US4972953A — Tamper-evident packaging, method of making same a…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 93 words

Tamper-evident packaging comprising: (A) a filled and closed package having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside of said closed package; and (B) an end cap of transparent film overwrapping a portion of said closed package less than the entirety thereof, said film being secured to said ink on said outer package surface in selected differentially adherent patterns; whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped package also removes said ink in one of said selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 93 words

Tamper-evident packaging comprising: (A) a filled and closed package having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside of said closed package; and (B) an end cap of transparent film overwrapping a portion of said closed package less than the entirety thereof, said film being secured to said ink on said outer package surface in selected differentially adherent patterns; whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped package also removes said ink in one of said selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 49 words

The package of claim 1 wherein said package defines at least a pair of opposed end panels and a sidewall panel extending between said end panels, and said end cap overwraps at least a portion of one of said end panels and an adjacent portion of said sidewall panel.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 42 words

The packaging of claim 2 wherein said end cap overwraps the entirety of said one end panel, and said adjacent portion of said sidewall panel is contiguous to said one end panel and is less than the entirety of said sidewall panel.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 42 words

The packaging of claim 2 wherein said end cap overwraps the entirety of said one end panel, and said adjacent portion of said sidewall panel is spaced from said one end panel and is less than the entirety of said sidewall panel.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 42 words

The packaging of claim 2 wherein said end cap overwraps the entirety of said one end panel and additionally including another end cap overwrapping the entirety of the other of said end panels and a second adjacent portion of said sidewall panel.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 24 words

The packaging of claim 5 wherein said adjacent and second adjacent portions each comprise less than 50% of the length of said sidewall panel.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 22 words

The packaging of claim 5 wherein there are a spaced pair of said end caps, one for each of said end panels.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 30 words

The packaging of claim 2 wherein said package includes intermediate said end panels a reduced width section, said adjacent portion including said reduced width section, and said film being heat-shrinkable.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 79 words

The packaging of claim 2 wherein said package is an erected box-like carton, said sidewall panel is comprised of a pair of opposed face panels and a pair of opposed side panels, said face panels and side panels extending between said end panels, and said adjacent portion of said sidewall panel is comprised of adjacent portions of at least a pair of opposed panels selected from the group consisting of said opposed face panels and said opposed side panels.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 51 words

The packaging of claim 2 wherein said package is formed substantially of a material other than paper or paperboard and contains as part of said outer package surface and as part of said adjacent portion a label of paper or paperboard having ink thereon visible from outside of said closed package.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 19 words

The packaging of claim 1 wherein said film is printed with indicia visible from outside of said overwrapped package.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 26 words

The packaging of claim 1 wherein said film when overwrapping said package is devoid of visible indicia and when removed from said package contains visible indicia.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 15 words

The packaging of claim 1 wherein said film includes an at least partially transparent coating.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 9 words

The packaging of claim wherein said film is heat-shrinkable.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 141 words

Tamper evident packaging comprising: (A) an erected, filled, and closed box like carton defining at least a pair of opposed end panels, a pair of opposed face panels, and a pair of opposed side panels, said carton having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside of said closed carton; and (B) an end cap of transparent film overwrapping one of said end panels and adjacent portions of at least a pair of opposed panels selected from the group consisting of said opposed face panels and said opposed side panels, said film being secured to said ink on said outer carton surface in selected differentially adherent patterns; whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped carton also removes said ink in one of said selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer carton surface and thereby evidence tampering.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 141 words

Tamper evident packaging comprising: (A) an erected, filled, and closed box like carton defining at least a pair of opposed end panels, a pair of opposed face panels, and a pair of opposed side panels, said carton having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside of said closed carton; and (B) an end cap of transparent film overwrapping one of said end panels and adjacent portions of at least a pair of opposed panels selected from the group consisting of said opposed face panels and said opposed side panels, said film being secured to said ink on said outer carton surface in selected differentially adherent patterns; whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped carton also removes said ink in one of said selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer carton surface and thereby evidence tampering.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 41 words

