Container with tamper-evidence, reclosure feature

Abstract

A container formed from an integral blank with a configuration having a top section and a bottom section attached to each other by a first line of weakness such that upon the application of sufficient pressure, the first line of weakness breaks the attachment of the top section from the bottom section. Upon breaking the attachment, a cover is formed from the top section that is hingedly attached to the bottom section at the rear wall panel. A releasable locking device having a first locking member on the cover is attached by a second line of weakness to a second locking member on the front wall portion. The first locking member and second locking member is in an aligned relationship such that when the second line of weakness is broken, the cover pivotally moves to the open position and a recess is formed between the front panel and side panels and the inner body portion. When the cover pivotally moves from the open position to the closed position, the first locking member and the second locking member engage to secure the inner body portion with cover in a closed relationship. Optionally, an audible sound is emitted when the first locking member engages with the second locking member.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A container formed of an integral blank comprising: 
 a) an outer body portion comprising: 
 i) a front wall panel,  
 ii) a back wall panel,  
 iii) a first side wall panel, and  
 iv) a second side wall panel,  
 wherein, in an initial configuration, each of the front and side wall panels, respectively, has an upper section and a lower section attached thereto by a first line of weakness in the front wall and side wall panels such that upon the application of sufficient pressure, the first line of weakness breaks the attachment of at least a portion of the upper section from the lower section such that the upper section and lower section are no longer attached along the first line of weakness in the front wall and side wall panels, and the back wall panel having a hinge means, thereby forming a second configuration comprising a cover having a front panel, the cover being hingedly attached to the back wall panel to permit the cover to move from an open position to a closed position along the hinge means;  
   b) an inner body portion comprising: 
 i) a front wall portion having an upper edge, wherein the front wall panel is adjacent to the front wall portion,  
 ii) a first side wall portion having an upper edge, wherein the first side wall panel is adjacent to the first side wall portion, and  
 iii) a second side wall portion having an upper edge, wherein the second side wall panel is adjacent to the second side wall portion; and  
   c) a releasable locking device comprising: 
 i) a first locking member having a receiving area and being affixed to the inner surface of the front cover panel and  
 ii) a second locking member having a flap portion and being hingedly connected to the upper edge of the portion selected from the group consisting of the front wall portion, the first side wall portion, the second side wall portion, and combinations thereof,  
 wherein, in an initial configuration, the first locking member is attached to the second locking member by a second line of weakness, the first locking member and the second locking member being in an aligned relationship such that when the second line of weakness is broken, the cover pivotally moves to the open position and a recess is formed between the front panel and side panels and the inner body portion, and when the cover pivotally moves from the open position to the closed position, the first locking member and the second locking member engage to secure the inner body portion with cover in a closed relationship.  
   
     
     
         2 . A container of  claim 1  wherein the cover further comprises the upper sections of each front, back and side panels when said panels are folded inwardly.  
     
     
         3 . A container of  claim 1  wherein an audible noise is produced upon engaging the first lock member and the second lock member to secure the cover in a closed position.  
     
     
         4 . A container of  claim 1  further comprising a grasping member along the first line of weakness of the upper and lower sections of the front and side wall panels wherein pulling grasping member in a direction away from the bottom section produces the detachment of the top section from the bottom section along the first line of weakness.  
     
     
         5 . A container of  claim 4 , wherein the grasping member is ovoid.  
     
     
         6 . A container of  claim 4 , wherein the grasping member is straight.  
     
     
         7 . A container of  claim 4 , wherein the grasping member is circular.  
     
     
         8 . A container of  claim 4 , wherein the grasping member is formed by removing a section of the upper section of the front wall.  
     
     
         9 . A container of  claim 6 , wherein is first locking member further comprises an ovoid portion.  
     
     
         10 . A container of  claim 10 , wherein the ovoid portion reinforces the grasping member.  
     
     
         11 . A container of  claim 4 , wherein the first locking member further comprises a straight portion.  
     
     
         12 . A container of  claim 12 , wherein the straight portion reinforces the grasping member.  
     
     
         13 . A container of  claim 4 , wherein the first locking member further comprises a cutout section.  
     
     
         14 . A container of  claim 14 , wherein the cutout portion reinforces the grasping member.  
     
     
         15 . A container of  claim 1 , wherein said first locking member is releasably attached to second locking member by the second line of weakness in the initial configuration.  
     
     
         16 . A container of  claim 1 , wherein the inner body portion further comprises slot openings such that the side wall portions and the front wall portion move inwardly when affixed to said outer body portion.  
     
     
         17 . A container of  claim 1 , wherein the first locking member comprises a receiving area and the second locking member has a flap portion wherein upon pivoting from the open position, to the closed position, the flap portion engages the receiving portion.