CONTAINER HAVING A TAMPER EVIDENT HINGE

Abstract

A circular tamper-resistant container with tamper evident feature which includes a circular base and a circular lid joined by a flexible hinge having a tamper evident tab, the base and a lid are hingedly connected to each other via a hinge part with a tamper evident tab in the closed state.

Claims

1. A tamper-resistant container comprising: a circular base having a bottom and an upright base side wall with a deep rear wall portion and a shallow front wall portion and an angled base edge; a circular lid coupled to the base, the lid having a complimentary shape to the base with a top and an upright lid side wall with a shallow rear wall portion and a deep front wall portion and an angled lid edge; a flexible hinge having a base hinge portion and a lid hinge portion having lines of weakness extending from a tamper evidence tab; wherein when the lid is folded toward the base along the flexible hinge, the angled base edge is coupled with the angled lid edge in a closed position and the tamper evidence tab extends in a downward direction, wherein the downward position of the tamper evidence tab allows opening of the container by pulling the tamper evidence tab away from the container to separate the flexible hinge along the lines of weakness showing evidence of tampering.

2. The tamper-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the angled lid edge sits below the angled base edge so that the lid cannot be opened using the angled lid edge.

3. The tamper-resistant container of claim 1, wherein pulling the tamper evidence tab away from the package separates the flexible hinge along the lines of weakness showing evidence of tampering.

4. The tamper-resistant container of claim 1, wherein separating the hinge along the lines of weakness results in separation of the lid from the base.

5. The tamper-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the tamper evidence tab is coupled with lines of weakness from the tamper evidence tab to outer edges of the flexible hinge.

6. The tamper-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the hinge is preferably formed integrally with both base and lid such that the base and lid are a single continuous piece of material formed simultaneously.

7. The tamper-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the flexible hinge is proximate to the rear wall.

8. The tamper-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the flexible hinge is proximate to the front wall.

9. A tamper-resistant container comprising: a circular base having a bottom and an upright base side wall with a deep rear portion and a shallow front portion forming a cavity with an angled base edge; a circular lid coupled to the base, the lid having a complimentary shape to the base with a top and a upright lid side wall with a shallow rear portion and a deep front portion with an angled lid edge: a flexible hinge having a base hinge portion and a lid hinge portion with a tamper evidence tab, and upper and lower hinge lines; a line of weakness coupled to the tamper evidence tab connecting the lid hinge portion and the base hinge portion; wherein when the lid is folded toward the base, the upper and lower hinge lines fold and the angled base edge is coupled with the angled lid edge in a closed position and the tamper evidence tab extends in a downward direction from the upper hinge line, wherein the downward position of the tamper evidence tab allows opening of the container by pulling the tamper evidence tab away from the package to separate the flexible hinge along the lines of weakness showing evidence of tampering.

10. The tamper-resistant container of claim 9, wherein the angled lid edge sits below the angled base edge so that the lid cannot be opened using the angled lid edge.

11. The tamper-resistant container of claim 9, wherein separating the hinge along the lines of weakness results in separation of the lid from the base.

12. The tamper-resistant container of claim 9, wherein the hinge is preferably formed integrally with both base and lid such that the base and lid are a single continuous piece of material formed simultaneously.

13. The tamper-resistant container of claim 9, wherein the flexible hinge is proximate to the rear wall.

14. The tamper-resistant container of claim 9, wherein the flexible hinge is proximate to the front wall.

15. A tamper-resistant container having a tamper evidence tab comprising: a circular base having an angled base edge; a circular lid having a complimentary shape to the circular base having an angled lid edge, the angled lid edge being configured to couple with the angled base edge in a closed position; the angled base edge and angled lid edge are hingedly connected to each other via a flexible hinge, the flexible hinge consists of a base hinge portion and a lid hinge portion, and upper and lower hinge lines, wherein when the lid is folded toward the base, the upper and lower hinge lines fold and the angled base edge is coupled with the angled lid edge in a closed position with the flexible hinge having a substantially U-shaped tamper evidence tab extending in a downward position from the upper hinge line and coupled with lines of weakness from the tamper evidence tab to outer edges of the flat area, so that when the downward tamper evidence tab is grasped and pulled away from the package showing evidence of tampering, the lines of weakness between the angled base edge and angled lid edge are torn allowing opening of the lid.

16. The tamper-resistant container of claim 15, wherein the angled lid edge sits below the angled base edge so that the lid cannot be opened using the angled lid edge.

