U.S. patent application number 10/925877 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for package closure device.
Invention is credited to Crampton, Jeff, Wong, Patrick.
Application Number | 20050045503 10/925877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34272639 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050045503 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wong, Patrick ; et
al. |
March 3, 2005 |
Package closure device
Abstract
A convenient, effective closure device for use on packages such
as those used to enclose games distributed on CDs, DVDs, or similar
media. A preprinted edge label is selectively coated with adhesive
and affixed to a package in such a manner that the package may not
be opened without violating the edge label. To facilitate opening,
a tear strip is at least in part defined by two rows of obtuse
perforations. The obtuse perforations, or at least a subset of
them, are formed to be of uniform size and shape of a pair of slits
that intersect at their respective end points, forming the obtuse
angle.
Inventors: |
Wong, Patrick; (Vancouver,
CA) ; Crampton, Jeff; (Vancouver, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen J. Wyse
Scheef & Stone, L.L.P.
Suite 1400
5956 Sherry Lane
Dallas
TX
75225
US
|
Family ID: |
34272639 |
Appl. No.: |
10/925877 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60498119 |
Aug 26, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/308.2 ;
206/1.5; 206/807 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 55/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/308.2 ;
206/807; 206/001.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/57 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A package closure device, comprising: a label having a package
side and an exterior side; and means for attaching the label to the
package; wherein the label forms a plurality of perforations; and
wherein the perforations in at least one subset of the plurality of
perforations are formed as obtuse perforations.
2. The package closure device of claim 1, wherein the means for
attaching is an adhesive applied to the package side of the
label.
3. The package closure device of claim 2, wherein the adhesive is
applied to the entire package side of the label.
4. The package closure device of claim 1, wherein substantially all
of the perforations of in the plurality of perforations are formed
as obtuse perforations.
5. The package closure device of claim 1, wherein the at least one
subset of perforations are substantially identical to each
other.
6. The package closure device of claim 5, wherein the substantially
identical perforations are each oriented in the same manner.
7. The package closure device of claim 1, wherein the at least one
subset of perforations are formed in a substantially linear
pattern.
8. The package closure device of claim 7, wherein the substantially
linear pattern is a straight line.
9. The package closure device of claim 7, wherein each perforation
in the at least one subset are formed of two intersecting
slits.
10. The package closure device of claim 9, wherein at least one
slit of the two intersecting slits of each perforation is formed as
a straight line.
11. The package closure device of claim 10, wherein the at least
one slit of each perforation in the at least one subset is oriented
so as to generally align with the substantially linear pattern of
the subset.
12. A tamper-resistant package for enclosing an item, comprising: a
first package portion; a second package portion that can be moved
into a closed configuration adjacent to the first package portion
so as to form an interior recess for receiving the item when it is
enclosed in the package; and at least one label for securing the
first package portion and the second package portion when they are
in the closed configuration; wherein the label forms a plurality of
perforations; and wherein at least one subset of the perforations
of the plurality of perforations are formed as obtuse
perforations.
13. The tamper-resistant package of claim 12, further comprising a
hinge connecting the first package portion to the second package
portion and about which the second package portion is moved with
respect to the first package portion to place the package in a
closed configuration.
14. The tamper-resistant package of claim 13, wherein the at least
one label is for securing the first package portion and the second
package portion at a side of the package opposite the hinge when
the package is in a closed configuration.
15. The tamper-resistant package of claim 12, wherein the at least
one label comprises a plurality of labels.
