Paper Clamshell Containers with Integrated Locking and Gusseted Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current food storage and transportation containers, particularly in the take-out industry, face challenges in securely holding food and preventing early or inadvertent opening, while also needing to be made from degradable or recyclable materials that prevent leakage.
Innovation Solution
The development of clamshell containers formed from paperboard blanks, featuring a hingedly connected tray and lid with locking mechanisms, such as tab-and-slit configurations and detent systems, to securely close and lock the container, and the use of gussets to prevent leakage, along with optional features like zippers for easy opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If containers are made from styrofoam and non-degradable materials to prevent leakage, then leakage prevention is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by treating the paperboard surface with a silane-based crosslinkable composition that undergoes chemical transformation upon exposure to moisture or heat. This changes the physical and chemical parameters of the paperboard, transforming it from a naturally absorbent material to one with enhanced liquid resistance, thereby achieving leakage prevention without using non-degradable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining paperboard (a degradable natural material) with a silane-based crosslinkable composition. The silane treatment forms a crosslinked network within the paperboard structure, creating a composite that maintains the degradable nature of paperboard while adding liquid-resistant properties, thus resolving the contradiction between sustainability and leakage prevention.
2Reliability
If locking mechanisms are added to secure the container, then food security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function and locking function into a single integrated structure. The rim of the container serves dual purposes: it provides the sealing surface when pressed against the lid, and it incorporates the locking mechanism through interlocking features. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing elements and locking components, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining food security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the pressing motion of closing the container. When the lid is pressed down, the rim automatically engages with the locking features on the container body, securing the food without requiring additional manual locking actions. The structure serves itself by converting the closing motion into both sealing and locking functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Blanks for forming clamshell containers and the resulting clamshell containers are described. The clamshell containers include a tray and a lid that are hingedly connected together. The tray is liquid tight, and typically includes gussets on each corner to prevent leakage. The lid and tray can be locked via at least one locking mechanism, optionally two different locking mechanisms. A first locking mechanism involves a front panel on the tray, with an extension portion that terminates in a hook or tab. The extension portion can fold over the front panel of the lid, and the hook or tabs slide into a slit(s) on the top of the lid. An optional second locking mechanism involves lid detents and tray detents. In some embodiments, in the locked position, the lid detents are underneath the tray detents and the tray detents retain the lid detents in place until a force is applied.