Container Closure System

Abstract

A system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper surface of the lid. The system comprises a substantially planar surface supporting the base portion of the container and a sealing mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid of the container and to exert a closing force on the lid in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by attaching the lid to the sidewall.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a closure device for containers. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an adjustable system for securely sealing a wide variety of tamper evident, tamper resistant plastic containers.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Transparent, plastic containers are commonly used in the food industry for packaging food products of all kinds. Typically, plastic containers will include a fairly rigid lid, sidewall, and base, although each of these structures may be subject to some amount of flexure.[0005]It has been shown that consumers like resealable, air-tight containers, particularly for use with food products. The ability to reseal the container helps protect food items from contamination and helps keep the food items fresh longer. Consumers and retailers have also shown a preference for transparent plastic containers having tamper-resistant / evident features allowing a pros...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a system and method for closing tamper-resistant containers. The system includes a sealing mechanism and a gripping mechanism. The sealing mechanism has a flange that engages the lid of the container and exerts a closing force in a perpendicular direction to the planar surface to seal the container. The gripping mechanism surrounds and supports the sidewall of the container while the sealing mechanism exerts the closing force. The method involves moving the container along a support structure, sensing its presence, stopping the conveyor belt, moving the gripping supports to a closed position, and sealing the container by applying the closing force to the lid. The invention provides a tamper-resistant seal that is effective and easy to use."

Problems solved by technology

Typically, plastic containers will include a fairly rigid lid, sidewall, and base, although each of these structures may be subject to some amount of flexure.

These prior art systems have not proven sufficient for closing an air-tight, resealable, and tamper-resistant container.

One of the reasons for this is the inability of prior art container closing systems to apply a uniform closing force to the entire lid of a container to form an air-tight and tamper resistant seal.

However, this type of system may not apply a sufficiently uniform closing force needed to seal an air tight, tamper-resistant container.

Similar prior art problems exist with the systems employed to close perimeter seal containers.

These systems may apply insufficient pressure to the containers, leaving the seals open or disengaged in certain areas.

Additionally, these prior art systems may apply excess pressure, causing the containers to buckle or deform.

As a result, containers may be left partially closed and / or crushed.

Although the prior-art container closure systems are adjustable for use with different sizes of containers, making such adjustments has typically been time consuming and difficult, resulting in frustration on the part of a user and ultimately wasted time.

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