TAMPER-EVIDENT PACKAGE

Abstract

A container includes a sidewall, a bottom and a rim portion, which are integrally formed or connected with each other. The rim portion includes an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner and outer walls are spaced from each other and connected to each other by an extension. An interior opening is defined by the inner wall of the rim portion, the sidewall and the bottom. An exterior opening is formed between the inner and outer walls and the extension. The exterior opening is sized and configured to receive a sidewall of a lid when the container is used with the lid to form a package. The outer wall has a tamper-evident foldable section with first and second ends. The first end is configured to fold back toward and secure to a second end so as to expose the sidewall of the lid.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a sidewall, a bottom, and a rim or neck portion, the sidewall, the bottom, and the rim portion being integrally formed or connected with each other, at least a portion of the sidewall being located between the bottom and the rim portion, the rim portion including an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall and the outer wall being spaced from each other and connected to each other by an extension, wherein an interior opening is defined by the inner wall of the rim portion, the sidewall and the bottom, wherein an exterior opening is formed between the inner wall, the outer wall, and the extension, the exterior opening being sized and configured to receive a sidewall of a lid when the container is used with the lid to form a package, wherein the outer wall has a tamper-evident foldable section, the tamper-evident foldable section having a first end and a second end, the first end of the tamper-evident foldable section being configured to fold back toward and secure to a second end of the tamper-evident foldable section so as to expose the sidewall of the lid.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the tamper-evident foldable section has a projection extending outwardly therefrom and an opening formed therein, the opening sized and configured to receive the projection after the tamper-evident foldable section is folded.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the opening is a slot.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the tamper-evident foldable section extends from about 2 to about 40 percent around a circumference of the rim portion.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the tamper-evident foldable section extends from about 2 to about 20 percent around the circumference of the rim portion.

6. The container of claim 2, wherein the projection is located on the first end of the tamper-evident foldable section and the slot is formed on the second end of the tamper-evident foldable section.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer wall forms a frangible connection at the first end of the tamper-evident foldable section.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner wall includes a retention projection extending outwardly to initially assist in securing the lid and the container.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the retention projection is a snap-on retention projection.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the outer wall is from about 0.01 to about 0.10 inch.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the thickness of the outer wall is from about 0.02 to about 0.05 inch.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises an olefin.

13. A package comprising: a container including a sidewall, a bottom, and a rim or neck portion, the sidewall of the container, the bottom, and the rim portion being integrally formed or connected with each other, at least a portion of the sidewall of the container being located between the bottom and the rim portion, the rim portion including an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall and the outer wall being spaced from each other and connected to each other by an extension; and a lid including a top portion and a sidewall extending therefrom, wherein an interior opening of the container is defined by the inner wall of the rim portion, the sidewall of the container, and the bottom, wherein an exterior opening is formed between the inner wall, the outer wall and the extension, the exterior opening being sized and configured to receive the sidewall of the lid, wherein the outer wall has a tamper-evident foldable section, the tamper-evident foldable section having a first end and a second end, the first end of the tamper-evident foldable section being configured to fold back toward and secure to a second end of the tamper-evident foldable section so as to expose the sidewall of the lid.

14. The package of claim 13, wherein the sidewall of the lid includes a lid retention projection and wherein the sidewall of the container includes a container retention projection, the lid retention projection and the container retention projection being configured to be secured to each other when the container and the lid are in an initially closed position.

15. The package of claim 13, wherein the tamper-evident foldable section has a projection extending outwardly therefrom and an opening formed therein, the opening sized and configured to receive the projection after the tamper-evident foldable section is folded.

16. The package of claim 13, wherein the tamper-evident foldable section extends from about 2 to about 40 percent around a circumference of the rim portion.

17. The package of claim 16, wherein the tamper-evident foldable section extends from about 2 to about 20 percent around the circumference of the rim portion.

18. The package of claim 13, wherein the outer wall forms a frangible connection at the first end of the tamper-evident foldable section.

19. The package of claim 13, wherein the thickness of the outer wall is from about 0.02 to about 0.05 inch.

20. A process of opening a package, the process comprising: providing a package, the package including a container and a lid, the container including a sidewall, a bottom, and a rim or neck portion, the sidewall of the container, the bottom, and the rim portion being integrally formed or connected with each other, at least a portion of the sidewall of the container being located between the bottom and the rim portion, the rim portion including an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall and the outer wall being spaced from each other and connected to each other by an extension, the lid including a top portion and a sidewall extending therefrom, the inner wall of the rim portion, the sidewall of the container, and the bottom defining an interior opening of the container, the inner wall, the outer wall, and the extension forming an exterior opening, the exterior opening being sized and configured to receive the sidewall of the lid, the outer wall having a tamper-evident foldable section, the tamper-evident foldable section having a first end and a second end; grasping the first end of the tamper-evident foldable section; pulling the first end of the tamper-evident foldable section and folding the first end of the tamper-evident foldable section over the second end of the tamper-evident foldable section so as to expose a section of the lid; securing the first and second ends of the tamper-evident foldable section to each other; and grasping the exposed section of the lid and moving the lid from the container so as to gain access to the interior opening of the container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a container according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 1B is a front view of the container of FIG. 1A.

