Container Base and Lid Planar Areas for Flat Label Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional thermoformed containers with hinged lids require 'wrap around' labels, which are difficult to apply with automated equipment and can obstruct the view or be inadequate for tamper evidence, especially on larger containers.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a base and lid with planar areas that create a substantially flat surface for adhesive label application, allowing for flat label application and tamper evidence without obstructing the view, suitable for various shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a wrap around label is used to secure the lid to the base, then the lid can be sealed to the base, but automated equipment cannot efficiently apply the label and the label obstructs the consumer's view
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into two separate hinged parts instead of a single continuous lid. This segmentation creates distinct planar areas on each lid part that can be aligned with corresponding planar areas on the base, enabling flat label application while maintaining security sealing. The segmented design allows automated equipment to apply flat labels efficiently without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional wrap-around three-dimensional label configuration to a flat two-dimensional label application area. By creating planar areas on the lid parts that align with the base, the label can be applied flat rather than wrapped around contours, enabling efficient automated application while preserving consumer visibility.
2Productivity
If a flat label is applied to the lid, then automated equipment can efficiently apply the label and the consumer's view is not obstructed, but the label may not provide adequate tamper evidence on larger containers
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into two hinged parts, each with its own planar area. This allows the label to be applied flat across both lid parts and the base, creating an extended tamper evidence area that spans multiple surfaces. The segmented design enables the label to provide adequate tamper evidence on larger containers while maintaining flat configuration for efficient automated application.
3Reliability
If the label size is increased to provide adequate tamper evidence on larger containers, then tamper evidence effectiveness is improved, but label cost increases and the label may obstruct the consumer's view
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lid into two parts with separate planar areas, the invention creates multiple label application zones that can be aligned with the base. This segmentation allows the tamper evidence label to be distributed across multiple flat areas rather than requiring a single large label, reducing material costs while maintaining adequate tamper evidence coverage and consumer visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments provide a container of the type to hold fresh food or produce. Container has a base and a lid moveable with respect to the base between an open position and a closed position. The lid has a planar area. The base has a second planar area. In the closed position, the first planar and the second planar area include a substantially flat area suitable for receipt of an adhesive membrane, such as a self-adhesive label. The substantially flat area includes an edge of the first planar area and at least part of the second planar area.