Abstract:
An improved packaging device having a lid connected to the base or tub. The packaging includes multiple locking mechanisms, such as frictional or latching mechanisms. The packaging may be securely closed even after repeated openings and may include a tamper-evident feature. The walls of the packaging may be configured to provide strength and a unique appearance.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/671,862, filed Jul. 16, 2012. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of the invention relates to packaging such as packaging used for food, including packaging that provides multiple locking mechanisms, that securely maintains the packaging in a closed position, that provides a marketing function and/or that allows a potential consumer to see whether the packaging has been previously tampered with. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Food and other items are oftentimes packaged in containers that may be repeatedly opened and closed until all the contents are gone. It is preferred that the packaging remain securely closed while in the closed position despite this repeated opening and closing. This may be especially so where the packaging contains food that must be kept fresh. 
         [0004]    Various mechanisms have been used to keep packaging securely closed after being opened. However, certain of these mechanisms have drawbacks. For example, many existing packaging devices have a lid that is separate from the tub or other container to which the lid attaches. However, the separate lid may be lost so that the contents remain exposed. Furthermore, many existing packaging devices having a lid connected to the tub or other container may simply stretch or lose the ability to effectively seal the packaging when closed. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved packaging device that securely closes the packaging even after being repeatedly opened. 
         [0005]    In today&#39;s consumer marketplace, sellers typically try to gain any advantage they can to increase their sales. This has included advertising, product packaging in recognizable colors or shapes, the use of coupons and other means. However, existing coupons may be contained with the packaging and not in plain sight so the consumer may not even be aware of the coupon&#39;s existence. Furthermore, other coupons may form part of the packaging that requires scissors to remove. If it is a hassle for the consumer to use the coupon, the coupon may not very well be used. These existing marketing attempts may thus not fully realize their potential. Accordingly, there is a need for packaging with improved marketing capabilities. There is also a need for an improved packaging configuration that is unique and may, in and of itself, serve a marketing function. 
         [0006]    Food and other items are also often packaged in containers where it is intended that the contents are not tampered with. With such containers, it is desirable to warn the potential buyer if the food or other item contained therein has been tampered with. If a container is mangled or otherwise significantly tampered with, it may be easy to see such tampering and it will be evident to the buyer that someone else has already touched the food contained therein, and the buyer will know not to buy that particular container. However, slight or other tampering may not be readily apparent to the potential buyer because the container does not look tampered with. 
         [0007]    Various mechanisms have been used so that packaging containers will show whether they have been tampered with. Where a packaging container includes a tub and lid, different types of mechanisms have been used to connect the lid and tub in such a way that if they are tampered with, it will be evident to the potential buyer. 
         [0008]    For example, the lid may be ultrasonically welded to the tub. Ultrasonic welding is an industrial technique whereby high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations are locally applied to work pieces being held together under pressure to create a solid-state weld. It is commonly used for plastics, and especially for joining dissimilar materials. In ultrasonic welding, there are no connective bolts, nails, soldering materials, or adhesives necessary to bind the materials together. The “weld” between the lid and tub is generally strong, such that if someone tampers with the packaging container by trying to partially pull off the lid, the container will be relatively mangled so that the tampering is evident to a later potential buyer. 
         [0009]    Drawbacks of ultrasonic welding, however, are that it is an expensive process and the machinery used to ultrasonically weld plastic container pieces together may be loud and thus harmful to employees in the workplace. And where relatively small packaging containers are used to package food, a disproportionate part of the total cost of the packaging may be the ultrasonic weld. 
         [0010]    Another technique used to join lids to tubs so that tampering may be shown, involves a shrink wrap band. With this technique, the lid is placed on the tub and the packaging container is fitted with a band that may extend around the upper part of the tub that engages the lid. Heat is then applied to the container and the band shrinks so as to firmly hold the lid in place on the tub. After the packaging is assembled in this manner, if someone later attempts to partially remove the lid from the tub, the shrink wrap band will generally be removed or altered enough to show that someone has indeed tried to tamper with the packaging. 
         [0011]    Drawbacks of the shrink wrap band include cost and that it involves a labor intensive process. For example, to apply heat to the shrink wrap band, the assembled container is typically run through a heat tunnel on a conveyor. This typically involves a significant capital investment for the machinery. Also, the application of heat itself may be a drawback to certain contents. For example, where the container contains food such as lettuce or other produce, the food may be adversely affected by the heat. 
         [0012]    Other techniques to have also been used to join lids to tubs, or to join other components of packaging in a way that will make it evident to a potential consumer that the packaging has been tampered with. However, these techniques often involve multiple or complex tabs, layers or other locking devices that add to the cost to manufacture the packaging and make it difficult for the consumer to open the packaging after the item is purchased. Accordingly, there is a need for packaging that provides a tamper-evident feature that is economical to produce, effective in warning against tampering and still readily removable by the consumer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The current invention addresses the foregoing issues and drawbacks and provides an improved packaging. 
