Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2016/172581 PCT1US2016/02,8982
[001] Packaging Container with Closure and Release Mechanism
[002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
=
[003] The present invention relates to a packaging container, more
specifically, to clamshell-
type packaging containers. Clamshell packaging is used for secure display or
storage of items,
as well as for easy opening.
[006] BRIEF SUMMARY
[007] A packaging container includes a base section with a peripheral wall
defining a chamber.
The peripheral wall includes spaced apart inner and outer wall segments with
the outer wall
segment including at least one aperture formed therein and a laterally
extending flange extending
therefrom. At least one depression is formed within the outer wall segment
with the at least one
aperture formed within the at least one depression.
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[008] The packaging container further includes a cover section having a side
wall portion
defining a cover; the cover section is pivotally coupled to the base section
and configured to
pivot between an open state and a closed state. At least one inwardly
protruding section is
formed in the side wall portion of the cover section and is shaped to
correspond with the at least
one depression formed within the peripheral wall of the base section. The at
least one projection
is foimed within the at least one inwardly protruding section and extends
inwardly from the side
wall portion of the cover section for engaging the at least one aperture
formed within the outer
wall segment of the peripheral wall, thereby retaining the cover section over
the base section and
securing the packaging container in a closed position. The at least one
projection is released
from the aperture by depressing the deformable flange, thereby opening the
packaging container.
[009] A peripheral flange extends laterally from the side wall portion of the
cover section. The
peripheral flange is adapted to contact the laterally extending flange of the
base section when the
packaging container is in a closed position. The peripheral flange has a cut
out section at the
inwardly protruding section of the peripheral wall, such as to provide
unobstructed access for
depressing the deformable flange of the base section for opening the packaging
container.
[010] The packaging container may further include a plate pivotally attached
to the base section
for dividing the chamber into first and second areas. In one embodiment, the
base section
includes a plurality of wells formed in a bottom wall thereof and the plate
includes a plurality of
holes formed therein for aligning with the plurality of wells formed in the
bottom wall for
securing items positioned in the wells.
[011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[012] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a packaging container according to an
embodiment of
the present invention, in which the packaging container is opened.
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[013] FIG. 1B is a front view of the packaging container of FIG. lA in an open
configuration.
[014] FIG. IC is an end view of the packaging container of FIG. IA in an open
configuration.
[015] FIG. 1D is a front view of the packaging container of FIG. 1A, in which
the packaging
container is closed.
[016] FIG. lE is a side view the packaging container of FIG. lA in a closed
state.
[017] FIG. 1F is an end view of the packaging container of FIG. lA in a closed
state.
[018] FIG. 1G illustrates an end view of the packaging container of FIG. lA in
a closed state
with a flange depressed.
[019] FIG. 1H multiple packaging containers in a stacked configuration.
[020] FIG. 2A is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a packaging
container according to
the present invention in an open configuration.
[021] FIG. 2B is an end view of the packaging container of FIG. 2A in an open
configuration.
[022] FIG. 2C is a front view of the packaging container of FIG. 2A, in which
the packaging
container is closed.
[023] FIG. 2D is a side view the packaging container of FIG. 2A in a closed
state.
[024] FIG. 2E is an end view of the packaging container of FIG. 2A in a closed
state.
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[025] Fig. 2F is a view of an alternate embodiment of the packaging container
of FIG. 2A in an
open configuration.
[026] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a packaging container according to
another embodiment
of the present invention, in which the packaging container is opened.
[027] FIG. 3B is a front view of the packaging container of FIG. 3A in an open
configuration.
[028] FIG. 3C is an end view of the packaging container of FIG. 3A in an open
configuration.
[029] FIG. 3D is a front view of the packaging container of FIG. 3A, in which
the packaging
container is closed.
[030] FIG. 3E is a side view the packaging container of FIG. 3A in a closed
state.
[031] FIG. 3F is an end view of the packaging container of FIG. 3A in a closed
state.
[032] FIGS 4A-4D illustrate assembled, bottom, cover, and assembled top views
of an alternate
embodiment of a packaging container.
[033] FIGS 5A-5B illustrate side and enlarged side views of a locked packaging
container
according to an additional embodiment.
[034] FIGS 5C-5D illustrate perspective and side views of an alternate locked
packaging
container according to an embodiment of the invention.
[035] FIGS. 5E-5F illustrate enlarged views of a locking mechanism of the
packaging
container.
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[036] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a perspective view of a packaging assembly having
a dividing
panel in an open state, a perspective view of a packaging assembly having a
dividing panel in a
partially closed state, and side view of the packaging assembly in a closed
state.
