Hinge system for self-locking perimeter sealing container

A container system constructed for holding and displaying product, said system comprising:

• A. a base member incorporating
• a. a support surface
• b. first wall means interconnected to and peripherally surrounding the support surface, and
• c. an upstanding ridge formed in the terminating edge of the wall means and extending substantially about the entire peripheral surface thereof;
• B. a cover member cooperatingly associated with the base member for forming the product container, being integrally interconnected with the base member along one edge to form a clamshell configuration, and incorporating
• a. a substantially flat surface
• b. second wall means interconnected to and peripherally surrounding the flat surface, and
• c. a groove member
• 1. formed in the terminating edge of the second wall means,
• 2. extending substantially about the entire peripheral surface thereof, and
• 3. constructed for cooperating, mating engagement with the ridge of the base member;
• and
• C. a hinge member interconnecting the base member to the cover member along said one edge and comprising
• a. a flange portion extending outwardly from the ridge of the base member, and
• b. a flexible, arcuately curved portion
• 1. integrally affixed on a first edge thereof to the flange portion,
• 2. extending from the flange portion to the groove member of the cover member,
• 3. integrally affixed to the groove member along a second edge thereof, and
• 4. constructed for providing controlled arcuate pivoting movement of the cover member relative to the base member from an open position to a closed position therewith, while causing the groove of the cover member adjacent the hinge member to automatically engage the ridge of the base member simultaneously with the arcuate closing movement,
• whereby a clam-shell container is achieved which enables the ridge and groove to be automatically engaged with each other without requiring a separate sealing force.