CLAMCHAIR CONTAINER MOTION CONTROL STABILIZERS.

Abstract

In one embodiment, the invention comprises a container apparatus with a lateral stability rail system; at least one rail extends into the lid portion and at least one track extends through the base portion; the rail terminates in a tooth and the track terminates in a cavity; when the container is in a hinged closed position, the at least one rail nests into the at least one track and the at least one tooth nests into the at least one cavity.

Description

CLAMELLE CONTAINER MOTION CONTROL STABILIZERS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 936,729 filed on July 23, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to motion control stabilization features for packaging containers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many food products are stored and transported in lightweight plastic containers, sometimes called clamshell containers because of the hinged mechanism between the lid and the base of the container. Containers like these can store fruits, vegetables, baked goods, or similar items. Typically, these containers are designed to facilitate the automated packaging of food products and include a locking mechanism to close the lid onto and around the base. Since the container is intended for transport and display after packaging, it is desirable that the locking mechanism remain securely closed during subsequent shipping and handling. However, locking mechanisms that remain securely closed are often designed with relatively tight-fitting interlocking structures. While such tight-fitting interlocking structures provide a secure closure, they require relatively consistent alignment of the interlocking elements to ensure proper engagement.However, while the container is being processed on an automated food packaging line, misalignments between the interlocking components can occur, resulting in a closure mechanism that does not fully engage. Containers with closure mechanisms that do not fully engage are prone to opening, causing spills and loss of the stored food products. Similarly, containers like these are frequently subjected to various lateral movements during shipping, transport, shelf placement, consumer consideration, etc. Lateral movements can be particularly likely when multiple containers are stacked on top of each other, such as in a shipping carton. Lateral movements can disengage the locking mechanisms, causing the containers to open and / or damage the food products inside. Therefore, it is important that the container be constructed to minimize the effects of such lateral movement, preventing it from opening or damaging its contents. Consequently, through ingenuity and hard work, the inventors have developed a container with a novel rail system, where the container remains locked more effectively and is stable through lateral movement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, the invention comprises a container apparatus including a base section defining a base surface and one or more side walls extending upward from the base surface to define a container portion having an upper base periphery. A base flange projects outward from the upper base periphery in one embodiment. A lid section defines a lid surface and a lid periphery that aligns with the upper base periphery such that the lid surface and the container portion form an enclosure when the lid section is in a closed position relative to the base section. In one embodiment, the lid periphery fits over and around the upper base periphery. A lid flange projects outward from the lid periphery in one embodiment.The lid flange and the base flange may respectively include integrally formed locking components. In one embodiment, the container apparatus comprises a rail system having at least one rail extending a length at least from the portion of the lid periphery that seats on the periphery of the upper base to the lid flange and beyond (or above) the lid flange to define a tooth, wherein the at least one rail has a width and a depth, and wherein the depth of the at least one rail extends perpendicular to the length of the at least one rail. The rail system further comprises at least one track extending a length at least from the upper surface of the periphery of the upper base to the base flange and beyond (or below) the base flange to define a cavity, wherein the at least one track has a width and a depth, and wherein the depth of the at least one track extends perpendicular to the length of the at least one track.When the container is in a hinged closed position, at least one rail nests within at least one track; and at least one tooth nests within at least one cavity. In one embodiment, the contact portion is parallel to the upper surface of one or more side walls. In one embodiment, when the container is in a hinged closed position, the contact portion rests on top of the upper surface of one or more side walls. In one embodiment, when the container is in a hinged closed position, the lid flange is parallel to the base flange. In one embodiment, when the container is in a hinged closed position, the lid flange rests on the base flange. In one embodiment, at least one rail extends away from the lid section, and at least one track is embedded in the base section. In one embodiment, the container assembly comprises at least two rails and / or at least two tracks. In one embodiment, the container assembly further comprises at least one locking mechanism.In one embodiment, the container assembly further comprises at least one rib arranged in the base section. In another embodiment, the container assembly further comprises a hinge connecting the lid section and the base section, wherein at least one rail is positioned on the portion of the lid periphery opposite the hinge, and at least one track is positioned on the portion of the upper base periphery opposite the hinge. In one embodiment, at least one additional rail is placed on the portion of the lid's periphery adjacent to the hinge, and at least one additional track is placed on the portion of the upper base's periphery adjacent to the hinge. In another embodiment, at least one additional rail extends a length that is at least from the contact portion of the lid's periphery to the lid's flange, wherein at least one additional rail has a width and a depth, and wherein the depth of at least one additional rail extends perpendicular to the length of at least one rail.In this embodiment, at least one additional track extends a length at least from the upper surface of the periphery of the upper base to the rim of the base, wherein at least one additional track has a width and a depth, and wherein the depth of the at least one additional track extends perpendicular to the length of the at least one track. When the container is in a hinged, closed position, at least one additional rail nests within at least one additional track. In one embodiment, at least one additional rail extends away from the lid section and at least one additional track is embedded in the base section. In one embodiment, the container assembly comprises at least two additional rails and / or at least two additional tracks. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a container apparatus having a base section defining a base surface and one or more side walls extending upward from the base surface to define a container portion having an upper base periphery, wherein the upper base periphery terminates at an upper surface of the one or more side walls. The container apparatus may have a base flange projecting outward from the upper base periphery and a flange connecting the base section to a lid section. The lid section may define a lid surface and a lid periphery.wherein a contact portion of the lid periphery aligns with the upper surface of the upper base periphery when the lid section is in a hinged closed position relative to the base section. A lid flange may project outward from the lid periphery. The upper base periphery and the lid periphery may include an integrally formed rail system comprising: at least one rail extending a length that is at least from the contact portion of the lid periphery to the lid flange and beyond (or above) the lid flange to define a longitudinally extending tooth, wherein the at least one rail has a width and a depth, and wherein the depth of the at least one rail extends perpendicular to the length of the at least one rail.and wherein at least one rail is positioned on the portion of the lid's periphery opposite the hinge; and at least one track extending a length at least from the upper surface of the upper periphery of the base to and beyond (or below) the base flange to define a longitudinally extending cavity, wherein at least one track has a width and a depth, and wherein the depth of at least one track extends perpendicular to the length of at least one track, and wherein at least one track is positioned on the portion of the upper base's periphery opposite the hinge. When the container is in a hinged, closed position, the at least one rail nests within at least one track, and the at least one tooth nests within at least one cavity. In one embodiment,At least one additional rail is placed on the portion of the lid's periphery adjacent to the hinge, and at least one additional track is placed on the portion of the upper base's periphery adjacent to the hinge. In this embodiment, the at least one additional rail extends a length that is at least from the contact portion of the lid's periphery to the lid's flange, wherein the at least one additional rail has a width and a depth, and wherein the depth of the at least one additional rail extends perpendicular to the length of the at least one rail; and the at least one additional track extends a length that is at least from the upper surface of the upper base's periphery to the base's flange.wherein the at least one additional track has a width and a depth, and wherein the depth of at least one additional track extends perpendicularly to the length of at least one track. When the container is in a hinged, closed position, at least one additional rail nests within at least one additional track. In one embodiment, the container apparatus comprises at least two rails, at least two additional rails, at least two tracks, and at least two additional tracks. In one embodiment, at least two rails align with at least two tracks, and at least two additional rails align with at least two additional tracks. Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and in the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of one modality of a container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of one modality of a container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; in in in in in in in breakdown breakdown breakdown breakdown breakdown breakdown breakdown breakdown of of of of of of of of of a a a a a a a a modality modality modality modality modality modality modality of of of of of of of of a a a a a a a a Figure 10 is a perspective view of one modality of a container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the container of the invention in an open configuration; in in in in breakdown breakdown breakdown breakdown of of of of of a a a a modality modality modality modality of of of of of a a a a Figure 15 is a side view of one embodiment of a container of the invention in a closed configuration; and Figure 16 is a perspective view of one modality of a container of the invention in a closed configuration. Similar reference numbers and designations on various drawings indicate similar elements. Reference numbers on drawings subsequent to the drawings in which they are introduced may be omitted to avoid clutter in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 is a top perspective view of an open container 100 with a rail system that includes a track component 200 and a rail component 300. In some implementations, the container 100 may be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) thermoplastic polymer resin. Other suitable materials may also be used to construct the container. Container 100 includes a base section 102 that defines a base surface 110 and one or more side walls 112 that extend upward from the base surface 110 to define a portion of the container having a top base periphery 114. In one embodiment, the top base periphery 114 extends outward and downward from a top surface 117 of the side wall 112. In one embodiment, the top surface 117 may be flattened to define a surface that receives the lid section 132. In one embodiment, the top surface 117 is the upper portion of the base section 102. In such an embodiment, the base