Buckling Clamshell Container For Automated Aliquot and Dispersal Processes

Abstract

A package assembly for automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, wherein a flexure channel is defined in each of opposite sides of at least one of the first or second portions, the flexure channels cooperating to define a flexure axis extending through the pair of flexure channels. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may allow at least one of first and second portions of the package assembly to flex about the flexure axis in response to an opening force exerted on the package assembly such that the first and second portions separate in response to the opening force.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A package assembly for selectively containing and releasing a particulate aliquot, the package assembly comprising:
 a) first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot; and   b) at least one concave portion located on a flange portion defined by at least one of the first or second portions, the concave portion defining an aperture configured to receive an opening tool for separating the first and second portions, thus releasing the particulate aliquot.   
     
     
         2 . The package assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one corresponding concave portion located on a second flange portion of the package assembly and adapted, upon closing the package assembly, to substantially align with the other concave portion to define an aperture configured to receive an opening tool for encouraging the first and second portions to separate. 
     
     
         3 . The package assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second portions are held together in a closed position through an interference fit. 
     
     
         4 . The package assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the package assembly is formed using a process selected from the group consisting of: thermoforming; vacuum forming; blow molding; injection molding; casting; and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The package assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the package assembly comprises materials selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene terephthalate; polyvinyl chloride; polypropylene; polyester; polylactic acid; high-density polyethylene; low-density polyethylene; and combinations thereof 
     
     
         6 . The package assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising one or more stiffening features located on at least one of the first and second portions, the stiffening features configured to minimize bulging between the first and second portions or to maintain engagement of the first and second portions. 
     
     
         7 . A package assembly for selectively containing and releasing a particulate aliquot, the package assembly comprising:
 a) a container portion defining an opening;   b) a cover portion including at least two opposite sides and configured to cooperate with the container portion to selectively close the opening defined by the container portion;   c) a reinforcing ridge portion disposed proximate a perimeter of the cover portion and configured to be capable of engaging an inner periphery of the opening, in an interference fit therewith, so as to selectively close the opening;   d) a first flange portion extending substantially perpendicular from an outer periphery of the opening; and   e) a second flange portion extending substantially outward from the reinforcing ridge such that upon closing the package assembly, the cover portion closes the opening defined by the container portion and the first flange portion is substantially adjacent and parallel to the second flange portion, f) wherein the first and second flange portions each define concave portions such that upon closing the package assembly the concave portions substantially align and define an aperture between the first and second flange portions, the aperture being configured to receive an opening tool for separating the cover portion and the container portion, thus releasing the particulate aliquot.   
     
     
         8 . The package assembly according to  claim 7 , further comprising a hinge portion located between an edge of the cover portion and the container portion. 
     
     
         9 . The package assembly according to  claim 7 , further comprising a shelf portion including a flange extending substantially perpendicular from an outer periphery of the opening and a wall portion extending substantially perpendicular from the flange and wherein the reinforcing ridge is configured to operably engage the shelf portion so as to selectively close the opening defined by the container portion. 
     
     
         10 . The package assembly according to  claim 7 , wherein the container portion, the cover portion, the reinforcing ridge portion, and the opening defined by the container portion are substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         11 . The package assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein the container portion, the cover portion, the reinforcing ridge portion, and the hinge portion are integrally formed as a substantially unitary assembly. 
     
     
         12 . The package assembly according to  claim 7 , further comprising at least one notch portion defined by the first flange portion, the at least one notch portion being adapted to allow a portion of a disengaging tool to pass therethrough for encouraging the cover portion to disengage from the container portion. 
     
     
         13 . The package assembly according to  claim 7 , further comprising one or more stiffening features located on the cover portion, the stiffening features configured to minimize bulging between the cover and container portions or to maintain engagement of the cover and container portions. 
     
     
         14 . The package assembly according to  claim 13 , wherein the stiffening features include a pair of elongate stiffening ribs disposed on the cover portion. 
     
     
         15 . The package assembly according to  claim 8 , further comprising a beveled cover portion end disposed along an inner surface of the reinforcing ridge portion opposite the hinge portion.