Tamper-evident container and method

A tamper-evident container positionable in an open state and in a closed state;

• the container comprising:
• (a) a base having a rim with a recess for providing a first grasping portion;
• (b) a lid comprising a tamper-evident tab at least partially overlapping with the recess and offset from the recess when the container is in the closed state such that the tamper-evident tab is at least partially overhanging the recess, the tamper-evident tab comprising a second grasping portion flanked by breakable joints between the base and the lid;
• and
• (c) an interlocking interface formed between the base and the lid,
• wherein when the container is in the closed position the interlocking interface renders contents inside the container relatively inaccessible without severing the breakable joints and/or evidencing tampering with the container;
• and
• wherein the breakable joints are at least partially severed when the second grasping portion is displaced relative to the first grasping portion, thereby evidencing tampering with the container,
• wherein the breakable joints each comprise:
• (i) a tab portion,
• (ii) a flap portion, and
• a score line or perforation defining a bend between the tab portion and the flap portion.

A method of evidencing tampering with a tamper-evident container positionable in an open state and in a closed state, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a tamper-evident container, the tamper-evident container comprising:
• (i) a base having a rim with a recess providing a first grasping portion;
• (ii) a lid comprising a tamper-evident tab at least partially overlapping with the recess and offset from the recess when the container is in the closed state such that the tamper-evident tab is at least partially overhanging the recess, the tamper-evident tab comprising a second grasping portion flanked by breakable joints between the base and the lid, the breakable joints each comprising a tab portion that remains stationarily adjoined to the lid when the breakable joints are severed, and a flap portion that remains hingeably adjoined to the base when the breakable joints arc severed;
• and
• (iii) an interlocking interface formed between the base and the lid,
• wherein when the container is in the closed position the interlocking interface renders contents inside the tamper-evident container inaccessible without severing the breakable joints and/or evidencing tampering with the container, and
• wherein the breakable joints are at least partially severed by displacing the second grasping portion relative to the first grasping portion until at least one of the tab portions is partially separated from at least one of the flap portions, thereby evidencing tampering with the container;
• (b) instructing a user of the tamper-evident container to grasp the first grasping portion and/or the second grasping portion;
• and
• (c) evidencing tampering with the container when the second grasping portion is displaced relative to the first grasping portion until at least one of the tab portions is partially separated from at least one of the flap portions.