periphery 114 may appear to fold over the top surface 117 of the side wall 112. For example, there may be a hollow space between the base periphery 114 and an outer surface of the side wall 112, near the top surface 117 of the side wall 112.In one embodiment, the periphery of the base 114 extends circumferentially around the side wall(s) 112. In one embodiment, one or more inwardly or outwardly extending notches 113 may be positioned on the periphery of the upper base 114. In one embodiment, a flange of the base 120 may project outward from the periphery of the upper base 114. In one embodiment, the notches 113 are located between the flange of the base 120 and the upper surface 117 of the side wall 112. In one embodiment, the flange of the base 120 is positioned on the periphery of the upper base 114 that is closest to the surface of the base 110—that is, the lowest point on the periphery of the base 114. In one embodiment, the periphery of the upper base 114 may comprise a collar surrounding peripherally the upper portion 118 of the lateral wall 112.In one embodiment, the periphery of the upper base 114 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the surface of the base 110. In one embodiment, the periphery of the upper base 114 may be vertical or vertical. In one embodiment, the width of the rim of the base 120 may be equal to or similar to the width of the upper surface 117 of the lateral wall 112. In one embodiment, the side walls 112 may comprise a lower portion 16 and an upper portion 118. The lower portion 116 may be positioned at an angle to the base surface 110, connecting the base surface 110 and the upper portion 118. In one embodiment, the upper portion 118 may be vertical or substantially vertical. In one embodiment, the upper portion 118 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the base surface 110. In one embodiment (see Figure 2), an intermediate portion 115 may be positioned between the lower portion 116 and an upper portion 118 of the side wall 112. The intermediate portion 115 may comprise a plateau or ridge. In one embodiment, the intermediate portion 115 may be horizontal or substantially horizontal. In one embodiment, the intermediate portion 115 may be parallel or substantially parallel to the base surface 110. One or more vents 111 may be placed within the lower portion 116. The vents may allow air to flow through the container, moisture to escape from the container, and / or excess liquid to drip from the container, in certain embodiments. In some embodiments, a plurality of vents 111 may be placed within the lower portion 116 of each side wall 112. In one embodiment, three or four vents may be placed within the lower portion 116 of each side wall. In one embodiment, a section of lid 132 defines a surface of lid 140 and a periphery of lid 142 that aligns with the periphery of the upper base 114 such that the section of lid 132 and the section of base 102 form an enclosure when the section of lid 132 is in a closed position relative to the section of base 102. The section of lid 132 includes a flange of lid 144 that projects outward from the periphery of lid 142, in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the periphery of lid 142 can surround the periphery of the upper base 114 when the container is in a closed position. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the periphery of lid 142 can contact the outer surface of the periphery of the upper base 114. In one embodiment, one or more inwardly extending projections 143 can be positioned on the periphery of the lid 142. The projections 143 on the periphery of the lid 142 can be aligned with and interconnected with the notches 113 in the base section 102 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the notches 113 and the projections 143 can serve as a locking mechanism for the container 100. The corresponding notches 113 and projections 143 can be positioned on one or more sides of the container 100. In one embodiment, the corresponding notches 113 and projections 143 can be positioned on the left and right side walls as well as the front side wall of the container (the hinge is positioned adjacent to the rear side wall).In one embodiment, two corresponding notches 113 and two corresponding projections 143 can be positioned on each of the left and right side walls, as well as on the front side wall of the container (the hinge is positioned adjacent to the rear side wall). The corresponding notches 113 and projections 143 can be aligned to allow for detachable interconnection between them. In one embodiment, when the container 100 is in the closed position, the corresponding notches 113 and projections 143 interlock. In one embodiment, the projections 143 on the periphery of the lid 142 project inward, into the interior of the container 100. In one embodiment, the notches 113 on the periphery of the upper base 114 are recessed inward, into the interior of the container 100.It should be understood that the section of the lid 132 could comprise recessed notches and the periphery of the base 114 could comprise corresponding projections, in one modality. In one embodiment, the notches 113 and the projections 143 are measured and configured so that they can be press-fitted together. In this embodiment, the notches 113 and the projections 143 each may comprise elongated three-dimensional rectangles or ovals. In one embodiment, the projections 143 each may comprise three-dimensional rectangles formed integrally on the periphery of the cap 142. The projections 143 may have a depth D2, from the inner surface of the periphery of the cap 142 to the inner surface 146 of the projection 143 (Figure 5). The projections 143 may have two elongated side walls 148 and two non-elongated side walls 149. Two or more of the side walls 148, 149 may be tapered inwards so that they are angular in comparison to the periphery of the lid 142 and / or the inner surface 146 of the projection 143.The perimeter of the inner surface 146 of the projection 143 may be smaller than the perimeter of the joint between the side walls 148, 149 and the periphery of the lid 142. Such a configuration may allow the projections to be more easily press-fitted into the notches 113. In one embodiment, the lid section 132 comprises a portion of the side wall 147 between the periphery of lid 142 and the surface