Container Closure System

Abstract

A system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper surface of the lid. The system comprises a substantially planar surface supporting the base portion of the container and a sealing mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid of the container and to exert a closing force on the lid in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by attaching the lid to the sidewall.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a closure device for containers. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an adjustable system for securely sealing a wide variety of tamper evident, tamper resistant plastic containers.

2. Description of Related Art

Transparent, plastic containers are commonly used in the food industry for packaging food products of all kinds. Typically, plastic containers will include a fairly rigid lid, sidewall, and base, although each of these structures may be subject to some amount of flexure.

It has been shown that consumers like resealable, air-tight containers, particularly for use with food products. The ability to reseal the container helps protect food items from contamination and helps keep the food items fresh longer. Consumers and retailers have also shown a preference for transparent plastic containers having tamper-resistant/evident features allowing a prospective purchaser to not only visually inspect the product before purchase, but also to readily recognize and reject a container that has been opened or otherwise tampered with. Resealable plastic containers with tamper-resistant/evident features are also desirable for non-food applications. The lid of such a resealable, tamper-resistant/evident container must be capable of properly and effectively sealing the container by engaging the sidewall of the container throughout its periphery.

Devices for closing and sealing plastic containers are known in the art. To assist producers in efficiently and economically package their food products, many different container filling and closing systems have been developed. One such system seals containers through the use of a heating element. Other systems have been developed to automatically close containers having locking mechanisms such as projections or buttons that are snapped into mating wells. These prior art systems have not proven sufficient for closing an air-tight, resealable, and tamper-resistant container.

One of the reasons for this is the inability of prior art container closing systems to apply a uniform closing force to the entire lid of a container to form an air-tight and tamper resistant seal. Typically, prior art systems employed to close containers with locking elements advance the locking elements of the containers through fastening wheels or rotating belts which force the locking elements into engagement with each other. However, this type of system may not apply a sufficiently uniform closing force needed to seal an air tight, tamper-resistant container.

Similar prior art problems exist with the systems employed to close perimeter seal containers. In these systems, belt drive members are employed to contact the top of the container in an attempt to force the lid downwardly into locked engagement with the base. These systems may apply insufficient pressure to the containers, leaving the seals open or disengaged in certain areas. Additionally, these prior art systems may apply excess pressure, causing the containers to buckle or deform. As a result, containers may be left partially closed and/or crushed.

Although the prior-art container closure systems are adjustable for use with different sizes of containers, making such adjustments has typically been time consuming and difficult, resulting in frustration on the part of a user and ultimately wasted time.

Thus, there is a compelling interest in the development of container closure systems capable of automatically and reliably closing air-tight, resealable, tamper-evident containers. There is also a need for container closure systems that can be quickly and accurately adjusted to close containers of different sizes and shapes. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to container closure systems that meet these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and become apparent from the description that follows. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied herein, the invention includes a system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper surface of the lid. The system comprises a substantially planar surface supporting the base portion of the container and a sealing mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid of the container and to exert a closing force on the lid in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by attaching the lid to the sidewall.

The invention also includes a system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper surface of the lid. The system includes a sealing mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid portion and to exert a closing force in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by attaching the lid to the base, and a gripping mechanism movable from an open position to a closed position. In the open position, the gripping mechanism is remote from the container. In the closed position, the gripping mechanism surrounds and supports the sidewall of the container while the sealing mechanism exerts the closing force.