The packaging of claim 15 wherein said end cap overwraps the entirety of said one end panel, and said adjacent portions are contiguous to said one end panel and are less than the entirety of said panels containing said adjacent portions.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 24 words

The packaging of claim 16 additionally including another end cap overwrapping the entirety of the other of said end panels and its adjacent portions.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 23 words

The packaging of claim 16 wherein said adjacent portions comprise less than 50% of the length of said panels containing said adjacent portions.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 22 words

The packaging of claim 15 wherein there are a spaced pair of said end caps, one for each of said end panels.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 28 words

The packaging of claim 15 wherein said end cap overwraps one of said end panels and adjacent portions of said opposed pairs of said face and side panels.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 80 words

The packaging of claim 15 additionally comprising a transparent adhesive coating disposed in said one selected pattern intermediate said ink and said film, said coating being bonded to an underlying portion of said ink and to said film; whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped carton also removes said coating and said underlying portion of said ink in said one selected pattern to reveal an outer carton surface deinked in the form of a meaningful message to evidence tampering.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 24 words

The packaging of claim 16 wherein said coating has been activated by the uniform application of heat and pressure to bond with said film.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 100 words

The packaging of claim 16 wherein said ink is secured to said outer carton surface in a pattern of surface detail by a first bond; said coating is secured to said ink in said one pattern by a second bond; and said film is secured to said coating by a third bond; said second and third bonds being appreciably stronger than said first bond, whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped carton also removes said coating and the portion of said ink underlying said coating to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer carton surface and thereby evidence tampering.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 95 words

The packaging of claim 15 additionally comprising a transparent adhesive coating uniformly disposed intermediate said ink and said film, said coating uniformly bonding to said ink and having been activated by a selective application of heat and pressure to bond in said one selected pattern with said film; whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped carton also removes said coating in said one selected pattern and an underlying portion of said ink in said one selected pattern to reveal an outer carton surface deinked in the form of a meaningful message to evidence tampering.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 41 words

The packaging of claim 15 wherein said overwrap film is directly and immediately secured to said ink on said outer carton surface in selected differentially adherent patterns as a result of the differential application of heat and pressure to said film.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 103 words

A method of manufacturing tamper evident packaging comprising the steps of: (A) providing a filled and closed package having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside of the closed package; and (B) overwrapping with an end cap of transparent film a portion of the closed package less than the entirety thereof, and securing the film to the ink on the outer package surface in selected differentially adherent patterns; whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped package also removes the ink in one of the selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering.

Claim 29

Independent Claim 103 words

A method of manufacturing tamper evident packaging comprising the steps of: (A) providing a filled and closed package having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside of the closed package; and (B) overwrapping with an end cap of transparent film a portion of the closed package less than the entirety thereof, and securing the film to the ink on the outer package surface in selected differentially adherent patterns; whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped package also removes the ink in one of the selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 51 words

The method of claim 26 wherein the package defines at least a pair of opposed end panels and a sidewall panel extending between the end panels, and during overwrapping the end cap overwraps at least a portion of one of the end panels and an adjacent portion of the sidewall panel.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method of claim 27 wherein during overwrapping the end cap overwraps the entirety of the one end panel, and the adjacent portion of the sidewall panel is contiguous to the one end panel and is less than the entirety of the sidewall panel.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method of claim 27 wherein during overwrapping the end cap overwraps the entirety of the one end panel, and the adjacent portion of the sidewall panel is spaced from the one end panel and is less than the entirety of the sidewall panel.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 27 wherein during overwrapping the end cap overwraps the entirety of the one end panel and another end cap overwraps the entirety of the other of the end panels and a second adjacent portion of the sidewall panel.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 30 wherein the adjacent and second adjacent portions each comprise less than 50% of the length of the sidewall panel.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 30 wherein there are a spaced pair of the end caps, one for each of the end panels.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method of claim 27 wherein the package includes intermediate the end panels a reduced width section, the adjacent portion including the reduced width section, and the film being heat-shrinkable.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 79 words

