U.S. patent application number 11/082071 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-21 for security packaging with post recycled content.
Invention is credited to Ashok V. Chandaria.
Application Number | 20060208045 11/082071 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37009272 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060208045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chandaria; Ashok V. |
September 21, 2006 |
Security packaging with post recycled content
Abstract
A packaging box including a lacquer layer applied in a band
proximate an outer edge of the upper and side walls of the box. The
box is manufactured from a high post recycled content material and
the lacquer layer helps packaging tape to adhere to the box and
seal the same. Security indicators are applied to one of the
lacquer layer and packaging tape to identify whether or not the box
has previously been opened by an unauthorized person. The security
indicators are applied to the one of the lacquer layer and
packaging tape in combination with a layer of release agent so that
the security identifier can be revealed when the box has been
opened.
Inventors: |
Chandaria; Ashok V.;
(Nairobi, KE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100
4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Family ID: |
37009272 |
Appl. No.: |
11/082071 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/102 ;
229/125.39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2401/00 20200501;
B65D 5/0236 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/102 ;
229/125.39 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/22 20060101
B65D043/22 |
Claims
1. A packaging box for transporting products, said box comprising:
a cardboard box formed from post recycled materials; said box
having at least two walls with outer edges which abut each other,
wherein at least one of the walls is movable to obtain access to an
interior cavity within the box; and wherein each wall has an outer
surface; a lacquer layer applied to a portion of the outer surface
of each wall proximate the outer edge thereof
2. The packaging box as defined in claim 2, wherein the lacquer
layer is applied to the outer surface in a band that is between 1/2
inch and 2 inches wide.
3. The packaging box as defined in claim 2, wherein the lacquer
layer is colored.
4. The packaging box as defined in claim 2, further comprising a
layer of release agent applied to the box at one of below and above
the lacquer layer.
5. The packaging box as defined in claim 4, wherein the layer of
release agent is applied at a plurality of spaced apart discrete
areas.
6. The packaging box as defined in claim 5, wherein the discrete
areas of the layer of release agent are arranged in a pattern.
7. The packaging box as defined in claim 6, further comprising a
plurality of security indicators applied to the box proximate the
outer edges of the walls.
8. The packaging box as defined in claim 7, wherein the security
indicators are applied directly to the outer surface of one of the
walls of the box.
9. The packaging box as defined in claim 8, wherein the security
indicators are applied over the lacquer layer on the box.
10. The packaging box as defined in claim 8, wherein the security
indicators are applied over the layer of release agent on the
box.
11. The packaging box as defined in claim 10, wherein the lacquer
layer is colored.
12. The packaging box as defined in claim 11, wherein the security
indicators are colored.
13. The packaging box as defined in claim 11, wherein the security
indicator is formed as one of a word and a shape.
14. In combination: a post recycled content cardboard box having at
least one wall that is moveable over an interior cavity; a lacquer
layer applied proximate an outer edge of the at least one wall; a
packaging tape applied over the lacquer layer to prevent movement
of the one wall to seal the box and prevent access to the interior
cavity.
15. The combination as defined in claim 14, wherein the lacquer
layer is applied in a band extending substantially parallel to the
outer edge of the at least one wall; and wherein said band is
between 1/2 inch and 2 inches wide.
16. The combination as defined in claim 15, further comprising a
layer of release agent applied to one of above and below the
lacquer layer.
17. The combination as defined in claim 16, wherein the layer of
release agent is applied at discrete intervals at one of above and
below the laquer layer.
18. The combination as defined in claim 17, further comprising a
plurality of security indicators applied to one of an outer surface
the wall, above the lacquer layer and above the layer of release
agent.
19. The combination as defined in claim 18, wherein one of the
lacquer layer and security indicators is colored.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention generally relates to packaging materials.
More particularly, the invention relates to a packaging box.
Specifically, the invention relates to a packaging box which is
manufactured using a high content of post recycled materials, which
includes a finish that enables packaging tape to adhere more easily
thereto and which preferably includes security indicators to show
if the package has been previously opened.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Every year millions of parcels and packages are transported
around the world both by regular postal authorities, by mailing
companies and couriers. Companies that regularly ship goods in this
manner can spend a lot of money on the packaging boxes themselves.
There has therefore been a move in the industry to use boxes which
include a higher post recycled material content in order to lower
the costs involved. Such boxes are suitable for shipping products
but they do, however, have a disadvantage in relation to boxes
produced with little or no post recycled content materials.
