the band 60 can be easily grasped and pulled away from
the lid 40 at
the corners. As depicted in Figure 8, this can facilitate removal of the band
60 by pulling it
upward sufficiently to separate the band 60 from the lid 40 by pulling it with
one hand and the
side walls 13 of the base 10 with another hand. Alternatively, pulling up the
band 60 at a
corner can expose enough of the lid or base corner flanges 16, 46 to allow one
to grasp one of
those to help separate the band 60. Notably, as depicted in Figure 8, the
entire band 60 need
not be removed. Instead, in some embodiments it can be sufficient to only tear
the band 60 at
a corner. Further, in such embodiments the band 60 can be firmly bonded along
the remaining
border with the lid 40, such that the band 60 only tears near the corner.
Alternatively, in some
embodiments the band 60 can be unattached to the lid 40 near the corner. For
example, in
embodiments where the band 60 is initially integral with the lid 40, the join
line along the
perforated end 62 of the band 60 can have a cut-out near the corner such that
they are
unattached in that region. Thus, the band 60 can be more easily lifted near
the corner.
[0058) More particularly, in some embodiments where the band 60 remains
partially attached to the lid 40, the band can be tearable along a specific
portion of the length
of the band-lid connection. For example, the band 60 can be tearable along
approximately 1/5
of the length. Further, to prevent the lid 40 and base 10 from separating
prior to the tearing of
the band 60, they can require a specific force to separate greater than the
force necessary to
tear the band. For example, the lid 40 and base 10 can require a force of at
least
approximately 0.2 pounds to separate.
[0059] It should be noted that the band 60 can include a raised portion
similar to
the raised portion 47 of the lid 40 near its corners. Thus, the band 60 can
generally match the
periphery of the lid 40 while providing a flat free end 64. As depicted, the
free end 64 of the
band 60 can include an outwardly extending flange, facilitating gripping of
the band 60.
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CA 02720376 2010-11-08
[0060] Further, to prevent unintended opening of the container system 1,
the band
60 can include corner locks 68. The corner locks 68 can be generally adjacent
the corners of
the band 60 and form inward extending, elongated protrusions that can interact
with the flange
44 of the lid 40. The corner locks 68 can engage the flange 44 from below,
generally
hindering upward movement of the band 60 relative to the lid 40 near the
corners. Thus, even
though the band 60 might not be connected to the lid 40 near the corners, the
corner locks 68
can prevent unintended relative movement. In some embodiments, the corner
locks 68 can
have slightly different forms and/or be positioned at different points.
[0061] Additionally, in some embodiments the corner locks 68 can hinder
opening
of the container system 1 without tearing the container. For example, in some
embodiments
the band 60 can be detached from the lid 40 near the corners. Further, as
described above, the
lid 40 and base 10 can be generally separated at the corners. Thus, in some
embodiments it
might be possible to lift the lid 40 and band 60 together near the corners to
expose the base
flange 14. In such embodiments, the container system 1 could possibly be
opened without
tearing. To make such unidentified opening more difficult, the corner locks 68
can be
provided. The corner locks 68 can engage the base flange 14 requiring an
outward bend to
pass the base flange. Thus, a greater movement of the band 60 can be necessary
to both rise
up and bend outward around the base flange 14. This increased movement can be
sufficient to
induce severing of the band 60 from the lid 40 at at least one point. This
functionality can be
particularly advantageous for embodiments such as that discussed above
regarding Figure 8,
where the band 60 separates only at a corner.
[0062] Further, as depicted the band 60 can include indicia, indicating
that one can
"PULL UP TO TEAR" (or other language). The band 60 can also include
directional
indicators, further communicating a method for opening the container system 1.
[0063] Additionally, in some embodiments the band 60 can include
additional
tearable portions. For example, in some embodiments an annular band 60 can
include a tear
line that, upon tearing, converts the annular band into a strip. Further, in
some embodiments
this additional tear line can be configured not to tear upon detachment of the
band 60 from the
lid 40. However, in other embodiments the band 60 can be configured to remain
as an annular
band, with no additional tearable or frangible portions.
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CA 02720376 2010-11-08
[00641 Figures 8B and 8C depict alternative bands 60 and their
attachment to the
lid 40. As depicted in Figure 8B, the band 60 can have an attachment portion
70 that can
remain attached to the lid 40. The band 60 can separate from the attachment
portion 70,
breaking the loop and leaving a portion behind. As depicted, the attachment
portion 70 can
span the entire width of the band 60 and be generally near the corner.
However, in other
embodiments its shape and location can vary. Figure 8C depicts another band 60
with an
attachment portion 70. However, in Figure 8C the band 60 can remain closed,
and attached
to the lid 40. In both embodiments, at least a portion of the band 60 can
remain attached to
the lid 40 after it has been removed to ease opening of the container system
1.
Advantageously, this can leave an indication that the container system 1 has
possibly been
previously opened. Absent said remaining portion, one might not realize that a
band 60 ever
was present, and thus not realize that the container system 1 may have
previously been
opened.
100651 In one method of forming the container systems described above, a
base 10
can be formed by molding, thermoforming, or the like. Further, the lid 40 and
band 60 can be
formed integrally in a similar manner. Perforations between the band 60 and
the lid can then
be cut with a cutting tool, laser, or otherwise. Advantageously, the lid 40
and band 60 can be
modular with respect to the base 10, allowing different sized bases 10 to be
used with any
given lid/band combination.
100661 The bases 10 can then be loaded with a desirable product such as
food,
spices, drugs, hygiene products, chemicals, etc. The lid 40 (along with the
band 60) can then
be snap-fit onto the base 10, providing a secure connection and in some
embodiments a seal.
At this point, the container system 1 is closed and the band 60 indicates that
has likely not
been opened since its initial closing.
[0067] As described above, one can then open the package by gripping a
corner of
the band 60 and lifting it upwards to tear it from the lid 40. Once the band
60 is sufficiently
removed to expose the flanges of the lid and base, those flanges can be pulled
apart to open
the container system 1. If desired, the container system 1 can be reclosed,
with the torn band
60 indicating the prior activity.
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[0068] Reference throughout this specification to "some embodiments" or
"an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic
described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least some embodiments. Thus,
appearances
of the phrases "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various places
throughout
this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the
particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any
suitable manner, as
would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in
one or more
embodiments.
[0069] In the above description of embodiments, various features of the
inventions
are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description
thereof for the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one
or more of the
various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be
interpreted as
reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are
expressly recited in that
claim. Rather, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all
features of any single
foregoing disclosed embodiment.
[0070] Although the invention(s) presented herein have been disclosed in
the
context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood
by those skilled
in the art that the invention(s) extend beyond the specifically disclosed
embodiments to other
alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention(s) and obvious
modifications and
equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention(s)
herein disclosed
should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above.
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