17. The tamper-resistant container of claim 15, wherein the circular base includes a bottom and an upright base side wall with a deep rear portion and a shallow front portion forming a cavity.

18. The tamper-resistant container of claim 15, wherein the hinge is preferably formed integrally with both base and lid such that the base and lid are a single continuous piece of material formed simultaneously.

19. The tamper-resistant container of claim 15, wherein the flexible hinge is proximate to the rear wall.

20. The tamper-resistant container of claim 15, wherein the flexible hinge is proximate to the front wall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present embodiments may be understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that the various features of the figures are not necessarily to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

[0023] FIGS. 1A-1B are perspective views showing one embodiment of a container with tamper evidence tab in the closed position.

[0024] FIGS. 2A-2E are a top view, side views, a bottom view and a sectional view at A-A showing the container of FIGS. 1A-1B in an open position.

[0025] FIGS. 3A-3D are enlarged areas B, C, D, E of sectional view 2E.

[0026] FIGS. 3E, 3F are perspective views showing more details for the container.

[0027] FIGS. 3G, 3H show the separation of the lid and base.

[0028] FIGS. 4A-4F are a top view, side views, and a bottom view showing the container of FIGS. 1A-1B in a closed position.

[0029] FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of G in FIG. 4 looking down on the tamper evident hinge.

[0030] FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of H in FIG. 5D looking up on the tamper evident hinge.

[0031] FIG. 5C is an enlarged perspective view of the tamper evident hinge.

[0032] FIGS. 6A-6E show the separation of the container.

[0033] FIG. 7 shows containers with product P configured to be stacked and/or connect vertically.

[0034] FIG. 8 shows multiple containers 100 in a nested configuration.

[0035] FIGS. 9A, 9B show the product P placed within the base of the container and the lid closed and locked.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a container with a tamper evidence tab in an open, pre-assembled position.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the container of FIG. 10 in a closed position.

[0038] FIGS. 12A-12B are a top view and a side view showing the container of FIG. 10 in an open position.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a bottom view showing the container in a closed position.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a sectional side view at J-J of FIG. 13.

[0041] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view at K in FIG. 14 showing the tamper evident hinge in plan view.

[0042] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view at L in FIG. 11 showing the tamper evident hinge in the closed position.

[0043] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view at M in FIG. 14 showing the tamper evident hinge.

[0044] FIGS. 18 and 19 are sectional views showing various embodiments of stacking features for the container.

[0045] FIGS. 20A-20B are a top view and a side view showing another embodiment of a container with the base and the lid in an open position.

[0046] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the tamper evident hinge.

[0047] FIG. 22 is an enlarged sectional view showing the tamper evident hinge.

[0048] FIGS. 23A-23B are a bottom view and a side view showing the container with the base and the lid in a closed position.

[0049] FIGS. 24 and 25 are sectional views showing various embodiments of stacking features for container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures, wherein like numerals reflect like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive way, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes, or which is essential to practicing the invention described herein.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a tamper resistant container 100 having a circular base 105 and circular lid 110 coupled by a tamper evident hinge 115. The lid 110 typically has a shape complementary to the base 105 with an overall plan shape that is substantially the same as the base 105. In some embodiments, the lid 110 includes a lid flange that is configured to engage a base edge to lock the lid 110 to the base 105.

[0052] The base 105 may be formed in one piece having a bottom 120 and a substantially upright side wall 125 with a deep base rear wall portion, a shallow base front wall portion and angled base side wall portions, forming a generally wedged shaped configuration with an angled base edge 130 extending around the upper periphery of base 105. The angled base edge 130 is planar and is angularly disposed with the bottom 120 in the wedged shaped configuration.

[0053] The lid 110 has a shape complementary to that of base 105 with an overall plan shape is substantially the same as the base 105 to which it is to be matched, having a top substantially similar in overall dimensions to bottom and a lid side wall 140 complementing base side wall 125, with a short or shallow lid rear wall portion complementing the deep base rear wall portion, a deep lid front wall portion complementing shallow base front wall portion, and angled lid side wall portions complementing the angled base side wall portions forming a generally wedged shaped configuration with an angled lid edge 145 extending around the upper periphery of lid 110. The lid 110 may be transparent to display the food contained.

