Clamshell container with tear-away lid
US5897011A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D2401/60
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A clamshell container for food is formed of a single sheet of thermoplastic material thermoformed to have a concave base with an upwardly extending sidewall with an outwardly extending peripheral flange. A hinge attachment segment extends outwardly from the base flange, and a lid is connected to the hinge attachment segment along an integral hinge which allows pivoting of the lid to cover and uncover the base. Intermittent perforations in the plastic define a line of weakened material between the base flange and the hinge attachment segment. A tab extends from the hinge attachment segment. Pulling on the tab causes the hinge attachment segment to separate from the base flange along the line of weakened material, to thereby remove the lid from the base, leaving a dining dish which has insubstantial indications of its former connection to a lid, thereby better simulating conventional dinnerware. The hinge is preferably formed with stiffening hinge walls which, while not interfering with the hinging of the lid over the base, contribute to the stiffness of the hinge when it is torn from the base.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.