U.S. patent application number 11/420259 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-30 for bag with tamper evidencing closure.
Invention is credited to Steven E. Gradl, Chad A. Hendrick, Catherine E. Kettner, Timothy James May, Greg W. Melchoir, Michael E. Schreiter.
Application Number | 20060269169 11/420259 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37401052 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060269169 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kettner; Catherine E. ; et
al. |
November 30, 2006 |
BAG WITH TAMPER EVIDENCING CLOSURE
Abstract
A closure has at least one channel portion adapted to receive an
interlocking profile portion. The channel has at least one window
permitting visual inspection of a profile interlocked therein. At
least one profile is disposed for interlocking with the channel and
includes a stem joined to the closure and one or more latching
projections formed by a frangible connection to the stem, wherein
one or more projections are adapted to cooperatively interlock with
the channel portion of the closure, thereby sealing the closure. In
one closure, a tamper evident structure is included in the form of
a slider having a shaver to engage in shaving contact with
interlocking closure members when passed along the closure in a
direction opposite to the closing direction. The various closure
members can include different colors. The closures can be used on
bag structures.
Inventors: |
Kettner; Catherine E.;
(Appleton, WI) ; Gradl; Steven E.; (Appleton,
WI) ; Schreiter; Michael E.; (Appleton, WI) ;
May; Timothy James; (Appleton, WI) ; Melchoir; Greg
W.; (Green Bay, WI) ; Hendrick; Chad A.;
(DePere, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
37401052 |
Appl. No.: |
11/420259 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60685229 |
May 26, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/5 ;
24/585.12; 383/63; 383/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/34 20130101;
B65D 33/2516 20130101; B65D 33/2508 20130101; B65D 33/2591
20130101; B65D 33/25 20130101; Y10T 24/45168 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/005 ;
383/063; 383/064; 024/585.12 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/14 20060101
B65D033/14; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16; A44B 19/00 20060101
A44B019/00 |
Claims
1. A closure comprising: a) at least one channel portion adapted to
receive an interlocking profile portion, said channel being
characterized by having at least one window which permits visual
inspection of a profile interlocked therein; b) at least one
profile disposed for interlocking with said channel, said profile
comprising: i) a stem joined to the closure; ii) one or more
latching projections joined by a frangible connection to the stem,
wherein said one or more projections are adapted to cooperatively
interlock with said channel portion of said closure, thereby
sealing said closure, wherein said frangible connection of said
profile is selected to fail at an applied force which is less than
sufficient to disengaged the interlocked channel and profile,
thereby severing said latching projections from said profile.
2. The closure of claim 1 wherein said channel is joined to one
leaf of a self-supporting bifold strip, and said profile is joined
to the other leaf of said bifold strip in a location such that
folding said strip along the bifold line permits interlock of said
channel and said profile.
3. The closure of claim 2 wherein said window portion of said
self-supporting bifold strip is adapted to provide a guide
supporting said slider.
4. The closure of claim 2 wherein said profile is a segmented
profile.
5. The closure of claim 4 wherein the cross-sectional shape of the
profile has a mushroom-shape.
6. The closure of claim 1 wherein said channel and said profile are
formed on separate sheets of base material and subsequently joined
together on at least one end.
7. The closure of claim 1 wherein said frangible region comprises
at least one die cut into the material from which said profile is
formed.
8. The closure of claim 1 in which each of said channel and said
profile comprise a material having coloration.
9. The closure of claim 8 wherein each of said channel and said
profile are selected to have a different hue, thereby providing
visual indication of interlocked and tampered status.
10. The closure of claim 1 further characterized in that when
interlocked, separation of the interlocked channel and profile
requires an application of a force of at least about 10 pounds.
11. A bag comprising: (a) a closure including at least one channel
portion adapted to receive an interlocking profile portion, said
channel being characterized by having at least one window which
permits visual inspection of a profile interlocked therein; at
least one profile disposed for interlocking with said channel, said
profile comprising: (i) a stem joined to the closure; (ii) one or
more latching projections joined by a frangible connection to the
stem, wherein said one or more projections are adapted to
cooperatively interlock with said channel portion of said closure,
thereby sealing said closure, wherein said frangible connection of
said profile is selected to fail at an applied force which is less
than sufficient to disengaged the interlocked channel and profile,
thereby severing said latching projections from said profile; and
(b) opposing side walls; the closure being attached proximal to the
edge of one of at least one of the side walls.
12. The bag of claim 11 wherein each said bag side wall contains
therethrough at least one opening, in registration with an opening
through the opposite wall, each said pair of registered openings
being disposed such that when said profile and channel are mated at
least one portion of said profile passes through at least on pair
of registered openings.
13. The bag of claim 11 further comprising a slider.
14. The bag of claim 13 further including retaining structure
oriented on an end of the closure, which when the slider is
adjacent to said end, the closure is in a non-interlocked state;
and an opposite end of the closure contains no construct to prevent
the slider from being removed from the closure.