[0024] FIG. 1C is a top view of the container of FIG. 1A.

[0025] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a package including the container of FIG. 1A and a lid according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 2B is a front view of the package of FIG. 2A.

[0027] FIG. 2C is a top view of the package of FIG. 2A.

[0028] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view (without cross-hatching) of the package of FIG. 2C taken generally along line 3A-3A.

[0029] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view (with cross-hatching) of a portion of FIG. 3A.

[0030] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of region FIG. 4A shown in FIG. 3B in an initially closed position.

[0031] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of region FIG. 4B shown in FIG. 2A in an initially closed position.

[0032] FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of region FIG. 4B shown in FIG. 2A in an openable position.

[0033] FIG. 4D is an enlarged top perspective view of a portion of FIG. 4C.

[0034] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 4E-4E in FIG. 4C.

[0035] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a container 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The containers are configured to be covered by a lid and to contain a product therein. The product is typically a solid product, but also may be a liquid product or a combination of a liquid and solid product. The container 10 is of a generally oval shape as shown best in FIG. FIG. 1C. It is contemplated that the container may be of other shapes and sizes.

[0037] The container 10 of FIGS. 1A-1C is configured to be used with a lid to form a package. In one non-limiting example, a package 200 is shown with the container 10 and a polymeric lid 110 in FIGS. 2A-2C according to one embodiment. The polymeric lid 110 is configured for fitment to the container 10 for closing an interior opening of the container 10.

[0038] The package of the present invention is advantageous because it provides tamper-evidency and can be cost effective both in its materials and in the manufacturing processing. The package is also advantageous because it allows for the entire package configuration to be recycled by not having removable tamper-evident portions included therein. The package of the present invention does not include removable portions. Additionally, the entire package may be manufactured with the same material, which makes recycling easy.

[0039] Referring back to FIGS. 1A-1C, the container 10 includes a sidewall 12, a bottom 16, and a rim or neck portion 20. The sidewall 12, the bottom 16 and the rim portion 20 are integrally formed or connected with each other. At least a portion of the sidewall 12 is located between the bottom 16 and the rim portion 20. The rim portion 20 includes an inner wall 24 and an outer wall 28. This is best shown in FIG. 4A, which is in an initially closed position. Referring still to FIG. 4A, the inner wall 24 and the outer wall 28 are spaced from each other and connected to each other by an extension 32. As shown best in FIG. 1C, the extension 32 extends substantially round the circumference of the container 10. The extension 32 does not extend behind a tamper-evident foldable section 30. Referring back to FIG. 1A, the inner wall 24 of the rim portion 20, the sidewall 12 and the bottom 16 form and define an interior opening 36. The interior opening 36 contains the contents of the container 10.

[0040] The container 10 also includes an exterior opening 40 that is best shown in FIG. 4A. It is noted that the lid 110 (more specifically sidewall 116) is occupying some of the exterior opening 40. The exterior opening 40 is formed between the inner wall 24, the outer wall 28, and the extension 32. The exterior opening 40 is sized and configured to receive a sidewall (e.g., sidewall 116) of a lid (e.g., lid 110) when the container 10 is used with a lid to form a package (e.g., package 200).

[0041] Referring back to FIGS. 1A, 1B, the outer wall 28 has the tamper-evident foldable section 30. The tamper-evident foldable section 30 has a first end 30a and a second end 30b. The first end 30a of the tamper-evident foldable section 30 is configured to fold back toward and be secured to a second end 30b of the tamper-evident foldable section 30. This will be discussed in detail below with respect to FIGS. 4B, 4C.

[0042] In one embodiment, the tamper-evident foldable section 30 has a projection 42 and also forms an opening or slot 46 sized and configured to receive the projection 42 after the tamper-evident foldable section 30 has been folded. In this embodiment, the projection 42 is located on the first end 30a of the tamper-evident foldable section 30 and the opening or slot 46 is formed on the second end 30b of the tamper-evident foldable section 30. It is contemplated that ribs may be included under the second end of the tamper-evident foldable section to prevent or inhibit bending by a user attempting to open the lid without first folding the tamper-evident foldable section.

