Systems and Methods for Packaging

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/632,664, filed Apr. 11, 2024, and titled “Systems and Methods for Packaging,” which is hereby fully incorporated by reference.

Packaging plays an important role in many industries. This includes, for example, industries related to consumer, industrial and medical goods. Packaging generally protects the goods so they can be safely transported from manufacturers to retailers and/or consumers.

In some cases, the packaging must facilitate distribution and storage in a manner that also preserves freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. The packaging protects against spoilage, contamination, and exposure to external factors such as, for example, light, air, and moisture. And, in certain cases, the packaging can include tamper evident indicator(s) that provide or generate a visual indication as to whether the packaging has been tampered with (e.g., opened).

What is desired are improvements in packaging technology including, for example, packaging technology having visual tamper indicators.

This summary presents a simplified overview to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the systems and/or methods discussed herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the systems and/or methods discussed herein. This summary is meant to provide some examples and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter in any way. For example, any feature included in an example of this summary is not required by the claims, unless the claims explicitly recite the feature. Also, the features, components, steps, concepts, etc. described in examples in this summary and elsewhere in this disclosure can be combined in a variety of ways. Various features and steps as described elsewhere in this disclosure can be included in the examples summarized here. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of such systems and/or methods. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Systems and methods for providing tamper evident packaging are provided. The systems and methods include, for example, one or more structures that provide or generate a visual indicator of package tampering. In some implementations, the systems and methods described herein relate to a packaging system, the system including, for example, top/lid and base portions connected together. The top/lid portion being connected to the base portion by a tamper evident assembly.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system including: a lid and a base portion; and a tamper evident assembly including first, second and third portions, the first portion including a plurality of breakable structures connected to the lid portion; the second portion including a projecting bearing surface; the third portion including a hook portion; and wherein the tamper evident assembly includes a first state including the plurality of breakable structures being unbroken and a second state including the plurality of breakable structures being broken.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the hook portion includes a cam surface.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein base portion includes an opening for receiving the hook portion.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the tamper evident assembly is disposed in a recessed space of the lid portion.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the first, second and third portions are disposed on a body of the tamper evident assembly.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the tamper evident assembly is retained by the base portion after the plurality of breakable structures are broken.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system further including a nozzle portion connected to the base portion.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the second portion is disposed between the first and third portions.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the projecting bearing surface bears against a support surface of the base portion.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the tamper evident assembly includes an arcuate body.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system including: a base portion and a nozzle portion; the base portion including: an opening for receiving the nozzle portion and first and second nozzle mounting portions, the first nozzle mounting portion including a first wall that is received with a recess of the nozzle portion to orient the nozzle portion for insertion into the base portion; and the second nozzle mounting portion including a second wall that is received within a neck portion of the nozzle portion; and wherein the first nozzle portion and second nozzle portion include a snap fit connection that maintains the base portion and nozzle portion connected together.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the first wall includes an arcuate shape.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the recess of the nozzle portion includes an arcuate shape.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the nozzle portion includes a locking bead portion that bears against the second wall.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the nozzle portion further includes a dispensing portion and wherein the neck portion is at least partially recessed from the dispensing portion.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the opening of the base portion includes a first size and a second larger size during insertion of the nozzle portion.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein second nozzle mounting portion includes first orientation and second orientation that is a flexed orientation during insertion of the nozzle portion.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the nozzle portion includes a tapered surface that bears against the second nozzle mounting portion during insertion.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the first wall limits the insertion distance of the nozzle portion into the base portion.

In some aspects, the implementations described herein relate to a packaging system wherein the first wall limits rotation of the nozzle portion with respect to the base portion during insertion. Other implementations and examples are described throughout the disclosure and thus this summary is not intended to be limit the disclosure in any way.

The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate example implementations of the present disclosure. Other implementations having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.

Various technologies pertaining to packaging systems and methods are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a non-limiting description of one or more aspects of the disclosure. Further, it is to be understood that functionality that is described as being carried out by certain system or assembly components may be performed by multiple components. Similarly, for instance, a component may be configured to perform functionality that is described as being carried out by multiple components. Further, when two components are described as being connected, coupled, joined, affixed, in physical communication, etc., it is to be understood that one or more intervening components or parts can be included in such association.