[0054] The circumferential angled lid edge 145 is substantially co-extensive in size and dimensions to the angled base edge 130. Both edges are planar and made to seal one against the other. The circumferential angled lid edge 145 may additionally be provided with a formed rim which encompasses angled base edge 130. Such a rim would provide an improved seal between base 105 and lid 110. With the rim, the angled lid edge 145 would overlap the angled base edge 130 and could provide a friction fit, with the angled lid edge 145 extending sitting below the angled base edge 130 so that the lid 110 cannot be opened from the base 105 using the angled lid edge 145.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, the container has an overall round shape. In other embodiments, the container may have a different shape, such as oval, square, rectangle, etc. In the embodiments shown, the tamper evident hinge 115 is positioned on a rear or back wall. In other embodiments, the tamper evident hinge 115 is positioned on a front wall. In other embodiments, the tamper evident hinge 115 may be positioned at any location around the container 100.

[0056] FIGS. 2A-2E are top view, bottom view, side views, and a cross-sectional view showing the container 100 in an open position with the base 105 and lid 110. The base 105 includes a bottom 120 with a base side wall 125 forming a base cavity in which a product is placed. The upper portion of the base side wall 125 forms an angled base edge 130 around an upper periphery of base 105. The lid 110 has a shape complementary to the base 105 in that the overall plan shape would be substantially the same as the base 105. The lid 110 includes a top surface 135 and a lid side wall 140 forming a lid cavity to cover the product. The lower portion of the lid side wall 140 forms an angled lid edge 145 around a lower periphery of lid 110.

[0057] FIGS. 3A-3D are enlarged areas B, C, D, E of sectional view 2E, and FIGS. 3E, 3F are perspective views showing more details for the container 100. The angled base edge 130 includes a base flange 150 and the angled lid edge 145 includes a lid flange 165. The base flange 150 and lid flange are configured to engage and lock to the lid 110 to the base 105 when closed.

[0058] A portion of the base flange 150 flares outwardly forming a base flat area 155, and a portion of the lid flange 165 flares outwardly forming a lid flat area 170. The base flat area 155 and lid flat area 170 are coupled at the tamper evident hinge 115 along a separation line 175. The separation line 175 includes perforated portions 175a that are breakable joints or lines of weakness on each side of a cut portion 175b. The cut portion is where the line 175 is cut between the base flat area 155 and the lid flat area 170. Another portion of the lid flange 165 flares outwardly forming one or more lid tabs 190.

[0059] The base 105 and lid 110 are joined by a flexible hinge 180. The hinge 180 is preferably formed integrally with both base 105 and lid 110 such that the base and lid are a single continuous piece of material formed simultaneously. In the embodiments shown, the hinge 180 includes two hinges 180 formed in the lid flat area 170 on both sides of the cut portion 175b. As the lid 110 is folded toward the base 105 the hinges 180 fold, leaving the cut potion 175b in place, forming a base tab 185. The one or more lid tabs 190 can be positioned on one side of the hinge 180, two lid tabs 190 on both sides of the hinge 180 (shown in the figures), or the one or more lid tabs 190 may integrated into the lid flat area 170 on one side or both sides of the hinge 180.

[0060] The exposure of the base tab 185 allows simple opening of the packaging holding the base tab 185 while pulling up on one of the lid tabs 190 to break the perforated portions 175a on each side of the base tab 185. Portions of the base tab 185 and/or lid tabs 190 may include a shaped portion, texture portion or roughened portion to assist in gripping the base tab 185 and/or lid tabs 190.

[0061] In the embodiments shown, the hinge 180 is proximate the of the container 100. In other embodiments, the hinge 180 can be positioned on any side of the container.

[0062] FIGS. 3G, 3H show the separation of the lid 110 and base 105. When the base tab 185 and lid tabs 190 are pulled, the base flat area 155 and the lid flat area 170 are separated or tear When the lid 110 is folded to the base 105 at the hinges 180, the base flat area 155 proximate the cut portion 175b remains, forming a base tab 185. The lid flat area 170 also extends outward and forms one or more lid tabs 190.

[0063] The base tab 185 and one or more lid tabs 190 are used to open the container 100. along the perforated portions 175a. In the embodiment shown, once the perforated portions 175a are separated, the base tab 15 remains with the base 105 and the lid tabs 190 remain with the lid 110. This is an indication that the lid has been tampered with and/or opened.

[0064] FIGS. 4A-4F are top and side views showing the container 100 with the base 105 and lid 110 in a closed position. The tamper evident hinge 115 is folded along the hinge portion 170 during closure of container 100 with the tamper evident hinge 115 folded along the hinge 170. In the closed position, the base flange 150 engages the lid flange 165 to lock the lid 110 on the base 105.

