Container

Abstract

A container comprises first and second parts that are hinged with respect to each other about a pivot axis such that they may be rotated between open and closed configurations of the container. The first and second parts include respective first and second mutually engageable features arranged on or adjacent to the pivot axis such that when the container is in its closed configuration the first and second parts are substantially prevented from being prised apart along the pivot axis. The container may be for securely housing goods for display in a retail store.

1 . A container comprising first and second parts that are hinged with respect to each other about a pivot axis such that they may be rotated between open and closed configurations of the container, the first and second parts including respective first and second mutually engageable features arranged on or adjacent to the pivot axis such that when the container is in its closed configuration the first and second parts are substantially prevented from being prised apart along the pivot axis. 
   
   
       2 . A container comprising first and second parts that are hinged with respect to each other about a pivot axis such that they may be rotated between an open configuration in which corresponding regions of the parts are separated, and a closed configuration in which the corresponding regions of the parts are in contact with each other, the first and second parts including respective first and second mutually engageable features situated on an opposite side of the pivot axis to the corresponding regions, such that on rotating from the open to the closed configuration the first and second features are thereby rotated into engagement with each other. 
   
   
       3 . A container comprising first and second parts that are hinged with respect to each other such that they may be rotated between open and closed configurations of the container, the first and second parts including respective first and second mutually engageable features arranged such that on rotating from the open to the closed configuration at least a portion of the second part rotates around the first engageable feature and the first and second features are thereby rotated into engagement with each other. 
   
   
       4 . A container according to  claim 1  or  claim 3 , in which, when the container is in the open configuration corresponding regions of the parts are separated, and when the container is in the closed configuration the corresponding regions of the parts are in contact with each other, the respective first and second mutually engageable features being situated on an opposite side of the pivot axis to the corresponding regions, such that on rotating from the open to the closed configuration the first and second features are thereby rotated into engagement with each other. 
   
   
       5 . A container according to  claim 1  or  claim 2 , in which the first and second mutually engageable features are arranged such that on rotating from the open to the closed configuration at least a portion of the second part rotates around the first engageable feature. 
   
   
       6 . A container according to any one of  claims 1 ,  2  or  5 , in which, on rotating from the open to the closed configuration of the container the first and second features are rotated into engagement with each other. 
   
   
       7 . A container according to  claim 2  or  claim 3 , in which, when the container is in its closed configuration the first and second parts are substantially prevented from being prised apart along the pivot axis by the mutual engagement of the first and second features. 
   
   
       8 . A container according to any preceding claim, in which one or both of the first and second mutually engageable features extend(s) along substantially the entire length of the pivot axis of the container. 
   
   
       9 . A container according to any preceding claim, in which one or both of the first and second mutually engageable features are provided at one or more locations along the length of the pivot axis of the container. 
   
   
       10 . A container according to any preceding claim, in which one or both of the first and second mutually engageable features comprise(s) a ledge or shoulder. 
   
   
       11 . A container according to any preceding claim, in which, when the container is in its closed configuration, the first and second mutually engageable features are interlocked with each other. 
   
   
       12 . A container according to any preceding claim, in which, when the container is in its closed configuration, the second engageable feature substantially overlaps the first engageable feature. 
   
   
       13 . A container according to any preceding claim, including a locking arrangement by which the container may be locked in its closed configuration. 
   
   
       14 . A container according to  claim 13 , in which the locking arrangement locks the container on a side of the container opposite to that of the hinge. 
   
   
       15 . A container according to any preceding claim which is a generally flat container suitable for holding a CD or DVD box. 
   
   
       16 . A container according to any preceding claim, which comprises a container for securely housing goods for display in a retail store. 
   
   
       17 . A container according to  claim 16 , provided with a security tag which triggers an alarm if removed from the retail store. 
   
   
       18 . A container substantially as herein before described with reference to, and/or as illustrated in, the accompanying  FIGS. 1  and/or  2 .