15. The bag of claim 14 wherein said retaining structure comprises
a stop seal.
16. The bag of claim 11 wherein said closure has latching
projections having a cross-sectional shape selected from the group
consisting of: a latching projection having a wing shape; a
latching projection having an arrowhead shape; a latching
projection having a "C"-shape; and a latching projection having a
double arrowhead shape, and wherein said channel has a
cross-sectional shape selected to interlock with said latching
projections.
17. A closure comprising an opposite pair of side wall members
having proximal and distal faces, and a device for sealing said
closure comprising: a) at least one channel portion affixed to a
proximal face of a first side wall member and adapted to receive an
interlocking profile portion; b) at least one profile affixed to a
proximal face of a second side wall member disposed for
interlocking with said channel, said profile comprising: i) a stem
joined to said proximal second side wall face; ii) one or more
latching projections joined to the stem, wherein said one or more
projections are adapted to cooperatively interlock with said
channel portion of said closure, thereby sealing said closure; and
c) a slider selected to have a length at least equal to the length
of said closure interlocking channel and profile and adapted to
cooperate with projecting portions of said distal faces of said
opposite sidewall members of said closure, and which is
characterized in being adapted to facilitate interlock of said
channel and profile portions of said closure when passed along a
closure having non-interlocked channel and profile portions, the
slider comprising (i) a collection chamber disposed at the end of
the slider which promotes interlock of said channel and profile;
(ii) a top window permitting visual inspection of said collection
chamber; (iii) a shaver proximal to said interlocking members of
said closure and disposed such that said shaver engages in sliding
contact with said interlocking closure members when said slider is
operated along the closure in a direction promoting interlock of
said channel and profile, and engages in shaving contact with said
interlocking closure members when passed along the closure in the
opposite direction; (iv) an enclosed end opposite to the end of the
slide containing said shaver, said enclosed end abutting the
closure when slider is operated to fully seal said closure; and (v)
a diverter to direct shavings removed by said shaver into a
collection chamber.
18. The closure of claim 17 wherein said interlocking parts of
closure have a coloration distinguishing them from the slider
collection chamber.
19. The closure of claim 17 further characterized in that when
interlocked, separation of the interlocked channel and profile
requires an application of a force of at least about 15 pounds.
20. The closure of claim 17 further comprising a retainer for
slider engagement when the slider is in a position corresponding to
non-interlocked channel and profile portions.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/685,229, filed May 26, 2005, which
application is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention pertains to a closure for a flexible package.
More particularly, the invention pertains to a closure having
tamper-inhibiting features which include indication that attempts
have been made to open the closure putting a viewer on notice of
potential unauthorized access of the contents of a package to which
the closure is attached.
REPORTED DEVELOPMENTS
[0003] Security bags, for example, those used to transport
instruments of value, for example, currency, comprise a method of
sealing the bag which inhibits unauthorized opening of the bag and
unauthorized access to the contents of the bag. Such security bags
are described in each of U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,243 to Hanning, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,631,068 to Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,256 to Makrauer,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,277 to Burke, U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,041 to
Fullerton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,238 to Bolton, U.S. Pat. No.
5,318,364 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,194 each to Raden, U.S. Pat. No.
4,491,196 to Edelman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,708 to Holcomb,
and U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,113 to Taylor. To inhibit unauthorized
opening and provide an indication that unauthorized access may have
occurred tamper-inhibiting/tamper-indicating closures utilized in
previous security bags have employed adhesives, for example, as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,194 to Raden, U.S. Pat. No.
4,491,196 to Edelman et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,708 to
Holcomb, and/or selectively die-cut or selectively imprinted
portions, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,068 to
Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,256 to Makrauer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,238
to Bolton, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,364 to Raden. Unfortunately,
these chemical/mechanical systems can be defeated, for example, by
the application of environmental conditions not typically
experienced within their in-use environment, for example, exposure
to extremes of heat or cold. Moreover, prior mechanical systems,
for example selectively die-cut interlayers, are subject to being
defeated by mechanical manipulation and/or do not leave readily
apparent evidence of tampering. When defeated, these systems do not
provide ready confirmation of unauthorized opening or attempted
opening of the security package. Accordingly, previous security bag
closures do not provide the desired level of tamper-deterrence.
What is needed is a system of sealing a package containing
valuables that provides a readily ascertainable indication of
unauthorized opening. What is needed moreover is a
tamper-indicating closure which has a high degree of reliability
that the tamper-evidencing features are actuated when an
unauthorized attempt is made to access the contents of the
package.
[0004] These and other shortcomings are addressed by the closure of
the present invention. The present invention provides a closure
comprising interlocking elements which provide a seal.
Additionally, at least one of the interlocking elements is adapted
to fail when a force which is less than that sufficient to
disengage the interlocked closure elements is applied to the sealed
closure, thereby providing visual indication that the closure has
been opened.