         [0014]    In an aspect of the current invention, a packaging device is described that provides multiple locking mechanisms. In a preferred embodiment, this may include frictional and/or latching mechanisms. 
         [0015]    Another aspect of the current invention involves a packaging that may securely close a container after being initially opened and/or opened multiple times thereafter. 
         [0016]    Another aspect of the current invention regards an improved marketing function. For example, the packaging of the current invention may include a coupon that is readily visible to the consumer and that may be easily removed from the packaging. 
         [0017]    Another aspect of the current invention regards a unique arrangement of container walls and other components so as to provide a unique appearance that may be recognizable to the consumer and thus provide a marketing function. 
         [0018]    Another aspect of the current invention regards packaging having walls and other components that are arranged to provide strength. 
         [0019]    Another aspect of the current invention regards a tamper-evident feature that may alert a consumer that someone has already opened, or tried to open, the packaging. To this end, the packaging of the current invention may include tabs and/or tear strips that readily show an attempt at removing them. 
         [0020]    In another aspect of the current invention, a tamper-evident packaging is described that may be manufactured at decreased cost and that avoids cumbersome or dangerous manufacturing processes and that avoids significant capital equipment expense. 
         [0021]    In another aspect of the invention, a tamper-evident packaging that is still relatively easy to open is described. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a top rear perspective view of the packaging device. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a packaging device. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of a packaging device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a left side view of a packaging device. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a right side view of a packaging device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of a packaging device. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a packaging device. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a packaging device in an open position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a side view of a packaging device in an open position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  shows a top plan view of a packaging device in an open position. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view rear top perspective view of a packaging device in a closed position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of a packaging device with a lid in a closed position and a tab pulled up. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a top rear perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging device. 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a top view of another embodiment of a packaging device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    The current invention is now described with reference to the figures. Components or aspects that appear in more than one figure bear the same reference numeral. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  depicts packaging device  10  in a closed position, and  FIG. 8  depicts packaging device  10  in an open position. As shown, packaging  10  may generally comprise lower portion or tub  12  and upper portion or lid  14 . In a preferred embodiment lid  14  may be attached to tub  12  by a hinge-like structure  16  which is more fully described later. Packaging  10  may also include tab, flap or closing device  18 . 
         [0038]    Tab  18  may in turn comprise first or vertical section  20 , second or locking section  22 , third or tear strip section  24 , and fourth or flap section  26 . Tab  18  may also include hinge-like structures  28 ,  30 , where hinge  28  may connect first section  20  to tub  12  and hinge  30  may connect second section  22  to first section  20 . 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , when packaging  10  is closed, lid  12  may be folded over to overlay or cover and seal tub  10 . Closing device  18  may then be folded over lid  12  to overlay and lock into or otherwise engage lid  12 . If is preferred that tub  12 , lid  14  and tab  18  are contiguous. For example, these components may be formed together during an injection molding, extrusion or other suitable manufacturing process. 
         [0040]    The manner in which hinges  16 ,  28 ,  30  operate is now more fully described. As more clearly shown in  FIG. 9 , hinge  16  may include first and second sections  16   a,    16   b  that may have a U-shaped, V-shaped or other folded or foldable configuration. It is preferred that hinge sections  16   a,    16   b  function somewhat like an accordion structure so that lid  14  may extend up and over the top of tub  12 . The accordion-like nature of hinge  16  is further shown by comparing  FIG. 9  and either of  FIG. 4  or  5  which are right and left side views, respectively, of packaging  10  in a closed position.  FIGS. 4 and 5  show how hinges  16   a,b  may rotate or otherwise move relative to each other to allow lid  14  to fold up and over the top edge of tub  12 . To this end, it is preferred that hinges  16   a,b  provide enough flexibility to allow lid  14  to be securely over and fastened to tub  12  when packaging  10  is in a closed position. 
         [0041]    Hinges  28 ,  30  may each comprise a U-shaped, V-shaped or other folded or foldable or accordion-like configuration as shown in  FIG. 9  and either of  FIG. 4  or  5 . The shape of hinges  28 ,  30  preferably allow tab  18  to extend up and over tub  10  and lid  14  to further secure lid  14  in place and protect the contents in packaging  10 . To this end, it is preferred that, hinges  28 ,  30  provide enough flexibility to allow tab  18  (via first or vertical section  20  and second, third and fourth sections  22 ,  24 ,  26 ) to be securely over and fastened to lid  14  when packaging  10  is in a closed position. 
