US4760919A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tamper-indicating package
Assignee: 3M Co
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Filing: 1987-07-30
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Granted: 1988-08-02
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Expires: 2007-07-30
Abstract
Abstract Tamper-indicating package comprising two webs, each of which comprises an outer layer of polymeric material and an inner layer of polymeric material. At least one of said inner layer or said outer layer of at least one of said webs bears a random pattern of markings. Upon access to the interior of the package, either the random pattern of markings will be altered or one or both of the polymeric layers will be damaged, thus indicating that the package has been subject to tampering.
Inventors
- 👤 Rodger J. Pereyra
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 00:36
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D75/00; B65D75/28; B65D75/30; B42D2033/30; B42; B42D; B42D25/00; B42D25/40; B42D25/45; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S206/00; Y10S206/807
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A tamper-indicating package comprising first and second generally coextensive webs marginally joined together to define said package, each of said webs being a laminate comprising an inner layer of polymeric material, an outer layer of polymeric material, said webs being joined together by means of a seal so as to form a margin circumscribing the package, at least one of said inner layer or outer layer of at least one of said webs bearing a random pattern of markings.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
A tamper-indicating package comprising first and second generally coextensive webs marginally joined together to define said package, each of said webs being a laminate comprising an inner layer of polymeric material, an outer layer of polymeric material, said webs being joined together by means of a seal so as to form a margin circumscribing the package, at least one of said inner layer or outer layer of at least one of said webs bearing a random pattern of markings.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A package according to claim 1 wherein said outer layer is made of thermoformable material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A package according to claim 1 wherein said outer layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of poly(vinyl chloride), cellulosics, and polystyrene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A package according to claim 1 wherein said inner layer is made of a heat sealable material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A package according to claim 1 wherein said inner layer comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and ionomer resin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
A package according to claim 1 wherein said randomly disposed markings form an imageable pattern that will be altered when the marginal seal joining the webs of the package is the subject of tampering.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A package according to claim 1 further including an adhesion promoting material disposed between said inner layer and said outer layer of at least one of said webs.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A package according to claim 7 wherein said adhesion promoting material comprises a layer of polymeric material bearing a random pattern of markings.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A package according to claim 1 wherein said markings are provided by a colorant.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A package according to claim 9 wherein said colorant has a melt index that differs from the melt index of the polymer that comprises the layer in which said colorant is disposed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A package according to claim 9 wherein said colorant is a dye or a pigment.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A package according to claim 1 wherein said markings are provided by blending two or more polymers having different indices of refraction.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-08-02 | 1992-02-01 | 1992-08-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-08-02 | 1996-02-01 | 1996-08-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-08-02 | 2000-02-01 | 2000-08-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |