Patent Publication Number: US-11040797-B2

Title: Tamper evident meal delivery carton

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/696,964, filed on Jul. 12, 2018, to George Zeiler, entitled “Tamper Evident Meal Delivery Carton,”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Paperboard containers are commonly used to store and hold food items, particularly when such food items are to be delivered, for example through a third party delivery service. Such containers are commonly folded carton structures having a perimeter sidewall and a closable cover. Restaurants and food service providers will place the food items ordered by a customer within the container, close the cover, and provide the container to a third party delivery person to deliver the container to the customer. One problem with these containers is that there are insufficient means for preventing tampering of the container or for providing evidence that the container has been opened or tampered with prior to the delivery of the food items. As the use of third party delivery services increases, food service providers are more concerned about ensuring that the food items are delivered as ordered; however, food delivery containers currently utilized do not restrict tampering with the food items prior to delivery to the customer. Accordingly, a need exists for a feature for providing evidence of tampering with a food container prior to the final delivery of food items contained therein. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a tamper evident feature for a container that may be used to secure the container in a closed configuration and restrict access to the interior contents of the container without providing visible evidence that the container has been opened. The tamper evident feature may be used in connection with food delivery containers commonly utilized by restaurants, quick-service food providers and other food service providers; however, it is recognized that the tamper evident feature may be incorporated into any type of container, carton or other closable vessel for any suitable application. 
     According to one embodiment, the tamper evident feature may include a locking tab connected to and extending from a wall panel of a container and a receiving slot provided on a cover panel of the container. The locking panel may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the receiving slot and interlock with the receiving slot in order to secure the container in a closed position. 
     The locking tab can include a base end portion connected to the wall panel of the container and a locking end portion extending from the base end portion. The locking end portion may include an outer terminal edge and an intermediate locking slit extending partially across the width of the locking tab at an intermediate position along its length. The intermediate locking slit may form an intermediate locking edge into the locking tab. The intermediate locking tab may include a transverse cut edge extending partially toward the outer terminal edge and an intermediate end fold line extending laterally toward the side edge of the locking tab. The formation of the intermediate locking edge may enable the locking tab to bend and fold relative to the remainder of the locking tab and form a tab end portion extending toward the outer terminal edge of the locking tab. 
     According to one embodiment, the receiving slot may include a receiving slit formed into the cover panel of the container. The receiving slit may form a receiving edge within the cover panel that is spaced from the front edge of the cover panel approximately the same distance that the intermediate locking edge on the locking tab is spaced from the upper edge of the wall panel. The receiving slot may further include one or more minor cut lines extending from the receiving slit. 
     The tamper evident feature may be enabled by folding the locking tab so that it is substantially aligned with the plane of the cover wall panel and inserting the terminal edge of the locking tab into the receiving slit of the receiving slot. The locking tab may then be further inserted into the receiving slot until the intermediate locking edge overlaps the receiving edge. The receiving edge and locking edge may then engage one another in order to interlock the locking tab and receiving slot together and restrict opening of the container. According to one embodiment, the transverse cut edges of the locking tab and the minor cut lines of the receiving slot enable the locking edge and receiving edge to interlock in a slightly overlapping manner to restrict the locking tab from being removed from the receiving slot with deformation of the locking tab or cover panel. 
     Both the intermediate locking edge of the locking tab and the receiving edge of the receiving slot may have a generally conforming curved shape that enables the locking edge and receiving edge to substantially align when the locking tab is inserted into the receiving slot. 
