Abstract:
A tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident features which includes a cover portion defining a outwardly extending peripheral flange, a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge, a hinge joining the outwardly extending peripheral flange with the base portion and an engagement mechanism for maintaining the peripheral flange adjacent to the upper peripheral edge when the container is closed. The upper peripheral edge includes an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion that is configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed. The hinge includes a frangible section, which upon severing, provides a projection that extends out beyond the base portion for facilitating the disengagement of the engagement mechanism and removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]     The subject application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/065,681, filed Feb. 24, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,680, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/895,687 filed Jul. 21, 2004, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/489,093 filed Jul. 21, 2003, the disclosure of each being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The subject invention is directed to containers and packaging, and more particularly, to containers and packaging that incorporate tamper-resistant and tamper-evident features.  
         [0004]     2. Background of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Disposable containers for packaging, distributing, displaying or otherwise housing consumer items, especially perishable foods, are becoming increasingly important. Historically, perishable products had to be brought to market and sold quickly before exposure to the atmosphere caused the products to lose their freshness.  
         [0006]     The advent of plastics resulted in many products being wrapped or packaged in plastic, both in the form of flexible plastic bags and solid plastic containers. The use of plastics in the modern-day convenience food industry has significantly improved the “shelf life” of perishable products, allowing both merchants and their customers to store the products for longer periods of time, resulting in substantial savings.  
         [0007]     It has been found that consumers like recloseable packages, particularly for comestible products, especially in circumstances where more than one serving of a comestible product is contained therein, in order to reduce drying out or other deterioration of the comestible food product. In addition, consumers prefer to visually inspect the food product within such containers prior to purchase. Thus, fabricating containers from clear see-through plastics is desirable. For example, packaging provided for bakery goods has often been in the form of clear, plastic clamshell packaging, because, among other things, such clear, plastic clamshell packaging, provides a baked-on-the-premises image which grocery retailers have found to be especially appealing to consumers.  
         [0008]     Typically, plastic containers will include a fairly rigid lid and base, although they may be subject to some amount of flexure. The lid provided must be capable of properly and effectively sealing the container, yet the container must be constructed so that the lid is relatively easy to remove, and even replace, since it is expected that the container and lid would normally be reused.  
         [0009]     In addition to the aforementioned consumer design preferences, it is desirable to fabricate containers that include features which either deter unauthorized tampering or clearly indicate whether unauthorized tampering has occurred, or both. These tamper-resistant/evident features typically include structural elements which, when the container is tampered with or opened without authorization, enable the consumer to easily visually recognize such tampering so that the product can then be rejected. Such tamper-resistant/evident elements are important for, among other things, deterring theft and preventing the loss of product and income for the seller, as well as instilling consumer confidence in the integrity of the contents within the container and confidence in the ability of the seller and/or manufacturer to provide and maintain quality goods.  
         [0010]     Thus, there is a compelling interest in the development of containers having consumer-preferable design elements, such as recloseability features which are reliable and easy to operate, along with tamper-resistant/evident features that deter tampering and clearly indicate whether tampering has occurred, and which are also reliable without being burdensome to the legitimate consumer. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a container that meets these needs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE  
       [0011]     The present invention meets the aforementioned needs, while also improving upon and solving problems associated with previous containers by providing, among other things, a tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident features (also referred to herein as a “tamper-resistant/evident container”) that includes a cover portion defining an outwardly extending peripheral flange and a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge. The upper peripheral edge of the base portion includes, at least in part, an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion. This bead is configured and dimensioned to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed. Preferably, the container includes an engagement mechanism, which may include a device or structure, among other things, for maintaining the peripheral flange adjacent to the upper peripheral edge when the container is closed.  
         [0012]     The container can further include a hinge joining the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion with the base portion. The hinge preferably includes a frangible section, which upon severing, provides a projection that extends out beyond the base portion to facilitate disengagement of the engagement mechanism and removal of the cover portion from the base portion. Preferably, the frangible section of the hinge is delimited at least in part by a pair of parallel score lines, and more preferably, is further delimited by a plurality of spaced apart notches, depressions or nicks associated with the score lines.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment, the container includes a skirt which depends downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the base portion. Preferably, the hinge extends from the lower edge of the skirt to the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion.  