         [0042]    Tub  12  is now more fully described with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . As shown in FIGS.  1  and  4 - 8 , tub  12  may include walls  12   a,    12   b,    12   c,    12   d,  and bottom  12   e.  In a preferred embodiment, walls  12   a - d  are inwardly tapered as they extend downward. Tub  12  may also include side corners  15   a,    15   b,    15   c,    15   d  which may be chamfered as shown. Tub  12  may also include bottom corners  13   a,    13   b,    13   c,    13   d  which may be beveled as shown. To this end, bezels  13   a - d  may each include several panels. The bottom  12   e  of tub  12  may also include a recess  12   ee,  the outline of which may generally correspond to the chamfer of side corners  15   a - d  and the bevel of bottom corners  13   a - d.  These characteristics of tub  12  preferably provide a unique and aesthetically pleasing appearance to packaging  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the chamfers, bezels and other features of packaging  10  may provide the unique appearance of a prism. The amount of taper of walls  12   a - d  and the configuration of chamfers  15   a - d  and bezels  13   a - d  may vary and still be within the scope of the invention. 
         [0043]    A lip  40  may extend about the upper edge of tub  12 . More specifically, lip  40  may comprise sections  40   a,    40   b,    40   c,    40   d  which may extend about the upper edges of walls  12   a - d,  respectively. Lip  40  may include chamfered corner sections  42   a,    42   b,    42   c,    42   d  that may correspond to chamfers  15   a - d.  Viewed cross-sectionally, lip  40  may extend outward from walls  12   a - d,  such as horizontally outward. For example, horizontal sections  44   a,    44   b,    44   c,    44   d  may extend outward from walls  12   a - d.    
         [0044]    At the outer periphery of horizontal sections  44   a - d,  lip  40  may include sections  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,    46   d  that may generally extend downward. Lip sections  46   a - d  may include a bezel shape as shown more clearly in  FIG. 9 . Lip  40  may also include further outwardly-extending sections  48   a,    48   b,    48   c,    48   d.  In this manner, lip  40  may resemble an upside down U-shape with outwardly extending, e.g., horizontal, lips  48   a - d.    
         [0045]    Lid  14  and the manner in which lid  14  may engage tub  12  are now more fully described with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . Lip  12  may also include a lip  50  that extends about its periphery. To this end, lip side  50   a,    50   b,    50   c,    50   d  may comprise lip  50 . The corners  51   a,    51   a,    51   a,    51   a  of lip  50  may be chamfered to correspond to corner chamfers  42   a - d  of lip  40  of tub  12 . Preferably, lip  50  engages lip  40  to provide a tight seal when packaging  10  is closed. To this end, lip  50  may include downwardly extending sections  52   a,    52   b,    52   c,    52   d,  i.e., downwardly extending when packaging  10  is closed, but shown as upward in the open configuration of  FIG. 8 . Lip sections  52   a - d  may frictionally engage downwardly extending sections  46   a - d  of lip  40  on tub  12 . To enhance the frictional engagement lip sections  52   a - d  may be formed in a bezel that corresponds to the bezel of tub lip sections  46   a - d.    
         [0046]    Lip  50  may also include outwardly extending, e.g., horizontal lip  54   a,    54   b,    54   c,    54   d  that may engage with lips  48   a - d  of lip  40  of tub  12 . The close fits of lips  48 ,  54  and sections  46 ,  52  preferably provide a tight seal to help protect the contents of packaging  10 , e.g., prolonging the freshness of food. 
         [0047]    Lid  14  may include a raised section  53  as shown in  FIG. 1 , though which appears as a depression in  FIG. 8 . The outline of raised section  53  may generally correspond to the chamfers, bezels and other aesthetic features described above to further enhance the prism or other appearance of packaging  10 . 
         [0048]    The manner in which tab  18  may engage lid  12  is now further described with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . Lid  12  may include knob  60  as viewed from its underside in  FIG. 8 , but which may form a cavity or recess  60  when viewed from the top of lid  12  or when lid  12  is in a closed position. Second or locking section  22  of tab  18  may have a similarly configured knob  62 . When in a closed position, locking section  22  is preferably positioned over lid  12  so that knob  62  may insert into and frictionally engage recess  60 . 
         [0049]    In this manner, packaging  10  preferably provides a dual locking feature, i.e., the frictional engagement of lips  40 , 50 , between tub  12  and lid  14 , and the frictional engagement of knob  62  and recess  60  between lid  14  and tab  18 . This dual locking feature preferably increases the protection for the contents of packaging  10 . 
         [0050]    Lid  12  may also include a recessed area  64  that may accommodate tab  26 . That is tab  26  may fit within or on top of area  64  when packaging  10  is closed. To this end, the underside of tab  26  may be adhesive so as to stick to recess  64  thereby providing a third degree of locking and protection of contents in packaging  10 . 