The invention also includes a method for sealing tamper-evident containers, each container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on the upper surface of the lid. The method includes the steps of moving a container along the length of a support structure using a conveyor belt, sensing the presence of the container at a predetermined position along the length of the support structure by means of a sensor, stopping the conveyor belt when the container reaches the predetermined position, moving a pair of opposed gripping supports in a plane parallel to an upper surface of the conveyor belt from an open position to a closed position to surround and support an upper periphery of the container sidewall, and sealing the container by press fitting the lid of the container to the sidewall of the container to form a substantially tamper-resistant seal by applying a closing force to the peripheral groove of the lid by means of a sealing mechanism having a peripheral flange configured to mate with the peripheral groove.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an automatic container closure system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a resealable, tamper-resistant container with a substantially rectangular cross-section.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a resealable, tamper-resistant container with a substantially square cross-section.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a resealable, tamper-resistant container with a substantially circular cross-section.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container closure system of FIG. 1, showing the sealing mechanism in a first position remote from a container and the gripping mechanism in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the container closure system of FIG. 1, showing the sealing mechanism in a second position in engagement with a container and the gripping mechanism in a closed position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sealing mechanism having a continuous flange, for use with a container closure system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sealing mechanism having a plurality of flanges, for use with a container closure system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of circular sealing mechanism for use with the container closure system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sealing mechanism that includes a button structure and a flexible arm structure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of rectangular c-shaped supports of the gripping mechanism for use with the container closure system of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of circular c-shaped supports of the gripping mechanism for use with the container closure system of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reorientation mechanism for use in the container closure system of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of manual container closure system of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of manual container closure system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the container closure system, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The present invention includes an automatic container closing system including a powered conveyor featuring components that will close all varieties of resealable and tamper-resistant/evident containers. The unique system purges excess air from the containers and reliably engages all primary and secondary locks. The modular design allows quick and easy changeover between container sizes. The automatic container closing system is also adaptable for use with other clamshell containers as well as other systems such as systems to apply top, bottom, side or wrap labels to the containers. The present invention also includes a manual container closing system that can close all varieties of tamper evident, tamper resistant containers, as well as other types of containers.

For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of the automatic container closure system in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by reference numeral 20. System 20 includes a conveyor belt 22 mounted on a support structure 24. Support structure 24 is adjustable, enabling conveyor belt 22 to be raised or lowered to accommodate different sizes of containers and/or to interface with other systems. Conveyor belt 22 comprises a continuous belt on which the product containers are positioned and advanced for secure affixation of the lid to the base. In addition, conveyor belt 22 is preferably constructed to be driven at variable speeds, which can be selected by an operator of system 20.

System 20 may be used to securely close a wide variety of containers of many different shapes and sizes. System 20 is particularly well suited for closing resealable, tamper-resistant containers having tamper-evident features, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,680 to Boback and U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,003 to Sellari. Examples of such containers are illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4. FIG. 2 illustrates a substantially rectangular container 10 including a base portion 12, a sidewall 14 extending upward from the base portion, and a lid 16. The lid includes a peripheral groove 18 formed in the lid near the edges of an upper surface of the lid. FIG. 3 illustrates a substantially rectangular container 10, which also includes a base portion 12, a sidewall 14, a lid 16, and a peripheral groove in the lid. FIG. 4 illustrates a container 10 that includes the above features with a substantially circular cross-section.

Each of the above embodiments of container 10 may be of the clamshell type, with a hinge connecting the lid to the sidewalls. Alternately, containers 10 may have separate lid portions that are not hingedly connected to the sidewall or the base portion.

In use, container 10 is filled with food or other products that would benefit from an air-tight, tamper-resistant seal, and the container is closed by attaching lid 16 to the sidewall 14. Both sidewall 14 and lid 16 include structural features that facilitate the formation of a non-permanent but tamper-resistant engagement between lid 16 and sidewall 14. In one exemplary embodiment, system 20 is configured to securely close containers that are rectangular in shape. However, system 20 may be configured for use with containers of any suitable size or shape, including a container having a cross-section that is substantially circular, square, polygonal, or oval.

Support structure 24 of system 20 may include a plurality of support members 26 fastened together by screws, bolts, or any other suitable means and positioned to support the component parts of system 20. In one exemplary embodiment, support structure 24 includes wheels 28 that facilitate moving support structure 24 from one place to another. Advantageously, system 20 is fully adjustable with component parts that are easily interchangeable, allowing system 20 to more readily be used as part of a larger production line. Conveyor belt 22 is configured to interface with other systems and/or apparatus. For example, system 20 may be used in conjunction with a universal automated plastic container closing system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,308 to Dyke, and/or a label applying apparatus as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,322 to Landan. System 20 may form a part of a complete product assembly and packaging line. For example, system 20 may be used in conjunction with a de-nesting apparatus, a transport conveyor belt, a labeler, a check weigher, a metal detector, and a case taper. Such a system would allow for quick, accurate, and efficient assembly and packaging of food products.