[037] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a top open view, a perspective open view, and a
closed view of a
packaging assembly having multiple chambers.
[038] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate an open perspective view, side view, and side
display view of a
packaging assembly with a stand.
[039] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an open perspective view, side open view, and
side closed view of
a packaging assembly.
[040] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate an open perspective view, side open view, and
side display
view of a packaging assembly with compartment and a stand.
[041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[042] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is
to be understood
that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and the
arrangement of components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the following
drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
or of being
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology
used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[043] In accordance with the present embodiments of a packaging container,
FIG. 1A illustrates
a perspective view of a packaging container 10, in which packaging container
10 is opened to
accommodate desired contents. FIG. 1B is a front view of the packaging
container of FIG. 1A in
an open configuration. FIG 1C is an end view of the packaging container of
FIG. 1 A in an open
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configuration. FIGs. ID, 1E, and IF are front, side, and end views of
packaging container 10
closed state. FIG. 1H illustrates multiple packaging containers 10 in a
stacked configuration.
[044] Packaging container 10 includes a base section 20 having a chamber 25
defined by a
peripheral wall 30. Peripheral wall 30 forms the perimeter of chamber 25 and
is collectively
formed by spaced-apart inner wall segment 30a and an outer wall segment 30b
adjoined by a top
ledge 30c.
[045] In order to facilitate a secure closure of packaging container 10, outer
wall segment 30b
includes at least one depression 40 formed therein. At least one aperture 42
is formed within
depression 40 for engaging an inwardly protruding section formed on a cover
section 50, as will
be discussed in detail below. A plurality of apertures 42 may be included in
some embodiments.
At least one additional aperture 43, which aligns with aperture 42, may also
be formed within
inner wall segment 30a of peripheral wall 30. Top ledge 30c also includes a
scalloped area 44
formed therein adjacent to depression 40 formed within outer wall segment 30b
for facilitating
release of cover section 50. Further, a laterally extending flange 45 extends
from outer wall
segment 30b as show in FIG. 1A.
[046] Packaging container 10 also includes a cover section 50 pivotally
coupled to base section
20 at a hinge 52. Cover section 50 is configured to pivot about hinge 52
between an open state
and a closed state. In particular, cover section 50 includes a top surface
having a recessed face
77 and side wall portion 54, which is collectively formed by first and second
lateral walls 55, 57
and first and second end walls 58, 59. Side wall portion 54 defines a cover
compartment 60 that
fits over base section 20. First lateral wall 55 includes at least one
inwardly protruding section
65 shaped to correspond with depression 40 formed within outer wall segment
30b of peripheral
wall 30. In addition, a post 67 projects from inwardly protruding section 65.
In one
embodiment, post 67 includes an angled edge 67a and a top edge 67b. Post 67 is
adapted to
engage corresponding apertures 42 and 43. A peripheral flange 70 extends
horizontally from a
perimeter of cover section 50 such that, when packaging container 10 is in a
closed position,
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peripheral flange 70 abuts flange 45 of base section 20. Peripheral flange 70
includes a cut out
area 71 adjacent to inwardly protruding section 65, as will be discussed
below.
[047] In order to provide a container that is secure when closed, but is also
easy to open by a
user, packaging container 10 includes features that allows for easy one-hand
opening. In
particular, laterally extending flange 45 is deformable such that when flange
45 depressed in a
region 75 adjacent to depression 40 of outer wall segment 30b, outer wall
segment 30b and inner
wall segment 30a move inwardly, as shown in Fig. 1G, thereby releasing post 67
from apertures
42 and 43 and opening packaging container 10. Peripheral flange 70 includes a
cut out area 71 at
inwardly protruding section 65 of side wall portion 54, such as to provide
unobstructed access
for depressing deformable flange 45 at region 75 of base section 20 for
opening packaging
container 10. Scalloped area 44 facilitates the inward movement of outer wall
segment 30b and
inner wall segment 30a by ensuring movement is not obstructed by recessed face
76 of the top
surface.
[048] Each of flanges 45 and 70 includes a hanger opening 72a, 72b formed at
one side such
that packaging container 10 can be hung on and kept in a display rack used for
storage or selling
of items contained in packaging container 10. When packaging container 10 is
in a closed
position hanger openings 72a and 72b align with one another. Hanger openings
72a and 72b are
formed by a circular hole, a linear groove, or a combination such that
packaging container 10 can
be hung on any display rack having a circular rack rod or a thin plate-shaped
rack rod. Thus,
packaging container 10 can be suspended from a display rack through hanger
openings 72a and
72b. In alternate embodiments, packaging container may include only one hanger
opening 72a.