     According to one embodiment, the tamper evident feature may further include a restricting slot formed into the front edge of the cover panel. The locking tab may be inserted through the restricting slot prior to being folded and inserted into the receiving slot to further restricted removal of the locking tab from the receiving slot after engagement. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views: 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic plan view of a receiving slot component of a tamper evident feature for a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic plan view of a locking tab component of a tamper evident feature for a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic plan view of a blank for a container with a tamper evident feature in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a container with a tamper evident feature illustrating the container in a folded configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the container with tamper evident feature of  FIG. 3  illustrating the container in an unfolded and opened configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the container with tamper evident feature of  FIG. 3  illustrating the container in a partially closed configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the container with tamper evident feature of  FIG. 3  illustrating the container in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the container with tamper evident feature of  FIG. 3  illustrating the container in a fully closed configuration with the tamper evident feature fully engaged in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of the container with tamper evident feature of  FIG. 3  illustrating the initial engagement of the tamper evident feature in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view of the container with tamper evident feature of  FIG. 3  illustrating the partial engagement of the tamper evident feature in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of the container with tamper evident feature of  FIG. 3  illustrating the full engagement of the tamper evident feature in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of the interior of the container with tamper evident feature of  FIG. 10  illustrating the full engagement of the tamper evident feature in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures. 
     The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     The present invention is directed to a tamper evident locking feature  10  for a container, carton, box or similar type of selectively enclosable structure. The present invention is also directed to a tamper evident food container  100  incorporating a tamper evident locking feature  10 . Among a number of potential advantageous uses, tamper evident locking feature  10  and container  100  of the present invention may be utilized by food service providers in connection with transportation, delivery and storage of food items, and particularly with food delivery services to indicate whether a food container has been opened prior to completion of the delivery. As described herein, tamper evident locking feature  10  can be engaged with a lid or cover of a container so that the only way to open the container and gain access to the interior contents of the container is to tear or deform components of the tamper evident locking feature  10  and/or a portion of the container, each of which provides clear evidence that the container has been opened or tampered with. The engagement of tamper evident feature  10  may be hidden from sight so that it is not clearly visible that the container is locked. According to one embodiment, the engagement of tamper evident feature  10  can be achieved by pressing down and listening for an audible “click” as described in greater detail below. This can let the food operator know that the container has been closed and locked properly using tamper evident locking feature  10 . According to one embodiment, tamper evident locking feature  10  can be incorporated into the layout of a container and no additional or secondary materials are needed to achieve tamper evidence. While the following description refers to one type of container in which tamper evident feature  10  can be incorporated, it is recognized that tamper evident locking feature  10  may be incorporated into any suitable type of container or similar vessel of any suitable design, shape, and size. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  schematically illustrate tamper evident feature  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention and incorporated into a closable container having a sidewall panel  102  and cover panel  104 .  FIG. 2  schematically illustrates a blank  200  for a container  100  that includes tamper evident locking feature  10  according to another embodiment. As best shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , tamper evident feature  10  may include a locking tab  12  extending from a sidewall  102  of container  100  (see  FIG. 1B ) and a receiving slot  14  defined into top panel  104  of a container  100  (see  FIG. 1A ). As described in greater detail below, locking tab  12  may be configured to be inserted into receiving slot  14  in an interlocking fashion in order to secure sidewall  102  and top panel  104  together and the container in a closed configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , locking tab  12  may include a base end portion  16  and locking end portion  18 . Base end portion  16  may be defined by a base edge  20  connected to sidewall  102  of the container.  FIG. 1B  illustrates base edge  20  connected to the container an intermediate position within sidewall  102 ; however, in alternative embodiments, base edge  20  may also be suitably connected to an edge of sidewall  102 . According to one embodiment, base edge  20  may be removably connected to sidewall  102  by a perforated, scored or other type of weakened connection so that base edge  20  may be selectively removed from container sidewall  102 . As described in greater detail below, this configuration can enable a user to open the container after tamper evident locking feature  10  has been engaged. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , base end portion  12  may include base side edges  22  extending from base edge  20  and further defining the outer perimeter boundary of base end portion  10  (and locking tab  12  overall). According to one embodiment, as shown in the figures, base side edges  22  may be cut away from container sidewall  102 , which may allow locking tab  12  to further flex and bend when engaging tamper evident feature  10 . In alternative embodiments (not shown), base side edges  22  may be integral with or otherwise connected to container sidewall  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , locking end portion  18  of locking tab  12  may extend from base end portion  16 . As illustrated, locking tab  12  may be formed as a unitary component with locking end portion  18  and base end portion  16  integrally connected. Locking end portion  18  may include side edges  24  extending from base side edges  22  and a terminal free edge  26  extending between side edges  24  to define the perimeter boundary of locking end portion  18 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1B  shows terminal free edge  26  having a semi-circular or curved shape that may facilitate the insertion of locking end portion  18  into receiving slot  14  as described below; however, terminal free edge  26  may have any suitable shape or configuration in alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 1B , extending between side edges  24  at intermediate positions along the length of locking tab  12  may be first and second intermediate scored or fold lines  28  and  30 . Intermediate fold lines  28  and  30  may be configured to enable flexing and bending of locking tab  12  to facilitate the engagement of tamper evident locking feature  10 . According to one embodiment, first intermediate fold line  28  may be generally aligned and coextensive with the upper edge of container sidewall  102  so that locking tab  12  may be folded and generally aligned with the plane of cover panel  102  when cover panel  102  is folded down into a closed position. According to one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1B , second intermediate fold line  30  may be slightly spaced apart from first intermediate fold line  28  in the direction of terminal free edge  26  and may facilitate insertion of locking tab  12  into receiving slot  14  (shown in  FIG. 1A ) by allowing locking tab  12  to be orientated in a slightly downward angle. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , locking end portion  18  may include an intermediate locking slit defined into and through the surface of locking tab  12  to form a corresponding intermediate locking edge  32 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , intermediate locking edge  32  may be intermediately located along a portion of the width of locking tab  12  between side edges  24  and between second intermediate fold line  30  and terminal edge  26 . Intermediate locking slit and corresponding edge  32  may be configured as a cut, slit, incision or similar opening defined through the surface of locking tab  12 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , intermediate locking edge  32  may not extend across the entire width of locking tab  12  and may have a generally curved shape. As further shown in  FIG. 1B , intermediate locking edge  32  may include transverse extension cut ends  34  located at each end of the curved portion of intermediate locking edge  32  and extending generally perpendicular to the curved portion of intermediate locking edge  32 . As described in greater detail below, intermediate locking edge  32  (including extension cut ends  34 ) may function as a locking component of tamper evident feature  10  when locking tab  12  and receiving slot  14  are engaged. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , locking end portion  18  may further include a fold or score end line  36  extending laterally away from each end of intermediate locking edge  32  to side edges  24  of locking end portion  18 . Folding end edges  36  (along with intermediate locking slit and corresponding edge  32 ) can enable the locking end portion  18  to flex and pivot with respect to the remainder of locking tab  12 . As further shown in  FIG. 1B , locking end portion  18  may include perforated or scored tear-away lines  38  extending from transverse extension cut ends  34  (of intermediate locking edge  32 ) to terminal edge  26 . As described in greater detail below, once locking tab  12  is engaged with receiving slot  14  to form tamper evident locking feature  10 , scored tear-away lines  38  can assist in preventing locking tab  12  from being removed from receiving slot  14  without deformation of locking tab  12 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 1B , locking end portion  18  may further include an end section  40  that may be configured to be inserted into and received by receiving slot  14  (as described in greater detail below). According to one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1B , end section  40  may include one or more ribbed extensions or fingers extending away from intermediate locking edge  32  to terminal edge  26 . As best shown in  FIG. 1B , the perimeter end section  40  may be defined by intermediate locking edge  32  and terminal edge  26  at each end and by transverse cut ends  34  and scored tear-away lines  38  along its sides. The ribbed extensions of end section  40  may be defined into tab  12  by means of scoring, perforation, indentation, surface marking or other means and can operate to stiffen and/or strengthen locking end portion  18  to reduce bending or deformation of locking end portion  18  once tamper evident feature  10  is engaged (as described below). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , receiving slot  14  of tamper evident feature  10  may be defined into the top or cover panel  104  of the container. As described in greater detail below, receiving slot  14  may be configured to fully or partially receive locking end portion  18  of locking tab  12  when tamper evident feature  10  is engaged. As such, receiving slot  14  may be located at a position within top or cover panel  104  corresponding to the approximate length and position of locking tab  12  so that locking tab  12  may be inserted into receiving slot  14  to engage tamper evident feature  10 . According to one embodiment, receiving slot  14  is positioned inward from the front edge  106  of cover panel  104  at a distance approximately equal to the distance intermediate locking slit and corresponding edge  32  located on locking tab  12  extend away from an upper edge of front panel  102 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 1A , receiving slot  14  may include a slit defined into and through the surface of cover panel  104  to form a corresponding receiving cut edge  42 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , receiving cut edge  42  may be intermediately positioned within cover panel  104  at a distance from the front edge  106  of cover panel  104  corresponding to the distance intermediate locking edge  32  of locking tab  12  is spaced from the upper edge of front wall panel  102  to enable end section  40  to be inserted within receiving slot  14 . Receiving slit and corresponding receiving cut edge  42  may be configured as a cut, slit, incision or similar opening defined through the surface of cover panel  104 . 