16. The tamper-resistant package of claim 12, wherein the plurality
of perforations form a first series of perforations and a second
series of perforations that form a tear strip to be removed when
the package is opened.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims the priority of provisional
patent application 60/498,119, filed on Aug. 26, 2003, the contents
of which are incorporated herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to tamper-resistant
packaging for games that are distributed on media such as CDs or
DVDs, and more specifically relates to a tamper-resistant package
closure system uniquely configured to facilitate the opening of
such a package in an intended manner with unnecessary tearing of
the package or use of tools.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices are
in widespread use today. Originally developed for business-related
uses, the ubiquitousness of these devices provides nearly everyone
with access to any number of package closure communications and
electronic computing devices. The very popularity of these devices
has, in turn, contributed to extensive efforts to make them more
affordable and easier to use. These efforts have largely succeeded,
meaning that a greater segment of the population has begun using
these electronic devices for a wide variety of applications. The
applications available for use on electronic devices vary widely.
As mentioned above, many applications are for business and
educational purposes. Increasingly popular, however, are games and
other forms of amusement that can be played on the devices--whether
or not the devices were originally intended for such use.
[0004] Some of these applications are installed on the computer,
mobile phone, or other device before the consumer even orders them.
Other applications are made available for separate purchase, and a
wide array of these additional applications are now available. Not
unexpectedly, game applications are among the most widely sold,
owing in part to the fact that users may only buy, for example, one
or two word-processing or business applications, but on the other
hand appreciate a great variety in the types of games that they
play on their product.
[0005] Games that may be played on an electronic device are
typically computer programs that may be copied onto a compact disk
(CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), or some other storage media.
CDs and DVDs are widely accepted and recognized. As a consequence,
they often may be used to install or to play a game application on
a wide variety of different computing devices, so long as the
device is capable of reading instructions from the particular media
purchased. For some other devices, only PCMCIA cards or similar
storage media may be used. In some cases, the storage media will be
unique to a particular type of device, meaning that the use of the
game sold in such a manner is not interchangeable between different
devices.
[0006] Some games may simply be installed on a device by inserting
the media into an appropriate media reader, after which the storage
media may be discarded or saved in case the installed game is for
some reason deleted. In other cases, the media must be placed in a
particular drive, slot, or other peripheral reading device so that
the electronic device may refer to the instructions stored there
from time to time during game play. Making the media necessary for
game play increases the probability that consumers will not simply
purchase one game and install copies of it on various electronic
devices, thereby reducing the total sales of the games.
[0007] Whatever media is used, however, modern storage media tends
to be compact and easily transportable. Unfortunately, this also
means that the media could be easily purloined if displayed in an
unsecure area of a retail outlet. In order to reduce theft, media
are therefore often sold in somewhat larger, harder to conceal
packages. While these boxes or packages are typically not extremely
large themselves, they are large enough to be noticeable should a
user try to conceal one in the palm of his hand or pants
pocket.
[0008] To ensure that the storage media are not simply removed from
the package in the store, or otherwise tampered with, various
measures have been employed to make the packages they are sold in
tamper-resistant. Note that herein the phrases "tamper-resistant"
and "tamper-proof" may be used interchangeably, with the
understanding that no package may practically be made completely
un-openable. That is, when a package is referred to as
tamper-resistant or tamper-proof, it is simply being described as
relatively more difficult, or much more difficult to open, except
in the intended fashion. It is not a requirement of the present
invention that a package be unopenable in any undesirable way.
[0009] Media packages for games may come in a wide variety of
styles, but certain package types are becoming popular. FIG. 1 is
an illustration of a typical game package 100 shown in an open
configuration. According to the design of FIG. 1, package 100
includes a first package portion 110 and a second package portion
120, which are joined together at hinge 115, so that the package
may be opened and closed like a book. This "book" design has proven
popular with retailers and consumers. The two portions of the
package and the hinge may be separately formed and then assembled,
but it is far more common that they would be made out of a single
piece of material. The material may be paper or cardboard, but more
likely will be made of a molded-plastic material. The plastic used
in such packages will typically be strong enough that it may not be
easily opened save for the intended fashion shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] In the package 100 of FIG. 1, first package portion 110
forms a recess 130 for receiving storage media 115, in this case, a
CD 155 that will normally be mounted to the package wall (the
mounting means is not relevant to the present invention and not
shown in the illustration). Likewise, second package portion 120
includes a recess 140 for receiving a second CD 150. A third recess
160 is formed in second package portion 120 and may be used, for
example, for containing game accessories, instruction booklets, or
other items sold along with the game. It is not required, of
course, that the recesses within the package be formed exactly as
shown in FIG. 1, and they will normally be designed to accommodate
the anticipated product that will be placed in them. Package 100
may, but does not necessarily, include an integrally-formed latch
mechanism (not shown) to maintain the package in a closed
configuration.