[049] As shown in FIG. 1H, packaging container 10 includes a recessed face 76
which acts as a
receiving area formed in a top surface of cover section 50. Recessed face 76
accepts and retains
a bottom 77 of another packaging container 10 to allow for a stable stacking
arrangement.
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[050] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate an additional embodiment of packaging container
10. In this
embodiment packaging container is elongated in order to accommodate items such
as fishing
lures or the like. The dimensions of packaging container may be, for example,
about 4.5' x 1" x
1", about 5.75" x 1 x 1, or about 7 x 1 x 1. FIG. 2A is a front view of
packaging container 10 in
an open position. FIG. 2B is an end view of packaging container 10, in which
packaging
container 10 is opened to accommodate contents. FIGs. 2C, 2D and 2E are front,
side, and end
views of packaging container 10 in a closed position.
[051] For the sake of simplicity FIGS. 2A-2E include reference numbers
corresponding to
those described in FIGS. 1A-1H. Like elements that are assigned corresponding
reference
numbers will not be described in detail. However, as further shown in FIG. 2E,
packaging
container 10 may include a mating features, such as an 0-shaped depression
172, foimed in base
portion 20 and a corresponding projection 173 formed in cover portion 50. The
shape or
configuration of the mating features can be varied and are surrounded by a
space 174 such that
when an item is positioned in container 10 a portion of the item can be held
in place by the
mating features.
[052] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A-3F, a packaging container 110 is
illustrated
having a base section 120 having a chamber 125 defined by a peripheral wall
130. Peripheral
wall 130 forms the perimeter of chamber 125 and is collectively formed by
spaced-apart inner
wall segment 130a and an outer wall segment 130b adjoined by a top ledge 130c.
Peripheral
wall 130 extends along three sides of base section 120 and includes an open
end 132. Further,
chamber 125 includes a plurality of wells 123 formed within a bottom surface
126 for receiving
items to be stored within packaging container 110.
[053] Similar to the previously described embodiments, in order to facilitate
a secure closure of
packaging container 110, outer wall segment 130b includes at least one
depression 140 formed
therein. An aperture 142 is formed within depression 140 for engaging a
projection formed on a
cover section, as will be discussed in detail below. At least one additional
aperture 143, which
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aligns with aperture 142, may also be formed within inner wall segment 130a of
peripheral wall
130. A laterally extending flange 145 is extends from outer wall segment 130b.
[054] Packaging container 110 further includes a plate 146 pivotally attached
to base section
120 at hinge or pivot axis 151. Plate 146 including a plurality of holes 148
formed therein for
aligning with plurality of wells 123 formed in bottom surface 126. Plate 146
is adapted to secure
items positioned in wells 123. When plate 146 is in an open position, items
may be placed in
wells 123. Plate 146 may then be pivoted about hinge or pivot axis 151 such
that it is parallel to
bottom surface 126 and holes 148 are aligned with wells 123. Alternatively,
plate 146 may be
closed first allowing items, such as long cylindrical items, to be placed into
through holes 148
and into wells 123. Plate 146 and holes 148 may provide support for holding
such items within
wells 123. Plate 146 includes a flange 149 which abuts ridges 124 of chamber
125, thereby
holding plate 146 in a position parallel to a bottom surface of chamber 125.
Once plate is in a
closed position, cover section 150 may be pivoted over base section 120 as
discussed below.
[055] Cover section 150 pivotally coupled to base section 120 at a hinge 152.
Cover section
150 is configured to pivot about hinge 152 between an open state and a closed
state. In
particular, cover section 150 includes a side wall portion 154 collectively
formed by first and
second lateral walls 155, 157 and first and second end walls 158, 159. Side
wall portion 154
defines a cover compartment 160 that fits over base section 120. First lateral
wall 155 includes
at least one inwardly protruding section 165 shaped to correspond with
depression 140 formed
within outer wall segment 130b of peripheral wall 130. In addition, a post 167
projects from
inwardly protruding section 165. Post 167 is adapted to engage corresponding
aperture 142. A
peripheral flange 170 extends horizontally from a perimeter of cover section
150 such that, when
packaging container 110 is in a closed position, peripheral flange 170 abuts
flange 145 of base
section 120. Peripheral flange 170 includes a cut out area 171 adjacent to
inwardly protruding
section 165, as will be discussed below.