As shown in FIG. 1, system 20 includes a sealing assembly 30 movably attached to support structure 24 directly above conveyor belt 22. Sealing assembly 30 includes an extension arm 32 with a first end 34 and a second end 36. Extension arm 32 is connected to an overhead support member 26 at the first end 34 and connected to a mounting fixture 38 at second end 36. Mounting fixture 38 is configured to removable mount a sealing mechanism 40 to second end 36 of extension arm 32.

Sealing mechanism 40 also includes a mounting section 46 on an upper surface 48. Mounting section 46 is removably attachable to mounting fixture 38 of extension arm 32. In one exemplary embodiment, mounting section 46 includes a plurality of slots that slidably engage a plurality of corresponding protrusions on mounting fixture 38. A lever 54 forming part of mounting fixture 38 can then be adjusted to tighten mounting fixture 38 and securely attach sealing mechanism 40 to extension arm 32. Advantageously, this configuration allows system 20 to be used with interchangeable sealing mechanisms 40. That is, sealing mechanisms 40 of many different shapes and sizes can be quickly attached and secured to extension arm 32 without the need for further adjustment of system 20.

Extension arm 32 moves reciprocally along a vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to an upper surface 58 of conveyor belt 22. As container 10 moves along conveyor belt 22, extension arm 32 moves from a first position, as shown in FIG. 5, where sealing mechanism 40 is remote from container 10, to a second position, as shown in FIG. 6, where sealing mechanism 40 contacts container 10 and is positioned to apply a closing force to lid 16 of container 10.

In one exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, sealing mechanism 40 is a plate-like structure having a bottom surface 42 with a peripheral flange 44 extending downward from the bottom surface 42.

As extension arm 32 moves downward, peripheral flange 44 of sealing mechanism 40 engages peripheral groove 18 of container 10, applying the closing force to the container via the peripheral groove. Peripheral flange 44 of sealing mechanism 40 applies the closing force in an even and uniform manner and in a direction perpendicular to upper surface 58 of conveyor belt 22 to securely close container 10 by forming a non-permanent but tamper-resistant engagement between lid portion 16 and sidewall 14. Sealing mechanism 40 may be interchangeable and/or adjustable to accommodate different sizes and shapes of containers 10. For example, if container 10 is rectangular in shape, sealing mechanism 40 may be a rectangular plate having a rectangular peripheral flange 40, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Similarly, if container 10 is round in shape with a circular lid and a circular groove, sealing mechanism 40 may be a circular plate, as shown in FIG. 9 having peripheral edge or flange 44 configured to engage the circular groove.

Peripheral flange 44 may be continuous, as shown in FIG. 7, or it may include a plurality of discrete flanges, as shown in FIG. 8, that engage peripheral groove 18. Peripheral flange may also include recesses 60 and/or protrusions 62 to accommodate the shape of container lid 16 and further facilitate attaching the lid to sidewall 14 of container 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, sealing mechanism 40 includes a peripheral flange 44 that is substantially rectangular in shape and has four sides, with two recessed portions 60 located on laterally opposed sides of the peripheral flange, and a protrusion 62 located on one of the remaining sides of the peripheral flange. Peripheral flange 44 may also include rounded or beveled corners, depending on the configuration of peripheral groove 18.

Sealing mechanism 40 may include a button 64 extending downwardly from a central portion of a lower surface of sealing mechanism 40, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Button 64 may be of any suitable shape and size. In one preferred embodiment, button 64 includes a cylindrical base 66 with a first diameter connected to a cylindrical pedestal structure 68 having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, as shown in FIG. 10.