[0065] FIGS. 5A is an enlarged view of G in FIG. 4 looking down on the tamper evident hinge 115, FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of H in FIG. 5D looking up on the tamper evident hinge 115, and FIG. 5C is an enlarged perspective view of the tamper evident hinge 115.

[0066] FIGS. 6A-6E show the separation of the container 100. FIG. 6A shows the closed container 100. FIGS. 6B, 6C show some details of the separated lid 110. FIGS. 6D, 6E show some details of the separated base 105.

[0067] In some embodiments, the containers may be stacked, and the base and lid may include engagement features to engage other containers in a stacked relationship.

[0068] FIG. 7 shows containers 100 with product P configured to be stacked and/or connect vertically. For example, the top surface 135 of the lid 110 can be provided with an indentation 135a configured to engage the bottom surface 120 of the base 105.

[0069] FIG. 8 shows multiple containers 100 in a nested configuration. In some embodiments, the containers 100 are configured to nest. The base side wall 125 and the lid side wall 140 may be tapered such that the cross-sectional area decreases to facilitate the nesting of multiple containers.

[0070] FIGS. 9A, 9B show the product P placed within the base 105 of the container and the lid 110 closed and locked.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a tamper resistant container 200 having a circular shape in an open position prior to closing the lid and locking the product within the container. The tamper resistant container 200 includes a base 205 and a lid 210 coupled by a tamper evident hinge 215. The base 210 includes a bottom 220 and a circular base side wall 225 forming a base cavity in which a product P is placed. The upper portion of the base side wall 225 forms an angled base edge 230 with a lid flange 250 around an upper periphery of base 205. The lid 210 has a shape complementary to the base 205. The lid includes a top surface 235 and a lid side wall 240 forming a lid cavity to cover the product P. The lower portion of the lid side wall forms an angled lid edge 245 with a lid flange 265 around a lower periphery of lid 210. When the tamper resistant container 200 is being closed, the lid 210 is folded along hinges 280a and 280b, and the lid flange 265 is configured to engage the base flange 250 to lock the lid 210 to the base 205.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the tamper resistant container 200 in a closed position and a downward facing lid tab 285 and one or more base tabs 290. The exposure of the downward facing lid tab 285 allows simple opening of the packaging by holding the base tab 290 while pulling up on the downward facing lid tab 285 to break perforated portions on each side of the downward facing lid tab 285.

[0073] The base 205 may be formed in one piece having a bottom and a substantially upright side wall with a deep rear wall and a shallow front wall. An angled base edge 230 extends around the upper periphery of base. The angled base edge 230 is planar and is angularly disposed with a generally wedged shaped configuration.

[0074] The lid 210 has a shape complementary to that of base 205 in that the overall plan shape would be substantially the same as that of base 205 to which it is to be matched, having a top substantially similar in overall dimensions to bottom and a side complementing base side with a short rear wall complementing deep rear wall of the base, and a deep front wall complementing shallow front wall of the base. An angled lid edge 245 extends around the periphery of the lid 210. The lid 210 may be transparent to display the food contained.

[0075] The circumferential angled lid edge 245 is substantially co-extensive in size and dimensions to the angled base edge 230. Both edges are planar and made to seal one against the other. The circumferential angled lid edge 245 may additionally be provided with a formed rim which encompasses angled base edge 230. Such an edge would provide an improved seal between base 205 and lid 210. With the edge, the angled lid edge 245 would overlap the angled base edge 230 and could provide a friction fit.

[0076] In the embodiment shown, the container 200 has an overall round shape. In other embodiments, the container may have a different shape, such as oval, square, rectangle, etc. In the embodiment shown, the tamper evident hinge 215 is positioned on a rear or back wall. In other embodiments, the tamper evident hinge 215 may be positioned at any location around the container 200.

[0077] FIGS. 12A-12B are a top view and a side view showing the container 200 with the base 205 and lid 210 in an open position. The base 205 includes a bottom surface 220 with a base side wall 225 forming a base cavity in which a product P is placed. The upper portion of the base side wall 225 forms an angled base edge 230 with a base flange 250 around an upper periphery of base 205. The lid 210 has a shape complementary to the base 205. The lid includes a top surface 235 and a lid side wall 240 forming a lid cavity to cover the product P. The lower portion of the lid side wall forms an angled lid edge 245 with a lid flange 265 around a lower periphery of lid 210. When the tamper resistant container 200 is being closed, the lid flange 265 is configured to engage the base flange 250 to lock the lid 210 to the base 205. The tamper evident hinge 215 is preferably formed integrally with both base 205 and lid 210 such that the base and lid are a single continuous piece of material formed simultaneously.