Corrugated cardboard produced with post recycled material tends to
have a greater number of fibers that project outwardly from its
surfaces. These fibers can interfere with packaging tape sticking
effectively to the outer surface of the box. This can cause two
problems. Firstly, the package may pop open during shipping because
the tape has disengaged from the cardboard. Secondly, the tape can
be easily removed and replaced by unauthorized persons without the
recipient of the package ever becoming aware of this tampering
until the goods inside the box are examined.
[0005] There is therefore a need in the art for high post recycled
content packaging boxes to which packaging tape may more easily and
firmly adhere. There is a further need in the art for a packaging
box which can be more easily identified as having been opened by an
unauthorized person.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The device of the present invention comprises a cardboard
packaging box to which a band of lacquer has been applied in those
areas of the box that would typically receive packaging tape
thereon. The box is manufactured from a high post recycled content
material. The lacquer band provides a suitable surface to which
packaging tape will more easily adhere. Security indicators can be
applied to either the lacquer layer of the box or the packaging
tape to indicate to a recipient that the box has been previously
opened. A layer of release agent is applied either directly to the
box, or above the lacquer layer so that when packaging tape is
pulled off the box, the security indicators are revealed. The
lacquer layer and/or the security indicators preferably are colored
to draw the recipient's attention thereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principles, are set forth in the following description and are
shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed
out and set forth in the appended claims.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
packaging box in accordance with the present invention and showing
the applied lacquer layer;
[0009] FIG. 2 is cross-sectional front view through line 2-2 of
FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the packaging box with
packaging tape applied over the lacquer layer and sealing the
box;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view through line 4-4 of
FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the packaging box of FIG. 1
used in conjunction with a security packaging tape;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front view through line 6-6 of
FIG. 5;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a packaging box which has
been tampered with showing the appearance of damaged security
indicators on the lacquer band;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of
packaging box in accordance with the present invention and showing
a plurality of security indicators deposited on the lacquer
layer;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view through line 9-9 of
FIG. 8;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the packaging box of FIG. 8
with packaging tape applied over the lacquer layer;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the packaging box with the
packaging tape partially removed therefrom and showing the security
indicators being transferred to the underside of the packaging
tape;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional front view through line 12-12
of FIG. 11 showing the packaging tape partially removed from the
box and showing the security indicators transferred to the
packaging tape;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the packaging box that has
been tampered with and showing the damaged security indicators;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of
packaging box showing the lacquer layer and layer of release agent
areas in phantom;
[0022] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional front view through line
15-15 of FIG. 14;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the packaging box of FIG.
14 showing packaging tape being removed therefrom;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional front view through line
17-17 of FIG. 16;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fourth-embodiment of
packaging box in accordance with the present invention and showing
the laquer layer with areas where a release agent has not been
applied shown in phantom;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional front view through line
19-19 of FIG. 18;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the packaging box of FIG.
18 having packaging tape removed therefrom; and
[0028] FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the
packaging box through line 21-21 of FIG. 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a first embodiment of
a packaging box in accordance with the present invention and
generally indicated at 10. Box 10 is made from a corrugated
cardboard and preferably from a cardboard which has a high post
recycled material content. Box 10 includes a bottom wall (not
shown); peripheral side walls 18 extending outwardly away from the
bottom wall and a pair of upper flaps 16 that can be rotated
between an open and closed position. The bottom wall, side walls 18
and flaps 16 form an interior cavity into which articles to be
shipped can be placed.
[0030] In accordance with one of the specific features of the
present invention, a lacquer layer 12 is applied to those areas of
box 10 onto which packaging tape 14 will later be applied. These
areas include an area proximate the sides 16a and edges 16b of
flaps 16 and the upper edges 18a of the sides 18 of box 10. Lacquer
layer 12 comprises any type of lacquer that will allow packaging
tape 14 to adhere thereto. Lacquer layer 12 preferably is applied
in a band that is between 1/2 inch and 2 inches wide. The width of
the band allows for the application of a variety of widths of tape
14. Lacquer layer 12 preferably is sufficiently wide enough to
prevent tape 14 from coming into direct contact with the outer
surface of box 10. This prevents any upstanding fibers from the
post recycled materials from interfering with the adhesion of tape
14. Lacquer layer 12 enables packaging tape 14 to more easily
adhere to the outer surface of box 10 and to therefore seal the
same. Lacquer layer 12 may be colored so that the user can more
easily see where the tape 14 should be applied.
