Container for use with opening means

Abstract

The invention resides in a container ( 10 ) having at least one plastic surface, having a formation or step having a peripheral edge arranged around an area ( 18 ) to be opened; and at least one second surface located in a region adjacent the first surface, and having a recess adjacent the formation on the plastic surface. The first and second surfaces are sealed at an edge of the container for securing an object located therebetween. The plastic surface mid the second surface are configured such that in cross-section a channel ( 26 ) is formed between the formation and the recess, and said formation and/or recess is configured to receive and/or guide a cutting edge for opening the container.

1 .- 15  (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A container including:
 at least one plastic surface, having a formation or step having a peripheral edge arranged around an area to be opened; and   at least one second surface located in a region adjacent the first surface, and having a recess adjacent the formation on the plastic surface,   wherein the first and second surfaces are sealed at an edge of the container for securing an object located therebetween, and wherein the plastic surface and the second surface are configured such that in cross section a channel is formed between the formation and the recess, and said formation, or formation and recess, is configured to receive and/or guide a cutting edge for opening the container.   
     
     
         17 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein one wall of the formation or step is thinner than the plastic surface such that it is easier to cut or tear. 
     
     
         18 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein, in cross-section, the channel is quadrilateral. 
     
     
         19 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein, in cross section, the channel has a minimum dimension of 3 mm. 
     
     
         20 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein, the second interior surface has a recess for locating an object therein, and the channel is formed on three sides of the recess. 
     
     
         21 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein the formation has a raised portion configured to provide a void or air-gap above the second surface, and wherein the formation, in cross-section, has a groove. 
     
     
         22 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein the formation has a cross sectional profile having a channel arranged between two raised sections. 
     
     
         23 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein the formation has a cross sectional profile in the form of the letter “M” from the Latin alphabet. 
     
     
         24 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein the channel between the formation and the recess defines a void, or air-gap, which is configured to receive the tip of a cutting implement such that said tip is guide or retained therein. 
     
     
         25 . The container according to  claim 21 , wherein the groove or channel of the formation has tear-line and/or perforations. 
     
     
         26 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein one or more of the plastic surfaces comprises molded plastic. 
     
     
         27 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein said container is of a molded blister pack type, or a molded clam shell type. 
     
     
         28 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein the container is adapted to guide a cutting edge protruding through said plastic surface of the container in the region of the step and passing through the plastic surface. 
     
     
         29 . The container according to  claim 16 , wherein a portion of the formation wall is weaker and/or thinner to enable the container to be opened more easily. 
     
     
         30 . A method of manufacturing a container including:
 providing at least one plastic surface, having a formation or step having a peripheral edge arranged around an area to be opened; and   providing at least one second interior surface located in a region beneath the at least one plastic surface, and   forming a corresponding recess adjacent the formation or step of the plastic surface;   sealing the first and second surfaces at an edge of the container for securing an object located therebetween, wherein the plastic surface and the second surface are configured such that in cross-section a channel is formed between the formation or step and the recess, and said channel is configured to receive a cutting edge for opening the container.