of lid 140. In one embodiment, the portion of the side wall 147 of the lid section 132 may be vertical or substantially vertical. In one embodiment, the portion of the side wall 147 of the lid section 132 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the surface of lid 140. In one embodiment, the junction between the portion of the side wall 147 and the periphery of lid 142 and / or the surface of lid 140 may be curved or graduated. In one embodiment, the portion of the side wall 147 of the lid section 132 may surround the surface of lid 140. In one embodiment, the periphery of lid 142 may surround the portion of the side wall 147. In one embodiment, a contact portion 145 of the lid section 132 can be positioned between the side wall portion 147 and the periphery of the lid 142. The contact portion 145 may be horizontal or substantially horizontal. The contact portion 145 may comprise a platform, a plateau, or a ridge. In one embodiment, the contact portion 145 may be parallel or substantially parallel to the surface of the lid 140. In one embodiment, the contact portion 145 may rest on top of the upper surface 117 of the base portion 102 when the container is in a closed position. In one embodiment, the contact portion 145 may nest with the upper surface 117 of the base portion 102 when the container is in a closed position. In this embodiment, the profile of the contact portion 145 must be compatible with the profile of the upper surface 117 of the base section 102. That is, if the upper surface 117 of the base section 102 is a flat, horizontal surface, so should the contact portion 145 of the lid section 132.Similarly, if the upper surface 117 of the base section portion 102 is curved or angled, the contact portion 145 of the lid section 132 must be complementarily curved or angled. One or more vents 141 may be placed within the side wall portion 147 and / or the contact portion 145. The vents may allow air to flow through the container and / or moisture to escape from the container, in certain configurations. In one embodiment, the lid section 132 and the base section 102 are flexibly connected, for example, by means of a spring hinge 133, so that the lid section 132 can pivot on the base section 102 to form an enclosure. The hinge 133 allows the lid section 132 to pivot between an open and closed position. In another embodiment, the base section 102 and the lid section 132 are formed as a single, one-piece unit. In one embodiment, a container 100 comprises one or more ribs 150 positioned along the side walls 112 of the base section 102. The ribs 150, in one embodiment, may have a first end 151 adjacent to the surface of the base 110 and a second end 153 adjacent to the side walls 112 of the base section 102b (see Figure 2). More particularly, the ribs 150 may originate in the base section 102, may be integral with the lower portion 116 of the side wall 112, and may terminate along the upper portion 118 of the side wall 112. In one embodiment, the ribs 150 are integrally formed in the side wall 112. In one embodiment, the ribs 150 may comprise a column portion 152 and a stabilizing portion 154. In one embodiment, the column portion 152 of the ribs 150 may generally be semicylindrical in shape. In one embodiment, the column portion 152 may comprise a half-cylinder. In one embodiment, the column portion 152 is hollow. That is, the column portion 152 may be convex on the inside of the container and concave on the outside of the container. In one embodiment, the column portion 152 is positioned at an angle. In one embodiment, the column portion 152 has the same angle as the lower portion 116 of the side wall 112. In one embodiment, the column portion 152 starts at the first end 151.In one embodiment, the column portion 152 may comprise a certain depth D (Figure 3), measured from the lower portion 116 of the side wall 112 to the innermost point of the column portion 152, with respect to the inside of the container. In one embodiment, the column portion 152 terminates, at its upper end, in the stabilizing portion 154. In one embodiment, the stabilizing portion 154 may comprise a geometric shape. In one embodiment, the stabilizing portion 154 generally comprises a three-dimensional triangular shape. In one embodiment, the stabilizing portion 154 generally comprises a three-dimensional flattened triangular shape (i.e., the apex of the triangle may be flattened). In one embodiment, the stabilizing portion 154 is positioned adjacent to the intermediate section 115 and the upper portion 118 of the side wall 112. In this embodiment, the base of the triangular shape of the stabilizing portion 154 may be positioned within the intermediate section 115 of the side wall 112. In one embodiment, the upper surface 155 of the stabilizing portion 154 may be angled inwards into the container 100 (see Figure 4).That is, the upper surface 155 of the stabilizing portion 154 cannot be parallel to the surface of the base 110, but can be angled. In one embodiment, the stabilizing portion 154 has a depth Di as shown in Figure 4, measured between the upper portion 118 of the side wall 112 and an inner edge of the stabilizing portion 154. The ribs 150 can improve the structural rigidity of the container in one embodiment. Furthermore, the ribs 150 can improve the crush resistance of the container to a force applied from above or below. The ribs 150 can be integrally formed with the container 100 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the ribs 150 can generally be parallel to each other. Each side wall 112 can have at least one rib 150 in one embodiment. In one particular embodiment, the left and right side walls 112 each comprise three ribs 150, and the front and rear side walls 112 (with the hinge adjacent to the rear side wall) each comprise two ribs 150. In one embodiment, the ribs 150 can be centered and / or spaced equidistant from each other and from the inner edges of the container.In one embodiment, the ribs 150 placed on the front and rear side walls 112 may be symmetrical with respect to the container 100 but not centered along the respective side wall 112. In one embodiment, the container 100 comprises ribs 150. In one embodiment, a central portion 400 of the surface of the lid 140 can extend some distance into the container 100 when the container 100 is in a closed