Moreover, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” (or other similar phrases) is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

The terms “top” and “bottom,” or “upper” and “lower,” are used herein for identification purposes. Similarly, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein for identification purposes. It is contemplated that components disclosed herein can be oriented in substantially any manner or order consistent with the disclosure. For instance, a top surface need not be above a bottom surface, unless specifically identified in that spatial relationship by the disclosure. Similarly, a “first” component need not come before a “second” or “third” component. Further, as used herein, the term “exemplary” is intended to mean “serving as an illustration or example of something.”

Systems and methods for packaging are provided that include, for example, visual tamper indicator(s). In some implementations, the visual tamper indicator(s) are retained or tethered with the product (versus being separately discarded from the product or packaging). This helps to lower environmental waste and enhances recycling as the packaging components remain together. In other implementations, the visual tamper indicator(s) need not remain with the product.

In one implementation, the systems and methods include a tamper evident band or strip assembly. The assembly includes a visual untampered (or closed) state and a visual tampered (or open) state. In the visual untampered state, the assembly includes at least one band or strip body that is connected to a lid portion of the product packaging via one or more breakable tabs. In the unbroken tab state, the assembly provides or generates a visual untampered indicator state. Also in this state, in some implementations, the band or strip body includes a snap fit or snap lock (or interference fit) arrangement connecting the body to a base portion of the packaging that maintains the body with the base portion. The snap fit or snap lock arrangement can include, for example, one or more cantilevers, lugs, or projections having interlocking beads or bosses thereon. The beads or bosses can be in the form of, for example, projections such as hooks, channels, studs, etc., or any shape allows an interlocking snap fit arrangement. In this closed state, the packaging is maintained in an unopened and untampered state.

In the visual tampered state (or open state), the one or more breakable tabs are torn, broken, or disconnected, allowing the band or strip body to disengage or unlock from the lid portion. This frees or unlocks the lid portion of the packaging allowing it to open. The broken tabs provide or generate a visual tamper indication since the product packaging is no longer locked and can be opened. The band or strip body is retained or remains tethered or connected to the product packaging via, for example, the snap fit or snap lock arrangement with the base portion on the product packaging.

In another implementation, a dispensing or nozzle portion of the packaging is connected to the base portion via snap fit or snap lock arrangement. The nozzle and base portions are provided with interlocking bearing and guide surfaces or walls. This provides for a simpler assembly structure and correspondingly less complex molding and tooling for manufacturing the components of the assembly.

Referring now to, one implementation of a packaging systemis shown in perspective view. Packaging systemis shown in the closed or visual untampered state. Packaging systemincludes, for example, lid portion, base portion, and nozzle portion(e.g., see). Packaging systemalso includes tamper evident portion, which will be described in more detail. Packaging systemcan be used, for example, to hold and dispense paste or other soft materials. This includes pastes such as toothpaste, gels, food products, cleaning products, hygiene products, adhesives, glues, etc. Other soft materials may also be packaged and dispensed.

is a perspective view of packaging systemin the open or visual tampered state. In this state, lid portionhas been opened by, for example, breaking the tabs in tamper evident portion. Lid portioncan be hinged to base portionto allow lid portionto pivot open for dispensing material and closed for withholding the material (e.g., see hingein). In other implementations, lid portionmay screw on and off base portioninstead of a hinge connection. In any event, the broken tabs in tamper evident portionprovide a visual tamper indication because, once broken, the tabs cannot be reconnected to lid portion.

show top, side and bottom views, respectively, of packaging systemprior to initial assembly or closure. Lid portionincludes a tamper evident assembly having first portion, second portion, and third portion. Second portionincludes a band or strip bodyand third portionincludes a projecting portion. Base portionincludes a support or bearing surfaceand an openingfor receiving at least a part of projecting portion. As will be described in more detail later, these components form a snap fit or snap lock arrangement that connects or fixates the tamper evident assembly to the base portion. In this implementation, band or strip body, projecting portion, support or bearing surface, and openingare arcuate in shape. In other embodiments, they need not be arcuate but can be substantially straight. Moreover, the arcuate shape need not be smooth, but can include one more substantially straight sections with angles therebetween (e.g., partial polygon(s)) that approximate an arcuate shape. Other shapes and configurations are also possible.