[0043] It is contemplated that the projection may be located on a second end of the tamper-evident foldable section and a slot may be formed on a first end of a tamper-evident foldable section according to another embodiment. It is contemplated that the opening to receive a projection of the tamper-evident foldable section may be an aperture or any geometry passing through the second end of the tamper-evident foldable section.

[0044] It is contemplated that other methods may be used in securing the tamper-evident foldable section after folding. For example, a tamper-evident foldable section may be secured after folding using formed clips at respective first and second ends. It is also contemplated that the first or second end of the tamper-evident foldable section may have geometry protruding therefrom and the other end has a geometry that interacts therewith to maintain the tamper-evident foldable section in a folded state.

[0045] The tamper-evident foldable section extends from about 2 to about 40 percent around a circumference of the rim portion in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the tamper-evident foldable section extends from about 2 to about 25 percent around a circumference of the rim portion. In a further embodiment, the tamper-evident foldable section extends from about 2 to about 20 percent around a circumference of the rim portion. In yet another embodiment, the tamper-evident foldable section extends from about 5 to about 15 percent around a circumference of the rim portion.

[0046] As shown best in FIG. 1B, the outer wall 28 forms a frangible connection 50 at the first end 30a of the tamper-evident foldable section 30. The frangible connection 50 assists a user in initially separating the first end 30a of the tamper-evident foldable section 30 from a remainder of the outer wall 28 to start the folding step. The frangible connection 50 may be formed by molded-in-bridges in one embodiment. The molded-in-bridges are typically formed using a feature in the mold. In another embodiment, the frangible connection may be formed using scoring or scored lines, tear tabs, notches, leaders, nicks or other lines of weaknesses.

[0047] To assist in the folding step, for example, the outer wall 28 may include a fold line, a thinned area or other weakened area 60. The outer wall may have a reduced height in addition to or instead of the fold line, thinned area or other weakened area 60 to assist in the folding step. In another embodiment, the thickness and materials forming the outer wall itself will assist in the folding step.

[0048] The thickness of the outer wall 28 is from about 0.01 to about 0.10 inch in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the outer wall is from about 0.02 to about 0.08 inch. In a further embodiment, the outer wall is from about 0.02 to about 0.05 inch.

[0049] Referring back to FIG. 4A, the inner wall 24 includes a retention projection 54 extending outwardly to initially assist in securing the lid 110 and the container 10. The retention projection 54 of the container 10 works in conjunction with a corresponding retention projection of the lid 110 to provide a securing or locking engagement so as to prevent or inhibit removal of the lid 110 relative to the container 10 when in an initially closed position. One non-limiting example of a retention projection is a snap-on retention projection on both the container and the lid.

[0050] It is contemplated that other retention projections may be used to assist in preventing or inhibiting removal of the lid relative to the container when in an initially closed position.

[0051] The polymeric lid 110 is shown with the container 10 in the package 200 of FIGS. 2A-4A. The polymeric lid 110 includes a polymeric top portion 112 and a sidewall 116. The polymeric top portion 112 bridges and encompasses the sidewall 116. The sidewall 116 extends generally or substantially downwardly from the polymeric top portion 112 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A. The sidewall 116 is generally or substantially perpendicular to the polymeric top portion 112.

[0052] The polymeric top portion 112 includes a plurality of curved ridges 124a, 124b formed thereon as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2A, 3A, 3B. The curved ridges 124a, 124b may be used to provide strength or rigidity in the lid 110. The curved ridges 124a, 124b may serve another function as providing a stackable feature. It is contemplated that the polymeric top portion may be generally smooth in another embodiment.

[0053] The sidewall 116 includes a retention projection 130 as shown best in FIGS. 4A, 4E. The retention projection 130 extends inwardly toward the inner wall 28 of the container 10. The retention projection is desirably the same type of retention projection as the retention projection 54 discussed above. The retention projection 130 works in conjunction with retention projection 54 of the container 10 to securely or lockingly engage the lid 110 and the container 10 so as to prevent or inhibit the lid 110 from being removed from the container 10 without first moving the tamper-evident foldable section 30 as will be discussed below.

[0054] The sidewall 116 has a rounded lid edge 116a that assists in preventing or inhibiting a user from moving or prying the lid 110 relative to the container 10. By not providing an extension or other graspable surface, a user is prevented or inhibited from grasping the lid 110 and removing it from the container 10 without first folding back the tamper-evident foldable section 30.

[0055] The containers and lids are typically formed by processes such as injection or compression molding, extrusion or the combination thereof.

[0056] In one process of opening a package, a package is provided that includes a container and a lid. A first end of the tamper-evident foldable section is grasped. The first end of the tamper-evident foldable section is then folded such that the first end of the tamper-evident foldable section is folded over the second end of the tamper-evident foldable section so as to expose a section of the lid. The first and second ends of the tamper-evident foldable section are secured to each other. The exposed section of the lid is grasped and the lid is lifted from the container so as to gain access to the interior opening of the container.

