Patent ID: 6554147
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
A container system constructed for holding and displaying product, said system comprising:A. a base member incorporating a. a support surface b. first wall means interconnected to and peripherally surrounding the support surface, and c. an upstanding ridge formed in the terminating edge of the wall means and extending substantially about the entire peripheral surface thereof; B. a cover member cooperatingly associated with the base member for forming the product container, being integrally interconnected with the base member along one edge to form a clamshell configuration, and incorporating a. a substantially flat surface b. second wall means interconnected to and peripherally surrounding the flat surface, and c. a groove member 1. formed in the terminating edge of the second wall means, 2. extending substantially about the entire peripheral surface thereof, and 3. constructed for cooperating, mating engagement with the ridge of the base member; and C. a hinge member interconnecting the base member to the cover member along said one edge and comprising a. a flange portion extending outwardly from the ridge of the base member, and b. a flexible, arcuately curved portion 1. integrally affixed on a first edge thereof to the flange portion, 2. extending from the flange portion to the groove member of the cover member, 3. integrally affixed to the groove member along a second edge thereof, and 4. constructed for providing controlled arcuate pivoting movement of the cover member relative to the base member from an open position to a closed position therewith, while causing the groove of the cover member adjacent the hinge member to automatically engage the ridge of the base member simultaneously with the arcuate closing movement, whereby a clam-shell container is achieved which enables the ridge and groove to be automatically engaged with each other without requiring a separate sealing force.