         [0014]     In a further embodiment, the aforementioned engagement mechanism is non-permanent and facilitates the reattachment of the cover portion with the base portion. Preferably, the engagement mechanism urges the peripheral flange of the cover portion and the upper peripheral edge of the base portion to remain adjacent with respect to each other when the container is closed by, among other things, securing the cover portion to the base portion.  
         [0015]     In one embodiment, the engagement mechanism includes corresponding male and female structural members which are configured and dimensioned to form a secure engagement with each other. The male engaging member can be defined on the base portion and the female engaging member can be defined on the cover portion.  
         [0016]     The container can also include at least one supporting rib defined on the base portion. In one embodiment, the supporting rib includes a plurality of elongated, arcuate portions positioned adjacently with respect to one another.  
         [0017]     The present invention is also directed to a tamper-resistant/evident container that includes a cover portion defining a outwardly extending peripheral flange, a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge, a hinge joining the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion with the base portion, and an engagement mechanism, which may be a device or structure, among other things, for maintaining the peripheral flange adjacent to the upper peripheral edge when the container is closed.  
         [0018]     In one embodiment of this container, the engagement mechanism can be non-permanent and facilitate the reattachment of the cover portion with the base portion. The engagement mechanism can also urge the peripheral flange of the cover portion and the upper peripheral edge of the base portion to resist separation when the container is closed and remain in place.  
         [0019]     In another embodiment of this container, the engagement mechanism can include corresponding male and female engaging members, as discussed above.  
         [0020]     This container of the present invention can also include one or more supporting ribs defined on the base portion, which, as discussed above, preferably include a plurality of elongated arcuate portions positioned adjacently with respect to one another. In a preferred embodiment, the male engaging member of an engagement mechanism having male and female engaging members, projects from at least one supporting rib.  
         [0021]     The present invention is also directed to a container that includes a cover portion defining a outwardly extending peripheral flange, a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge forming at least in part an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion and configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed, a hinge joining the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion with the base portion, a male engaging member defined on the base portion to project towards the cover portion when the container is closed, and a female engaging member having a receiving portion defined on the cover portion to correspond to the position of the male engaging member when the container is closed for receiving the male engaging member therein and forming a non-permanent engagement between the male and female engaging members when the container is closed.  
         [0022]     In one embodiment of the aforementioned container constructed in accordance with the present invention, the engagement of the male and female members provides resistance to any force applied to remove the cover portion and base portion. Preferably, the engagement of the male and female members also urges the outwardly extending peripheral flange of the cover portion into contact with the peripheral edge of the base portion.  
         [0023]     These and other aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0024]     So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject invention pertains will more readily understand how to make and use the tamper-resistant/evident package disclosed herein, embodiments thereof will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, wherein:  
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tamper-resistant/evident container constructed in accordance with the present invention in an exemplary circular configuration having a base portion and cover portion connected to each other by a hinge having a frangible section;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating in particular the hinge having a frangible section or strip, and a suitable location for indicia to be printed thereon;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a partial top view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating in particular the hinge having a frangible section or strip and projection associated therewith that extends beyond the upwardly projecting bead associated with the upper peripheral surface of the base portion;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating in particular the hinge having a frangible section and upper and lower projections or arms extending from the cover portion and base portion of the container;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 8 , illustrating in particular the configuration of the base portion and the structural elements that facilitate a releasable/recloseable engagement with the cover portion;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 8 , illustrating in particular the configuration of the cover portion and the structural elements that facilitate a releasable/recloseable engagement with the base portion;  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 3 , illustrating in particular the configuration of the base portion and cover portion when the container is closed and including the structural elements that facilitate a releasable/recloseable engagement between the base and cover portions;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating in particular the operative association between the cover portion, base portion and frangible section;  
         [0033]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , in which the frangible section has been removed, illustrating the manner in which the cover portion is separated from the base portion and the upper and lower projections or arms associated with the cover and base portions, respectively;  
         [0034]     is a partial perspective view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating in particular the manner in which the upwardly projecting bead on the base portion physically prevents access to the outer edge of the cover portion, making it difficult to separate the cover portion from the base portion;  