position. For example, a generally square or rectangular portion of the surface of The lid 140 can be used for labels, stickers, or to provide visibility of the product inside, on its outer surface. In one embodiment, this central portion 400 of the lid 140 surface can be recessed into the outer side of the lid. This allows labels or stickers to be easily applied to the recessed outer surface. In one embodiment, the central portion 400 has a depth D3. In one embodiment, the container 100 comprises a track component 200 and a rail component 300. The rail component is shown in Figure 6. In one embodiment, the rail component comprises one or more rails 310 formed in the lid section 132. The rails 310 can be lengthened and can be raised or extended into the container 100 when the container 100 is in a closed position. In one embodiment, each rail 310 has a depth D4. In one embodiment, the rails 310 are formed such that the depth D4 of the rails 310 is equivalent to the depth D3 of the central portion 400 of the lid surface 140. In one embodiment, 310 rails have a flattened face or front surface 312 (see Figure 9). That is, instead of a rounded or angled rail, the 310 rail can have a flat face 312. In other embodiments, 310 rails can be rounded (i.e., semicircular, cylindrical) or angled (i.e., triangular). In certain embodiments, 310 rails can be irregular in profile. With reference to Figure 7, in one embodiment, the rails 310 may originate at an edge 410 of the central portion 400 of the lid surface 140 furthest from the hinge 133. In this embodiment, the rails 310 may be positioned within the lid surface 140, the side wall portion 147, the contact portion 145, and the lid periphery 142. In one embodiment, the rails 310 may be recessed into the outer side of the lid section 132 (see Figure 8). In one embodiment, the rails 310 may have a shape and configuration parallel to the lid surface 140, the side wall portion 147, the contact portion 145, and the lid periphery 142, respectively. That is, the rails 310 can be parallel to the contours of the lid surface 140, the side wall portion 147, the contact portion 145, and / or the periphery of the lid 142.In one embodiment, each rail 310 can have a portion of the cover surface 340, a portion of the side wall 347, a contact portion 345, and a portion of the cover periphery 342 (see figure 7). In one embodiment, the surface portion of lid 340 of rail 310 can extend away from the surface of lid 140 (into the container when the container is in a closed position), the side wall portion of rail 347 can extend away from the side wall portion 147, the contact portion of rail 345 can extend away from the contact portion 145, and the lid periphery portion of rail 342 can extend away from the lid periphery 142, thereby creating a depth to the extent that each respective portion extends away from the respective lid element. In each instance, the depth of the extension can be consistent along rail 310. In other embodiments, the depth of the extension can vary along rail 310. In one configuration, the 310 rails each have a rail width Wi. In one embodiment, the rail width Wi of each 310 rail is equal to or greater than the vent width W2 of vent 141. In another embodiment, the rail width Wi of each 310 rail decreases as the 310 rail extends from the cap surface portion 340 to the cap periphery portion of rail 342. In this embodiment, the rail width W3 of the cap surface portion of rail 340 may be greater than the rail width W4 of the cap periphery portion 342 of rail 310. The width of the 310 rails may gradually decrease such that the cap periphery portion 342 of rail 310 is narrower than the cap surface portion of rail 340, the side wall portion of rail 347, and the contact portion of the rail. 345. In one embodiment, the 310 rails are integrally formed with the 100 container. In one embodiment, each 310 rail may have a front surface 312 and two side surfaces 314 (see Figure 9). The size of the side surfaces 314 may correspond to the depth D4 of the 310 rails. In other embodiments, each 310 rail may have a semicircular (half-cylindrical) rounded surface. Other shapes and configurations are also covered. In one embodiment, the 310 rails can extend vertically beyond and / or above the flange of the lid 144 (see Figure 7) (or another top surface when the container is in an open configuration). In this embodiment, the teeth 320 of the 310 rails that extend above the flange of the lid 144 have a hollow interior. In one embodiment, the 320 teeth may have a rounded distal surface 322. In one embodiment, the Ws width of the 320 teeth is less than the W3 rail width of the cap surface portion of the 340 rail, the W4 rail width of the cap periphery portion of the 342 rail, or the width of any other portion of the 310 rail. That is, the 320 teeth may be narrower than the cap periphery portion 342, the cap surface portion 340, the side wall portion 347, and the contact portion 345 of the 310 rail. In one embodiment, at least two rails 310 are formed in the lid section 132, on the wall opposite hinge 133. In one embodiment, at least two additional rails 330 are formed in the lid section 132, on the side wall nearest hinge 133. In this embodiment, the additional rails 330 can be positioned adjacent to hinge 133. In one embodiment, the additional rails 330 can start at an edge 410 of the central portion 400 of the lid surface 140 furthest from the hinge 133. In this embodiment, the additional rails 330 can be positioned across the lid surface 140, the side wall portion 147, the contact portion 145, and the lid periphery 142. In one embodiment, the additional rails 330 can be recessed into the outer side of the lid section 132 in the same way that the rails 310 are recessed. In one embodiment, the additional rails 330 can have a shape and configuration parallel to the surface of the lid 140, the portion of the side wall 147, the contact portion 145, and the periphery of the lid 142. That is, the additional rails 330 can be parallel to the contours of the surface of the lid 140, the portion of the side wall 147, the contact portion 145, and / or the periphery of the lid 142.Similar to the 310 rails, in one configuration, each additional 330 rail can have a portion of the lid surface, a portion of the side wall, a contact portion, and a portion of the lid periphery. Furthermore, the