The height of button 64 is preferably greater than the height of peripheral flange 44. That is, button 64 extends from the lower surface of sealing mechanism 40 below the height of peripheral flange 44, such that when extension arm 32 moves from the first position to the second position, button 64 contacts lid 16 of container 10 before peripheral flange 44 engages peripheral groove 18 of lid 16. As peripheral flange 44 exerts a closing force on peripheral groove 18, button 64 exerts a force on a central portion of lid 16, which forces air out of container 10 immediately prior to lid 16 being securely attached to container 10. In one exemplary embodiment, button 64 is constructed of a rigid material such as aluminum or plastic. In another exemplary embodiment, button 64 is constructed of a resilient material that allows for a predetermined amount of deformation of button 64 when the button contacts lid 16.

As shown in FIG. 10, sealing mechanism 40 may also include a flexible arm 70 attached to the central portion of the lower surface of sealing mechanism 40. Flexible arm 70 extends below button 64 such that the flexible arm makes contact with lid 16 of container 10 prior to button 64 making contact with lid 10. Flexible arm 70 functions to stabilize the lid as sealing mechanism 40 moves from the first position to the second position, facilitating the application of a uniform closing force to lid 16. In one exemplary embodiment, flexible arm 70 is tongue-shaped with a curvilinear cross-section along its length and is constructed from a thin, pliable sheet of aluminum or other suitable material. Flexible arm 70 may include a curved section 72 and a contact section 74. Contact section 74 may be relatively flat or it may be a point of inflection on the curvilinear cross-section of flexible arm 70. Contact section 74 is the first portion of flexible arm 70 to contact lid 16. As sealing mechanism 40 moves from the first position to the second position, flexible arm 70 is deflected, allowing button 64 to make contact with the central portion of lid 16 and peripheral flange 44 to engage peripheral groove 18.

Sealing mechanism 40 may be adjustable to accommodate different sizes and shapes of containers, and system 20 may utilize a plurality of interchangeable sealing mechanisms 40. The height of extension arm 32 and/or the distance traveled between the first position and the second position can also be adjusted depending on the height of container 10. Button 64 and flexible arm 70 are removably attached to sealing mechanism 40 such that button 64 and/or flexible arm 70 can easily be adjusted, replaced, or removed altogether. Sealing mechanism 40 is usable with button structures and flexible arm structures of all shapes and sizes.

System 20 also includes a gripping mechanism 76. Gripping mechanism 76 is movable from an open position, as shown in FIG. 5, with gripping mechanism 76 remote from container 10, to a closed position, as shown in FIG. 6, with gripping mechanism 76 surrounding and supporting the sidewall 14 of container 10 while peripheral flange 44 engages the peripheral groove 18 to exert the closing force necessary to sealingly attach lid 16 to container 10.

In the exemplary embodiment, gripping mechanism 76 comprises a pair of opposed c-shaped supports 78, illustrated in FIG. 11. Supports 78 have an interior portion 80 conforming to the shape of one half of an upper periphery of sidewall 14 of container 10 such that when gripping mechanism 76 is in the closed position, supports 78 together form an aperture that corresponds to a perimeter shape of the upper periphery of container 10. For example, supports 78 may form a substantially rectangular aperture, as shown in FIG. 11, to conform to a container having a rectangular shape. Similarly, supports 78 may form a substantially circular aperture, as shown in FIG. 12, to conform to a container having a circular shape.

Sidewall 14 of container may include a peripheral lip 15 integrated into sidewall 14. In one exemplary embodiment, supports 78 are configured to support and completely surround container 10 under peripheral lip 15 while sealing mechanism 40 applies the closing force to sealingly attach lid 16 to container 10.

An exemplary embodiment of a support 78 of gripping mechanism 40 is shown in FIG. 11. In the embodiment shown, support 78 is substantially c-shaped and includes beveled edges 79 to facilitate interaction with container 10. Support 78 also has a series of notches 81 corresponding to the structure of container 10.