         [0035]      FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating in particular the manner in which the frangible section can be removed from the hinge;  
         [0036]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating in particular the upper and lower projections formed by removal of the frangible section and the manner in which the upper and lower projections facilitate separation of the cover portion from the base portion;  
         [0037]      FIG. 13  is a side view of a two blade knife that can be used to form the frangible section of a container constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 14  is a front plan view of a first blade of the two blade knife of  FIG. 13 , illustrating the position of the nicks and cutting surfaces that can form a first score line of a frangible section of a container constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 15  is a front plan view of a second blade of the two blade knife of  FIG. 13 , illustrating the position of the nicks, cutting surfaces and offset that can form a second score line of a frangible section of a container constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 16  is perspective view of a tamper-resistant/evident container constructed in accordance with the present invention in an exemplary rectangular configuration having a base portion and cover portion connected to each other by a hinge having a frangible section;  
         [0041]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the container shown in  FIG. 16 , illustrating in particular the hinge having a frangible section or strip, patterned sections on opposing ends thereof, and tabs defined by the frangible section score line;  
         [0042]      FIG. 18  is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 16 , taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 , illustrating in particular the configuration of the hinge, upper and lower projections and frangible section;  
         [0043]      FIG. 19  is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 16 , taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 17 , illustrating in particular the configuration of the hinge, upper and lower projections, frangible section, and score line defining a tab associated with the lower projection;  
         [0044]      FIG. 20  is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 16 , illustrating in particular the manner in which the cover portion is closed on the base portion;  
         [0045]      FIG. 21  is a partial perspective view of the container shown in  FIG. 16 , illustrating in particular the manner in which the frangible section is removed from the hinge;  
         [0046]      FIGS. 22-23  are partial perspective views of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating in particular the manner in which the separation of the cover portion from the base portion is facilitated by clasping the patterned section disposed on the upper projection or arm associated with the cover portion which is formed upon removal of the frangible section;  
         [0047]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tamper-resistant/evident container constructed in accordance with the present invention having an additional engagement mechanism and support structure for providing enhanced structural integrity and further securing the base portion and cover portion, among other things; and  
         [0048]      FIG. 25  is another perspective view of the tamper-resistant/evident container shown in  FIG. 24 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tamper-resistant/evident container similar to that depicted in  FIGS. 24-25 , but including a further variation of a pattern of reinforcing ribs.  
         [0050]      FIGS. 27-28  are perspective views of another embodiment of a tamper-resistant/evident container made in accordance with the invention.  FIG. 27  is a view of the interior of such an open container, and  FIG. 28  is a view of the exterior of the container. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0051]     The advantages of a tamper-resistant/evident container constructed in accordance with the present invention will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred and exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments thereof, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.  
         [0052]     Unless otherwise apparent, or stated, directional references, such as “right,” “left,” “upper,” “lower,” “outward,” “inward,” etc., are intended to be relative to the orientation of a particular embodiment of the invention as shown in the first numbered view of that embodiment. In addition, a given reference numeral indicates the same or similar structure when it appears in different figures and like reference numerals identify similar structural elements and/or features of the subject invention.  
         [0053]     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the subject invention illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the container  10  includes a generally circular cover portion  12  and a generally bowl-shaped base portion  14  joined together by a hinge  16 . Hinge  16  includes a tamper-evident frangible section or pull strip  18 , which, upon its removal, severs the integral connection between cover portion  12  and base portion  14 .  
         [0054]     would be filled with the contents for which consumer protection is desired and cover portion  12  would be engaged with base portion  14 . In accordance with the present invention, cover portion  12  and base portion  14  include structural features that facilitate the formation of a non-permanent engagement between cover portion  12  to base portion  14 .  
         [0055]     In this embodiment, the non-permanent engagement between cover portion  12  and base portion  14  is facilitated by, among other things, a peripheral locking shoulder  20  and an radially inward circumferential groove  22  formed below an outwardly extending peripheral flange  24  on cover portion  12 , which can be seated within a corresponding mating circumferential recess  26  on base portion  14 . Circumferential recess  26  on base portion  14  is formed below an upper peripheral rim  28  and includes a radially inward projecting rib  30  and a radially inwardly extending rim  32 .  
         [0056]     When cover portion  12  is closed on base portion  14 , projecting rib  30  mates with circumferential groove  22  on cover portion  12  and extending rim  32  mates with locking shoulder  20  on cover portion  12 . In addition, outwardly extending peripheral flange  24  on cover portion  12  abuts upper peripheral rim  28  on base portion  14 .  