     According to one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1A , receiving slit and corresponding edge  42  may have a curved shape with the curvature extending away from the front edge  106  of cover panel  104 . As described in greater detail below, the curvature of receiving slit and edge  42  may facilitate engagement of locking tab  12  with receiving slot  14 . As further shown in  FIG. 1A , the curvature of receiving cut edge  42  may generally correspond to and conform to the curvature of intermediate locking slit and corresponding edge  32  (of locking tab  12 ) as shown in  FIG. 1B . This corresponding curvature between edge  42  and edge  32  facilitate an overlapping and interlocked engagement when tamper evident feature  10  is enabled after locking tab  12  is inserted into receiving slot  14 . It is further recognized that the receiving slit and cut edge  42  may have a linear, curved or other suitable shape and configuration in alternative embodiments of the present invention as long as the configuration enables locking tab  12  to be at least partially inserted through receiving slot  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , receiving slot  14  may further include one or more minor cut lines  44  extending away from receiving cut edge  42 . According to one embodiment, minor cut lines  44  (along with curved edge  42 ), may form one or more deflecting tabs or portions  46  along the convex side of curved edge  42 . During engagement of tamper evident feature  10 , deflecting tabs  46  may assist in maintaining the locked engagement of feature  10  and may deflect downward and engage with intermediate locking edge  32  to further prevent locking tab  12  from disengaging from receiving slot  14 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 1A , tamper evident feature  10  may also include a restraining slot  48  defined into the folded edge  106  of cover or top panel  104  of the container. As shown in  FIG. 1A , folded edge  106  may form the connecting edge between cover panel  104  and a front fold flap  108  and restraining slot  48  may be generally aligned with the location of locking tab  12 . Restraining slot  48  may be configured to allow locking tab  12  to be inserted therethrough prior to being inserted into receiving slot  14  and tamper evident locking feature  10  being engaged and locked as described in greater detail below. Once locking tab  12  is inserted through restraining slot  48 , restraining slot  48  may function to limit the range of motion of locking tab  12  and restrict the ability to remove tab  12  from receiving slot  14  once inserted therein. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , tamper evident feature  10  may be incorporated into a container  100  formed from a foldable unitary blank  200 .  FIG. 2  illustrates blank  200  prior to being formed into container  100  according to one embodiment, while  FIG. 3  illustrates container  100  formed from blank  200  and in a folded and flat configuration. As best shown in  FIG. 2 , container  100  may include one or more wall panels connected together at their ends, including a first or front sidewall panel  102 . As further shown in  FIG. 2 , container  100  may include one or more cover flaps and a top or cover panel  104  connected to an upper edge of a wall panel and configured to enclose the upper portion of container  100  when formed from blank  200 . As further shown in  FIG. 2 , container  100  may include one or more bottom panels forming a bottom end construction  110 . Container  100  and blank  200  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3  (as well as  FIGS. 4-11 ) represent just one embodiment of the container  100  of the present invention and it is recognized that container  100  may have any suitable configuration utilized in enclosable carton and container structures. 