Referring again to FIG. 6, Supports 78 are removably mounted on lateral extension arms 82. In one exemplary embodiment, supports 78 are attached to mounting plates 84 having a plurality of slots 86 formed in the mounting plates. Slots 86 formed in mounting plates 84 slidably engage a plurality of protrustions 88 of lateral extension arms 82. A lever 56 forming part of extension arms 82 can then be adjusted to tighten mounting plates 84 and securely attach supports 78 to lateral extension arms 82. This configuration allows an operator of system 20 to easily remove and replace supports 78 to accommodate a variety of containers having a wide range of shapes and sizes.

System 20 preferably includes a controller 90 and a sensor 92, and a plurality of actuators 94. In one exemplary embodiment, controller 90 comprises a programmable logic controller with multiple inputs and output arrangements interacting with the sensor 92 and the plurality of actuators 94. The structure and function of controller 90 is well known in the art and will not be discussed in detail. Controller 90 coordinates the movement of conveyor belt 22, sealing mechanism 40, and gripping mechanism 76. As container 10 is moved along the length of support structure 24 via conveyor belt 22, sensor 92 detects the presence of container 10 at a position directly below the sealing mechanism 40. System 20 may also include a plurality of guide rails 96 that serve to center and align container 10 as it travels along the length of support structure 24. In one exemplary embodiment, guide rails 96 can be easily adjusted using knobs connected to each of the guide rails 96.

In one exemplary embodiment, sensor 92 is a fiber optic photo-eye sensor that projects a beam into the path of container 10 as it is moved along the length of support structure 24. When container 10 interrupts the beam of sensor 92, a signal is sent to controller 90, which in turn stops conveyor belt 22. Sensor 92 may interact with a retractable bar 98 that protrudes across the path of container 10 as the container moves along conveyor belt 22. Retractable bar 98 prevents container 10 from moving further along the conveyor belt. With conveyor belt 22 stopped, controller 90 interfaces with lateral extension arms 82 via actuators 94 to move gripping mechanism 40 from the open position to the closed position. In the open position, supports 78 of gripping mechanism 40 allow container 10 to pass by unimpeded. In the closed position, supports 78 surround the sidewall 14 of container 10 to support and align the container while lid 16 is being securely attached to the container. Once supports 78 of gripping mechanism 76 are in the closed position and are securely supporting container 10, controller 90 interfaces with extension arm 32 via actuators 94 to move sealing mechanism 40 from the first position to the second position to seal the lid 16 to container 10 by engaging peripheral groove 18 with peripheral flange 44 and applying the closing force to lid 16.

When lid 16 has been securely attached to container 10, controller 90 interfaces with actuators 94 to move sealing mechanism 40 from the second position back to the first position and to move gripping mechanism 76 from the closed position back to the open position. Retractable bar 98 is then retracted, and conveyor belt 22 starts moving again, allowing container 10 to continue along the length of support structure 24. Retractable bar 98 then moves back into the initial position, protruding into the path of subsequent containers 10. When the next container 10 contacts retractable bar 98, the process is repeated. System 20 is thus able to reliably seal a large number of containers is a short period of time while effectuating an air-tight, resealable, and tamper-evident seal between the lid and sidewall of each container.

As indicated above, system 20 may be used in conjunction with a labeling device. After container 10 has been sealed by sealing mechanism 40, it may be necessary or advantageous to change the orientation of container 10 in preparation for applying a label or inserting the container into a shipping case. For this reason, system 20 may also include a reorientation mechanism 91, as illustrated in FIG. 13. In one exemplary embodiment, reorientation mechanism 91 includes a spindle 93 having a plurality of prongs 95. As container 10 moves along conveyor belt 22, the container makes contact with one or more of the prongs 95. Spindle 93 may be configured to freely rotate in one direction (either clockwise or counterclockwise) so that as container 10 moves forward, spindle 93 and container 10 are rotated 90 degrees.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13, reorientation mechanism 91 includes a sensor 97 and a motor 99. Spindle 93 is operatively connected to a motor 99, which interfaces with sensor 97 and a controller. Sensor 97 is positioned along conveyor belt 22 to detect when container 10 makes contact with prongs 95 of spindle 93. When container 10 reaches this position, a signal is sent from sensor 97 to the controller, which in turn sends a signal to motor 99 and causes spindle 93 to be rotated 90 degrees. Guide rails 96 may be wider in this section of system 20 to accommodate and assist in the rotation of the containers.