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[056] As discussed with respect to the embodiment of FIGs. 1A-2E, in order to
provide a
container that is secure when closed, but is also easy to open by a user,
packaging container 110
includes features that allows for easy one-hand opening. In particular, with
reference to FIG. 3B,
laterally extending flange 145 is deformable such that when flange 145
depressed in a region 175
adjacent to depression 140 of outer wall segment 130b, outer wall segment 130b
moves
inwardly, and thereby releasing post 167 from apertures 142 and/or 143 and
opening packaging
container 110. Peripheral flange 170 of cover section 150 includes a cut out
area 171 at inwardly
protruding section 165 of side wall portion 154, such as to provide
unobstructed access for
depressing deformable flange 145 of base section 120 for opening packaging
container 110 when
in a closed position. A scalloped area 144 is also formed adjacent to
depression 140 formed
within outer wall segment 130b for facilitating release of cover section 150,
as shown in FIG.
3A.
[057] An additional embodiment is shown in FIGs. 4A-4D, wherein a packaging
container 210
includes a base portion 220 and a separate cover portion 250. FIGS 4A-4D
illustrate assembled,
bottom, cover, and assembled top views of packaging container 210. In order to
facilitate a
secure closure of packaging container 210, base portion 220 includes at least
one depression 240
formed therein. An aperture 242 is formed within depression 240 for engaging a
projection
formed on cover section 250, as will be discussed in detail below. At least
one additional
aperture, which aligns with aperture 242, may also be formed within base
portion 220. A
laterally extending flange 245 is also provided. Cover section 250 includes a
side wall portion
254 having at least one inwardly protruding section 265 shaped to correspond
with depression
240 foimed within a peripheral wall 230 of base portion 220. In addition, a
post 267 projects
from inwardly protruding section 265. Post 267 is adapted to engage
corresponding aperture
242. A peripheral flange 270 extends horizontally from a perimeter of cover
section 250, such
that when packaging container 210 is in a closed position, peripheral flange
270 abuts flange 245
of base section 220. Peripheral flange 270 includes a cut out area 271
adjacent to inwardly
protruding section 265, as shown in FIG. 4D.
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[058] Laterally extending flange 245 is deformable such that when flange 245
is depressed in a
region 275 adjacent to depression 240, outer and inner segments of peripheral
wall 230 move
inwardly, thereby releasing post 267 from aperture 242 (and any additional
apertures) and
opening packaging container 210. Peripheral flange 270 of cover section 250
includes a cut out
area 271 at inwardly protruding section 265 of side wall portion 254, such as
to provide
unobstructed access for depressing deformable flange 245 of base section 220
for opening
packaging container 210. As shown in FIG. 4D, packaging container 210 includes
corresponding elements on each side thereof such that when both first and
second regions 275
are depressed, cover section 250 is released from base section 220.
[059] FIGs. 5A-5B illustrate side and enlarged side views of a lockable
packaging container
310 according to an additional embodiment. Packaging container 310 includes a
mechanism for
locking which does not allow for easy opening. In particular, packaging
container 310 includes
elements corresponding to those of packaging container 10. Further, packaging
container 310
includes at least one obstructive member for preventing the opening of
packaging container 310.
In particular, packaging container 310 includes an obstructive member in the
form of a recessed
face 376 formed in a cover section 350 which extends towards an aperture 343
founed in inner
wall segment 330a of base section 320 when packaging container 310 is in a
closed position.
Laterally extending flange 345 is deformable such that when flange 345 is
depressed in a region
375 of outer wall segment 330b adjacent to depression 340, outer wall segment
330b moves
inwardly toward inner wall segment 330a. However, since recessed face 376 is
formed within
the top surface and extends adjacent to aperture 342 of inner wall segment
330a, movement of
inner wall segment 330a is hindered by recessed face 376. Therefore, post 367
is not released
from apertures 342 and 343 and cover section 350 remains secured in a closed
position over base
section 320.
[060] As shown in FIGs. 5C-5F, lockable packaging container 310 may
additionally include
obstructive members in the form of protuberances 312 extending from the top
surface or recessed
face 376 adjacent to post 367 of cover section 350. In particular, FIGS 5C-5D
illustrate
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perspective and side views of locked packaging container 310 according to an
embodiment of the
invention. FIGS. 5E-5F illustrate enlarged views of a locking mechanism of
packaging container
310. As discussed above, laterally extending flange 345 is deformable such
that when flange
345 is depressed in a region 375 of outer wall segment 330b outer wall segment
330b moves
inwardly toward inner wall segment 330a. However, since recessed face 376 and
protuberances
312 extends adjacent to aperture 343 of inner wall segment 330a, movement of
inner wall
segment 330a is hindered by protuberances 312. Therefore, post 367 is not
released from
apertures 342 and 343 and cover section 350 remains secured in a closed
position over base
section 320. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5F, post 367 is longer such that
movement of
inner wall segment 330a is further restricted and packaging container 310 is
prevented from
opening.