     As described above and also illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , container  100  includes tamper evident feature  10  incorporated therein. According to one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , locking tab  12  of tamper evident feature  10  may be defined into and/or connected to first sidewall panel  102  and extend upward therefrom, while receiving slot  14  of tamper evident feature  10  may be defined into top panel  104 . In addition, according to certain embodiments, container  100  may include a front fold flap  108  connected to cover panel  104  by folded edge  106 , which may contain restraining slot  48  of tamper evident feature  10 . Container  100  may further include additional features and/or configurations commonly found in carton and container constructions now known or hereinafter developed. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 4-11 , the use and configuration of tamper evident feature  10  and container  100  (with tamper evident feature  10  incorporated therein) according to one embodiment, is illustrated in greater detail. As shown in  FIG. 4 , prior to engaging tamper evident feature  10 , cover panel  104  of container  100  may be freely opened and closed to provide access to the interior of container  100 . As shown, prior to engagement of tamper evident feature  10 , locking tab  12  freely extends from sidewall panel  102  and is disengaged from linear restraining slot  48  and receiving slot  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , according to one embodiment where tamper evident feature  10  includes linear restraining slot  48 , locking tab  12  may be inserted through slot  48  provided along the fold edge  106  between top panel  104  and fold flap  108  of container  100  to begin the engagement process of tamper evident feature  10 . As shown, locking tab  12  may be inserted through slot  48  and then top panel  104  of the container  100  can be fully closed to enclose and seal in the contents located within the interior volume of container  100  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates container  100  in a fully closed configuration where tamper evident feature  10  has been fully engaged and container  100  is restricted from opening without providing visible evidence of tampering. As shown, locking tab  12  has been inserted through restricting slot  48 , folded over and the end section  40  of locking tab  12  has been inserted through receiving slot  14  so that intermediate locking edge  32  (of locking tab  12 ) and receiving cut edge  42  (of receiving slot  14 ) are interlocked together as described in detail below with reference to  FIGS. 8-11 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , once cover panel is fully closed, locking tab  12  may be folded downward along first intermediate fold line  28  so that it generally overlies cover panel  104 . As further shown in  FIG. 8 , the locking end portion  18  of locking tab  12  may be aligned with and inserted into receiving slot  14 . When inserting locking tab  12  into receiving slot  14 , the terminal edge  26  and ribbed end section  40  of locking end portion  18  may be pushed through receiving slit and cut edge  42  (of receiving slot  14 ) defined into cover panel  104 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , locking tab  12  may be partially bent or folded along second intermediate fold line  30  and/or fold end lines  36  (adjacent intermediate locking edge  32 ) to facilitate inserting end section  40  into receiving slot  14  by allowing locking end portion  18  of locking tab  12  to have a slight downward angled orientation. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , in order to fully engage tamper evident feature  10 , locking tab  12  may be inserted into receiving slot  14  until terminal edge  26  and ribbed end section  40  are inserted past receiving cut edge  42  and fully through receiving slot  14 . Once terminal edge  26  and ribbed end section  40  are fully inserted through slot  14 , intermediate locking edge  32  on locking tab  12  may be positioned just beyond receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14  (as best illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). According to one embodiment, as shown in the figures, receiving slot  14  may be positioned within cover panel  104  so that the distance from the apex of receiving cut edge  42  (of receiving slot  14 ) to linear restraining slot  48  (defined into the folded edge  106  connecting cover panel  104  and front fold flap  108 ) is approximately equal to and/or slightly less than the distance between the apex of curved intermediate locking edge  32  and first intermediate fold line  28  of locking tab  12 . This configuration can enable tamper evident feature  10  to securely lock by allowing locking tab  12  to be inserted into receiving slot  14  so that intermediate locking edge  32  of locking tab  12  extends just beyond receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14 . As described above, intermediate locking edge  32  may also generally conform in shape and curvature to receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14  so that when end section  40  of locking tab  12  is fully inserted within receiving slot  14 , intermediate locking edge  32  and receiving cut edge  42  are substantially aligned and the entirety of intermediate locking edge  32  may be positioned just beyond receiving cut edge  42 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 10 , once locking tab  12  is partially inserted through receiving slot  14 , the terminal edge  26  and ribbed end section  40  located along the outer portion of locking tab  12  are positioned underneath top panel  104  of container  100  and are no longer accessible from the exterior of container  100 . When locking tab  12  is fully inserted through receiving slot  14 , intermediate locking edge  32  on locking tab  12  may be positioned below and engage with the receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14 . The engagement may be enabled and facilitated by the configuration of transverse cut ends  34  extending from intermediate locking edge  32  on each end of intermediate locking edge  32 , which allow intermediate cut edge  32  to deflect downward and slide past receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14 . 