For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of a manual container closure system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 14 and is designated generally by reference numeral 100. System 100 is configured for closing a single container and includes a support structure 102 for securing and supporting the container. Support structure 102 includes an upper plate 104 and a lower plate 106. In one exemplary embodiment, both upper plate 104 and lower plate 106 have apertures configured to receive the container. As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the container 10 includes a base portion 12, a sidewall 14 extending upward from the base portion, and a lid 16 having a peripheral groove 18. Sidewall 14 may include a peripheral lip 15 integrated into the sidewall.

Upper plate 104 and lower plate 106 are positioned substantially parallel to one another. In one exemplary embodiment, upper plate 104 is sized to fit around an upper periphery of sidewall 14 such that peripheral lip 15 rests on an upper surface 105 of upper plate 104. Similarly, lower plate 106 may be configured to fit around a lower periphery of sidewall 14. Alternatively, lower plate 106 may not have an aperture, allowing base portion 12 of container 10 to simply rest on top of lower plate 106.

System 100 also includes sealing mechanism 40, as described above in regard to system 20. Sealing mechanism 40 is connected to support structure 102 via arm 108. Arm 108 is connected to a handle 110, which allows a user to move sealing mechanism 40 from a first position wherein sealing mechanism is remote from the container, to a second position wherein the sealing mechanism engages the lid of the container. While in the second position, a user applies a downward force on handle 110, causing peripheral flange 44 to apply a uniform closing force to peripheral groove 18 of lid 16, effectuating a non-permanent but tamper-resistant engagement between lid 16 and sidewall 14.

System 100 is also adjustable to accommodate containers of different sizes and shapes. Upper plate 104, lower plate 106, and sealing mechanism 40 are removably attached to support structure 102, allowing these components to be interchanged with other components so that system 100 can be adjusted to accommodate different container sizes and shapes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, sealing mechanism 40 of system 100 is configured to close a container 10 having a substantially round cross-section. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. It is envisioned that system 100 could be used with a wide variety of containers, including containers with a substantially rectangular, polygonal, oval, or square cross-section.

Another exemplary embodiment of a manual container closure system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 15 and designated by the reference numeral 101. System 101 includes features similar to both system 100 and system 20. System 101 includes a support structure 102 comprising a base 112 with a plurality of support walls 114 extending upward from base 112. A plate 116 is adjustably positioned between support walls 114. Support walls 114 also include a plurality of shelves 118 configured to allow peripheral lip 15 of container 10 to rest on shelves 118. As with previously described systems, system 101 can be adjusted and the various components of the system changed to accommodate a wide variety of container shapes and sizes. System 101 includes a sealing mechanism 120 connected to an arm 108 and a handle 110. Sealing mechanism 120 that comprises a flat plate for applying the closing force to lid 16 of container 10. However, system 101 can also be used with sealing mechanism 40 as described above with reference to system 100.

The methods and systems of the present invention, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for container closure systems capable of automatically and reliably closing air-tight, resealable, tamper-evident containers. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the systems and methods of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention as outlined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper surface of the lid, the system comprising:

a) a substantially planar surface supporting the base portion of the container; and

b) a sealing mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid portion and to exert a closing force in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by attaching the lid to the base.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral flange is continuous.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral flange comprises a plurality of discrete sections.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism is movable between a first position, wherein the sealing mechanism is remote from the container; and a second position, wherein the peripheral flange engages the peripheral groove and the sealing mechanism is positioned to apply the closing force to the lid of the container.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism further comprises a button extending downwardly from a central portion of the lower surface of the sealing mechanism, the button configured to engage a central portion of the lid and force air out of the container immediately prior to the lid being sealingly attached to the base.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the sealing mechanism further comprises a flexible arm attached to the central portion of the sealing mechanism, the flexible arm extending below the button such that the flexible arm makes contact with the lid of the container prior to the button making contact with the lid of the container.