[0011] Without some closure device, however, regardless of the
strength of its construction the package 100 of FIG. 1 can still be
opened easily by not only the purchasing consumer, but also by a
potential thief while the product is still in the retail outlet. To
reduce the risk of theft, the package will also typically be sealed
shut in some manner. There are a number of ways of accomplishing
this objective, all with the natural goal of preventing
unauthorized package opening, while still being not too difficult
for a purchasing consumer to open. One common measure is to use an
edge label that can be secured across both portions of the package,
as shown in FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the game package 100 shown in a
closed configuration. In this view, the top 230 of package 100 is
visible, while bottom 240 is not. Hinge 115, which is also not
visible in FIG. 2, runs along some or all of the back 245 of the
package. A seam 220 created at the juncture of first portion 110
and second portion 120 runs along the package front 250, and along
the left side 255 and the right side 260 (not shown) as well. Note
that these facial designations are somewhat arbitrary, but are
assigned here for convenience.
[0013] To prevent unauthorized opening of the package 100, label
200 forms a seal across seam 220, typically across the entire face
250. To fasten it in place, label 200 may be coated with an
adhesive. The adhesive that is used to secure label 200 to package
100 is strong enough to prevent the label's easy removal, but may
be of a nature that sufficient force may be applied to remove it
intact. In addition, the entire assembly may be enclosed in a
flexible clear plastic wrap (not shown) that would in practice have
to be torn off or cut through in order to gain access to the label
200. The intent of this packaging system, as may be apparent, is to
make more noticeable the active opening of the package in order to
discourage unauthorized persons from doing so. When the package is
purchased by a consumer, he will simply tear off the enclosing
plastic wrap, if it is present, and either go through the effort to
remove the label 200, or simply cut it with a knife or other sharp
object.
[0014] In this regard, note that in addition to discouraging
outright theft, the label 200 also serves another purpose. Namely,
it provides evidence of the package's opening, evidence that is
difficult to alter. In our modern retail environment, it is not
unusual for consumers to return products that they have purchased
in expectation of a refund of the purchase price. While many
retailers, in the name of good customer relations, are happy to
oblige, providing the goods are in a condition for resale, a game
stored media such as a CD presents a different problem. Because CDs
simply store digital data, consumers with the proper equipment can
often sometimes copy the CDs with very little trouble. In doing so,
they could return the game and avoid paying the purchase price
while retaining the game. While it is possible, in some cases, to
design the software stored on the media in such a way as to reduce
this possibility, another strategy is simply to not permit
consumers to return opened merchandise for a refund. If label 200
is constructed so that the package 100 may not be open without
noticeably damaging the label, then it will be evident when the
user has in fact opened the package and gained access to the media
inside. In many cases, even if the label is intact, it will not be
possible to replace it without a substantial alteration in its
appearance so that it may be distinguished from a label that has
not been removed.
[0015] Edge labels are often preprinted. They may present
instructions on how to open the package or, more commonly, present
the name of the game or other product, or of its manufacturer.
Printing also prevents an unscrupulous consumer from easily
replacing label (after it has been removed) with another one very
similar in appearance to the original. To enhance this protection,
holograms are sometimes employed. A hologram is an image that is
produced using a specialty technique that lends the image a
three-dimensional appearance. In FIG. 2 the area referred to as 210
represents how a hologram may be employed. Holograms do have an
aesthetic quality, being attractive to the potential consumer. In
the context of theft prevention, however, holograms are useful
precisely because they are more difficult to reproduce than
ordinary images. A person destroying the hologram that came with a
particular label would therefore have a difficult time replacing
the label with another one of like appearance. As can bee seen in
FIG. 2, the hologram 210 is placed across the seam 220 in such a
way that the product can not easily be opened without damaging or
destroying the hologram.