Lid portionincludes a notch, cut-out or recessed spacewhere the tamper evident assembly (e.g., band or strip body, etc.) is initially placed or formed. Spaceis bound by wallsand. Within space, the tamper evident assembly is connected or fixated to lid portionby first portion, which includes one or more tabs or tab-like structures,,, and. While these structures are shown as tabs, they can be any structure or shape that can be broken or torn to release lid portionso that it can open after assembly to base portion. In other implementations, band or strip bodycan be connected to lid portionvia, for example, a row of breakable perforations. Lid portionalso includes an extension portion, which can be used to be pushed against to lift open the lid. A nozzle cap portioncan also be provided to close the dispensing nozzle when lid portionis in the closed state (e.g., see cap wallin). In one implementation, lid portionis formed or molded (e.g., via, for example, plastic injection molding) with tamper evident portionas a component thereof. In other implementations, tamper evident portioncan be formed separately from lid portionand connected or affixed thereto via any suitable arrangement including adhesives, welding, interference fit, etc.

Base portionincludes support or bearing surface, opening, nozzle opening, and surface. As previously described, support or bearing surfaceand openingwork with band or strip bodyand projecting portionto form one implementation of a tamper evident feature. Nozzle openingallows a dispensing nozzle of nozzle portionto project therethrough (e.g., see). Surfaceis a tapered surface provided for ergonomics to facilitate a user's thumb or finger action in opening the lid portionof packaging system. As previously described, base portioncan be connected to lid portionvia any number of arrangements including, for example, hinged connection. Hingecan include one or more hinges made of thin plastic material which can flex or bend repeatedly without breaking to allow lid portionto open and close with respect to nozzle portionand/or base portion. In other implementations, base portionand lid portioncan be connected together via a threaded arrangement whereby lid portioncan be unthreaded or unscrewed from base portion.

show side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of nozzle portion. Nozzle portionis connected to a container or package body having the substance to be dispensed. Nozzle portionincludes base or shoulder portion, neck portion, and nozzle. Base or shoulder portionincludes base walland tapered wall. Neck portionincludes wall, bearing recess, and extension wall. Nozzleincludes bearing surface, tapered surface, and openingfor dispensing material. Nozzle portionalso includes corresponding interior components including inner tapered wall, bearing wall, and inner tapered wall. As will be described in more detail, in one implementation, nozzle portionand base portionare configured to be connected to each other via a snap fit or snap lock arrangement. In other implementations, other connecting arrangements can be used including, for example, threaded connections, adhesives or glues, heat welding, etc.

is a cross-sectional view of base portiontaken along section lines shown in. As previously described, base portionis arranged to connect or be fixated to nozzle portionvia, in one implementation, a snap fit or snap lock arrangement. Base portionincludes first nozzle mounting portionand second nozzle mounting portion. In one implementation, first nozzle mounting portionincludes tapered wall, bearing walland wall. Second nozzle mounting portionincludes tapered walland bearing wall.

is a cross-sectional view of nozzle portiontaken along section lines shown in. In, the exterior of nozzle portionfurther includes guide walland bearing wallin neck portion. The snap fit or snap lock arrangement between base portionand nozzle portionwill be described more fully in connection with.

illustrate front, top, side, and bottom views, respectively, of the implementation ofin the closed or visual untampered state. In this state, lid portionis securely connected to base portionvia tamper evident portion(e.g., band or strip bodyand tab structures-.) Band or strip bodyis connected to lid portionvia tab structures-and is securely connected to base portionvia the previously described snap fit or snap lock arrangement. Thus, lid portionis closed and remains closed until tab structures-are torn or broken, which then provides a visual indication of tampering (or opening lid portion).

is a cross-sectional view taken through the section lines shown inandis a magnified view of the section indicated in. Referring now to, the tamper evident assemblywill be described in connection with the closed or visual untampered state. In one implementation, band or strip bodyincludes a tab portion and a snap fit (or snap lock) portion. The tab portion includes body wallfrom which tab structures,,, andextend and connect to wallof lid portion. The snap fit or snap lock portion includes, for example, body wallfrom which projects a bead or lug wall. Bead or lug wall, along with walland bearing wall, form a bead or lug that outwardly projects from the tamper evident assembly. Bearing wallconnects to extension wall, which in one implementation has a second bead or lug structure that can be in the form of a hook portion. The second bead or lug structure includes a cam or tapered wallopposite the hook extension.