7. The system of claim 4, further comprising a plate positioned parallel to the substantially planar surface and having an aperture configured to receive and support the upper periphery of the sidewall.

8. The system of claim 4, further comprising a handle connected to the sealing mechanisms and pivotally mounted to the system, the handle configured to allow a user to manually move the sealing mechanism from the first position to the second position and to apply the closing force.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the substantially planar surface has an aperture configured to receive the base portion of the container.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a peripheral lip integrated into the upper periphery of the sidewall, and wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a pair of opposed c-shaped supports configured to support and surround the container under the peripheral lip while the sealing mechanism applies the closing force.

11. A system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper surface of the lid, the system comprising:

a) a sealing mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid portion and to exert a closing force in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by attaching the lid to the base; and

b) a gripping mechanism movable from an open position, wherein the gripping mechanism is remote from the container, to a closed position, wherein the gripping mechanism surrounds and supports the sidewall of the container while the sealing mechanism exerts the closing force.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a conveyor belt mounted on a support table, the conveyor belt supporting the base portion of the container and moving the container along the length of the support table, the sealing mechanism and gripping mechanism being mounted to the support table.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the conveyor belt forms a substantially planar surface and wherein the gripping mechanism moves reciprocally in a plane parallel to the substantially planar surface of the conveyor belt.

14. The system of claim 12, further comprising a controller interfacing with a sensor, the conveyor belt, the gripping mechanism, and the sealing mechanism, wherein the sensor sends a signal to the controller when the container reaches a first point along the length of the table, wherein upon receiving the signal, the controller stops the conveyor belt, causes the gripping mechanism to move from the open position to the closed position, and causes the sealing mechanism to engage the lid of the container to and exert the closing force.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a pair of opposed c-shaped supports, an interior portion of each of the c-shaped supports conforming to the shape of one half of the upper periphery of the container such that when the gripping mechanism is in the closed position, the c-shaped supports together form an aperture that corresponds to a perimeter shape of the upper periphery of the container.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the substantially c-shaped supports are removably attached to the system.

17. The system of claim 15, further comprising actuators for reciprocally moving the c-shaped supports between the open position and the closed position.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the aperture formed by the c-shaped supports when in the closed position is substantially rectangular.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the aperture formed by the c-shaped supports when in the closed position is substantially circular.

20. The system of claim 11, wherein the sealing mechanism is removably attached to the system.

21. The system of claim 11, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a substantially rectangular plate.

22. The system of claim 11, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a substantially circular plate with a concave lower surface.

23. The system of claim 14, further comprising a reorientation mechanism comprising a spindle and a plurality of prongs, wherein the reorientation mechanism rotates the container 90 degrees as it travels along the conveyor belt.

24. A method for sealing tamper-evident containers, each container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on the upper surface of the lid, the method comprising:

a) moving a container along the length of a support structure using a conveyor belt;

b) sensing the presence of the container at a predetermined position along the length of the support structure by means of a sensor, wherein the predetermined position is directly below a sealing mechanism;

c) stopping the conveyor belt when the container reaches the predetermined position;

d) moving a pair of opposed gripping supports in a plane parallel to an upper surface of the conveyor belt from an open position to a closed position to surround and support an upper periphery of the container sidewall;

e) sealing the container by press fitting the lid of the container to the sidewall of the container to form a substantially tamper-resistant seal by applying a closing force to the peripheral groove of the lid by means of the sealing mechanism, the sealing mechanism having a peripheral flange configured to mate with the peripheral groove.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising evacuating air from the container prior to the sealing the container.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of evacuating air from the container is accomplished via a button and a flexible arm attached to a central lower surface of the sealing mechanism, the button extending below the peripheral flange and the flexible arm extending below the button.