[0016] The use of edge labels, with or without an enclosing plastic
wrap, has been proven effective. There are still problems, however,
associated with its application. At times, the labels are fairly
difficult for even legitimate purchasers to remove, and as such
present an irritating inconvenience to the consumer. In some ways,
the more effective the label is at reducing the risk of theft, the
more difficult it will be for the legitimate purchaser to remove.
While a knife or other sharp object is quite effective at slicing
through the label, one is not always available and even when it is,
there is the risk of injury resulting to a purchaser who is not
careful. This is especially a problem with games, which are always
often purchased by young children who will frequently want to open
the game as quickly as possible. Needed, therefore, is a system for
applying a tamper resistant label to a package in such a manner
that is attractive to consumers, but will at the same time
providing a measure of security to the retailer. The present
invention provides just such a solution.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
including its features and advantages, reference is made to the
Detailed Description of the invention, together with the
accompanying Drawings, of which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a tamper-resistant media
package shown in an open configuration.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the package of FIG. 1 shown in
a closed configuration and sealed accordingly to a closure system
of the prior art.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a package closure device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the package-closure device of
FIG. 3, installed on the media package of FIG. 1, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a portion of the package
closure system of FIG. 3, showing the various features thereof
depicted in greater detail.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a tamper-resistant media
package of alternate design, shown in an open configuration.
[0024] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the package-closure device of
FIG. 3, installed on the media package of FIG. 6, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the package closure device of
FIG. 3 illustrating additional features according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a tamper-resistant media
package of another alternate design, shown sealed according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The present invention is directed to a closure system for
closing packages containing storage media on which games or other
applications are frequently stored. The closure system of the
present invention has several advantages, including a optimum
balance between convenience from the consumer's point of view and
tamper-resistance, which protects the interest of the retailer. The
present invention is intended for use with plastic packaging (such
as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the prior art), but might also
be used with other types of packages as well.
[0028] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a package closure device
according to an embodiment of the present invention. For
convenience package-closure device 300 will often be referred to as
a "label" (as was label 200 illustrated in FIG. 2), because it is
sometimes printed with the name of the item being sold or other
information. It is not necessary, however, that a preprinted label
be used. Label 300 will ordinarily be formed of a thin, flexible
plastic material. Label 300 is generally formed as a single piece
of material, but for purposes of explaining the present invention
it can nevertheless be thought of as divided into a number of
sections or areas. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, label 300 is formed
generally as a rectangle, but also includes a smaller rectangle
formed as an extension at one end; pull tab 360. As shown in FIG.
3, pull tab 360 may be labeled with the word "PULL" in order to
alert the consumer to its function. The lengthwise portion of label
300 adjacent to pull tab 360 may be referred to as tear strip 330.
Tear strip 330 will ordinarily run the entire length of the label
330. Surrounding tear strip 330 are a first side 315 and a second
side 325 of label 300. In this embodiment, first side 315 is
separated from tear strip 330 by a first series of perforations
310, and likewise second side area 325 is separated from tear strip
330 by a second series of perforations 320.
[0029] Each of the perforations in the series of perforations 310
and 320 represent a recess or opening formed in label 300. In most
embodiments, each perforation will be formed by an
appropriately-shaped object that is used to penetrate label 300
from its exterior side 335 through to its interior side 345. (As
interior side 345 will generally be the side facing the package, it
will also be referred to as "package-side" 345.) Although the
perforating tool will typically pass all of the way through label
300 when making the perforations, forming an opening from one side
to the other, a partial-penetration technique may also be used if
considered desirable. In either case, an elongated perforation will
sometimes be referred to as a "slit". Generally speaking, none of
the material of Label 300 will be removed during the perforating
process, although again this is not necessarily the case.
