Container having locking mechanism with tamper evident attribute

Abstract

A container having a locking mechanism with integrated tamper evident attribute is provided. In one embodiment, a male portion of geometrically shaped protrusions are provided on the lid or base of the container. A female portion of geometrically shaped openings corresponding to the male portion is provided on the base or lid of the container, respectively. A perforation is provided around the male portion such that once the male portion is locked into the female portion, the only means to open the container is to tear the perforation and cause the male portion to be removed from the lid or base of its origin. The tamper evident feature becomes apparent when the lid is pulled to open the container. The tension created when the lid is lifted in an upward motion will tear the male portion of the perforated lock away from the lid leaving it securely locked into the female base.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A locking mechanism for a container, the locking mechanism having a tamper evident feature and comprising:
 a male portion having at least one geometrically shaped feature;   a female portion having at least one cutout configured to receive the at least one geometrically shaped feature male portion such that geometric shape of the male portion locks into and secures the male portion to the female portion when inserted through the at least one cutout; and   a tear away feature surrounding the male portion and configured to be broken in response to an opening action of the container, said male portion remaining locked within said female portion after the container has been opened.   
     
     
         2 . The locking mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a lid and a base, said male portion being disposed in one of the lid or base while said female portion is disposed in the other of the base or lid, respectively. 
     
     
         3 . The locking mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one geometrically shaped feature of the male portion further comprises a locking undercut, said locking undercut being configured to lock into and under the at least one cutout of the female portion. 
     
     
         4 . The locking mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein said male portion comprises two or more differently shaped geometric features and said female portion comprises two or more corresponding differently shaped cutouts configured to receive the two or more differently shaped geometric features of the male portion. 
     
     
         5 . The locking mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the tear away feature comprises a perforation encircling the entire male portion. 
     
     
         6 . A locking mechanism for a container, the locking mechanism having a tamper evident feature and comprising:
 a male portion having at least one geometrically shaped feature;   a female portion having at least one cutout configured to receive the at least one geometrically shaped feature male portion such that geometric shape of the male portion locks into and secures the male portion to the female portion when inserted through the at least one cutout; and   a tear away feature comprising a perforated edge surrounding the female portion and configured to be broken in response to an opening action of the container, said female portion remaining locked within said male portion after the container has been opened.   
     
     
         7 . A locking mechanism for a container, the locking mechanism having a tamper evident feature and comprising:
 a female portion having at least one geometrically shaped feature;   a male portion having at least one cutout configured to be inserted into the at least one geometrically shaped feature female portion such that geometric shape of the female portion locks into and secures the female portion to the male portion when inserted through the at least one cutout; and   a tear away feature surrounding the female portion and configured to be broken in response to an opening action of the container, said female portion remaining locked within said female portion after the container has been opened.   
     
     
         8 . The locking mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the container comprises a lid and a base, said female portion being disposed in one of the lid or base while said male portion is disposed in the other of the base or lid, respectively. 
     
     
         9 . The locking mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein said at least one geometrically shaped feature of the female portion further comprises a locking undercut, said locking undercut being configured to lock into and under the at least one cutout of the male portion. 
     
     
         10 . The locking mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein said female portion comprises two or more differently shaped geometric features and said male portion comprises two or more corresponding differently shaped cutouts configured to receive the two or more differently shaped geometric features of the female portion. 
     
     
         11 . The locking mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the tear away feature comprises a perforation encircling the entire female portion.