Engineering:Clamshell (container)
A clamshell is a one-piece container consisting of two halves joined by a hinge area which allows the structure to come together to close. Clamshells can be made to be reusable and reclosable[1] or can be sealed securely.
Origin
Clear plastic clamshell containers were invented by Driscoll’s, a California berry grower, in the 1990s to pack its berries for retail sale.[2]
Construction
Clamshell containers can be made of a variety of materials. Plastics such as polystyrene, polyester, PVC, foam sheets, etc. The material can be made by thermoforming or can be injection molded into the desired shapes. A single piece of material is used for the top and bottom with a "living hinge" that is integral to the material, rather than added separately.
Folding cartons made of paperboard or molded pulp can also be of a clamshell shape.[3] It can also be made of cellulose fiber such as sugarcane-bagasse, wheatstraw, wood pulp, etc.
Closing
Clamshells can use a variety of means of closing or sealing. Some have self-locking tabs, snaps, or have a friction fit. Others use adhesive, pressure-sensitive tape, labels, staples, or are heat-sealed.
Opening
Many clamshell containers are easy to open, and reuse, by consumers. When plastic clamshell containers are securely heat sealed, they are tamper resistant and deter package pilferage.
These security packages are intentionally difficult to open, sometimes requiring customers to use scissors or a knife.
Difficulty opening such packaging can be frustrating to the point of wrap rage.[4] Some people injure themselves trying to open security packaging which in the United Kingdom has been cited as the most frustrating to open.[5]
See also
- Foam food container
- Solander box
- Living hinge
Notes
- ↑ Glassman, Ellen Tave, "Clamshell package including both permanent and resealable fastening structure", US patent 6227369, published 2001-05-08, assigned to Sony Corp.and Sony Electronics Inc.
- ↑ "How Driscoll's Is Hacking the Strawberry of the Future". Businessweek. July 29, 2015. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-07-29/how-driscoll-s-is-hacking-the-strawberry-of-the-future.
- ↑ Waring, III, John S. & Gary E. Pluff, "Buckle-proof clamshell container", US patent 4792085, published 1988-12-20
- ↑ Clifford, Stephanie (June 2, 2011). "Clamshell packaging is being tossed". The Bulletin. New York Times News Service (Bend, OR). http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20110602/NEWS0107/106020402/.
- ↑ "Packaging has consumers feeling wrapped with rage". 20 November 2015. https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging-has-consumers-feeling-wrapped-rage.
References
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