Naturally, where label 300 is itself cut from a larger sheet of
material, it can be cut and perforated in a single operation.
[0030] As should be apparent from the illustration of FIG. 3, in
this embodiment the two series of perforations extending from a
first end 304 of label 300 to a second end 306 forming the tear
strip 330 are made so that when pull tab 360 is grasped by a
consumer and pulled away from the package and in the direction of
the opposite end 304 of label 300, the tear strip may easily be
separated from first side 315 and second side 325. After performing
this operation, the consumer will be able to open the package an
obtain access to its contents.
[0031] Before explaining this in any more detail, it is also noted
here that the label 300 also may include two additional features.
The hologram 340 that will often be preprinted on the exterior
surface 335 of label 300 is used, as explained above, to enhance
the tamper-resistance of the label. Preferably, it is placed on
label 300 at the end opposite pull tab 360, meaning if the hologram
340 is violated it will normally indicate that the package has been
opened by a consumer. Also, it may be desirable to place a logo or
other name in logo area 350. In this embodiment, logo 350 is
printed only on tear strip 330, and will be removed when the
package is opened by the consumer.
[0032] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a portion of the package
closure device 300 depicted in FIG. 3, enlarged to show various
features thereof in greater detail. In FIG. 5, the relationship
between pull tab 360, tear strip 330, and the first series of
perforations 310 and second series of perforations 320 may be seen
in more detail. The shape of each individual perforation in the
series of perforations may also be seen more clearly. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 5 each series of perforations includes a
plurality of similarly-shaped perforations that have been oriented
and aligned in a certain manner.
[0033] In this embodiment, the perforations in each (of the two
illustrated) series of perforations are arranged so as to form a
substantially straight line, which also delineates the sides of
tear strip 330. Most, but not all of the perforations are shaped as
an obtuse angle. In other words, with few exceptions, each
perforation is formed of a first slit and a second slit that
intersect at a respective end of each slit. For purposes of
describing the present invention, an "obtuse perforation" will be a
perforation that includes at least a first slit and a second slit
that intersect forming an obtuse angle. Preferably, though not
necessarily, this intersection will take place at respective
endpoints of the two slits. In some embodiments, the obtuse
perforation need not be limited to two slits, although these
alternate embodiments are not shown in any of the figures.
[0034] At this point, it should be noted that the obtuse
perforations illustrated in FIG. 5 have been found to
advantageously facilitate removal of the tear strip 330, making the
opening of packages such as package 100 more convenient. Closure
devices configured in this manner have been found to advantageously
permit efficient removal of the entire tear strip 330 without
causing undue violation to the material of label 300 that forms
first side 315 and second side 325. Other configurations, however,
are possible. In addition, it may also be noted that in order to
most advantageously form the tear strip 330, the series of
perforations 310 is preferably substantially parallel to the second
series of perforations 320. In addition, these two series of
perforations will ordinarily each be a straight line, although
again this is not strictly required. Curved lines (not shown) may
be used, for example, on packages having an unusual contour.
[0035] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the orientation of the
individual perforations is also of significance. In this
embodiment, one slit of each of the obtuse perforations is oriented
in generally the same direction as is the series of perforations of
which it is a part. In this embodiment, at least a subset of these
aligned perforations are of substantially the same shape, meaning
that the non-aligned slits of the perforations in the subset lie
parallel with respect to each other.
[0036] In general, it may be noted that a series of perforations
that help to form a tear strip on the label of a package closure
device according to the present invention will include perforations
that are mostly uniform in size, shape, and orientation. Complete
uniformity, however, is not required. In fact, it may be desirable
to form some of the perforations differently, for example those
near the beginning or end of tear strip 330. In this case, only a
"subset" of the perforations in the series of perforations are
uniformly-shaped or arranged in a linear arrangement. Such a subset
of perforations may include any number of individual perforations,
not all of which may be adjacent to each other. Where more than one
series of perforations is present, each may have a subset of
uniform perforations, which may include perforations that are
identical to perforations in other subsets, and which may in some
embodiments by identically or analogously oriented.