         [0051]    Tab  26  may also serve a marketing function. For example, the top side of tab  26  may include the name, logo and/or description of the contents of packaging  10 . Alternatively, tab  26  may comprise a coupon that may be torn away from third section or tear strip  24 . To this end, the material joining tab  26  and tear strip  24  along edge  24   b  may be perforated to allow tab  26  to be readily detached as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0052]    Tab  26  may also provide a tamper-evident function. That is, if someone has removed the coupon represented by tab  26 , a consumer may see that the coupon is missing, e.g., by noticing the frayed edge  24   b  of tear strip  24  that had been attached to tab  26  by a perforated edge. Alternatively, for example, where tab  26  is intended to provide a further locking mechanism and may be more difficult to remove from lid  12 , tab  26  may be bonded to lid  12  by a stronger adhesive. And if someone attempts to remove tab  26 , that will be evident to later consumers. 
         [0053]    Tear strip  24  is now further described. As shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , the connection between tear strip  24  and locking section  22  may comprise a perforated edge  24   a.  Similarly, the connection between tear strip  24  and tab  26  may comprise a perforated edge  24   b.  Tear strip  24  may include ends or tabs  25 . Furthermore, the edges of locking section  22  and tab  26  nearest tear strip  24  may have angled corners thereby forming recesses  27 . With this configuration, tabs  25  are accessible to a consumer&#39;s fingers thereby allowing the consumer to lift up either of tabs  25  and remove tear strip  26 . 
         [0054]    The removal of tear strip  24  may represent the initial opening of packaging  10 . After tear strip  24  is removed, as shown in  FIG. 12  which also shows the tab  26  removed, the consumer may then pry up locking section  22  from lid  14 . While the frictional engagement between knob  62  and recess  60  is preferably snug, it still preferably allows the consumer to disengage tab  18  from lid  14 . Lid  14  may then be disengaged from tub  12  thereby providing access to the contents of packaging  10 . 
         [0055]    In one embodiment, the underside of tear strip  24  may have an adhesive so that it sticks to the corresponding surface of lid  14 . This may be preferred where, for example, tab  26  has been removed as a coupon. In any event, if adhesive is used between tear strip  24  and lid  14 , it is preferred that tear strip  24  may still be readily removed by the consumer. Such adhesive may provide a fourth locking mechanism to protect the contents of packaging  10 . 
         [0056]    In one embodiment, tear strip  24  may remain partially connected to locking section  22  even after the consumer pulls up tear strip  24 . For example, perforated edges may stop near one of the ends of tear strip  24  so that enough material remains to connect tear strip  24  to locking section  22 . In this embodiment, tear strip  24  may include tab  25  at only one end and the perforation of edge  24   a  stops shy of the other end. This may provide an environmental function by avoiding the situation where tear strip  24  is fully disengaged from packaging  10  only to be discarded improperly. 
         [0057]    Tear strip  24  may also provide a tamper-evident function. That is, if someone removes tear strip  24 , a later consumer will be able to see that. Or if the person who tampered with packaging  10  only pulled up on tear strip  24 , that will also be evident to the later consumer. 
         [0058]    After tear strip  24  is removed and packaging  10  is opened, the consumer may later close packaging  10  by closing lid  14  over tub  12  so that lips  40 ,  50  again frictionally engage each other. The consumer may then close tab  28  over lid  12  so that knob  62  again frictionally engages recess  60 . In this manner, the dual locking feature may keep packaging  10  securely closed until being opened again. 
         [0059]    An alternate embodiment of packaging  10  is shown in  FIGS. 13-14 . Here, recesses  27  are more of a U-shape since the edges of locking section  22  and tab  26  nearest tear strip  24  are curved in a U-shape as opposed to angled as in the prior embodiment. 
         [0060]    Packaging  10  may comprise polycarbonate, another type of plastic or other suitable material. It is preferred that the material comprising packaging  10  is sufficiently strong to protect the contents therein. As shown, packaging  10  may be transparent, but non-transparent material may be used. To this end, various colors or color schemes may be used. 
         [0061]    As noted earlier, tub  12 , lid  14  and tab  18  may comprise one contiguous piece. To facilitate the manufacturing, and with reference to  FIG. 9 , when packaging  10  is formed by a molding process, lip  54  of lid  14 , lip  48  of tub  12  and first (vertical), section  20 , second (locking) section  22 , third (tear strip) section  24  and tab  26  of tab  18 , may all be on the same plane. 
         [0062]    It should be noted that the dimensions of packaging  10  of the current invention may vary. For example, the height of tub  12  may vary to contain taller or shorter contents. However, the dimensions of any aspect of tub  12 , lid  14 , tab  18  or their constituent parts may vary for utilitarian purposes depending on the contents, or for aesthetic purposes, or both. Furthermore, the configuration of the chamfers, bevels, raised areas and/or recesses may be modified. 
         [0063]    Tab  26  may be shorter, may be curved or reflect some other shape to attract attention as a coupon. Tear strip  24  may include text or other symbol to denote it is to be pulled up. 
         [0064]    Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.