         [0057]     incorporates features which are intended to prevent and deter opening container  10  without first removing frangible strip  18  from hinge  16 . In this embodiment, container  10  includes an upwardly projecting bead  34  on base portion  14  that extends substantially about the perimeter of peripheral rim  28  and is positioned to surround the outer edge of flange  24  of cover portion  12  when container  10  is closed. The position and upward extension of bead  34  is configured to hinder the relatively easy method of removing a cover from conventional containers that may resemble or have characteristics in common with container  10 . As can be best viewed in  FIG. 10 , bead  34  physically blocks access to the edge of peripheral flange  24  on cover portion  12  from fingers or any other object that might normally be used for leverage to pry cover portion  12  from base portion  14 .  
         [0058]     Hinge  16  includes an upper outwardly projecting arm  36  connected to base portion  14 , and a similar lower outwardly projecting arm  38 , which is connected to cover portion  12 . In particular, upper arm  36  is connected with a skirt  40  that projects downward from upper peripheral rim  28  and radially outward with respect to base portion  14 . Lower arm  38  is connected with the peripheral flange  24 . Upper and lower arms  36  and  38  are joined together by a common attachment to frangible strip  18  to form hinge  16 .  
         [0059]     Preferably, frangible strip  18  is delimited at least in part by a pair of parallel score lines  42   a ,  42   b  or areas that have been weakened or stressed during the forming process. Frangible strip  18  may be further delimited by a plurality of spaced apart areas in which material has been removed associated with the score lines, by a plurality of spaced apart depressions associated with the score lines, or by perforation lines. The width and depth of the areas and/or depressions can vary to control the tear resistance offered by frangible strip  18 . Alternatively, the integral hinge  16  could be formed with a single score line or perforation line, rather than a pair of score lines. In this instance, the single score line could be severed to create a pair of projections which would be used to open the container.  
         [0060]     In this embodiment, strip  18  includes laterally opposed grasping tabs  44   a  and  44   b  to provide a convenient location for gripping strip  18 . Preferably, instructional indicia is imprinted on strip  18  to facilitate its removal from hinge  16  and/or consumer understanding of the significance of its removal as it relates to product tampering. Strip  18  and/or the instructional indicia preferably thereon can be colored or embossed, or otherwise fabricated to direct attention thereto.  
         [0061]     As can be best viewed in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , detaching frangible strip  18  from hinge  16  of container  10  leaves behind upper and lower arms  36  and  38  on cover portion  12  and base portion  14 , respectively. Upper and lower arms  36  and  38  extend outwardly from container  10  and can be used to facilitate removal of cover portion  12  from base portion  14 , once strip  18  has been removed, by applying sufficient opposing force to disengage locking shoulder  20  from within circumferential recess  26 .  
         [0062]     The presence of bead  34  prevents unauthorized access to the contents of container  10  by making it difficult to pull cover portion  12  from base portion  14 . If access to container  10  is desired, strip  18  must be removed so that upper and lower arms  36  and  38  are free to be used to leverage cover portion  12  from base portion  14 . Cover portion  12  may be replaced on base portion  14  after container  10  is opened. Strip  18 , however, once removed, is not replaceable. Thus, removal of strip  18  functions as a clear indicator of possible tampering, in that if strip  18  is partially or fully removed prior to purchase, it is readily apparent to a consumer that someone may have already gained access to the contents of container  10 .  
         [0063]      FIGS. 13-15  illustrate an exemplary configuration for a double scoring blade having blades  46   a ,  46   b , which can be used in a punch press system or the like to form score lines  42   a ,  42   b  in accordance with the present invention. Various dimensions of blades  46   a ,  46   b  are also provided herein as a non-limiting example.  
         [0064]     The lateral separation L 1  between blades  46   a ,  46   b  is in this embodiment about 0.36 inches. The length L 2  of blades  46   a ,  46   b  is about 2.25 inches. Blades  46   a ,  46   b  include an offset recessed portion  48  with a series of substantially similar nicks  50  cut therein between cutting edges  52 . The width L 3  of cutting edges  52  is preferably 0.36 inches. Preferably, the offset L 4  between recessed portion  48  and cutting edges  52  is approximately 0.001 inches.  
         [0065]     In this embodiment, blade  46   a  includes seven (7) nicks  50  while blade  46   b  includes eight (8) nicks  50 . The nicks  50  on blade  46   a  are offset with respect to the nicks  50  on blade  46   b , which results in a desirable zipper-like effect when removing strip  18 . Preferably, nicks  50  are triangular shaped, about 0.010 inches deep and about 0.020 inches wide, and define an approximately 90 degree angle at its deepest convergence point  54 . The length L 5  between nicks  50 , as measured between the respective convergence points  54  of adjacent nicks  50 , is approximately 0.252 inches. The length L 6  between the respective convergence points  54  of adjacent offset nicks  50  on blade  46   b  is about 0.126 inches. The length L 7  of blades  46   a ,  46   b  is about 0.1 inches, and each blade edge defines an angle of about 45 degrees.  