The method of claim 27 wherein the package is an erected box-like carton, the sidewall panel is comprised of a pair of opposed face panels and a pair of opposed side panels, the face panels and side panels extending between the end panels, and the adjacent portion of the sidewall panel is comprised of adjacent portions of at least a pair of opposed panels selected from the group consisting of the opposed face panels and the opposed side panels.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 51 words

The method of claim 27 wherein the package is formed substantially of a material other than paper or paperboard and contains as part of the outer package surface and as part of the adjacent portion a label of paper or paperboard having ink thereon visible from outside of the closed package.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 26 wherein the film is printed with indicia visible from outside of the overwrapped package.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 26 wherein the film when overwrapping the package is devoid of visible indicia and when removed from the package contains visible indicia.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 26 wherein the film includes an at least partially transparent coating.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 10 words

The method of claim 26 wherein the film is heat-shrinkable.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 146 words

A method of manufacturing tamper-evident packaging comprising the steps of: (A) providing an erected, filled and closed box-like carton defining at least a pair of opposed end panels, a pair of opposed face panels, and a pair of opposed side panels, the carton having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside the closed carton; and (B) overwrapping with an end cap of transparent film one of the end panels and adjacent portions of at least a pair of opposed panels selected from the group consisting of the opposed face panels and the opposed side panels, the film being secured to the ink on the outer carton surface in selected differentially adherent patterns; whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped carton also removes the ink in one of the selected patterns to reveal the desired pattern of deinked outer carton surface to evidence tampering.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 146 words

A method of manufacturing tamper-evident packaging comprising the steps of: (A) providing an erected, filled and closed box-like carton defining at least a pair of opposed end panels, a pair of opposed face panels, and a pair of opposed side panels, the carton having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside the closed carton; and (B) overwrapping with an end cap of transparent film one of the end panels and adjacent portions of at least a pair of opposed panels selected from the group consisting of the opposed face panels and the opposed side panels, the film being secured to the ink on the outer carton surface in selected differentially adherent patterns; whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped carton also removes the ink in one of the selected patterns to reveal the desired pattern of deinked outer carton surface to evidence tampering.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method of claim 40 including the step of overwrapping with the end cap the entirety of the one end panel, the adjacent portions being contiguous to the one end panel and being less than the entirety of the panels containing the adjacent portions.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 41 wherein during overwrapping an end cap is overwrapped about the entirety of each of the end panels and its adjacent portions.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 41 wherein the overwrapped adjacent portions comprise less than 50% of the length of the panels containing the adjacent portions.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 40 wherein there are a spaced pair of the end caps, one for each of the end panels.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method of claim 40 wherein during overwrapping the end cap overwraps one of the end panels and adjacent portions of the opposed pairs of the face and side panels.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 113 words

The method of claim 40 wherein prior to step (B) a transparent adhesive coating is disposed in the one selected pattern on the outer carton surface and uniformly bonded to the underlying portion of the ink, and in step (B) the film is secured to the ink by activating the coating by the uniform application of heat and pressure to bond the coating to the film in the one selected pattern; whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped carton also removes the coating and the underlying portion of the ink in the one selected pattern to reveal an outer carton surface deinked in the form of a meaningful message to evidence tampering.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 103 words

The method of claim 40 wherein prior to step (B) a transparent adhesive coating is uniformly disposed on the outer carton surface and uniformly bonded to the underlying ink, and in step (B) the coating is activated by selective application of heat and pressure to bond the coating in the one selected pattern with the film; whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped carton also removes the coating in the one selected pattern and the underlying portion of the ink in the one selected pattern to reveal an outer carton surface deinked in the form of a meaningful message to evidence tampering.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 54 words

The method of claim 40 wherein said ink is secured to the outer carton surface by a first bond, the adhesive coating is secured to the ink by a second bond, and the film is secured to the coating by a third bond, the second and third bonds being stronger than the first bond.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 43 words

The method of claim 40 wherein in step (B) the film is directly and immediately secured to the ink on the outer carton surface in selected differentially adherent patterns as a result of the differential application of heat and pressure to the film.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 116 words