shape, size, configuration, and arrangement of each additional 330 rail can be the same as, or similar to, those of the 310 rails. However, unlike the 310 rails, the 330 additional rails can terminate at the flange of the lid 144 (or at the top surface of the lid section 102 when the container is in an open configuration). That is, in one embodiment, the 330 additional rails do not extend vertically beyond and / or above the flange of the lid 144 and instead are flush with the flange of the lid 144. In this embodiment, the 330 additional rails are toothless. In another embodiment, the 330 additional rails have a top surface 332 that is flush with the flange of the lid 144. In one embodiment, the container 100 comprises a track component 200 corresponding to the rail component 300. In one embodiment, the track component 200 is positioned on the front side wall 112 of the container 100, the side wall opposite the hinge 133. With reference to Figure 11, the track component 200 can be a female counterpart to the male rail component 300. In one embodiment, the track component 200 comprises at least one track 210 integrally formed within the container 100. In one embodiment, the invention comprises two tracks 210. The 210 tracks can be lengthened and can be embedded in the side wall of the 112 container, in one embodiment. In one embodiment, each of the 210 tracks has a depth Ds. In one embodiment, the 210 tracks are formed so that the depth Ds of the 210 tracks is equivalent or substantially equivalent to the depth Dg of the 310 rails. With reference to Figure 10, in one embodiment, the tracks 210 can be formed on and originate from the upper surface 117 of the side wall 112. In this embodiment, the tracks 210 can comprise a recessed portion of the upper surface 117 of the side wall 112 (see the exploded view in Figure 13). The corners between the tracks 210 and the upper surface 117 can be rounded as shown, square, or angular. As shown in Figure 11, the tracks 210 can continue through the periphery of the upper base 114. In one embodiment, the tracks 210 can extend outward on the opposite (i.e., lower) outer side of the periphery of the upper base 114. In one embodiment, the upper surface 217 of the tracks 210 can be shaped and configured to be parallel to the upper surface 117 of the side wall 112 and the periphery of the upper base 114, respectively. That is, the tracks 210 can be parallel to the contours of the upper surface 117 of the side wall 112 and the periphery of the upper base 114. In one embodiment, each track 210 can have a portion of the upper surface 217 and a portion of the periphery of the upper base 214. In one embodiment, the tracks 210 are integrally formed with the container 100. In one embodiment, each track 210 can have a face surface 212 and two side surfaces 216 (see Figure 12). The side surfaces 216 can correspond to the depth Ds of the tracks 210. In one embodiment, the upper surface portion of track 217 can be embedded in the upper surface 117 of side wall 112, and the periphery portion of the upper base of track 214 can be embedded in the periphery of the upper base 114 of side wall 112. In each case, the depth of the gap can be consistent across track 210. In other embodiments, the depth of the gap can vary across track 210. In one embodiment shown in Figure 12, each of the 210 tracks has a width We. In one embodiment, the width We of each 210 track is equal to or greater than a width Wi of the 310 rails. In one embodiment, the width We of each 210 track is equal to or greater than a width W2 of the vent 141. In one embodiment, the width We of each 210 track decreases from the portion of the upper surface 217 to the portion of the periphery of the upper base 214. In this embodiment, the width W7 of the portion of the upper surface 317 may be greater than the width Ws of the portion of the periphery of the upper base 214. The width of the 210 tracks may decrease gradually such that the portion of the periphery of the upper base 214 of the 210 track is narrower than the portion of the upper surface of the 217 track. In one embodiment, the 210 tracks have a flattened face or front surface 212 (see Figure 9). That is, instead of a rounded or angled track, the 210 track can have a flat face 212. In other embodiments, the 210 tracks can be rounded (i.e., semicircular, semicylindrical) or angled (i.e., triangular). In certain embodiments, the 210 tracks can be irregular in profile. Other shapes and configurations are also covered. In one embodiment, tracks 210 may each terminate opposite the upper surface 117, in a cavity 220. Tracks 210 may continue through the periphery portion of the upper base 114, through the position of the flange 120, and may extend beyond and / or below the flange 120 (i.e., below the flange) to form a cavity 220. The cavity 220 may be positioned adjacent to the flange of the base 120, in one embodiment. The cavity 220 may be positioned in and through the flange of the base 120, in one embodiment. While the cavities are analyzed relative to the flange 120, the cavity 220 may alternatively be positioned above or below the flange 120, in any position. Similarly, the cavity 220 may be present even in embodiments that do not include a flange 120. Figure 14 illustrates the underside of the tracks 210 and the cavities 220 on the outer side of the container. As can be seen, the tracks 210 and the cavities 220 can be separated from the periphery portion of the upper base 214 so that the space is positioned between them. The cavity 220, in one configuration, can have a front surface 224, one or more side surfaces 226, a rear surface 228, and a distal surface 222. The front surface 224 can be the one furthest from the hinge 133. The distal surface 222 can be farthest from the portion of the upper surface 217. In one embodiment, the front surface 224 of the cavity 220 extends away from the hinge 133, on the circumference of the flange 120. That is, the front surface 224 of the cavity 220 can be positioned within the circumference of the flange 120. In one embodiment, the front surface 224 of the cavity 220 can be positioned vertically below the flange 120. In one embodiment, the distance between the rear surface 228 and the front surface 224 of the cavity 220 is greater than the depth Ds of the tracks 210. In one embodiment, the distance