Container with self-aligning lid

Abstract

A novel and unique container of a general clamshell configuration with a self-aligning lid is provided. The hinge of the container provides a hinged connection between the lid and the base of the container. The hinge includes pins that extend into corresponding receiving slots on the base that align the lid in the X and Y directions over the open top end of the base as the lid is pivoted closed. With the lid aligned on the base, downward pressure in the Z direction results in better and more reliable frictional engagement of the lid to the base. As a result, the container with self-aligning lid is particularly well-suited for use in automatic machinery for filling and closing such containers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A container, comprising:
 a base having a bottom with at least one upstanding side wall with a top peripheral edge defining an open top end;   a lid, having a peripheral edge, hingedly connected to the base and configured to substantially enclose the top open end when positioned proximal to the top peripheral edge;   a hinge member hingedly connecting the lid to the base; the hinge member including a bottom edge, a top edge and a middle portion;   at least one alignment member extending from the hinge; and   at least one slot formed on the base proximal to the top peripheral edge and respectively corresponding to the at least one pin;   whereby moving the lid from an open condition to the closed condition causes the at least one alignment member to move into a respective at least one slot thereby aligning the lid over the open top end of the base in the X and Y directions in preparation for downward pressure in the Z direction to frictionally secure the lid to the container.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the base, lid and hinge are made of plastic. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the base, lid and hinge are made of thermoplastic. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the thermoplastic is PETE. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the middle portion of the hinge member includes a pair of pins for alignment members and a corresponding pair of slots on the base. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one slot is tapered. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one slot is U-shaped. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one alignment member is tapered. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one alignment member is conical in shape. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the lid is removable from the base. 
     
     
         11 . A thermoformed container, comprising:
 a base having a bottom with at least one upstanding side wall with a top peripheral edge defining an open top end;   a lid, having a peripheral edge, hingedly connected to the base and configured to substantially enclose the top open end when positioned proximal to the top peripheral edge;   a hinge member hingedly connecting the lid to the base; the hinge member including a bottom edge, a top edge and a middle portion;   at least one pin extending from the middle portion of the hinge; and   at least one slot formed on the base proximal to the top peripheral edge and respectively corresponding to the at least one pin;   wherein the base, lid, and hinge member are integrally formed from a thermoplastic;   whereby moving the lid from an open condition to the closed condition causes the at least one pin to move into a respective at least one tapered slot thereby aligning the lid over the open top end of the base in the X and Y directions in preparation for downward pressure in the Z direction to frictionally secure the lid to the container.   
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the middle portion of the hinge member includes a pair of pins and a corresponding pair of tapered slots on the base. 
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one slot is U-shaped. 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one pin is conical in shape. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the lid is removable from the base. 
     
     
         16 . A thermoformed container, comprising:
 a base having a bottom with at least one upstanding side wall with a top peripheral edge defining an open top end;   a lid, having a peripheral edge, hingedly connected to the base and configured to substantially enclose the top open end when positioned proximal to the top peripheral edge;   a hinge member hingedly connecting the lid to the base; the hinge member including a bottom edge, a top edge and a middle portion;   a pair of spaced-apart pins extending from the middle portion of the hinge, said pins having a conical shape; and   a pair of spaced-apart slots formed on the base proximal to the top peripheral edge and respectively corresponding to the pair of pins, said slots being tapered;   wherein the base, lid, and hinge member are integrally formed from a thermoplastic;   whereby moving the lid from an open condition to the closed condition causes the at least one pin to move into a respective at least one slot thereby aligning the lid over the open top end of the base in the X and Y directions in preparation for downward pressure in the Z direction to frictionally secure the lid to the container.   
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 15 , wherein the lid is removable from the base.