In tamper evident packaging comprising: (A) an erected, filled and closed package having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside of said closed package; and (B) a transparent film overwrapping said closed package and secured to said ink on said outer package surface in selected differentially adherent patterns, whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped package also removes said ink in one of said selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering; the improvement comprising a transparent heat-sealable coating disposed intermediate said ink and said film, bonded to said film and activated by heat and pressure to bond with an underlying portion of said ink.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 116 words

In tamper evident packaging comprising: (A) an erected, filled and closed package having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside of said closed package; and (B) a transparent film overwrapping said closed package and secured to said ink on said outer package surface in selected differentially adherent patterns, whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped package also removes said ink in one of said selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering; the improvement comprising a transparent heat-sealable coating disposed intermediate said ink and said film, bonded to said film and activated by heat and pressure to bond with an underlying portion of said ink.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 87 words

The packaging of claim 50 wherein said transparent heat-sealable coating is disposed in said one selected pattern intermediate said ink and said film, said coating being activated by the uniform application of heat and pressure to bond uniformly with said underlying portion of said ink; whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped package also removes said coating and said underlying portion of said ink in said one selected pattern to reveal an outer package surface deinked in the form of a meaningful message to evidence tampering.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 88 words

The packaging of claim 50 wherein said transparent heat-sealable coating is uniformly disposed intermediate said ink and said film, said coating being activated by the selective application of heat and pressure to bond in said one selected pattern with said ink; whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped package also removes said coating in said one selected pattern and an underlying portion of said ink in said one selected pattern to reveal an outer package surface deinked in the form of a meaningful message to evidence tampering.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 140 words

In a method of manufacturing tamper-evident packaging comprising the steps of: (A) providing an erected, filled and closed package having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside the closed package; and (B) overwrapping the closed package with a transparent film and securing the film to the ink on the outer package surface in selected differentially adherent patterns, whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped package also removes the ink in one of the selected patterns to reveal the desired pattern of deinked outer package surface t evidence tampering; the improvement comprising prior to step (B) providing a transparent heat sealable coating disposed on the surface of the transparent film to be adjacent the outer package surface, and in step (B) activating the coating by the application of heat and pressure to bond the coating to the ink.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 140 words

In a method of manufacturing tamper-evident packaging comprising the steps of: (A) providing an erected, filled and closed package having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside the closed package; and (B) overwrapping the closed package with a transparent film and securing the film to the ink on the outer package surface in selected differentially adherent patterns, whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped package also removes the ink in one of the selected patterns to reveal the desired pattern of deinked outer package surface t evidence tampering; the improvement comprising prior to step (B) providing a transparent heat sealable coating disposed on the surface of the transparent film to be adjacent the outer package surface, and in step (B) activating the coating by the application of heat and pressure to bond the coating to the ink.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 105 words

The method of claim 53 wherein prior to step (B) the transparent heat-sealable coating is disposed in the one selected pattern on the surface of the transparent film to be adjacent the outer package surface, and in step (B) the coating is activated by the uniform application of heat and pressure to bond the coating to the ink in the one selected pattern; whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped package also removes the coating and the underlying portion of the ink in the one selected pattern to reveal an outer package surface deinked in the form of a meaningful message to evidence tampering.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 113 words

The method of claim 53 wherein prior to step (B) the transparent heat-sealable coating is uniformly disposed on the surface of the transparent film to be adjacent the outer package surface and uniformly bonded to that film surface, and in step (B) the coating is activated by the selective application of heat and pressure to bond the coating in the one selected pattern with the ink; whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped package also removes the coating in the one selected pattern and the underlying portion of the ink in the one selected pattern to reveal an outer package surface deinked in the form of a meaningful message to evidence tampering.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 173 words

Tamper-evident packaging comprising (A) an erected, filled and closed package having an outer surface layer; (B) an ink layer overlying at least a portion of said package outer surface layer, visible from outside said closed package, and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; (C) a transparent film layer overwrapping at least a portion of said closed package, disposed about said ink layer, and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; said ink layer being bonded to one of said transparent film and outer package surface layers uniformly and to the other of said layers in selected differentially adherent patterns, whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped package also removes said ink in one of said selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering; and (D) a release coating layer defining a pattern of release coating, disposed intermediate a pair of said layers (A), (B) and (C), and causing the differential adhesion of said selected differentially adherent patterns.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 173 words