[0005] In one embodiment the present invention provides a closure
which requires an implement, for example, a slider, to effect the
initial sealing of the package to which it is attached, permitting
the provision of a closure which provides a high closing force. In
one embodiment, after utilizing a slider to seal the closure, the
slider is removed from the sealed package. The slider track is
adapted to impede reattachment of the slider after removal. In one
embodiment the slider is adapted to cover the closure completely
and after initially sealing the closure, remain in place, covering
the closure. In this embodiment the covering slider is adapted to
be unremovable without triggering an indicator of the removal
attempt, providing the closure with alternate or additional tamper
deterrence
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one embodiment the present development provides a closure
which has at least one channel portion adapted to receive an
interlocking profile portion, and at least one oppositely
positioned profile comprising: [0007] i) a stem joining the
interlocking portion of the profile to a flange of the closure;
[0008] ii) one or more latching projections joined by a frangible
connection to the stem, wherein said one or more projections are
adapted to cooperatively interlock with at least a portion of said
channel, thereby sealing said closure, wherein said frangible
connection of said profile is selected to fail at an applied force
which is less than sufficient to disengaged the interlocked channel
and profile, thereby severing said latching projections from said
profile
[0009] In one embodiment, the channel portion of the inventive
closure is provided with a window which permits viewing of the
interlocked latching projection of the profile, and accordingly,
viewing the severed latching projection of the profile after an
attempt has been made to access the contents of a package sealed by
the closure, thus providing a visual indication of the attempted
access. In one embodiment the interlocking portions of the latching
projection and the channel are each provided with distinctive
coloration which provides visual confirmation of their interlocked
state, and serves to highlight a severed condition of the
interlocking profile portion of the closure.
[0010] In one embodiment the closure profile has latching
projections having a cross-sectional shape selected from the group
consisting of: (1) a latching projection having a wing shape for
example, that illustrated in FIG. 1; (2) a latching projection
having the arrowhead shape, for example, that illustrated in FIG.
2; (3) a "C"-shaped latching projection, for example, that
illustrated in FIG. 3; and (4) a latching projection having a
double arrowhead shape, for example, that illustrated in FIG. 4,
and wherein said channel has a cross-sectional shape selected to
interlock with said latching projection(s).
[0011] In one embodiment, the frangible area of the connection
between the one or more latching projections joined to the stem of
the profile is provided by a die-cut groove penetrating the
material comprising the profile. In one embodiment the interlocking
profile is segmented. In one segmented embodiment, the profile
comprises a series of evenly-spaced features with gaps
interspersing each of the profile features. In one embodiment the
features are regularly spaced. In one segmented embodiment the
regularly spaced features are "button-shaped" when viewed in plan
view.
[0012] In one embodiment the inventive closure comprises: [0013] a)
at least one channel portion adapted to receive an interlocking
profile portion, said channel being characterized by having a
window which permits visual inspection of a profile interlocked
therein; [0014] (b) at least one profile disposed for interlocking
with said channel, said profile comprising: [0015] i) a stem joined
to the closure; [0016] ii) one or more latching projections joined
by a frangible connection to the stem, wherein said one or more
projections are adapted to cooperatively interlock with said
channel portion of said closure, thereby sealing said closure,
wherein said frangible connection of said profile is selected to
fail at an applied force which is less than sufficient to
disengaged the interlocked channel and profile, thereby severing
said latching projections from said profile, and wherein said
channel is joined to one leaf of a self-supporting bi-fold strip
and said profile is joined to the other leaf of said bi-fold strip
in a location such that folding said strip along the bi-fold line
permits interlock of said channel and said profile.
[0017] In one embodiment, the bi-fold strip is joined to one wall
of a bag opening and is disposed to capture both walls of said bag
opening between said interlocked channel and profile. In one
embodiment, the profile on the bi-fold strip is segmented. In one
embodiment the opposite walls of the bag to which the bi-fold strip
is joined have at least one pair of registered openings through
which a portion of the segmented profile pass prior to interlocking
with the opposite channel. In one embodiment the profile comprises
a regularly spaced series of profile segments, each of which passes
through a pair of registered openings in the opposite walls of the
bag opening to which the bi-fold closure is attached prior to
interlocking with the opposite channel.
[0018] In one embodiment, the closures of the present invention
comprise the opening of a flexible package. In one embodiment the
flexible package is a bag. In one embodiment, the opening of the
package comprises the closure which comprises a channel and a
segmented profile defining a series of latching projections,
wherein said projections are adapted to cooperatively interlock
with at least a portion of said channel, thereby sealing said
closure. In one embodiment the package comprises a bag having an
opening to which the closure is attached, and wherein at least one
portion of the segmented profile penetrates at least one pair of
registered openings through the walls of said bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1A--Cross-sectional view of interlocking projections
and channel of one closure embodiment
[0020] FIG. 1B--Cross-sectional view of one embodiment of
interlocked closure portions, attached security bag and slider.