         [0066]     It should be readily understood that a container constructed in accordance with the present invention, which is preferably a plastic container used for carrying edible items, can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be formed from resins or plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate (“PETE”), as well as other suitable materials or combinations thereof. The forming process can also vary to include methods such as thermo-forming, injection molding or blow molding. The container can be transparent or translucent, and may be colored in either instance. Also, vents can be provided in the container to promote airflow therethrough, if appropriate based on the intended contents of the container.  
         [0067]     Preferably, container  10  is formed from a roll of PETE subjected to a vacuum and pressure mold with plug assist. During manufacture, blades  46   a ,  46   b  of  FIGS. 13-15  are preferably applied to a newly formed container  10  to impart score lines  42   a ,  42   b  thereon. Cutting edges  52  cut substantially through the material used to make container  10 . Preferably, the configuration of blades  46   a ,  46   b  are designed so that a desirable amount of force is necessary to remove strip  18 , as determined by consumer trials for example. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the configuration of blades  46   a ,  46   b  can be adjusted for a variety of reasons, and the above dimensions are exemplary of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0068]     For example, various other methods can be employed to form frangible strip  18  of hinge  16 . For example, score lines, nicks or penetrations can be created with the molding tool itself during the forming step. Alternatively, a high die forming process can be employed where, after the forming step, the container is indexed to a trim station, where one or more knives liberate the container and create the score lines or perforations. Also, an intermittent cutter can be employed between the forming step or the trim step, a progressive punch and die operation can be employed, or a numerically controlled laser can be employed to create the nicks. It is also envisioned that electromechanical, ultra-sonic or hydrodynamic systems can be employed in the forming process.  
         [0069]     Container  10  could also be formed with locking arrangements known in the art other than the tamper-resistant/evident closure of the subject invention, such as traditional male and female locking features.  
         [0070]     Referring to  FIGS. 16-23 , there is illustrated another tamper-resistant/evident container constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and designated generally by reference numeral  110 . Container  110  is similar to container  10  described above except that container  110  is rectangular in configuration rather than circular. Container  110  thus includes a base portion  114  and a cover portion  112  joined together by an integrally formed hinge  116  that defines a tamper-evident frangible pull strip  118 , which must be removed before cover portion  112  can be readily removed from base portion  114 .  
         [0071]     Container  10  includes embossed or raised patterned sections  156   a  and  156   b  on opposing tabs  144   a  and  144   b  of strip  118 , respectively, to facilitate removal of strip  118 . Patterned sections  158   a  and  158   b  are also disposed on opposing sides of upper arm  136  to facilitate separation of cover portion  112  from base portion  114 . Instructional indicia can be imprinted on upper arm  136  between patterned sections  158   a  and  158   b.    
         [0072]     In this embodiment, score line  142   b  is situated on hinge  116  to define two tabs  160   a  and  160   b  which are connected with lower arm  138 . Tabs  160   a ,  160   b  remain in place on hinge  116  until strip  118  is removed, as can be best viewed in  FIGS. 21-23 . Tabs  160   a ,  160   b  extend from lower arm  138  to further facilitate gripping lower arm  138  and separation of cover portion  112  from base portion  114 .  
         [0073]      FIGS. 24-26  illustrate other tamper-resistant/evident containers constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and designated generally by reference numeral  210 . Container  210  is rectangular in shape, but may be formed in other shapes, and has similar features to containers  10  and  110  described above. Container  210  includes, among other things, a base portion  214  and a cover portion  212  joined together by an integrally formed hinge  216  that defines a tamper-evident frangible pull strip  218 , which must be removed before cover portion  212  can be readily removed from base portion  214 . An upwardly projecting bead  234  is disposed on peripheral rim  222  of base portion  214 . Bead  234  is positioned to substantially surround the outer edge of flange  224  of cover portion  212  when container  210  is closed, thus physically blocking access by fingers or any other object that could be applied to the edge of peripheral flange  224  and rim  222  for leverage while attempting to pry cover portion  212  from base portion  214 .  
         [0074]     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 24-25  a plurality of supporting ribs  262   a - f , each extending from about the enclosed bottom of base portion  214  to about extending rim  232  are positioned at the four comers (ribs  262   a - d , respectively) of base portion  214  and the midpoints on hinge side wall  264  (rib  262   e ) and opposing side wall  266  (rib  262   f ) of base portion  214  to provide enhanced structural integrity. Supporting ribs  262   a - f  generally consist of multiple elongated, arcuate portions, each having a curved latitudinal cross-sectional profile, positioned adjacently with respect to one another.  
         [0075]     In the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 26 , a multiplicity of ribs  262  are provided distributed about the bottom of base portion  214  as well as about the peripheral wall  214   a  of base portion  214 . Applicants have discovered that the disclosed arrangement of ribs  262  about base portion  214  provides particularly advantageous performance. Over two dozen containers were tested having various rib patterns. However, the container disclosed in  FIG. 26  exhibited the most superior performance. By way of illustration only, the container depicted in  FIGS. 24-25 , without the rib pattern of the container in  FIG. 26  may be made, for example, from a thermoformable material such as polyethylene terephthalate sheet in a thickness range from about 12 mils to about 40 mils, and preferably from about 14 mils to about 25 mils, depending on the size of the container. For example, it may be desirable to form a smaller container from a thinner gage material than a larger container.  
         [0076]     It has been discovered that the container depicted in  FIG. 26  can be made from a substantially thinner gage of sheet material than that depicted in  FIG. 25 . A  32  ounce container as depicted in  FIG. 25  made of polyethylene terephtalate, for example, can be made from a 25 mil sheet. In contrast, an even stronger container as depicted in  FIG. 26  can be made from a 22 mil sheet. It is further believed that such a container could be made of a 20 mil sheet of polyethylene terephtalate. This accordingly may result in a 20% material savings, which can result in significant cost reduction for making a container of a given size.  
         [0077]     As further disclosed in these embodiments, a circumferential engagement sealing interface between cover portion  212  and base portion  214  is defined in part by a plurality of outwardly bowed arcuate portions  290 . As depicted, outwardly bowed arcuate portions  290  are connected by rounded comer portions  292 .  
         [0078]     may also include an additional independent, engaging mechanism that provides even further structural integrity, enhances security by urging flange  224  to remain in position against peripheral rim  222 , and facilitates the reattachment of cover portion  212  to base portion  214 , among other things. As depicted in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , for example, male engaging member  268  projects upwardly from supporting rib  262   f  on side wall  266  which is received by a correspondingly sized female engaging member  270  defined on cover portion  212 .  
         [0079]     is closed, male engaging member  268  on base portion  214  and female engaging member  270  on cover portion  212  form an engagement which further secures base portion  214  to cover portion  212 . In addition to urging flange  224  against rim  222 , the aforementioned features increase the amount of force that would be necessary to pry cover portion  212  from base portion  214  in an unauthorized manner (i.e., without removal of strip  218 ).  
         [0080]     Also, the aforementioned engagement facilitates the reattachment of cover portion  212  with base portion  214  after container  210  is opened legitimately by a consumer. Container  210  can be reclosed after purchase by urging cover portion  212  onto base portion  214 , and in particular, this can be accomplished by pressing on the comers of cover portion  212 , as indicated by instructional indicia printed in the outer comer areas of cover portion  212  in this embodiment. In reclosing container  210 , the initial engagement of male member  268  with female member  270  facilitates the subsequent step of applying pressure on the comers of cover portion  212 , making it easier to reattach cover portion  212  to base portion  214 . It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other engagement mechanisms, devices, engagements and container designs, and combinations thereof, could be incorporated in any embodiment in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0081]      FIGS. 27-28  illustrate another tamper-resistant/evident container constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention and designated generally by reference numeral  310 . Container  310  is generally round in shape, but may be formed in other shapes, and has similar features to containers  10 ,  110  and  210  described above. Container  310  includes, among other things, a base portion  314  and a cover portion  312  joined together by an integrally formed hinge  316  that defines a tamper-evident frangible pull strip  318 , which must be removed before cover portion  312  can be readily removed from base portion  314 . An upwardly projecting bead  334  is disposed on peripheral rim  322  of base portion  314 . Bead  334  is positioned to substantially surround the outer edge of flange  324  of cover portion  312  when container  310  is closed, thus physically blocking access by fingers or any other object that could be applied to the edge of peripheral flange  324  and rim  322  for leverage while attempting to pry cover portion  312  from base portion  314 .  
         [0082]     In this embodiment, a plurality of supporting gussets  362   a - h , each extending from about the enclosed bottom of base portion  314  to about extending rim  332  are disposed proximate the eight comers of base portion  314  to provide enhanced structural integrity. Gussets  362  also define interior spaces  363  that can be used to facilitate fingers of a user to remove an object (such as a pie, for example) from container  310 . Container  310  can also be provided with lower and upper vents  364 ,  365  respectively, disposed circumferentially proximate the top and bottom of the container  310  to facilitate defrosting or heating of the contents of container  310 . In the case of a frozen pie, for example, warm air can be drawn in through upper vents  365 . As air enters through upper vent  365 , it is cooled, and sinks out through lower vent  364 . If desired, vents  364  can be positioned proximate the lower portions of gussets  362 , whereby each gusset can act as an air duct to facilitate transport of air through the container. It will be appreciated that vents  364 ,  365  can also operate to cool the contents of container  310 , whereby relatively cool ambient air can be drawn in through lower ducts  364  and out of upper ducts  365 , whereby the air is heated by the contents of the container to drive the flow. It will be appreciated that the location of vents  364 ,  365  can be varied, as desired. As depicted, vents  365  are disposed in welled recesses that form ribs  372  in cover portion  312  of container  310 .  
         [0083]     It was discovered through experimentation that it is desirable to have gussets  362  extend as close to the bottom  317  of base  314  as possible. This spreads out the load of the contents of container  310  over a larger area of containers  310  when containers  310  are stacked. It has also been discovered that it is desirable to have gussets  362  extend up to flange  375  to prevent flexure of container  310  to prevent flange  324  from being separated from bead  334 . These design features significantly help make container  310  ore tamper resistant by making container  310  more resistant to flexure.  
         [0084]     As depicted, bottom  317  of base  314  is generally octagonal, and is adapted and configured to nest within the octagonal recess  312   a  formed in cover portion  312 . The octagonal features permit directional stacking which can facilitate the alignment, transport, display and merchandizing of goods. It will be understood that other shapes besides octagonal can be used, as understood by those of skill in the art.  
         [0085]     As depicted in  FIG. 27 , gussets  362  are adapted and configured so that gussets  362  can act as guides for guiding container between parallel rails (the locations of which being represented by axes X) of a of a guiding device to move, stack, fill and/or close containers  310 , if desired.  
         [0086]     As further disclosed in this embodiment, a circumferential engagement sealing interface between cover portion  312  and base portion  314  is defined in part by a rounded segment  390 , a relatively straight segment  392  and two rounded comer portions  394 . The shape of interface is adapted and configured to provide substantial resistance to ensure container  310  is relatively tamper resistant.  
         [0087]     Container  310  also includes an additional independent, engaging mechanism that provides even further structural integrity, enhances security by urging flange  324  to remain in position against peripheral rim  322 , and facilitates the reattachment of cover portion  312  to base portion  314 , among other things. A plurality of male engaging members  368  project upwardly from base portion  314  disposed circumferentially about container  310 . Male engaging members  368  actually cooperate to urge flange  324  against peripheral rim  322 . This advantageously helps prevent tampering with the container. Members  368  also facilitate in guiding and aligning cover portion  312  with base portion to facilitate the reclosing of container  310  after it has been opened.  
         [0088]     It will be understood that the cover portions  12 ,  112 ,  212  and  312  and base portions  14 ,  114 ,  214  and  314  can be made of different colored materials. For example, all or a part of the cover portions and/or base portions can be transparent while the rest of the container can be translucent or opaque. In accordance with one embodiment, two-tone sheeting is used (such as PET) wherein a dark opaque material is mated adjacently to a transparent segment. The separation between the two sections can be routed in the machine direction of the thermoforming machine used to make the containers. The transition area from transparent to opaque can be aligned with the tamper evident strip of the container so that the cover portion can be a different color than (or transparent or translucent compared to) the base portion.  
         [0089]     Although exemplary and preferred aspects and embodiments of the present invention and forming methods have been described with a full set of features, it is to be understood that the disclosed container and method of manufacture may be practiced successfully without the incorporation of each of those features. The scope of the present invention is not limited only to the tamper-resistant/evident containers and methods of manufacture disclosed herein. Thus, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be utilized without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and method disclosed herein, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.