Tamper-evident packaging comprising (A) an erected, filled and closed package having an outer surface layer; (B) an ink layer overlying at least a portion of said package outer surface layer, visible from outside said closed package, and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; (C) a transparent film layer overwrapping at least a portion of said closed package, disposed about said ink layer, and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; said ink layer being bonded to one of said transparent film and outer package surface layers uniformly and to the other of said layers in selected differentially adherent patterns, whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped package also removes said ink in one of said selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering; and (D) a release coating layer defining a pattern of release coating, disposed intermediate a pair of said layers (A), (B) and (C), and causing the differential adhesion of said selected differentially adherent patterns.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 77 words

The packaging of claim 56 wherein said release coating layer either precludes removal of a selected pattern of the underlying one of said pair of layers with the removal of the overlying one of said pair of layers to reveal a desired pattern evidencing tampering or enables removal of a selected pattern of the overlying one of said pair of layers from the underlying one of said pair of layers to reveal a desired patter evidencing tampering.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 46 words

The packaging of claim 56 wherein said release coating layer is disposed intermediate said package outer surface layer and said ink layer and enables removal of said one selected pattern of said ink layer with said transparent film layer to reveal a desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 21 words

The packaging of claim 58 wherein said pattern of release coating is a positive image of the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 12 words

The packaging of claim 58 wherein said release coating layer is transparent.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 12 words

The packaging of claim 58 wherein said release coating layer is opaque.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 70 words

The packaging of claim 58 additionally comprising a transparent heat-sealable layer overlying at least a portion of said closed package, disposed intermediate said ink and transparent film layers, and bonded to underlying and overlying layers other than said release coating layer, said release coating layer enabling removal of said one selected pattern of said ink layer with said transparent film and heat-sealable layers to reveal the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 21 words

The packaging of claim 62 wherein said pattern of release coating is a positive image of the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 56 words

The packaging of claim 56 wherein said ink layer is uniformly bonded to said package outer surface layer, and said release coating layer is disposed intermediate said ink layer and said transparent film layer and precludes removal of a pattern of said ink layer with said transparent film layer to reveal a desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 21 words

The packaging of claim 64 wherein said pattern of release coating is a negative image of the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 12 words

The packaging of claim 64 wherein said release coating layer is transparent.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 41 words

The packaging of claim 64 additionally comprising a transparent heat-sealable layer overlying at least a portion of said closed package, disposed intermediate said ink and transparent film layers, and bonded to underlying and overlying layers other than said release coating layer.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 44 words

The packaging of claim 67 wherein said release coating layer is disposed intermediate said ink layer and said heat-sealable layer and precludes removal of a pattern of said ink layer with said transparent film and heat-sealable layers to reveal the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 21 words

The packaging of claim 68 wherein said pattern of release coating is a negative image of the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 12 words

The packaging of claim 68 wherein said release coating layer is transparent.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 38 words

The packaging of claim 68 wherein all of said heat-sealable layer is directly bonded to said transparent film layer, whereby removal of a portion of said transparent film layer also removes the underlying portion of said heat-sealable layer.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 43 words

The packaging of claim 67 wherein said release coating layer is disposed intermediate said heat-sealable layer and said transparent film layer and precludes removal of a pattern of said ink layer with said transparent film layers to reveal a desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 21 words

The packaging of claim 72 wherein said pattern of release coating is a negative image of the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 12 words

The packaging of claim 72 wherein said release coating layer is transparent.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 44 words

The packaging of claim 72 wherein only a part of said heat-sealable layer is directly bonded to said transparent film layer, whereby removal of a portion of said transparent film layer also removes only a part of the underlying portion of said heat-sealable layer.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 187 words

