Thermoformed blister package having quick disconnect locking cover mechanism

Claim 1

A thermoformed plastic package comprising, a lower tray, said tray having a floor, upwardly extending sides and a flange extending outwardly from the sides, wherein the flange is substantially planar and has a top surface and a bottom surface; a cover having at least one fold line along at least side, at least one substantially flat flap foldably connected to the cover at the fold line; and, locking means, such that when said cover is placed on top of said tray, and the locking means are engaged, the cover is securely locked into place, and the cover may be quickly disconnected for easy access to the contents of the package; wherein said locking means comprises at least one substantially flat male tab in each flap and a flap slot in the flap adjacent to the tab; at least one female tab molded into the flange of the lower tray, the female tab having a cavity and an opening extending through the top surface of the flange in communication with said cavity, the female cavity having a pair of opposed ends; and, a slot in the flange of the lower tray adjacent to each end of each female tab, such that when the cover is place on top of the tray with the male and female tabs in substantial alignment, and the male tab is engaged by said cavity of the female tab and the female tab is contained within the flap slot, the cover is secured and locked to the tray.