[0031] The packaging tape 14 has an upper surface 14a, a lower
surface 14b and side edges 14c. Lower surface 14b includes an
adhesive layer that bonds tape 14 to lacquer layer 12. Tape 14 is
applied so that it covers an area of the flaps 16 proximate the
edges 16b, 16b and seals the box 10. Similarly, tape 14 may be
partially applied to an area of the sides 18 of the box 10
proximate the upper edge 18a thereof and partially applied to an
area proximate the sides 16a of box 10.
[0032] The present invention is used in the following manner. A
lacquer layer 12 is applied to the above-identified areas of box 10
by way of a spray or roller applicator. Lacquer layer 12 is allowed
to dry.
[0033] When the lacquered box 10 is purchased by the user, the user
places the items to be shipped into the interior cavity (not shown)
of box 10. Flaps 16 are rotated from an open position to a closed
position where access to the interior cavity is prevented (FIG. 1).
In this closed position, edges 16b of flaps 16 lie in close
proximity to each other. Tape 14 is applied over lacquer layer 12
in any desired configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 2. Tape 14
preferably is applied so that, side edges 14c of tape 14 lie
inwardly of edges 12a of lacquer layer 12. This prevents direct
contact between lower surface 14b of tape 14 and un-lacquered areas
of box 10. When box 10 is sealed, it can be shipped to its
destination. Upon arrival of box 10 at its destination, tape 14 is
simply pulled off lacquer layer 12 and the contents of box 10 can
be accessed.
[0034] As is shown in FIGS. 5-7, box 10 may alternatively be sealed
with a packaging tape 114 that includes a plurality of security
indicators 120 thereon. In this instance, all the features of box
110 are substantially the same as those of box 10, including the
provision of a lacquer layer 112 applied in a band proximate the
sides and edges of flaps 116 and sides 118. Lower surface 114b of
tape 114 includes a plurality of areas positioned at spaced
intervals along the length of tape 114. These areas are coated with
a release agent (not shown). A security indicator 120 is imprinted
onto each area coated in release agent in one of an ink and paint.
The ink or paint preferably is of a bright, eye-catching color such
a fire-engine red, bright yellow or hot pink. Lower surface 14b of
tape 114, including security indicators 120, is then coated with an
adhesive layer (not shown). Security indicators 120 may include
words like "OPENED" which may be colored for impact, or colored
bars or any other shaped and colored identifiers that could
indicate to the recipient that the box 110 has been tampered with.
If box 110 is opened by an unauthorized user and then resealed,
portions of indicators 120 that have been deposited onto lacquer
layer 112 may be removed by the adhesive on packaging tape 114.
When box 110 reaches its destination and is opened, those parts of
indicators 120 which were removed from lacquer layer 112 show up on
lower surface 114b of tape 114 as partial indicators 152. The
presence of these partial indicators 152 show the recipient that
box 110 was previously opened. Furthermore, the security indicators
120 on box 110 have portions that are missing--so, for instance in
the case of indicators 120 being words, some of the letters of the
words are missing on lacquer layer 112 and those missing letters
appear on tape 114 as indicators 152.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 8-13 there is shown a second embodiment
of packaging box in accordance with the present invention and
generally indicated at 210. As before, box 210 includes a lacquer
layer 212 disposed in bands proximate the edges of flaps 216 and
sides 218 of box 210. In accordance with one of the specific
features of this embodiment, a plurality of security indicators 220
is formed at spaced intervals along the bands of lacquer layer 212.
Each security indicator 220 includes a layer of release agent 240
and a colored indicator layer 242 (FIG. 9). Layer of release agent
240 is deposited directly onto lacquer layer 212 and indicator
layer 242 is deposited directly over layer of release agent 240.
Indicator layer 242 comprises an ink or paint, preferably of a
bright eye-catching color, such as fire-engine red, bright yellow
or hot pink. As can be seen in FIG. 8, security indicators 220 are
formed on lacquer layer 212 in a distinct pattern and preferably
cover the entire length and width of the band of lacquer. Any
suitable pattern of indicators can be used without departing from
the sprit of the present invention.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, box 210 is used in the
following manner. Packaging tape 214 is placed over lacquer layer
212 to seal the edges of flaps 216 and sides 218. Side edges 214b
of tape 214 lie inwardly of the side edges 212b of lacquer layer
212. The adhesive on lower surface 214b of tape 214 adheres to both
the indicator layer 242 of all security indicators 220 disposed
beneath tape 214 and to those regions of lacquer layer 212
interposed between security indicators 220. When tape 214 is pulled
away from box 210, indicator layers 242 of those security
indicators 220 disposed beneath tape 214 are pulled off box 210.
This is the result of the presence of the layer of release agent
240 disposed between the indicator layer 242 and lacquer layer 212.
The removed indicator layers 242a remain stuck to the lower surface
214b of tape 214 as is shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, the removal
of indicator layers 242a from box 210 forms a band 244 on lacquer
layer 212 in which there aren't any security indicators. Band 244
is of the same width as packaging tape 214. If the box 210 has not
been previously opened, it will be immediately obvious to the
recipient because there will be a uniform pattern of indicator
layers 242a transferred onto the lower surface 214b of tape 214.
Furthermore, there will be a band 244 formed in the interior of
lacquer layer 212 where security indicators 220 have been removed.
If box 210 has been tampered with, the pattern of paint layers 242a
on lower surface 214b and the pattern of security indicators 220
will be disturbed. It is unlikely that any removed tape 214 could
be replaced in exactly the correct position over the lacquer layer
212. Misaligning the tape 214 would likely lead to the removal of
additional indicator layers 242 from lacquer layer 212 and would
break the pattern formed by security indicators on both the box 210
and on the lower surface 214b of tape 214. Furthermore, misaligned
tape could also lead to the redeposit of some of the paint layers
242a onto the lacquer layer 212 in any area where remnants of the
adhesive from tape 214 have remained on lacquer layer 212. FIG. 13
is an illustration of a box 210 which may be have been tampered
with, showing a break in the pattern on both the lacquer layer 212
and on the tape 214. It will be understood that while the security
indicators 220 in FIGS. 8-13 have been shown as dots, they can be
formed in any other shapes or may be in the form of words or any
other suitable identifiers.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 14-17 there is shown a third embodiment
of packaging box in accordance with the present invention and
generally indicated at 310. In box 310, a plurality of security
indicators 320 are printed directly onto the outer surface of box
310 in an area proximate the edges of flaps 316 and sides 318. A
small area covering and surrounding each security indicator 320 has
a layer of release agent 340 applied directly thereover. A colored
lacquer layer 312 is then applied in a band proximate the edges of
flaps 316 and sides 318 of box 310 and covering the areas with a
layer of release agent 340 applied thereto. The lacquer layer 312
makes it impossible to see security indicators 320.
[0038] In use, packaging tape 314 is used to close and secure flaps
316 together and to secure flaps 316 to sides 318. When packaging
tape 314 is removed at the box's destination, the layer of release
agent 340 and small areas 312a of lacquer layer 312 break free from
the band of lacquer and remain adhered to tape 314. The removal of
layer of release agent 340 and areas 312a makes security indicators
320 visible. If an authorized user attempts to reseal box 310,
either with the original packaging tape 314, or with other tape,
that tape will adhere to the outer surface of box 310 and when the
tape is later removed, the security indicators 320 and the outer
surface of the box will be damaged. This will show the recipient of
the packaging box 310 that the box has been tampered with.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 18-21, there is shown a fourth embodiment
of packaging box in accordance with the present invention and
generally indicated at 410. A layer of release agent 440 is applied
in a band to the outer surface of box 410. A plurality of areas 442
are interspersed at spaced intervals throughout the band of layer
of release agent 440 where no release agent is applied. A colored
lacquer layer 412 is applied in a band over the layer of release
agent 440 and areas 442. This means that in areas 442, the lacquer
is applied directly to the outer surface of box 410 as can be seen
in FIG. 19. When packaging tape 414 is removed from box 410, tape
414 pulls the lacquer layer 412 off box 410 everywhere except in
those areas 442 where no release agent 440 was applied. The
remnants of the lacquer layer form small colored dots 412a all over
those portions of box 410 where no release agent was applied. The
inner surface 414a of packaging tape is covered with lacquer layer
412 but includes a plurality of holes 446 therein where the lacquer
remained on box 410 as dots 412a.
[0040] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while
the lacquer layer has been disclosed as being applied to a
cardboard box manufactured from high post recycled content, the
lacquer layer may be applied to cardboard boxes that have little or
no post recycled material content without departing from the scope
of the present invention. Furthermore, while the box illustrated in
the attached drawings has been shown as having two rotatable flaps,
any other style of cardboard box can have a lacquer layer applied
thereto in a position where packaging tape could be applied to seal
the box. People skilled in the art will also appreciate that the
security indicators can be applied anywhere along the width and
length of the lacquer layer and/or packaging tape and that the
identifiers may be applied in discrete bands or may be spread along
the entire width and length of the two components.
[0041] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0042] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown or described.
* * * * *