[0021] FIG. 1C--Transverse view of one embodiment of closure,
slider, and attached bag illustrating single end stop.
[0022] FIG. 2A--Cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the
closure having an arrowhead-shaped interlocking projection and
channel.
[0023] FIG. 2B--Cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
frangible region employed with an arrowhead-shaped interlocking
projection.
[0024] FIG. 2C--Cross-sectional view of an interlocked
arrowhead-shaped projection and channel affixed to bag opening.
[0025] FIG. 3A--Cross-sectional view of an interlocked "C"-shaped
interlocking projection and channel affixed to bag opening.
[0026] FIG. 3B--Cross-sectional view of a "C"-shaped interlocking
projection and channel employing alternative frangible regions.
[0027] FIG. 4A--cross-sectional view of an interlocked "double
arrowhead-shaped" projection and channel affixed to the opening of
a bag.
[0028] FIG. 4B--cross-sectional view of a "double arrowhead-shaped"
projection and channel employing alternative frangible areas.
[0029] FIG. 5A--Cross-sectional view of a bi-fold closure affixed
to the opening of a bag in interlocked engagement.
[0030] FIG. 5B--Cross-sectional view of a non-interlocked bi-fold
closure affixed to the opening of a bag.
[0031] FIG. 5 C--Overhead cross-sectional view of a segmented
interlocking projection and channel.
[0032] FIG. 5D--Plan longitudinal view of a segmented interlocking
projection and channel with slider and end stop.
[0033] FIG. 6--Top plan view of an embodiment of a tamper-indent
closure.
[0034] FIG. 6A--Cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 6, the
cross-section being taken along the line A-A of FIG. 6.
[0035] FIG. 6B--Cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 6, the
cross-section being taken along the line B-B of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] It is believed that the closure of the present invention
will be most beneficially employed when mounted on the opening of a
security bag and used to seal access to the interior of the bag,
for example, the opening of the plastic security bags described in
any one of U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,243 to Hanning, U.S. Pat. No.
5,631,068 to Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,256 to Makrauer, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,407,277 to Burke, U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,041 to Fullerton et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,238 to Bolton, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,318,364
and 5,108,194 each to Raden, U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,196 to Edelman et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,708 to Holcomb, U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,960 to
Belisle, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,113 to Taylor, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0037] The closure of the invention comprises several elements,
including a pair of opposed interlocking portions, generally
extending from a flange or formed sometimes from a base wall
material, either of which is also described herein for convenience
or a base material the interlocking of which seals the closure. The
closure optionally employs a slider to assist interlocking the
closure portions. Generally the slider is guided and supported by
rails or other features appended to the flange material or base
wall material, depending upon which is employed. The closure of the
present invention incorporates into either the interlocking
portions of the closure and/or the slider (if employed) at least
one tamper-evidencing means. Next will be discussed the
interlocking portions of the closure, thereafter, the slider, and
finally, methods of preparing the closure.
The Interlocking Portions
[0038] As mentioned above, the closure of the present invention
comprises two interlocking portions which cooperate to close the
opening of a package to which the closure is attached, for example,
the opening of a security bag. With reference to FIG. 1A, a
cross-sectional profile of the interlocking portions of one closure
embodiment is illustrated. The interlocking portions of the closure
include a channel portion (10) and a profile portion (100) which
has interlocking projections (101) and (102), which form the
interlocking portion of the profile, is inserted into, and
interlocks with the channel portion. The channel portion
illustrated in FIG. 1A comprises a viewing window (14) to which is
affixed side walls (11) and (12). Affixed to the side walls is a
second viewing window (13), which defines slot (15). Wall (12) and
one face of window (13) also support seal area (16), attached
thereto. Seal area (16) is used to attach the closure to one wall
of a package. Profile (100) comprises stem portion (109) to which
latching projections (101) and (102) are attached through frangible
regions (103) and (104), respectively. Stem portion (109) is
affixed to flange (110) which supports seal area (105) affixed also
thereto. Seal area (105) is used to affix the closure to a wall of
a package opposite to the package wall to which seal area (16) is
affixed.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 1B, the interlocking portion of
profile (100) is interlocked with channel portion (10) by inserting
the portion of the stem containing interlocking projections (101)
and (102) into slot (15) until face portions (106) and (107) of
latching projections (101) and (102) respectively engage faces (1)
and (2), respectively of window (13). When engaged, the interlocked
portions of the channel and profile can be verified by viewing
through view windows (13) (between region "A-A") and (14) (between
region "B-B"). In some embodiments, latching projections (101) and
(102) are provided with a coloration, and the faces (1) and (2) of
viewing window (13) can be provided with contrasting coloration
such that when interlock between the profile and channel is
complete, the latching portions (101) and (102) of the profile
appear through viewing window (14) as a pair of colored parallel
lines along the length of the closure. Such interlocking closure
portions are described in further detail in each of U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,356,222, 5,252,281, and 5,248,201, each of which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0040] With further reference to FIG. 1B, upon interlock, frangible
regions (103) and (104) are subjected to stress. A force applied to
the closure to disengage the profile from the channel will cause
interlocking projections (101) and/or (102) to separate from stem
(104) along the frangible region. This will cause the view of the
interlocked profile through window (14) to change from a pair of
parallel lines to a solid broad bar as the tension imparted to the
interlocking projections upon interlock with the channel is
release, forcing the severed interlocking projections against the
inside face of viewing window (14). Stem (109) of profile (100)
will not remain engaged along the length of slot (15). This will
result in the view of the stem through view window (13) to no
longer appear as a solid line. Accordingly, once the profile and
channel are engaged, an attempt to disengage the two will result in
severing of the interlocking projections of the profile, actuating
the above-described visual indications that the closure was
opened.
