Tamper-evident packaging system

Abstract

A container system suitable for food can comprise a tray, a lid and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may comprise locking means, means to impede access to the locking means and a skirt with a skirt edge. A container system can comprise a tray, a lid, an aperture, a flap and an activation member. The activation member of the a first container system can be configured to release heated gases from a second container system by depressing the flap of the second system when the first system is stacked on top the second system. The container system can also comprise a dome surface, at least one stacking rib and an aperture surface. The aperture surface can comprise the aperture and flap. The aperture surface can be at least partially above the dome surface and below the at least one stacking rib. The aperture surface may be sloped.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field[0002]Disclosed are container systems for foodstuffs. This disclosure relates to a food packaging containment system that is suitable for heated food items such as rotisserie chicken and the like. The system can include a tray compartment, a lid member and a tamper-evident locking mechanism. The disclosure also relates to a food containment system that can include a tray compartment, a lid member and structures for release of heated gases.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Packaging for food (e.g., packaging for roasted chickens) has various drawbacks. For example, many chicken roaster packages lack a means whereby a consumer can know whether the packaging has been tampered with. Release of heated gases has also been a problem. Packages can sometimes be too hot to carry conveniently.SUMMARY[0005]In some embodiments, a container system suitable for food comprises a tray member with a first connection lip, a lid member with a second connection lip con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]Some embodiments encompass a method of making a tamper-evident food container system. The method may comprise providing a first container portion of a lid formed from a single piece of material, the lid having an outward lid extension substantially surrounding the perimeter thereof. Providing a second container portion comprising a tray formed from a single piece of material, the tray having an outward tray extension substantially surrounding the perimeter thereof. Establishing an enclosed space by positioning the lid and the tray together with the outward lid extension and the outward tray extension abutting each other around substantially the full perimeter of the enclosed space and securing the lid to the tray by inserting a male portion of a locking mechanism of one container portion into a female portion of a locking mechanism in the other container portion at a securement complex. Further securing the lid to the tray at the securement complex by folding a portion of the long outward extension of one container portion over a sandwiched section of the outward extension of the other container portion and preventing future undetected tampering by causing a pull tab to protrude from the side of the food-container system, the pull tab configured to permanently separate from the container portion when the tab is pulled with sufficient force to separate the lid from the tray.

Problems solved by technology

For example, many chicken roaster packages lack a means whereby a consumer can know whether the packaging has been tampered with.

Release of heated gases has also been a problem.

Packages can sometimes be too hot to carry conveniently.

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