Tamper indicating package

Abstract

A package including a base, a lid attached to said base for rotation about a hinge axis to open the package, the lid having a body and a main tab separated from body by a fold-line, and a tamper evidence tab attached to the base, wherein, prior to first opening of the package, the main tab and the tamper evidence tab are connected to each other via a first line of weakening, the arrangement being such that said main tab and the tamper evidence tab separate along the first line of weakening when the main tab is folded about the fold-line prior to rotation of the lid about the hinge axis to open the package.

1 . A package comprising:
 a base;   a lid attached to said base for rotation about a hinge axis to open the package, the lid comprising a body and a main tab separated from body by a fold-line, and   a tamper evidence tab attached to the base,   wherein, prior to first opening of the package, the main tab and the tamper evidence tab are connected to each other via a first line of weakening, the arrangement being such that said main tab and the tamper evidence tab separate along the first line of weakening when the main tab is folded about the fold-line prior to rotation of the lid about the hinge axis to open the package.   
     
     
         2 . A package according to  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a lower face and a front wall upstanding from said lower face at an angle thereto, wherein the body of the lid extends parallel to the lower face with the main tab being folded relative to the body to overlie the front wall prior to first opening, the tamper evidence tab being attached to said front wall. 
     
     
         3 . A package according to  claim 2 , wherein the front wall is perpendicular to said lower face, the lower face and said front wall meeting along a line of juncture, wherein the front wall comprises a top edge parallel to said line of juncture. 
     
     
         4 . A package according to  claim 3 , wherein the first line of weakness extends at an angle to the top edge of the front wall of less than 90 degrees. 
     
     
         5 . A package according to  claim 3 , wherein prior to first opening, the body of the lid is connected to the tamper evidence tab along a second line of weakening, wherein the body and the tamper evidence tab separate along said second line of weakening when the lid is rotated about the hinge axis and after the main tab and tamper evidence tab have separated along the first line of weakening. 
     
     
         6 . A package according to  claim 5 , wherein the second line of weakening between the tamper evidence tab and the body of the lid extends along said top edge of the front wall. 
     
     
         7 . A package according to any of  claims 3 to 6 , wherein the main tab extends beyond the tamper evidence tab towards the line of juncture. 
     
     
         8 . A package according to  claim 7 , wherein the main tab comprises a leading edge that contacts the line of juncture prior to first opening. 
     
     
         9 . A package according to  claim 1 , wherein the package comprises a pair of tamper evidence tabs, each tamper evidence tab being separated from the main tab by a first line of weakening. 
     
     
         10 . A package according to  claim 9 , wherein prior to first opening, the body of the lid is connected to each tamper evidence tab along a second line of weakening, the body and the tamper evidence tab separating along each of said second lines of weakening when the lid is rotated about the hinge axis and after the main tab and tamper evidence tab have separated along the first lines of weakening. 
     
     
         11 . A package according to  claim 9 , wherein the pair of tamper evidence tabs are attached to the front wall on either side of the main tab. 
     
     
         12 . A package according to  claim 9 , wherein the first lines of weakening between the main tab and each tamper evidence tab each extend at an angle so that the main tab tapers in a direction away from the body of the lid. 
     
     
         13 . A package according to  claim 9 , wherein the main tab extends beyond the pair of tamper evidence tabs towards the line of juncture. 
     
     
         14 . A package according to  claim 1 , wherein the or each tamper evidence tab is attached to the base via a permanent adhesive. 
     
     
         15 . A package according to  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a slot extending along the top edge of the front wall of the base configured to receive the main tab to facilitate closure of the package after first opening. 
     
     
         16 . A package according to  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises an upper face extending from the top edge of the front wall and parallel to the lower face. 
     
     
         17 . A package according to  claim 16 , wherein the upper face comprises an aperture configured to provide access to the package.