     According to this embodiment, when locking tab  12  is first inserted to receiving slot  14 , locking tab  12  may be positioned in a first engagement position where intermediate locking edge  32  is pushed forward just beyond receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14 . Locking tab  12  may then be pressed downward into a second engagement position where intermediate locking edge  32  is positioned slightly below or under receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14 . Finally, locking tab  12  may slightly retract from the forward position into a third engagement position where intermediate locking edge  32  (and the edge of end section  40 ) is located underneath and just prior to receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14 . 
     As described above, transverse cut ends  34  of intermediate locking edge  32  enable intermediate locking edge  32  (and the edge of end section  40 ) to move from the second engagement position to the third engagement position by providing a slot or opening at each end of the curved portion of intermediate locking edge  32  to partially receive receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14 . In accordance with this configuration, intermediate cut edge  32  slides slightly beyond receiving cut edge  42  when end section  40  of locking tab  12  is fully inserted into receiving slot  14 , and then subsequently slides or retracts backward with intermediate locking edge  32  (and the edge of end section  40 ) being positioned underneath receiving cut edge  42  (and cover panel  104 ) as transverse cut ends  34  slightly receive receiving cut edge  42 . 
     According to one embodiment, once locking tab  12  is fully inserted into receiving slot  14  and intermediate locking edge  32  of locking tab  12  is positioned just beyond receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14 , a downward pressure may be applied to receiving slot  14  (along the concave side of receiving cut edge  42 ) which can cause intermediate cut edge  32  of locking tab  12  to slide below and engage with receiving cut edge  42  to fully lock and engage tamper evident feature  10 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an interior view from the interior of container  100  after locking tab  12  has been fully engaged with receiving slot  14 . As described above, after partially inserting locking tab  12  through receiving slot  14 , locking tab  12  can continue to be pressed through slot  14  until intermediate locking edge  32  of locking tab  12  is approximately aligned with receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14  on top panel  104  (i.e., the first engagement position). Once aligned, a downward force or pressure can be applied to the curved receiving slot  14  which can cause intermediate cut edge  32  of locking tab to move below (i.e., the second engagement position) and then engage with receiving cut edge  42  (i.e., the third engagement position). When transitioning from the second engagement position to the third engagement position, minor cut lines  44  on receiving slot  14  may also engage the transverse cut ends  34  extending toward terminal edge  26  of locking tab  12  as best illustrated in  FIG. 11 . This process of applying the downward force or pressure on curved receiving slot  14  may also result in an audible “clicking” sound that can notify a food operator that locking tab  12  and receiving slot  14  of the tamper evident feature  10  have been interlocked and engaged. 
     Once the locking tab  12  is fully engaged with the receiving slot  14  (and intermediate locking edge  32  is engaged with receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  24 ), locking tab  12  may be restricted from disengaging with receiving slot  14  without tearing or deforming locking tab  12  and/or receiving slot  14 . According to one embodiment, scored tear-away lines  38  extending from the transverse cut ends  34  of intermediate locking edge  32  to terminal edge  26  of locking tab  12  provide points or lines of weakness when locking tab  12  is attempted to be disengaged from receiving slot  14  after tamper evident feature  10  is enabled. In the event a user attempts to remove locking tab  12  from receiving slot  14 , the intermediate locking edge  32  (including cut ends  34 ) become further interlocked with receiving cut edge  42  of receiving slot  14 . This interlocking engagement between intermediate locking edge  32  and receiving cut edge  42  restricts locking tab  12  from exiting receiving slot  14  unless sufficient force is applied to scored tear-away lines  38  and ribbed end section  40  is separated from the remainder of locking tab  12 . This has the effect of creating a tamper evident indicator if container  100  is opened after the tamper evident locking feature has been engaged. 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. 
     The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.