[0041] It is preferred if the dimensions of the various portions of
the channel and profile are selected to require too much force to
separate the parts to permit the slot from being enlarged
sufficiently to permit disengage of the interlocked profile without
severing the frangible regions and actuating the visual
tamper-indicating features of the closure or without rendering
profound, and visually detectable, damage to the channel. It is
preferred for frangible regions to be selected to fail under the
application of insufficient force to disengage the interlocked
closure portions.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 1B and to FIG. 1C, in general, the
durometer rating and dimensions of the channel and profile will be
selected such that the closure can not be conveniently sealed by
utilizing digit pressure to press the profile and channel portions
of the closure together. When higher pressure than can conveniently
be supplied by finger pressure is required to interlock the closure
parts, it is preferred to employ slider (17) to interlock the two.
When a slider is employed, in general it is preferable to select a
thickness for flange (110) which can accommodate a slider finger
(111) of an extent sufficient to prevent the slider from being
pried off of the flange or forced off of the flange during the
stress of a sealing operation. Similarly, it is preferred to supply
side wall (12) of sufficient dimension that face (3) accommodates
slider finger (4) of sufficient extent to prevent the slider from
being pried off or forced off of the side wall as well.
[0043] In some embodiments, the closure is affixed to a security
bag (18), and is provided with an end stop (19). In an unused
condition, the assembly is supplied with the slider positioned next
to the end stop, which corresponds to a non-interlocked condition
in the closure. As supplied, moving the slider in the direction
indicated by arrow "C" in FIG. 1C interlocks the channel and
profile. In some embodiments no end stop is supplied opposite end
stop (19), and upon sealing the closure, the user continues to
slide the slider off of the closure and discards the slider. In
general, slider (17) does not contain means to separate the
interlocked closure portions, unlike conventional sliders which are
adapted to alternately interlock and disengage the closure
portions.
[0044] FIG. 1, discussed above, illustrated a "wing-shaped"
interlocking projection on the profile and a suitable channel with
which it could interlock. With reference to FIG. 2A, there is
illustrated a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the
closure of the invention, an "arrow-head" shaped interlocking
projection (201) on the profile (200) and a suitable channel (20)
with which it can interlock. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, channel
(20) comprises view window (24) to which is affixed walls (21) and
(22). Depending from the free end of wall (21) and (22) are walls
(23) and (26) which define slot (25). Wall (26) contains also a
portion extending beyond wall 22 to which seal area 216 is affixed.
With further reference to FIG. 2A, profile (200) comprises
arrowhead-shaped interlocking projection (201) affixed to stem
(209) via frangible region (203). Stem (209) in turn is affixed to
flange (210). Attached to flange (210) also is seal area (205). As
illustrated also in FIG. 2A, frangible region (203) can be provided
by making a single die cut into stem (209) adjacent to interlocking
projection (201) on the face of the stem proximal to sealing area
(205). Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, frangible region
(203) can be provided by making a pair of parallel die cuts one on
each of the faces of stem (209) distal and proximal to sealing area
(205). It will be appreciated that the "arrowhead" interlocking
projection (201) illustrated in FIG. 2A is less flexible than the
"wing-shaped" interlocking projections (101) and (102) illustrated
in profile (100) of FIG. 1A. Accordingly, with reference to FIG.
2A, walls (23) and (26) which define slot (25) in channel (20) have
a cross-section of a thickness selected to provide suitable
flexibility to permit interlocking projection (201) to be inserted
a sufficient distance into slot (25) to permit faces (206) and
(207) of interlocking projection (201) to engage faces (241) and
(242), respectively of channel (20). In some embodiments, walls
(241) and (242) are angled such that when engaged with interlocking
projection (201) they are under tension. With reference to FIG. 2C,
this tension severs to exert a force directing interlocking
projection (201) into the channel in the direction indicated by
arrow "c". With further reference to FIG. 2C, this force insures
not only a tight seal along opening (250) of attached bag (253),
but supplies force to impinge interlocking projection 201 against
the inside surface of view window (24) should frangible region
(203) be ruptured. As described above for the closure illustrated
in FIG. 1, the interacting portions of the channel and profile can
be supplied with contrasting colored material to provide visual
indication of interlock and rupture of the frangible region of the
closure, giving in the latter event a visual indication of an
unauthorized attempt to open the closure.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, some embodiments will employ a
slider (217) to facilitate interlocking the channel and profile of
the illustrated closure. As with the closure illustrated in FIGS.