[061] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate perspective views of an additional embodiment of
a packaging
container 410 in an open state, a partially closed state, and a closed state.
Packaging container
410 includes a base section 420 having a chamber 425 defined by a peripheral
wall 430.
Peripheral wall 430 foims the perimeter of chamber 425 and is collectively
formed by spaced-
apart inner wall segment 430a and an outer wall segment 430b adjoined by a top
ledge 430c.
Peripheral wall 430 extends along three sides of base section 420 and includes
an open end 432.
Further, chamber 425 includes ridges 424 formed within inner wall segment 430a
of packaging
container 410. A divider plate 446 having a window 448 formed therein is
pivotally attached to
base section 420 at pivot axis 447. When plate 446 is in an open position,
items may be placed
in chamber 425. Plate 446 may then be pivoted about pivot axis 447 such that
it is parallel to a
bottom surface 426 of chamber 425, as shown in FIG. 6B. Alternatively, plate
446 may be
closed first allowing items to be placed through window 448 into chamber 425.
Plate 446
includes a flange 449 which abuts ridges 424 of chamber 425, thereby holding
plate 446 in a
position parallel to a bottom surface of chamber 425. Once plate is in a
closed position, a cover
section 450 may be pivoted over base section 420 at axis 452. As shown in
FIGs. 6C, plate 446
creates first and second chambers 471 and 472 within packaging container 410.
In order to
facilitate a secure closure and easy opening of packaging container 410,
packaging container 410
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includes elements corresponding to those discussed with respect to FIGs. 1A-
IF. The closure
and release operate in a corresponding manner as previously described.
[062] In particular, in order to facilitate a secure closure of packaging
container 410, outer wall
segment 430b includes at least one depression 440 formed therein. An aperture
442 is formed
within depression 440 for engaging an inwardly protruding section formed on a
cover section
450. At least one additional aperture 443, which aligns with aperture 442, may
also be formed
within inner wall segment 430a. A scalloped area 444 is also formed therein
adjacent to
depression 440 formed within outer wall segment 430b for facilitating release
of cover section
450. Cover section 450 includes at least one inwardly protruding section 465
shaped to
correspond with depression 440 formed within outer wall segment 430b. In
addition, a post 467
projects from inwardly protruding section 465 for engaging corresponding
apertures 442 and
443. A peripheral flange 470 extends horizontally from a perimeter of cover
section 450 such
that, when packaging container 410 is in a closed position, peripheral flange
470 abuts flange
445 of base section 420.
[063] Similar to the embodiment discussed in FIG. 1A, in order to provide a
container that is
secure when closed, but is also easy to open by a user, packaging container
410 includes features
that allows for easy one-hand opening. In particular, laterally extending
flange 445 is
deformable such that when flange 445 depressed in a region 475 adjacent to
depression 440 of
outer wall segment 430b, outer wall segment 430b and inner wall segment 430a
move inwardly,
thereby releasing post 467 from apertures 442 and 443 and opening packaging
container 410.
[064] As shown in FIGs. 7A-7C, a packaging container 510 may include multiple
chambers. In
particular FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a top open view, a side open view, an end
open view and a
closed view of a packaging assembly having multiple chambers. Packaging
container 510
includes a base section 520 including ridges 524. Peripheral wall 530 extends
along three sides
of base section 520 and includes an open end 532. A divider chamber 546,
having a bottom
surface 551 and a cover 560 hinged thereto at axis 548, is pivotally attached
to base section 520
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at pivot axis 547. Divider chamber 546 includes a flange 549 which abuts
ridges 524 of base
section 520, thereby holding divider chamber 546 in a position parallel to a
bottom surface 526
of base section 520. Once divider chamber 546 is in a closed position, a cover
section 550 may
be pivoted at axis 552 over base section 520. As shown in FIG. 7C, a first and
a second chamber
571 and 572 are created within packaging container 510 above and below divider
chamber 546.
In order to facilitate a secure closure and easy opening of packaging
container 510, packaging
container 510 includes elements corresponding to those discussed with respect
to FIGs. 1A- 1F.
The closure and release operate in a corresponding manner as previously
described.