[0078] FIG. 13 is a bottom view showing the container 200 with the base 205 and the lid 210 in a closed position. The tamper evident hinge 215 is folded along the hinge lines 280a, 280b during closure of container 200 with the pull tab 285 in a downward position. In the closed position, the base flange 250 engages the lid flange 265 to lock the lid 210 on the base 105.

[0079] FIG. 14 is a sectional side view at J-J of FIG. 13 showing the engagement of the lid 210 and base 205.

[0080] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the tamper evident hinge 215 at K in FIG. 12A. The tamper evident hinge 215 includes a base hinge portion 232 and a lid hinge portion 247 connected along breakable joints 270a and 270b separated by a cut portion 270c forming the lower portion of the tab 285, the breakable joints 270a and 270b extending from the cut portion 270c to an outer hinge edge. The base hinge portion 232 is an extension of angled base edge 230, and the lid hinge portion 247 is extension of angled lid edge 245. The tamper evident hinge 215 further includes upper and lower flexible hinge lines 280a and 280b.

[0081] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the tamper evident hinge 215 at L in FIG. 11. The tamper evident hinge 215 includes the base hinge portion 232 and the lid hinge portion 232 connected along the breakable joints 270a and 270b separated by the cut portion 270c forming the lower portion of the tab 285, the breakable joints 270a and 270b extending from the cut portion 270c to an outer hinge edge. As the lid 210 is folded toward the base 205, the upper and lower hinge lines 280a and 280b fold.

[0082] FIG. 17 is an enlarged sectional view showing of the tamper evident hinge 215 at M in FIG. 14. The tamper evident hinge 215 includes the base hinge portion 232 and the lid hinge portion 247 connected along the breakable joints 270a and 270b separated by the cut portion 270c forming the lower portion of the tab 285, the breakable joints 270a and 270b extending from the cut portion 270c to an outer hinge edge. The base hinge portion 232 is an extension of angled base edge 230, and the lid hinge portion 247 is extension of angled lid edge 245. As the lid 210 is folded toward the base 205, the upper and lower hinge lines 280a and 280b fold.

[0083] The exposure of the tab 285 allows simple opening of the packaging holding the tabs 290 while pulling outward 287 on the tab 285 to break the perforated portions 270a, 270b on each side of the tab 285. Portions of the tab 285 and/or tabs 290 may include a shaped portion, texture portion or roughened portion to assist in gripping the tab 285 and/or tabs 290.

[0084] FIGS. 18 and 19 are sectional views showing various embodiments of stacking features for container 200. For shipment, the containers are usually stacked in shipping cartons, shipped to retailers and are then removed from the carton and stacked on the retailers shelves. If the containers are allowed to move and slide against each other, the product within the container may break and crumble. To prevent this, the dome 210 includes a dome stacking feature configured to engage a base stacking feature so that when they are stacked, movement is limited.

[0085] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the dome stacking feature is a dome recessed portion 236 extending below the top surface 235, and the base stacking feature 221 is a base protrusion 221 extending downward from the bottom surface 220. The base protrusion 221 is configured the sit withing the dome recess portion 236 to prevent side to side movement of the containers 210 when they are stacked.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the dome stacking feature is a dome recessed portion 236 extending below the top surface 235, and the base stacking feature are multiple protrusions or feet 222 extending downward from the bottom surface 220. The base protrusions 222 are configured the sit withing the dome recess portion 236 to prevent side to side movement of the containers 210 when they are stacked.

[0087] In the embodiments shown, the dome recessed portion 226 is the same for both embodiments, so that the base protrusion 221 or multiple base protrusions or feet 222 can sit within the recessed portion 226. This design allows the embodiments of FIGS. 24 and 25 to be stacked on each other.

[0088] FIGS. 20A-23 show another embodiment of a container 300 that is similar to container 200 except that the tamper evident hinge is positioned at the front of the container.

[0089] FIGS. 20A-20B are a top view and a side view showing container 300 with the base 305 and lid 310 in an open position. The base 305 includes a bottom surface 320 with a base side wall 325 forming a base cavity in which a product P is placed. The upper portion of the base side wall 325 forms an angled base edge 330 with a base flange 350 around an upper periphery of base 305. The lid 310 has a shape complementary to the base 305. The lid includes a top surface 335 and a lid side wall 340 forming a lid cavity to cover the product P. The lower portion of the lid side wall forms an angled lid edge 345 with a lid flange 365 around a lower periphery of lid 310. When the tamper resistant container 300 is being closed, the lid flange 365 is configured to engage the base flange 350 to lock the lid 310 to the base 305. The tamper evident hinge 315 is preferably formed integrally with both base 305 and lid 310 such that the base and lid are a single continuous piece of material formed simultaneously.