So formed, tamper evident portionis inserted into openingin base portionby inserting the hook portiontherein. In order to form the snap fit or snap lock connection, openingis sized slightly smaller than hook portion. As hook portionis inserted into opening, cam or tapered wallcauses openingto slightly expand until hook portionpasses therethrough. Once hook portionpasses through, openingreturns to its original size. The insertion depth of hook portionis limited by bearing wallof tamper evident portionmaking contact with bearing wallof base portion. Once inserted, hook portioncannot be withdrawn because surfaceof hook portionbears against projecting surfaceof base portion. Surfaceof base portionforms an opposite bead, lug or hook to lock or prevent hook portionfrom withdrawal from base portion. In one implementation, lid portion, base portion, nozzle portion, and tamper evident portionare made of a resilient material such as plastic or similar material, which can flex or bend without breaking and can accommodate the snap fit or snap lock arrangements disclosed herein. Thus, in this manner, lid portionis initially closed against base portionthereby presenting tamper evident portionin the closed or visual untampered state.

is a cross-sectional view of packaging systemtaken along the section line shown in.is a similar cross-section but in perspective view. As previously described, base portionand nozzle portionare connected to each other. In one implementation, the connection is via a snap fit or snap lock (or interference fit) arrangement. This is accomplished by inserting nozzlethrough openingin base portion. Nozzleis tapered via surfaceand gets progressively larger away from the dispensing end of the nozzle. Nozzle openingin base portionis sized slightly smaller than the base portion of nozzle. However, as nozzleis inserted, tapered surfaceacts as a cam to flexibly widen nozzle openingso nozzlecan pass therethrough and then return or snap back to its original size and shape thereafter. In one implementation, wall(and second nozzle mounting portion) has a first orientation (e.g., as shown in) and a second, flexed orientation (e.g., flexed upward) whereby nozzle openingis enlarged during insertion of nozzle portion. Nozzleis retained in position by bearing surfaceof nozzlebearing against wallof first nozzle mounting portionof base portion. So formed, tapered surfaceand surfaceform a locking bead, projection or lug that connects with first nozzle mounting portion.

Further movement of nozzle portionin the outward direction is restricted by second nozzle mounting portionthat includes bearing wall, which bears against wallof nozzle portion. As shown particularly in, wallsare received within bearing recesses. During nozzle portioninsertion, wallsand bearing recessesalso act as orientation and locating structures to orient and locate nozzle portionwith respect to base portionto provide for proper insertion and snap fit/lock connection. Wallsand bearing recessesalso cooperate to limit the insertion distance of nozzle portioninto base portionand the rotation of each component with respect to the other. In the implementation shown, wallsand bearing recesseshave curved or arched shapes. In other implementations, different shapes can be used including, for example, one or more structures that are straight (and/or channel-like), triangular, rectangular, partially polygonal. Further yet, wallscan include a projection (e.g., a bead, lug, hook, etc.) that is received within a space in bearing recessesto form an (additional) snap fit/lock arrangement. Also, tapered wallcan be in the form of one or more braces or supports that structurally strengthen first nozzle mounting portion. Thus, first nozzle mounting portionand second nozzle mounting portionof base portioncooperate with bearing surfaces in nozzle portionto fixate nozzle portionin position through a snap fit or snap lock (or interference fit) arrangement after the insertion process is complete.

During this insertion process, bearing recesseson nozzle portioncontact correspondingly shaped projecting wallson base portionto guide and fixate the two components (i.e., nozzle portionand base portion) as the insertion process is performed. In one implementation, bearing recessesare recessed portions with elliptical or partially elliptical shapes and projecting wallshave a similar shape except they project in a manner so that they can be received partially or fully with recesses. Shapes other can elliptical can also be used including, for example, circular or partial circular, polygonal and partially polygonal, etc. The exact shape is not critical so long as a guiding, orientation, and/or fixation function is provided between the nozzle portionand base portion.

illustrate top, side, bottom and front views, respectively, of the implementation ofin the open or visual tampered state. Prior to this state, lid portionwas closed and securely connected to base portionvia tamper evident portion(e.g., band or strip bodyand tab structures-.) In order to open lid portion, tab structures-have to be torn or broken thereby providing a visual tampered state indication.

illustrate cross-section and magnified views of packaging systemtaken along the section line shown inwith packaging systemin the open or visual tampered state. From, it can be seen that tamper evident portionremains with base portionafter lid portionhas been opened. Tab structures,,, andhave been torn or broken to allow lid portionto open. Tamper evident portionremains with base portionby virtue of the previously described snap fit or snap lock (or interference fit) arrangement. Lid portioncan be returned to the closed state but tab structures,,, andwill remain torn or broken so as to not change the visual tamper indication.