1A through 1C, it is preferred if wall thickness in the flange and
channel portions which support the seal areas (205 and 216
respectively) are selected to be of sufficient thickness to
accommodate slider fingers (252 and 251, respectively) having
sufficient extent to prevent the slider from being pried off or
forced off in use. As mentioned above for the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that some embodiments
will employ a slider which is removed and discarded after it has
been employed to initially seal the closure.
[0046] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a cross-section of a profile
having a "C"-shaped interlocking projection and a channel adapted
for interlocking with the profile. FIG. 3B illustrates the
separated profile (300) and channel (30). Profile (300) contains
"C"-shaped interlocking projection (301), affixed to stem (309) via
a frangible region created by die-cuts 302 and 303. Stem (309) is
affixed to flange (310) which has affixed to it also sealing region
(305). The "C"-shaped interlocking projection (301) contains
interdigitating fingers (306) and (307). Channel (30) comprises
window section (34), side walls (31) and (32) from which depend
L-shaped walls (33) and (36) respectively. L-shaped wall (36)
extends beyond sidewall (32), and has affixed to it sealing area
(316). L-shaped walls (33) and (36) define slot (35) and profile
locking members (341) and (342). Channel (30) may optionally
contain frangible areas (362) and (363) as an alternative to, or in
addition to, one or more frangible areas on the profile. These
optional frangible areas can be created by providing a die cut into
the inside of the junction between side wall (31) and L-shaped wall
(33) (illustrated as frangible region 362) and/or a die cut into
the inside of the junction between side wall (32) and L-shaped wall
(36) illustrated as frangible region 363. In this manner, the
channel will fail along the frangible region provided by the die
cut if it is subjected to prying, or other forces, in an attempt to
disengage a profile engaged with the channel without rupturing the
frangible region of the profile. Accordingly, such die-cut regions
serve to provide readily identifiable visible evidence that an
attempt has been made to defeat the tamper evidencing features of
the closure. In general, a die cut can be placed along a feature of
the profile or channel in any location in which it is desirable to
create a region which will fail if the feature is subjected to
stress. From this description it will be appreciated that many
variations on the placement of die-cuts can be worked to provide
frangible regions which evidence tampering and be within the scope
of the invention.
[0047] To interlock the profile and channel, interlocking
projection (301) of profile (300) is inserted into channel (30)
through slot (35) until profile interdigitating member (306)
resides between channel sidewall (31) and locking member (341), and
profile interdigitating member (307) resides between channel
sidewall (32) and locking member (342). As illustrated in FIG. 3A,
when the profile and channel are interlocked in this manner, the
opening of a bag attached to the sealing areas of the profile and
channel is securely closed without placing the interlocking channel
and profile parts under stress. However, the interdigitated
portions of the channel and profile concentrate stress on these
frangible regions if an attempt is made to extract the profile from
interlock with the channel. This stress concentration occurs
whether the frangible region is placed between the stem and the
interlocking projections of the profile, in the inside junction
between the side walls and the L-shaped walls of the channel, or
both.
[0048] FIG. 3A illustrates also that a frangible region can be
introduced into the junction between the interlocking projection
and the stem along the long axis of the stem (302A and 303A) or
across the long axis of the stem, as illustrated by, frangible
region (302) and (303) in FIG. 3 B. As mentioned above with the
other illustrated embodiments, in some embodiments aspects of the
closure dimensions and materials will be selected which make it
impractical to interlock the profile and channel using digit
pressure. Accordingly, slider (317) can be employed to interlock
the closure part. Conveniently, the closure can be disposed such
that it is guided along the closure utilizing slider finger (351)
along sidewall (32) of the channel (30), and slider finger (352)
along the bottom of flange (310). As mentioned for the examples
illustrated above, the interlocking portions of the profile and
channel (30) can have complimentary coloration so that interlock
can be visually confirmed by viewing the interlocked portions
through window (34). In addition, any unauthorized manipulation of
the closure which severs the closure portions at the frangible
regions will be visible through window (34).
[0049] FIG. 4 A illustrates in cross-section a channel containing
an arrowhead-shaped central interlocking projection (43)
interlocked with a profile comprising double arrowhead-shaped
interlocking projections (44). As illustrated, the channel contains
locking members (401), (402), (403), and (404) which interlock with
interdigitating members (411), (412), (413), and (414) on the
interlocking projections of the profile. In the embodiment
illustrated, channel (40) contains a window through which each
interlocking projection of the profile can be viewed (windows 41
and 42). In like manner, the profile contains a viewing window
(422) through which central interlocking projection (43) can be
viewed when interlocked with the profile. Illustrated also in FIG.