[0090] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the tamper evident hinge 315, which includes a base hinge portion 332 and a lid hinge portion 347 connected along breakable joints 370a and 370b separated by a cut portion 370c forming the lower portion of a downward facing lid tab 385, the breakable joints 370a and 370b extending from the cut portion 370c to an outer hinge edge. The base hinge portion 332 is an extension of angled base edge 330, and the lid hinge portion 347 is extension of angled lid edge 345. The tamper evident hinge 315 further includes upper and lower flexible hinge lines 380a and 380b.

[0091] FIG. 22 is an enlarged sectional view showing of the tamper evident hinge 315 with the base hinge portion 332 and the lid hinge portion 347 connected along the breakable joints 370a and 370b separated by the cut portion 370c forming the lower portion of the downward facing lid tab 385. The base hinge portion 332 is an extension of angled base edge 330, and the lid hinge portion 347 is extension of angled lid edge 345. As the lid 310 is folded toward the base 305, the upper and lower hinge lines 380a and 380b fold.

[0092] The base 305 may be formed in one piece having a bottom and a substantially upright side wall with a deep rear wall, angled side walls, and a shallow front wall with a generally wedged shaped configuration. An angled base edge extends around the upper periphery of base. The angled base edge is planar and is angularly disposed with the wedged shaped configuration.

[0093] The exposure of the downward facing lid tab 385 allows simple opening of the packaging holding the tabs 390 while pulling outward 387 on the downward facing lid tab 385 to break the perforated portions 370a, 370b on each side of the downward facing lid tab 385. Portions of the downward facing lid tab 385 and/or tabs 390 may include a shaped portion, texture portion or roughened portion to assist in gripping the downward facing lid tab 385 and/or tabs 390.

[0094] FIGS. 23A-23B are a bottom view and a side view showing the container 300 with the base 305 and the lid 310 in a closed position. The tamper evident hinge 315 is folded along the hinge lines 380a, 380b during closure of container 300 with the downward facing lid tab in a downward position. In the closed position, the base flange 350 engages the lid flange 365 to lock the lid 310 on the base 305.

[0095] FIGS. 24 and 25 are sectional views showing various embodiments of stacking features for container 300. For shipment, the containers are stacked in shipping cartons, shipped to retailers, and then removed from the carton and stacked on the retailers' shelves. If the containers are allowed to move and slide against each other, the product within the container may break and crumble. To prevent this, the dome 310 includes a dome stacking feature configured to engage a base stacking feature of the base 305 so that when they are stacked, movement is limited.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the dome stacking feature is a dome recessed portion 336 extending below the top surface 335, and the base stacking feature is a base protrusion 321 extending downward from the bottom surface 320. The base protrusion 321 is configured the sit withing the dome recessed portion 336 to prevent side to side movement of the containers 300 when they are stacked.

[0097] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, the dome stacking feature is the dome recessed portion 336 extending below the top surface 335, and the base stacking feature are multiple protrusions or feet 322 extending downward from the bottom surface 320. The base protrusions 322 are configured the sit withing the dome recessed portion 336 to prevent side to side movement of the containers 300 when they are stacked.

[0098] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the dome recessed portion 336 is the same for both embodiments, so that the base protrusion 321 or multiple base protrusions or feet 322 can sit within the recessed portion 336. This design allows the embodiments of FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 to be stacked on each other.

[0099] In some embodiments, the recessed portion 336 may be configured to contact an upper surface of the product P to hold the product tightly within the container 300.

[0100] The containers can be of various sizes, such as being appropriately sized to contain a certain food item (e.g., cut fruit, crudits, bakery items, or otherwise). The embodiments shown are containers with a generally circular overall shape. Other suitable shapes are also contemplated. The container can be made of various materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or polypropylene (PP). In some embodiments, the system can be manufactured by thermoforming.

[0101] These materials may be opaque, clear or translucent, and the material of construction may be colored by pigments or any type of dye. The manufacturing techniques may be any conventional method, including injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming or vacuum molding techniques. In some embodiments that base may also include pleats.

[0102] While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is illustrative only and that changes, variations, substitutions, modifications and equivalents will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art and that such may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.