Tamper-evident closure arrangements and methods
US6004032A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/45168
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Closure arrangements for use with flexible packages include a zipper-type closure, which, after initial sealing, if access is gained to a package interior, the arrangements provide evidence of that access. In certain embodiments, a closure with mating male and female profiles is used which, after initial sealing of the package, if access is desired to the package interior, one of the male or female profiles breaks, to prevent a resealing of the package. In other embodiments, after initial mating of the male and female closure profiles in order to seal the package, if access is desired to the package interior, the package walls are torn in order to gain access. In other embodiments, after initial sealing of the package by mating of the male and female profiles, if access is desired to the package interior, the male and female profiles are deformed, such that they no longer mate to provide a secure closure. Methods for using the arrangements herein are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.