[065] In particular, in order to facilitate a secure closure of packaging
container 510, outer wall
segment 530b includes at least one depression 540 formed therein. An aperture
542 is formed
within depression 540 for engaging an inwardly protruding section 565 formed
on a cover
section 550. At least one additional aperture 543, which aligns with aperture
542, may also be
formed within inner wall segment 530a. A scalloped area 544 is also formed
therein adjacent to
depression 540 formed within outer wall segment 530b for facilitating release
of cover section
550. Cover section 550 includes at least one inwardly protruding section 565
shaped to
correspond with depression 540 formed within outer wall segment 530b. In
addition, a post 567
projects from inwardly protruding section 565 for engaging corresponding
apertures 542 and
543. A peripheral flange 570 extends horizontally from a perimeter of cover
section 550 such
that, when packaging container 510 is in a closed position, peripheral flange
570 abuts flange
545 of base section 520.
[066] Similar to the embodiment discussed in FIG. 1A, in order to provide a
container that is
secure when closed, but is also easy to open by a user, packaging container
510 includes features
that allows for easy one-hand opening. In particular, laterally extending
flange 545 is
deformable such that when flange 545 depressed in a region 575 adjacent to
depression 540 of
outer wall segment 530b, outer wall segment 530b and inner wall segment 530a
move inwardly,
thereby releasing post 567 from apertures 542 and 543 and opening packaging
container 510.
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[067] Each of FIGs 8A-8C illustrates an embodiment of a packaging container
610 having a
stand 615 for propping up packaging container 610. In particular, FIGS. 8A-8C
illustrate an
open perspective view, side view, and side display view of packaging container
610. The
elements of packaging container 610 correspond to those described in
connection with FIGs IA-
1G. In particular, packaging container 610 includes base section 620 and cover
section 650,
which is configured to pivot about hinge 652 between an open state and a
closed state. In order
to provide a container that is secure when closed, but is also easy to open by
a user, packaging
container 610 includes features that allows for easy one-hand opening. A
laterally extending
flange 645 is deformable such that when flange 645 depressed in a region 675
adjacent to a
depression 640 of outer wall segment 630b, outer wall segment 630b and inner
wall segment
630a (shown in FIG. 8A) move inwardly, thereby releasing post 667 from
apertures 642 and 643
and opening packaging container 610. Peripheral flange 670 of cover section
650 includes an
inwardly protruding section 665 coupling with depression 640 of base section
620. A scalloped
area 644 facilitates the inward movement of outer wall segment 630b and inner
wall segment
630a by ensuring movement is not obstructed by recessed face 676 formed within
the top
surface.
[068] Packaging container 610 further includes a stand 615 extending from and
pivotally
coupled to laterally extending flange 645 of base section 620 at hinge 647.
Stand 615 includes a
C-shaped portion 617 for engaging a notch 618 that extends from a bottom
surface 626 of base
section 620. When packaging container 610 is in a closed position, stand 615
is rotated about
hinge 647 such that notch 618 of packaging container 610 fits within C-shaped
portion 617 of
stand 615. A flange 619 extends around a perimeter of stand 615, thereby
creating a stable base
for stand 615. Thus, packaging container 610 is supported in an upright
position by stand 615.
[069] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an open perspective view, side open view, and
side closed view of
packaging assembly 710 having a stand 715. Packaging container 710 includes
similar elements
to those described in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGs 6A-6C. In
particular,
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packaging container 710 includes a chamber 725 with ridges 724 formed therein.
A divider plate
746 is pivotally attached to base section 720 at pivot axis 747. In some
embodiments, divider
plate 746 may include a window formed therein. When plate 746 is in an open
position, items
may be placed in chamber 725. Plate 746 may then be pivoted about pivot axis
747 such that it
is parallel to a bottom surface 726 of chamber 725. Alternatively, plate 746
may be closed first
allowing items to be placed through a window into chamber 725. Plate 746
includes a flange
749 which abuts ridges 724 of chamber 725, thereby holding plate 746 in a
position parallel to a
bottom surface of chamber 725. Once plate is in a closed position, a cover
section 750 may be
pivoted over base section 720 at axis 752. As shown in FIGs. 9C, plate 746
creates first and
second chambers 771 and 772 within packaging container 710. In order to
facilitate a secure
closure and easy opening of packaging container 710, packaging container 710
includes elements
corresponding to those discussed with respect to FIGs. 1A- 1F. The closure and
release operate
in a corresponding manner as previously described.
[070] In particular, in order to facilitate a secure closure of packaging
container 710, outer wall
segment 730b includes at least one depression 740 formed therein. An aperture
742 is formed
within depression 740 for engaging an inwardly protruding section formed on a
cover section
750. At least one additional aperture 743, which aligns with aperture 742, may
also be formed
within inner wall segment 730a. A scalloped area 744 is also formed therein
adjacent to
depression 740 formed within outer wall segment 730b for facilitating release
of cover section
750. Cover section 750 includes at least one inwardly protruding section 765
shaped to
correspond with depression 740 formed within outer wall segment 730b. In
addition, a post 767
projects from inwardly protruding section 765 for engaging corresponding
apertures 742 and
743. A peripheral flange 770 extends horizontally from a perimeter of cover
section 750 such
that, when packaging container 710 is in a closed position, peripheral flange
770 abuts flange
745 of base section 720.
