US4911302A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for imprinting overwrapped packages
Assignee: RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co
•
Filing: 1989-03-13
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Granted: 1990-03-27
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Expires: 2009-03-13
Abstract
Abstract The instant invention relates to processes for producing tamper-evident overwrapped packages as well as the products which are produced. These processes utilize various energizing sources to create tamper-evident patterns between the package surface and the underside of the clear overwrap film closure. Tamper-evident patterns can also be created between heat-sealed overlapping sections of the overwrap film.
Inventors
- 👤 John P. Butler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 08:34
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41M; B41M5/00; B41M5/26; B41M5/382; B41M5/38207; B41M3/00; B41M3/14; B65; B65B; B65B61/00; B65B61/02; B65B61/025; B65D; B65D65/00; B65D65/02; B65D65/22; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S206/00; Y10S206/807; Y10S428/00; Y10S428/916; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/13; Y10T428/1352
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A tamper-evident fully sealed overwrap closure containing an underlying packaging structure comprising: (a) a continuous heat-sealed overwrap closure, (b) a package structure enclosed within the overwrap closure, (c) a tamper-evident pattern disposed between an underside of the overwrap closure and an outer surface layer of the underlying package structure, wherein the tamper-evident pattern is a patterned coating on the underside of the overwrap closure, in non-bonding contact, and in register with a corresponding inverse patterned coating on the outer surface of the underlying package structure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
A tamper-evident fully sealed overwrap closure containing an underlying packaging structure comprising: (a) a continuous heat-sealed overwrap closure, (b) a package structure enclosed within the overwrap closure, (c) a tamper-evident pattern disposed between an underside of the overwrap closure and an outer surface layer of the underlying package structure, wherein the tamper-evident pattern is a patterned coating on the underside of the overwrap closure, in non-bonding contact, and in register with a corresponding inverse patterned coating on the outer surface of the underlying package structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The overwrapped package as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one patterned coating is ink.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The overwrapped package as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one patterned coating is thermotropic ink.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The overwrapped package as defined in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the tamper-evident pattern further includes a bonded coating on the outer surface layer of the underlying package structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The overwrapped package as defined in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the corresponding inverse patterned coating on the outer surface of the underlying package structure comprises a de-inked surface of the underlying package structure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The overwrapped package defined in claim 5 wherein relative movement between the overwrap and the underlying package substrate results in de-registration of the patterned coating on the underside of the overwrap closure and the underlying de-inked pattern on the underlying package structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The overwrapped package defined in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein relative movement between the overwrap and the underlying package substrate results in de-registration of the patterned coating on the underside of the overwrap closure and the underlying de-inked pattern on the underlying package structure.
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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) | 1993-03-26 | 1993-09-25 | 1994-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-03-26 | 1997-09-25 | 1998-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-03-26 | 2001-09-25 | 2002-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |