Abstract:
A tamper-resistant container with tamper evident feature which includes a cover portion defining a outwardly extending peripheral flange, a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge, and a hinge joining the outwardly extending peripheral flange with the base portion. 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 upwardly projecting bead of the upper peripheral edge of the base portion, for facilitating removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]     The subject application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/489,093 filed Jul. 21, 2003, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference 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 or agriculture products has often been in the form of clear, plastic clamshell packaging, because, among other things, such clear, plastic clamshell packaging, provides a homegrown, 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 hereinafter as a “tamper-resistant/evident” container) that includes a cover portion defining a 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.  
         [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 upwardly projecting bead of the upper peripheral edge of the base portion to facilitate 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 substantially 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 rim 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]     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 and a hinge joining the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion with the base portion. This hinge also defines a frangible section, which upon severing, provides a projection that extends out beyond the upwardly projecting bead of the upper peripheral edge of the base portion, for facilitating removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.  
         [0015]     In another embodiment of the aforementioned tamper-resistant/evident container, the upper peripheral edge of the base portion includes an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion which is configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed.  
         [0016]     The aforementioned container preferably includes a skirt which depends downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the base portion, so that the hinge extends from a lower edge of the skirt to the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion.  
         [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 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, and a hinge joining the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion with the base portion, the hinge defining a frangible section, which upon severing, provides a projection that extends out beyond the upwardly projecting bead of the upper peripheral edge of the base portion, for facilitating removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.  
         [0018]     The aforementioned container can also include a skirt which depends downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the base portion. Preferably, in this embodiment, the hinge extends from a lower edge of the skirt to the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion.  
         [0019]     In another embodiment of the aforementioned container, the projection that extends out beyond the upwardly projecting bead of the upper peripheral edge of the base portion includes patterned sections to facilitate gripping thereof. It is also preferable that, upon severing the frangible section, the projection that extends out beyond the upwardly projecting bead of the upper peripheral edge of the base portion further includes tabs for facilitating removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.  
         [0020]     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  
       [0021]     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:  
         [0022]      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;  
         [0023]      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;  
         [0024]      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;  
         [0025]      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;  
         [0026]      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;  
         [0027]      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;  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4 , 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;  
         [0029]      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;  
         [0030]      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;  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  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;  
         [0032]      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;  
         [0033]      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;  
         [0034]      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;  
         [0035]      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;  
         [0036]      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;  
         [0037]      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;  
         [0038]      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;  
         [0039]      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;  
         [0040]      FIG. 19  is a partial cross sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 16 , taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 , 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;  
         [0041]      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;  
         [0042]      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; and  
         [0043]      FIGS. 22-23  are partial perspective views of the container shown in  FIG. 16 , 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. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0044]     The advantages of a tamper-evident container with tamper-resistant feature (i.e., 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.  
         [0045]     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.  
         [0046]     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 .  
         [0047]     In use, container  10  would be filled with the contents, such as foods, over the counter medicines, etc., 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 .  
         [0048]     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 .  
         [0049]     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  20  on cover portion  12  abuts upper peripheral rim  28  on base portion  14 .  
         [0050]     Container  10  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  22  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 impedes 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 .  
         [0051]     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 .  
         [0052]     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.  
         [0053]     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.  
         [0054]     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 .  
         [0055]     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 .  
         [0056]      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.  
         [0057]     The lateral separation L1 between blades  46   a ,  46   b  is in this embodiment about 0.36 inches. The length L2 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 L3 of cutting edges  52  is preferably 0.36 inches. Preferably, the offset L4 between recessed portion  48  and cutting edges  52  is approximately 0.001 inches.  
         [0058]     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 L5 between nicks  50 , as measured between the respective convergence points  54  of adjacent nicks  50 , is approximately 0.252 inches. The length L6 between the respective convergence points  54  of adjacent offset nicks  50  on blade  46   b  is about 0.126 inches. The length L7 of blades  46   a ,  46   b  is about 0.1 inches, and each blade edge defines an angle of about 45 degrees.  
         [0059]     It should be readily understood that a container constructed in accordance with the present invention, which is preferably a plastic container used for carrying 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 terephthalat (“PETE”), as well as other suitable materials or combinations thereof. A container constructed in accordance with the present invention can also be made partially or entirely of materials which are not plastic, such as paper or metals. For example, a container of the present invention can be fabricated of a light gauge aluminum. 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.  
         [0060]     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.  
         [0061]     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 creates 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 or post-forming processes.  
         [0062]     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.  
         [0063]     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  112  and a cover portion  114  joined together by an integrally formed hinge  116  that defines a tamper-evident frangible pull strip  118 , which must be removed before cover portion  114  can be readily removed from base portion  112 .  
         [0064]     Container  110  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.    
         [0065]     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 .  
         [0066]     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 forming and manufacture disclosed herein.  
         [0067]     Furthermore, it should be readily apparent that the present invention is not limited to containing any one type or form of product. It is envisioned that a container constructed in accordance with the present invention can be used, or modified for use within the scope of the present invention, to hold edible or non-edible contents of varying sizes and weights.  
         [0068]     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.