from the top surface 217 of the tracks 210 to the distal surface 222 of the cavity 220 is equivalent to, or approximately equivalent to, the distance from the distal surface 322 of the rail 310 to the base 324 of the rail 310. In one embodiment, the cavities 220 have a hollow interior. In one embodiment, the cavities 220 may have a rounded distal surface 222. In other embodiments, the distal surface 222 of the cavity 220 may be square, with a flat lower surface and square side walls. In one embodiment, the internal width of the cavities 220 is less than the width of the periphery portion of the upper base 214 and the upper surface portion 217 of the tracks 210. In one embodiment, at least two tracks 210 and at least two corresponding cavities 220 are formed in the base section 102, in the side wall 112 opposite the hinge 133 (i.e., the front wall). In another embodiment, at least two additional tracks 230 are formed in the base section 102, in the side wall 112 nearest the hinge 133 (i.e., the rear wall). In this embodiment, the additional tracks 230 may be positioned adjacent to the hinge 133. In this embodiment, the additional tracks 230 may not have cavities, but may have a different shape and configuration similar to the tracks 210. The additional tracks 230 may terminate at (parallel to) the flange 120. In one embodiment, the distance from the upper surface 237 of the additional tracks 230 to the base or bottom 235 of the additional tracks 230 can be equivalent or substantially equivalent to the distance from the upper surface 332 of the additional rails 330 to the base 334 of the additional rails 330. In one embodiment, the additional tracks 230 can be positioned symmetrically to the additional rails 330. In one embodiment, the additional tracks 230 can be aligned with the additional rails 330. In one embodiment, the invention comprises two additional tracks 230 and two additional rails 330. In one embodiment, the distance from the top surface 237 of the additional tracks 230 to the base or bottom 235 of the additional tracks 230 may be equivalent or substantially equivalent to the distance from the top surface 217 of the tracks 210 to the rim 120. In one embodiment, the additional tracks 230 may be positioned symmetrically to the tracks 210. In one embodiment, the additional tracks 230 may be aligned with the tracks 210. In one embodiment, each of the 210 tracks, 230 additional tracks, 310 rails, and 330 additional rails are aligned and / or parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the 320 teeth of the 310 rails can be formed and configured to fit into the 220 cavities of the 210 tracks. In one embodiment, when the container 100 is in a closed position, the flange of the lid 144 is level with and / or parallel to the flange of the base 120. In one embodiment, when the container is in a closed position, i.e., when the lid section 132 is locked into the base section 102, the tracks 210 and rails 310 engage to reduce and / or inhibit the lateral movement of the lid section 132 relative to the base section 102 in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the base surface 110 and the lid surface 140. In another embodiment, when the container is in a closed position, i.e., when the lid section 132 is locked into the base section 102, the additional tracks 230 and rails 330 engage to inhibit the lateral movement of the lid section 132 relative to the base section 102 in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the base surface 110 and the lid surface 140. In the closed position, the plane of the base surface 110 is parallel to the plane of the surface of lid 140.In one mode, coupling the 210 tracks and 310 rails when the container is in a closed configuration provides additional locking action and / or friction clamping. In use, the lid section 132 pivots to its open position, and the products or other components are placed in the receptacle. In the open or closed position, the teeth 320 and cavities 220 can extend from the lid section 132 and the base section 102, respectively, in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the container access opening. The lid section 132 then pivots to its closed position with the teeth 320 inserted into and / or received by their associated cavities 220. The tracks 210 and rails 310 (and optional additional tracks 230 and additional rails 330) engage with each other. To disengage the teeth 320 and cavities 220, the lid section 132 simply pivots about the hinge 133 to its open position. To ship full containers 100, a plurality of containers 100 can be stacked one on top of the other. The lower (or outer) surface of the base 110 of one container can rest on the upper (or outer) surface of the lid 140 of another container. In such a configuration, lateral movement of the containers can occur within the shipping box or carton in which they are stored. The weight of the stacked containers moving laterally results in lateral forces being applied to the lid 132 portions of the containers below.However, the coupling of tracks 210 and rails 310, teeth 320 and cavities 220, as well as additional tracks 230 and additional rails 330, in one mode, helps to counteract these forces to reduce or inhibit lateral movement of the lid portions with respect to the receptacle in the plane in which the access opening is located. Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of any of the features or what can be claimed, but rather as descriptions of the specific features for particular modalities. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate modalities can also be implemented in combination in a single modality. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single modality can also be implemented in multiple separate modalities or in any suitable subcombination.Furthermore, although it can be described above that the features act in certain combinations and are even initially claimed as such, one or more features of a claimed combination may, in some cases, be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. Thus, the specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions listed in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the specific order shown, or the sequential order, to achieve the desired results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may prove advantageous.