[0037] FIG. 8 is an illustration of the package closure device 300
of FIG. 3 illustrating additional features according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary dimensions are given
to illustrate a label of size and shape useful in contemporary
application, but no limitation on the use of other sizes and shapes
is thereby implied. In this embodiment, it is specified that an
adhesive is only selectively applied to package side 345 of label
300, although selective application is not a limitation of the
present invention unless explicitly stated in reference to a
particular embodiment.
[0038] Several applications of the package closure device of the
present invention will now be illustrated and described. FIG. 4 is
an illustration of the package-closure device 300 of FIG. 3,
installed on the media package 100 of FIG. 1, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, package 100 is
shown in a closed configuration similar to the illustration in FIG.
2. Again, first side 110 and second side 120 of Package 100 meet at
the seam 220, forming the front 250 of package 100. In the closed
configuration shown in FIG. 4, of course, the contents of package
100 are inaccessible to the consumer. This embodiment, label 300 is
intentionally formed of a size and shape so that it will extend
across the entire width of the package 100, that is, across front
250, including across seam 220. For added security, label 300 is
also of sufficient size to extend on to the top 230 and bottom 240
of package 100. Preferably, tear strip 330 is positioned to be
directly above seam 220.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the label 300 will normally
occupy a majority of the surface area of front side 250 to which it
is affixed, although this is not a requirement of the
invention.
[0040] Label 300 is typically affixed to package 100 with using
some form of adhesive applied to package side 345 of label 300.
This adhesive may be applied to the entire package side 345, which
may be convenient for application. In another embodiment, the
adhesive may be selectively applied (as illustrated in FIG. 8) if
desired for a particular application. Selective application may,
for example, facilitate easy removal of the tear strip 330.
[0041] In another embodiment, alternate means of attaching label
300 to package 100 may also be used, in lieu of, or in addition to,
and adhesive applied to the package side 345 of label 300. For
example, strips of adhesive tape (not shown) could be used to
anchor each side of label 300 to the top 230 and bottom 240,
respectively, of package 100. Label 300 could also extend
completely around package 100, and be affixed to itself at the
extreme ends of label 300, again using adhesive, tape, or both, or
even a mechanical fastener (also not shown).
[0042] Although extended across the front 250 of package 100 in
FIG. 4, alternate or additional placement is possible. For example,
label 300 could extend across left side 255 (perhaps more toward
the front 250 than towards the back 245). Or a plurality of labels
could be employed. In one alternate embodiment (not shown),
multiple labels could even be used to permit selective access to
different portions of a package (also not shown) that could be
opened in more than one way.
[0043] Package closure labels according to the present invention
could also be applied to differently-shaped packages. For example,
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a media package that closes in a
somewhat different manner than package 100 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. In
FIG. 6, package 600 includes a right side portion 640 and a left
side portion 650. A recess 620 in the body 610 of package 600 may
hold a disk 630 or other game media. In the closed configuration,
shown in FIG. 7, recess 620 of package 600 is entirely concealed by
right side portion 640 and left side portion 650, which are
operable along hinges 645 and 655, respectively. The two sides meet
at seam 645, and as can be seen in FIG. 7, are secured with label
300.
[0044] In yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, label 300 is
applied not in a single plane, but in two planes formed by right
side portion 910 and left side portion 920, which close about
hinges 915 and 925 to cover a recess (not shown) formed in body 930
of package 900. This package may be used, for example, for housing
items somewhat larger than CDs.
[0045] The previous descriptions are of preferred examples for
implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should
not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the
present invention is defined by the following claims.
* * * * *