[071] In order to provide a container that is secure when closed, but is also
easy to open by a
user, packaging container 710 includes features that allows for easy one-hand
opening. In
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particular, laterally extending flange 745 is deformable such that when flange
745 depressed in a
region 775 adjacent to depression 740 of outer wall segment 730b, outer wall
segment 730b and
inner wall segment 730a move inwardly, thereby releasing post 767 from
apertures 742 and 743
and opening packaging container 710.
[072] Further, a stand 715 extends from and is pivotally coupled to laterally
extending flange
745 of base section 720 at hinge 748 at an end opposite divider plate 746.
Stand 715 includes a
C-shaped portion 717 for engaging a notch 718 that extends from a bottom
surface 726 of base
section 720. As noted above, when plate 746 is in an open position, items may
be placed in
chamber 725. Plate 746 may then be pivoted about pivot axis 747 such that it
is parallel to a
bottom surface of chamber 725. Plate 746 includes a flange 749 which abuts
ridges 724 of
chamber 725, thereby holding plate 746 in a position parallel to a bottom
surface of chamber
725. Once plate is in a closed position, a cover section 750 may be pivoted
over base section
720, securing packaging container 710 in a closed position. Stand 715 may then
be rotated about
hinge 748 such that notch 718 of packaging container 710 fits within C-shaped
portion 717 of
stand 715. A flange 719 extends around a perimeter of stand 615, thereby
creating a stable base
for stand 715. Thus, packaging container 710 is securely supported in an
upright position by
stand 715 as shown in FIG. 9C.
[073] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate an open perspective view, side open view, and
side display
view of an additional embodiment of packaging container 810, including a stand
815 having a
chamber 816 formed therein. The elements of packaging container 810 correspond
to those
described in connection with FIGs 1A-1G. In particular, packaging container
810 includes base
section 820 and cover section 850, which is configured to pivot about hinge
852 between an
open state and a closed state. In order to provide a container that is secure
when closed, but is
also easy to open by a user, packaging container 810 includes features that
allows for easy one-
hand opening. A laterally extending flange 845 is deformable such that when
flange 845
depressed in a region 875 adjacent to a depression 840 of outer wall segment
830b, outer wall
segment 830b and inner wall segment 830a move inwardly, thereby releasing post
867 from
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apertures 842 and 843 and opening packaging container 810. Peripheral flange
870 of cover
section 850 includes an inwardly protruding section 865 coupling with
depression 840 of base
section 820. A scalloped area 844 facilitates the inward movement of outer
wall segment 830b
and inner wall segment 830a by ensuring movement is not obstructed by recessed
face 876.
[074] Packaging container 810 further includes a stand 815 extending from and
pivotally
coupled to laterally extending flange 845 of base section 820 at hinge 847.
Stand 815 includes a
C-shaped portion 817 for engaging a notch 818 that extends from a bottom
surface 826 of base
section 820. Further, stand 815 includes a hollow interior portion forming a
chamber 816
covered by a lid 812 pivotally coupled thereto. Lid 812 includes a depressed
face portion 827 for
mating with a perimeter 828 of chamber 816 to provide a secure closure of
chamber 816. When
packaging container 810 and chamber 815 are in closed positions, stand 815 is
rotated about
hinge 847 such that notch 818 of packaging container 810 fits within C-shaped
portion 817 of
stand 815. A flange 819 extends around a perimeter of chamber 815 and lid 812,
thereby
creating a stable base for stand 815. Thus, packaging container 810 is
supported in an upright
position by stand 815 that further includes chamber 816 for storing additional
items.
[075] Hereinafter, a process of manufacturing the packaging container
according to an
embodiment of the present invention is described. The process will be
described with specific
reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1G However, it to be understood that
the process
applies to all of the embodiment disclosed herein. Packaging container 10 may
be formed
completely or partially of a transparent material to allow a user to see the
interior of the
packaging container. In particular, packaging container 10 is manufactured
using a
theimoforming process. In order to produce a projection, such as post 67, or
other shaped
projection in a vertical or nearly vertical sidewall of a thermoformed
package, retractable tooling
features are incorporated into a tool, which forms the package. These features
can be of a variety
of shapes and sizes.
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[076] Packaging container 10 is formed from a preheated sheet of thermoplastic
material that is
drawn into, or over a mold to create the desired shape of the end product.