[0057] The movement or opening of the tamper-evident foldable section 30 is shown in enlarged views of FIGS. 4B-4E. FIG. 4B shows the package 200 with the container 10 and the lid 110. in an initially closed position. The package 200 of FIGS. 4C-4E is shown in an openable position.

[0058] Referring back to FIG. 4B, when the package 200 is in its initially closed position, a user is prevented or inhibited from removing the lid 110 from the container 10. The user is prevented or inhibited from removing the lid 110 from the container 10 because the outer wall 28 of the container 10 blocks access to an open end of the sidewall 116 of the lid 110 and the remainder of the lid is designed to prevent or inhibit removal without first folding back the tamper-evident foldable section 30.

[0059] To gain access to the lid 110, the first end 30a of the tamper-evident foldable section 30 is grasped in one method and moved in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4B. To assist a user in identifying how to open the container via the tamper-evident foldable section, instructions may be in form of a word, a symbol, an icon, etc. For example, the term PULL may be used or a directional arrow may be used to indicate the direction of movement of the tamper-evident foldable section. This instruction may be located in the general area 70 on the tamper-evident foldable section 30.

[0060] The first end 30a of the tamper-evident foldable section 30 is folded such that the first end 30a of the tamper-evident foldable section 30 covers the second end 30b of the tamper-evident foldable section 30 so as to expose a section 116b of the sidewall 116 as shown in FIGS. 4C, 4E. The first and second ends 30a, 30b of the tamper-evident foldable section 30 are secured to each other. This position is shown in FIGS. 4C, 4D. In this process, the projection 42 is positioned and located in the opening or slot 46 that is sized and configured to receive the projection 42 so as to secure the first and second ends 30a, 30b to each other. By securing the projection 42 into the opening or slot 46, this will eliminate a desire or a need from a user from cutting or tearing off the tamper-evident foldable section 30 completely off the remainder of the package 200, which allows the entire package 200 to be recycled as a single body.

[0061] The exposed section 116b of the sidewall 116 of the lid 110 is grasped and the lid is lifted to be removed from the container 10 so as to gain access to the interior opening 36 of the container 10. This is shown by arrows B, C in FIG. 4E. More specifically, an end 116c of the exposed section 116b of the sidewall 116 may be grasped and moved initially in a generally horizontal direction (direction of arrow B) so as disengage the retention projection 130 of the sidewall 116 from the retention projection 54 of the inner wall 24 of the container 10. The lid 110 is then moved in a generally vertical direction (direction of arrow C) such the lid 110 is removed or at least partially removed from the container 10 so as to gain access to the interior opening 36 of the container 10.

[0062] During this entire process, none of the components of the container 10 and the lid 110 is removed from a remainder of the package 200. The tamper-evident foldable feature is configured to remain folded and attached or secured against itself.

[0063] To reclose the package, the sidewall 116 of the lid 110 may be reinserted between the inner wall 24 and the outer wall 28 of the container 10. If the lid 110 is reclosed, there is evidence that the tamper-evident foldable section 30 has been previously accessed or moved.

[0064] The containers and the lids are made of polymeric material. The containers and the lids are typically made of an olefin (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or blends thereof. One example of a polyethylene that may be used in high density polyethylene (HDPE). It is contemplated that the containers and the lids may be made of other polymeric materials.

[0065] The containers and the lids of the present invention may include an oxygen-scavenger material. This oxygen-scavenger material may be distributed within the container or lid or may be a separate layer. The oxygen-scavenger material may be any material that assists in removing oxygen within the container, while having little or no effect on the contents within the container.

[0066] Alternatively, or in addition to, the containers and lids may include an oxygen-barrier material. The oxygen-barrier material may be added as a separate layer or may be integrated within the container or lid itself. The oxygen-barrier materials assist in preventing or inhibiting oxygen from entering the container through the lid. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is contemplated that other oxygen-barrier materials may be used in the container or lid.

[0067] The polymeric containers and lids of the present invention are desirable in both low-temperature and high-temperature applications. The container and lids may be used in low-temperature applications such as an ambient or a cold fill. It is contemplated that other low-temperature applications may be used with the containers and lids of the present invention.

[0068] The polymeric containers and lids of the present invention may be exposed to high-temperature applications such as hot-fill, pasteurization, and retort applications. A hot fill application is generally performed at temperatures around 185 F., while a hot fill with pasteurization is generally performed at temperatures around 205 F. Retort applications are typically done at temperatures greater than 250 F. It is contemplated that the containers and lids of the present invention can be used in other high-temperature applications.