Abstract: A unique, multi-purpose, reusable and disposable product holding and displaying container system is achieved by providing a base member which incorporates locking means and a product display member which comprises a product holding zone and locking means constructed for rapid engagement and disengagement with the locking means of the base member. In the preferred embodiment, the product holding and displaying container system is formed from thermoformed or vacuum-formed plastic material, and is constructed to hold any desired product, particularly, baked goods and rack or hook display items. In one embodiment, the container system is constructed for being completely separated from any support panel, thereby providing a container which is easily reused for product storage until the product is fully consumed.

Abstract: Latching structure for thermoformed plastic containers for food and the like wherein the lid and base of the containers are each provided with mating male and female elongated elements where the locking takes place by interengaging S-shaped sidewalls along the longer sides of the elongated elements, and the shorter sides are spaced from each other to preclude interference during opening and closing.

Abstract: More facile closure of a food tray having a lid portion, a tray portion, cylindrical female locking elements disposed about a peripheral flange of the lid portion and cylindrical male locking elements disposed about a peripheral flange of the tray portion is accomplished by providing the female elements with axial ribs that both stiffen the female element with respect to closing pressure applied thereto and allow otherwise entrapped air within the female element to escape during insertion of the male element. Raised lands disposed about the peripheral flange of the lid portion adjacent the female elements act to divert a portion of the closing pressure applied, e.g., by a user's thumb, away from the closed end of the female element, thereby limiting deformation of the female element. A concave end surface of the female element also acts to alleviate deformation thereof. These various features are advantageously used either alone, or in concert with one another.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an upright cylindrical element or peg on the horizontal flange of a tray which is received in snap, reversible locking engagement within the closed bore of a cylindrical female element provided in a corresponding location on the horizontal flange on a lid so that the lid and tray can be firmly and securely locked together. The male and female elements are formed during the thermoforming process used to form the lid and tray wherein the peg or male snap part is provided with an enlarged diameter portion at its closed top end or head which is received in snap engagement past a smaller diameter annular rim formed in the opening to the bore of the female cylindrical element. The female element also includes a side wall which is tapered from bottom to top for receiving the head of the peg or mating cylindrical male element which snaps over and past the annular rim.