In a method of manufacturing tamper-evident packaging comprising the steps of: (A) providing an erected, filled and closed package having an outer surface layer; (B) forming an ink layer overlying at least a portion of the package outer surface layer, visible from outside the closed package, and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; and (C) overwrapping at least a portion of the closed package with a transparent film layer disposed about the ink layer and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; the ink layer being bonded to one of the transparent film and outer package surface layers uniformly and to the other of the layers in selected differentially adherent patterns, whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped package also removes the ink in one of the selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering; the improvement comprising the step of providing a release coating layer defining a pattern of release coating, disposed intermediate a pair of the aforesaid layers, and causing the differential adhesion of the selected differentially adherent patterns.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 187 words

In a method of manufacturing tamper-evident packaging comprising the steps of: (A) providing an erected, filled and closed package having an outer surface layer; (B) forming an ink layer overlying at least a portion of the package outer surface layer, visible from outside the closed package, and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; and (C) overwrapping at least a portion of the closed package with a transparent film layer disposed about the ink layer and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; the ink layer being bonded to one of the transparent film and outer package surface layers uniformly and to the other of the layers in selected differentially adherent patterns, whereby removal of the film from the overwrapped package also removes the ink in one of the selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering; the improvement comprising the step of providing a release coating layer defining a pattern of release coating, disposed intermediate a pair of the aforesaid layers, and causing the differential adhesion of the selected differentially adherent patterns.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 83 words

The method of claim 76 wherein the release coating layer is disposed so as either to preclude removal of a selected pattern of the underlying one of the pair of layers with the removal of the overlying one of the pair of layers to reveal a desired pattern evidencing tampering or to enable removal of a selected pattern of the overlying one of the pair of layers from the underlying one of the pair of layers to reveal a desired pattern evidencing tampering.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 46 words

The method of claim 76 wherein the release coating layer is provided intermediate the carton outer surface layer and the ink layer and enables removal of the one selected pattern of the ink layer with the transparent film layer to reveal a desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 78 wherein the pattern of release coating is provided as a positive image of the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 12 words

The method of claim 78 wherein the release coating layer is transparent.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 12 words

The method of claim 78 wherein the release coating layer is opaque.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 75 words

The method of claim 78 additionally comprising the step of providing a transparent heat sealable layer overlying at least a portion of the closed package, disposed intermediate the ink and transparent film layers, and bonded to underlying and overlying layers other than the release coating layer, the release coating layer enabling removal of the one selected pattern of the ink layer with the transparent film and heat-sealable layers to reveal the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 82 wherein the pattern of release coating is a positive image of the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 56 words

The method of claim 76 wherein the ink layer is uniformly bonded to the package outer surface layer and the release coating layer is disposed intermediate the ink layer and the transparent film layer and precludes removal of a pattern of the ink layer with the transparent film layer to reveal a desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 84 wherein the pattern of release coating is provided as a negative image of the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 12 words

The method of claim 84 wherein the release coating layer is transparent.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 45 words

The method of claim 84 additionally comprising the step of providing a transparent heat-sealable layer overlying at least a portion of the closed package, disposed intermediate the ink and transparent film layers, and bonded to underlying and overlying layers other than the release coating layer.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 45 words

The method of claim 87 wherein the release coating layer is disposed intermediate the ink layer and the heat-sealable layer and precludes removal of a pattern of the ink layer with the transparent film and heat sealable layers to reveal the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 87 wherein the pattern of release coating is provided as a negative image of the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 12 words

The method of claim 88 wherein the release coating layer is transparent.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 88 wherein all of the heat-sealable layer is directly bonded to the transparent film layer, whereby removal of a portion of the transparent film layer also removes the underlying portion of the heat sealable layer.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 43 words

The method of claim 87 wherein the release coating layer is disposed intermediate the heat-sealable layer and the transparent film layer and precludes removal of a pattern of the ink layer with the transparent film layers to reveal a desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 92 wherein the pattern of release coating is provided as a negative image of the desired pattern of deinking.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 12 words

The method of claim 92 wherein the release coating layer is transparent.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method of claim 92 wherein only a part of the heat-sealable layer is directly bonded to the transparent film layer, whereby removal of a portion of the transparent film layer also removes only a part of the underlying portion of the heat-sealable layer.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 153 words