Claims

1. A container apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a base section defining a base surface and one or more side walls extending upwards from the base surface to define a container portion having an upper base periphery, wherein the upper base periphery terminates at an upper surface of the one or more side walls; a base flange projecting outwards from the upper base periphery; a lid section hinged to the base section, the lid section defining a lid surface and a lid periphery, wherein a contact portion of the lid periphery aligns with the upper surface of the upper base periphery when the lid section is in a hinged closed position relative to the base section; and a lid flange projecting outwards from the lid periphery;wherein the periphery of the upper base and the periphery of the lid include an integrally formed rail system comprising: at least one rail extending a length that is at least from the contact portion of the periphery of the lid to the flange of the lid and extending beyond the flange of the lid to define a tooth, wherein: at least one rail has a width and a depth, and the depth of at least one rail extends perpendicular to the length of at least one rail;and at least one track extending a length that is at least from the upper surface of the periphery of the upper base to the rim of the base and extending beyond the rim of the base to define a cavity, wherein: at least one track has a width and a depth, and the depth of at least one track extends perpendicular to the length of at least one track, wherein when the container is in a hinged closed position: at least one rail nests within at least one track; and the tooth nests within the cavity.

2. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the contact portion is parallel to the upper surface of one or more side walls.

3. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that when the container is in a hinged closed position, the contact portion rests on the upper surface of one or more side walls.

4. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that when the container is in a hinged closed position, the rim of the lid is parallel to the rim of the base.

5. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that when the container is in a hinged closed position, the rim of the lid rests on the rim of the base.

6. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that at least one rail extends away from the lid section, and at least one track is embedded in the base section.

7. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises at least two rails.

8. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises at least two tracks.

9. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one locking mechanism.

10. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one rib arranged in the base section.

11. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a hinge connecting the lid section and the base section, wherein at least one rail is placed on the portion of the lid periphery opposite the hinge and at least one track is placed on the portion of the upper base periphery opposite the hinge.

12. The container apparatus according to claim 11, further characterized in that it additionally comprises: at least one additional rail positioned on the portion of the periphery of the lid adjacent to the hinge; and at least one additional track positioned on the portion of the periphery of the upper base adjacent to the hinge, wherein: at least one additional rail extends a length that is at least from the contact portion of the periphery of the lid to the flange of the lid, wherein: at least one additional rail has a width and a depth, and the depth of at least one additional rail extends perpendicular to the length of at least one rail;and at least one additional track extending a length that is at least from the upper surface of the periphery of the upper base to the rim of the base, wherein: at least one additional track has a width and a depth, and the depth of at least one additional track extends perpendicular to the length of at least one track, wherein when the container is in a hinged closed position, at least one additional rail nests within at least one additional track.

13. The container apparatus according to claim 12, further characterized in that at least one additional rail extends away from the lid section, and at least one additional track is embedded in the base section.

14. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises at least two additional rails.

15. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises at least two additional tracks.

16. A container apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a base section defining a base surface and one or more side walls extending upward from the base surface to define a container portion having an upper base periphery, wherein the upper base periphery terminates at an upper surface of the one or more side walls; a base flange projecting outward from the upper base periphery; a hinge connecting the base section to a lid section; the lid section defining a lid surface and a lid periphery, wherein a contact portion of the lid periphery aligns with the upper surface of the upper base periphery when the lid section is in a hinged closed position relative to the base section; and a lid flange projecting outward from the lid periphery;wherein the periphery of the upper base and the periphery of the lid include an integrally formed rail system comprising: at least one rail extending a length that is at least from the contact portion of the periphery of the lid to the flange of the lid and extending beyond the flange of the lid to define a longitudinally extending tooth, wherein: at least one rail has a width and a depth, the depth of at least one rail extends perpendicular to the length of at least one rail, and at least one rail is positioned on the portion of the periphery of the lid opposite the hinge;at least one track extending a length that is at least from the upper surface of the periphery of the upper base to the flange of the base and extending beyond the flange of the base to define a cavity extending longitudinally, wherein: at least one track has a width and a depth, the depth of at least one track extends perpendicular to the length of at least one track, and at least one track is placed on the portion of the periphery of the upper base opposite the hinge, wherein when the container is in a hinged closed position: at least one rail nests within at least one track; and at least one tooth nests within at least one cavity; at least one additional rail placed on the portion of the periphery of the lid adjacent to the hinge;and at least one additional track placed on the portion of the periphery of the upper base adjacent to the hinge, wherein: at least one additional track extends a length that is at least from the contact portion of the periphery of the lid to the flange of the lid, wherein: at least one additional track has a width and a depth, and the depth of at least one additional track extends perpendicular to the length of at least one track;and at least one additional track extending a length that is at least from the upper surface of the periphery of the upper base to the rim of the base, wherein: at least one additional track has a width and a depth, and the depth of at least one additional track extends perpendicular to the length of at least one track, wherein when the container is in a hinged closed position, at least one additional rail nests within at least one additional track.

17. The container apparatus according to claim 16, further characterized in that it comprises at least two rails, at least two additional rails, at least two tracks, and at least two additional tracks.

18. The container apparatus according to claim 17, further characterized in that at least two rails are aligned with at least two tracks, and at least two additional rails are aligned with at least two additional tracks.

19. The container apparatus according to claim 16, further characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one vent located in at least one of the base section and the lid section.

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