After the material has
reached a stable set point, where upon it is rigid enough to be removed from
the mold without
losing the shape of the mold upon which it was formed, the sheet is withdrawn
in the opposite
direction from which it entered the mold. Typically the sheet enters the mold
and is removed
from the mold in a vertical fashion. Posts 67 are formed utilizing retractable
features, such as a
round post, or pin. When the heated plastic sheet is drawn into the mold the
post is in an
extended position. The plastic forms around the post, adopting its shape. The
post is then
retracted until the face of the post is flush with the sidewall of the mold.
Thus, the post is out of
the way such that the plastic product can be removed from the mold. Mechanical
linkages and
drive mechanisms may be used. Alternately, magnetics, pneumatic cylinders or
the like may be
employed. The timing of the projection of the feature outbound from the
sidewall of the mold
may be fine-tuned by being in the fully extended position prior to the heated
material entering
the mold and being activated just after the material has entered the mold, but
prior to the material
cooling beyond the point where it will be able to form around the feature.
[077] Apertures 42 and 43 are formed within outer wall segment 30b and inner
wall segment
30a of wall 30, which are vertical or nearly vertical surfaces. A punch and
die mechanism is
utilized to form apertures 42 and 43. The punch and die may mimic the profile
of the formed
post 67, but with a slightly larger profile to allow for clearance and ease of
insertion of the
formed posts 67 within apertures 43 and 43. Alternatively, the cutout may take
a shape that is
different from the formed projection. For example, the formed projection could
be a simple post,
but the cutout could be oval in shape. The function of projections or posts 67
and cutouts or
apertures 42, 43 is to prevent the vertical opening of cover section 50 of
packaging container 10.
Similarly, apertures 42, 43 may be round and projections may be star,
octagonal, or the like, in
shape. Apertures 42 and 43 are formed after the forming of packaging container
10. Thus, the
plastic has formed into the mold, the plastic has been demolded and then the
apertures are cutout.
In high volume production the cutting of the hole feature occurs at a station
between a forming
station and a die cutting station. It is in the die cutting station that the
planer surfaces of the
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plastic container are trimmed from the surrounding web of material so that the
container can be
removed from a leftover perimeter sheet.
[078] Apertures 42 and 43 may also be formed following a die cutting step,
i.e. after the formed
and die cut plastic part has been removed from the surrounding left over
plastic sheet. Thus, the
last step in the process is to place the formed and die cut package into a
mechanical device,
which then punches out the holes. The holes may be folined by a manually
actuated device
punching one hole at a time or by a fully automated system punching all the
holes in a package at
once, with automated load and unload of the package into the punching
mechanism. The holes
may also be cut in the same station as where the planer die cut of the
perimeter plastic occurs.
[079] In use, an item or items is placed in chamber 25 of base section 20.
Cover section 50 is
then rotated to cover base section 20. At this time, post 67 and inwardly
protruding section 65
engages depression 40 and corresponding aperture 42. In particular, post 67 of
cover section 50
penetrates aperture 42 of base section 20, thereby securing cover section 50
to base section 20.
Post 67 includes an angled edge 67a and a top edge 67b. Post 67 penetrates
corresponding
aperture 42 to prevent base section 50 from being pivoted open. Aperture 43 is
provided in inner
wall segment 30a such that post 67 may penetrate aperture 43 if first lateral
wall 55 is pushed
inwardly. Thus, inward deflection of lateral wall 55 will not cause post 67 to
become disengaged
from apertures 42. In order to open packaging container 10, outer wall segment
30b must be
deflected such that post 67 disengages from corresponding aperture 42. In
particular, applying
downward pressure to deformable flange 45 in an area adjacent to depression 40
causes such
deflection of outer wall segment 30b such that post 67 disengages from
corresponding aperture
42 and container 10 is opened.
[080] In general, the posts and apertures engage to form a locking feature
that uses the shear
strength of a post engaged against the wall of material through which the
aperture is formed. The
force required to separate the posts from the apertures is a function of the
shear strength of the
formed post, and or the tear strength of the punched hole, rather than the
function of friction.
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[081] The downward force of closing cover section 50 over base section 20
drives post 67
having beveled or angled edge 67a down across the outer wall segment 30b
descending the wall
of the package until the post "snaps" into the hole. Since the posts and
apertures are formed on
vertical walls at 90 degrees, no additional material is required to form a
secure closure of
packaging container 10.
[082] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the
embodiments
and the accompanying drawings, it is not limited to the embodiments and the
drawings. It should
be understood that various modifications and changes can be made by those
skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined
by the
accompanying claims.
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