Tamper-evident packaging comprising: (A) a filled and closed package having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside of said closed package; and (B) transparent film overwrapping at least a portion of said closed package, said film being secured to said ink on said outer package in selected differentially adherent patterns; whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped package also removes said ink in one of said selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering; said ink being in the form of the word "UNOPENED" and the "UN" and the "OPENED" of said ink being secured to said film in selected differentially adherent patterns with the "UN" being more adherent to said film than said "OPENED", whereby removal of said film from said overwrap package also removes said "UN" to reveal the deinked outer package surface therebelow to evidence opening of the package.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 153 words

Tamper-evident packaging comprising: (A) a filled and closed package having an outer surface with ink thereon visible from outside of said closed package; and (B) transparent film overwrapping at least a portion of said closed package, said film being secured to said ink on said outer package in selected differentially adherent patterns; whereby removal of said film from said overwrapped package also removes said ink in one of said selected patterns to reveal a desired pattern of deinked outer package surface and thereby evidence tampering; said ink being in the form of the word "UNOPENED" and the "UN" and the "OPENED" of said ink being secured to said film in selected differentially adherent patterns with the "UN" being more adherent to said film than said "OPENED", whereby removal of said film from said overwrap package also removes said "UN" to reveal the deinked outer package surface therebelow to evidence opening of the package.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 50 words

The tamper-evident packaging of claim 1 wherein said ink is in the form of a self-explanatory evidencing non-tampering and is secured to said film in selective differentially adherent patterns such that removal of said film from said overwrap package converts said message of non-tampering to a self-explanatory message of tampering.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 189 words

Tamper-evident packaging comprising (A) an erected, filled and closed package having an outer surface layer; (B) an ink layer overlying at least a portion of said package outer surface layer, visible from outside said closed package, and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; (C) a transparent film layer overwrapping at least a portion of said closed package, disposed about said ink layer, and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; said ink layer forming the message "UNOPENED" and being bonded to one of said transparent film and said outer package surface layers uniformly and to the other of said layers in selected differentially adherent patterns, whereby removal of said transparent film from said overwrapped package also removes the portion of said ink layer forming "UN" to reveal the deinked outer package surface and leave the portion of said ink layer forming "OPENED" to evidence opening of the package; and (D) a release coating layer defining a pattern of release coating, disposed intermediate a pair of said layers (A), (B) and (C), and causing the differential adhesion of said selected differentially adherent patterns.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 189 words

Tamper-evident packaging comprising (A) an erected, filled and closed package having an outer surface layer; (B) an ink layer overlying at least a portion of said package outer surface layer, visible from outside said closed package, and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; (C) a transparent film layer overwrapping at least a portion of said closed package, disposed about said ink layer, and bonded to an underlying layer other than a release coating; said ink layer forming the message "UNOPENED" and being bonded to one of said transparent film and said outer package surface layers uniformly and to the other of said layers in selected differentially adherent patterns, whereby removal of said transparent film from said overwrapped package also removes the portion of said ink layer forming "UN" to reveal the deinked outer package surface and leave the portion of said ink layer forming "OPENED" to evidence opening of the package; and (D) a release coating layer defining a pattern of release coating, disposed intermediate a pair of said layers (A), (B) and (C), and causing the differential adhesion of said selected differentially adherent patterns.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 70 words

The tamper-evident packaging of claim 56 wherein said ink layer forms a self-explanatory message evidencing a non-tampered package and is bonded to one of said transparent film and said outer carton surface layers uniformly and to the other of said layers in selected differentially adherent patterns such that removal of said transparent film from said overwrapped carton also converts said message into a self-explanatory message evidencing opening of the package.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 10 words

The packaging of claim 1 wherein said film is gas-permeable.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 23 words

The packaging of claim 1 wherein said ink on said outer surface is not removable therefrom without visible tearing of said outer surface.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 22 words

The packaging of claim 1 wherein said desired pattern of deinked outer package surface evidences tampering by means of a self-explanatory message.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1993-11-26	1994-05-28	1994-11-27	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1997-11-26	1998-05-28	1998-11-27	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2001-11-26	2002-05-28	2002-11-27	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Tamper-evident packaging, method of making same and intermediate therein

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