4A are frangible regions provided by die cuts (431), (432), (433),
(434) and (435), which provide regions of failure in the
interlocking members of both the channel and the profile. As
illustrated in FIG. 4B, these regions can alternatively be provided
by placing corresponding die cuts in each side of the stem
connecting the double arrowhead-shaped interlocking projections of
the profile to the flange (432a and 432b), (434a and 434b), and in
the stem of the central interlocking projection connecting the
central interlocking projection to the channel (433a and 433b). As
for the other examples described above, in some embodiments a
slider (431) will be employed to interlock the channel and
profile.
[0050] FIG. 5 A illustrates in cross-section a closure comprising
non-interlocked channel (50) and profile comprising a segmented
interlocking projection (500). FIG. 5B illustrates in cross-section
interlocked channel (50) and segmented interlocking projection
(500). As illustrated in FIG. 5A, sidewalls 551 and 552 of package
(550) to which the closure is attached contain at least one pair of
openings in registration (553) and 554) through which interlocking
projection (500) and stem (501) pass prior to interlocking with
channel (50). Stem (501) contains also frangible region (502),
which is ruptured upon application of a force directed at
disengaging interlocking projection (500) from channel (50). With
reference to FIG. 5B, channel (50) contains window (51), which
provides a clear area (between region A-A) through which the
interlocked profile and channel can be viewed. With reference to
FIG. 5C, in one embodiment the segmented profile is provided as a
series of regularly spaced "buttons" (561a to 561f) that when
interlocked with the channel appear as a series of regularly spaced
shapes through window (51). As with the other embodiments
illustrated above, attempts to separate the interlocked channel and
segmented profile results in separation of the interlocking
projections (500) from stem (502) with the result that the
"buttons" no longer appear regularly "spaced" through window (50),
providing visual indication of the unauthorized attempt to open the
closure.
[0051] FIG. 5D illustrates an overhead cross-sectional view of the
"button-shaped" interlocking projections of the segmented profile
illustrated in plan view in FIG. 5C.
[0052] With further reference to FIG. 5A, the segmented closure,
and any of the other closures of the invention, can be supplied as
a two part closure with the channel and profile fastened to
separate flange portions, in the manner typical for interlocking
closure strips, or joined to a bi-fold flange. A bi-fold flange can
be provided either by mounting or molding the channel and closure
on separate flanges and joining them at a common edge or by
mounting or molding the channel and closure on a common base
material and die-forming or die-cutting a folding line positioned
to bring the profile and channel into interlocking registration
when the base material is folded along the folding line. The fold
line, or joining line in such bi-fold arrangements can be parallel
to the long axis of the closure or perpendicular to it. Illustrated
in FIGS. 5A and 5B is a base material with a bi-fold line (573)
parallel to the long axis of the closure. Accordingly bi-fold
closure (570) comprises leaf (571) onto which is mounted (or into
which is molded) channel (50), leaf (572), onto which is mounted
(or into which is molded) stem (501) and interlocking projection
(500), and folding line (573), which is positioned to bring channel
(50) and interlocking projection (500) into interlocking
orientation when leaf (571) and (572) are folded together along
folding line (573). When a bi-fold closure is employed, only one
side of the base material (to which a sealing area can be affixed)
need be fastened to the opening of a package opening. As
illustrated in FIG. 5A, in such an arrangement, flange (52) is
attached to side wall (551) of bag (550), at a location that places
slot (53) of channel (50) in register with opening (553) in
sidewall (551) of bag (550). To seal the package, leaf (572) is
folded to bring interlocking projection (500) into register with
channel slot (53) and bag wall opening (554). Applying the
necessary pressure to the aligned part passes interlocking
projection (500) through bag wall openings (554) and (553) and
interlocks it within channel (50).
[0053] In general, when a bifold strip is employed, it will be made
from a plastic which is stiffer than the bag material. When a
bifold strip is employed, it is preferred to employ dimensions and
design for the strip and/or materials having properties which
provide a bi-fold strip that is self supporting. In some
embodiments the bi-fold strip will be of a construction and made
from materials which provide a rigid bi-fold strip.
[0054] The segmented profile can be provided by specifically
molding a shaped profile, or it can be provided by milling or
die-cutting away unwanted portions of a conventionally extruded
continuous profile. In either manner, a profile can be provided
which has everything from small gaps milled into it which can be
used in conjunction with more or less rectangular holes, to
"button-shaped" features which can be employed with round holes,
for example, the mushroom-shaped profiles illustrated in FIGS. 5A
to 5D. It will be appreciated that other arrangements of
discontinuous profile shapes and bag-wall openings can be employed
with equal effect.
[0055] As with the other embodiments discussed above, in some
embodiments a slider will be necessary to provide the force
required to interlock the interlocking portions of the closure.
With reference to FIG. 5B, slider (580) can be employed which
utilizes a "keyway" shaped channel as a guide. With reference to
FIG. 5C, in some embodiments the closure is provided with end stop
(590) adjacent to closure (580), when the closure is in the
unsealed state. End stop (590) maintains the closure on the
unsealed container. After filling, the slider is operated in the
direction indicated by arrow "C", interlocking the interlocking
parts of the closure. After the closure is sealed, the slider is
moved further along direction "C" and removed from the sealed
package and discarded.
[0056] The material and dimensions of the interlocking portions of
the closure are preferably selected to provide a closure which
seals a package opening to require a force of at least about 5
pounds to separate the interlocked portions of the closure, more
preferably at least about 8 pounds, more preferably at least about
10 pounds, and more preferably at least about 15 pounds.
[0057] Preferably, the frangible regions are provided by strategic
die cutting of the closure profile and/or channel interlocking
portions. It will be appreciated that other methods such as
selective perforation and the provision of weaker materials in
frangible areas can be utilized. Preferably, frangible areas are
selected to fail when a force is applied to the sealed closure
which is less than sufficient to separate the interlocked portions
of the closure.
[0058] Preferably, the physical properties of the materials from
which the closure is constructed are selected to be sufficiently
stiff to resist prying of the interlocking portions of the closure
to disengage the interlocked portions without extensive, readily
detectable damage to the closure portions subjected to prying, or
activating the tamper-evidencing features of the closure. Materials
of construction and methods are discussed in more detail below.
Preferably, materials of construction of the inventive closure are
selected to resist defeat through softening of the materials to
permit mechanical manipulation to open the closure without
activating the tamper evident features of the closure.
Tamper-Evidencing Slider
[0059] In some embodiments the closure may comprise a conventional
interlocking closure (one that does not employ frangible regions)
with a slider which contains tamper-evidencing features. One
example of this is slider (600) illustrated in FIG. 6. Slider (600)
is preferably selected to have a length (along section "A-A") which
exceeds that of the closure over which it is operated. With
reference to the cross-section along section "A-A" of FIG. 6, the
slider contains sealed end (601), which acts to encase the closure
over which the slider is operated when the closure is in its sealed
position. Moreover, the closure upon which slider (600) operates
contains end stop (602), which serves to maintain slider (600) on
the closure when it is in the unsealed position (to the left as
illustrated in FIG. 6). Slider (600) contains also shaving means
(603) for shaving off a portion of closure profile (604) if, after
being operated in the direction indicated by arrow "E" to seal the
closure, it is operated in the direct indicated by arrow "F" in an
attempt to access the closure. The slider is also equipped with
means (606) to divert the shavings (609) removed from profile (604)
by shaving means (603) into chamber (608). The presence of shavings
in chamber (608) can be verified by viewing the chamber through
viewing window (607) provided in slider top (610). In some
embodiments, the profile of the closure is preferably provided with
a coloration, the viewing chamber comprising a contrasting color so
that the presence of shavings indicating an unauthorized attempt to
access the closure will be readily apparent.
[0060] Although many means will be readily apparent for shaving a
portion of the closure, one shaving means, illustrated in FIG. 6,
comprises a sharpened projection resembling a plane blade molded
into the underside of the slider contiguous with one wall of
chamber (608). A more flexible L-shaped portion (606) fastened only
to top wall (610) of slider (600) can be employed to divert
shavings from the blade into chamber (608). Based on this
description, other arrangements will be appreciated. While for some
applications, the use of the above-described tamper-indicating
slider alone may be adequate, other applications may use the slider
in conjunction with one or more of the tamper-indicating closure
described above.
Method of Making Closures of the Invention
[0061] Preferably, the closure of the present invention is made
from a plastic material adapted for permanent attachment to a
security bag to which it is attached. Preferably, the closure is
fashioned from materials which resists prying, softening by
heating, and embrittling upon freezing. One example of suitable
material is polypropylene. Closures prepared from polypropylene are
described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/726,731
(the '731 application) filed Dec. 2, 2003. The '731 application
also describes methods of preparing closures utilizing these
materials. The disclosure of the '731 application is incorporated
herein in its entirety by reference and each of the above-mentioned
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,356,222, 5,252,281, and 5,248,201 are each
incorporated herein by reference for their teaching in these
matters.
[0062] Although the present invention closure is illustrated above
affixed to a security bag and will find its broadest utility in
conjunction with the provision of secure bags for packaging
documents of value and currency, it will be appreciated that the
present invention closure can also be employed with other flexible
packaging materials to provide closure to other forms of flexible
packaging and is not limited to use only with bags. In general,
when used to seal the opening of a bag, the closure of the
invention is attached proximal to the edge of the opening defined
by the walls of the bag by a permanent means, for example, welding.
In some embodiments it will be preferred to mold the closure
portions directly from the web of material from which the bag walls
are manufactured.
[0063] Having described the presently preferred embodiments, it is
to be understood that the above is exemplary and is not meant to be
limiting, moreover the invention may be otherwise embodied within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *