WO2009099852A2

WO2009099852A2 - Paperboard security package opening features

Info

Publication number: WO2009099852A2
Application number: PCT/US2009/032321
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bradford J. Walling; Jeremy Mowery; Aaron Bates; William R. Rigby; John Gelardi; Angela Mcintyre
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date: 2008-01-31
Filing date: 2009-01-29
Publication date: 2009-08-13
Also published as: WO2009099852A3

Abstract

A security package is disclosed having features that facilitate opening the package after purchase. The opening features may comprise overt or hidden tear-initiation sites or lines.

Description

PAPERBOARD SECURITY PACKAGE OPENING FEATURES

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U. S. C. § 119(e) of U.S. provisional application serial number 61/025,102 filed on January 31, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present application is directed to paperboard security packages and, more particularly, to opening features for paperboard security packages.

[0003] Manufacturers and retailers of consumer goods, such as pharmaceuticals, software, electronics, health and beauty products and the like, typically package their products in tamper resistant security packages. For example, many consumer goods are packaged in blister packages formed by positioning a consumer good in a flanged blister made from various polymeric and/or paperboard materials and sealing the flanged blister between two paperboard substrates. Consumers have voiced disapproval of such packages because of the difficulty of opening the same.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a security package that is tear and tamper resistant and that provides an easy and convenient opening feature formed in the paperboard substrate.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, an opening feature for the disclosed blister packaging structure may include at least one pre-printed label disposed to align with a preferred tearing region, or with spaced perforations arranged across the package and through at least a portion of the cross- section of the package. The label clearly identifies a portion of the package be cut at the time of purchase. Once the label has been nicked or cut, a tear may be propagated from the resulting aperture along the preferred tearing region, or along spaced perforations, by the consumer applying force through a tearing motion directed across the package. The package may then be opened to access the product contained in the blister.

[0006] In another aspect, an opening feature for the disclosed blister packaging structure may include at least one scratch-off pre-printed label disposed at a predetermined location on the housing. The scratch-off label may include informational text and symbols to direct the consumer. Pre-printed guidance marks are disposed to align with spaced perforations arranged across the package housing and through at least a portion of the cross-section of the housing. Once the marks are revealed, a tear may be propagated along the spaced perforations by the consumer.

[0007] In another aspect, an opening feature for the disclosed blister packaging structure may include a barcode, two-dimensional code, or other visible or magnetic code containing data that includes the predetermined location of a hidden perforated tear path on the package. A plurality of pre-printed numbers may be disposed around the perimeter of the package and may serve as location indicia for a tear pattern hidden underneath one of the numbers. The consumer's purchase receipt may clearly indicate the numbered location where the consumer should initiate a tear into the package housing. Once the tear path is revealed, a tear may be propagated along the tear path.

[0008] In another aspect, an opening feature for the disclosed blister packaging structure may include at least one pre-printed folding line indicator symbol disposed at a predetermined location on package. Repeated flexing motions by the consumer may allow hidden "micro-perfs" along the folding line to expand and form a weakened area on the package. The "micro-perfs" may not be readily visible prior to purchase and may only become visible after several flexes. Following the flexing motions, the package cross-section may rupture and a tear may be propagated across the package by the consumer.

[0009] In another aspect, an opening feature for the disclosed blister packaging structure may include a locking device, such as an antitheft tag sensor, disposed at a predetermined location on the housing. The locking device may cover up a cut or notch that has been formed through the housing. The cut or notch may be exposed once the locking device is removed from the package, thereby providing the user with a tear initiation point for opening the package.

[0010] Other aspects of the disclosed blister packaging structures will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a prior art blister packaging structure;

[0012] Fig. 2 is a side view of the prior art blister packaging structure of Fig. 1;

[0013] Fig. 3 is a side perspective view of the prior art blister packaging structure of Fig. 1 in a pre-assembled configuration;

[0014] Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a first aspect of the disclosed blister packaging structure;

[0015] Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the blister packaging structure of Fig. 4 showing a partially detached upper housing portion;

[0016] Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of a second aspect of the disclosed blister packaging structure;

[0017] Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the blister packaging structure of Fig. 6 showing tear perforation guidance marks in a post-scratch off configuration;

[0018] Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a third aspect of the disclosed blister packaging structure;

[0019] Fig. 9 is a top plan view of a purchase receipt for use in connection with the blister packaging structure of Fig. 8, the purchase receipt showing, by informational text, the numbered location of a perforated tear path;

[0020] Fig. 10 is a bottom plan view of the blister packaging structure of Fig. 8 showing a plurality of pre-printed numbers disposed about the perimeter of the panel, the pre -printed numbers serving as location indicia for a tear pattern associated with one or more of the numbers;

[0021] Fig. 11 is a bottom plan view of a fourth aspect of the disclosed blister packaging structure in a pre-folded configuration;

[0022] Fig. 12 is a bottom plan view of the blister packaging structure of Fig. 11 in a post- folded configuration;

[0023] Fig. 13 is a top plan view of a fifth aspect of the disclosed blister packaging structure Fig. 1 showing an antitheft tag sensor disposed at a predetermined location on the housing; and

[0024] Fig. 14 is a top plan view of blister packaging structure of Fig. 13 showing the antitheft tag sensor removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Paperboard security packages, such as blister packages, are well known by those skilled in the art. A conventional blister package 10 is illustrated in Figs. 1-3 and includes a housing 14 and a blister 12. The housing 14 may be made from a single sheet of tear- resistant paperboard material having a scored line 20 to facilitate the folding of the top half 16 onto the bottom half 18 of the sheet in a clamshell configuration to form the blister package 10. While the housing 14 is shown as being formed from a single sheet, it is appreciated that it may be formed from two or more sheets that are then laminated, affixed or otherwise secured or placed together. An interface 25 may be formed when the underside surface 17 of the top half of the sheet 16 is placed substantially adjacent the upper surface 19 of the bottom half of the sheet 18 to form the cross-section 15 of the package 10.

[0026] The top half 16 of the housing 14 may include an opening 22 sized to accommodate the blister 12 for displaying products. The opening 22 may be any shape or size to accommodate a suitable blister 12. In order to secure the blister 12 within the housing 14, a flange 24 may extend around the bottom of the blister 12 such that when the blister 12 is inserted through the opening 22, the flange 24 abuts the underside 17 of the top half 16 of the sheet to prevent the blister 12 from being pulled through the opening 22. The package 10 may be formed by sealing the interface 25 using a sealing technique, such as heat sealing, radio frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, microwave sealing and/or adhesives.

[0027] In another embodiment, a blister may be attached to the housing without the use of an opening. Although blisters are often made of plastic, rather than using a plastic blister for holding a product, the package may be constructed or assembled to provide a blister or volume by other types of construction, for example, forming a box-like structure out of material such as paperboard, plastic, and other suitable materials, for example by folding. The package may be constructed by folding parts of the housing to create a volume for holding a product.

[0028] Examples of materials and processes from which the blister package 10 may be formed are discussed in greater detail in U.S. Ser. No. 11/545,842 filed on October 11, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] Referring to Fig. 3, the packaging structure 10 may be formed by (1) positioning the blister 12 through the opening 22 in the top half 16 of the sheet such that the flange 24 of the blister 12 is positioned against the inner surface 17 of the top half 16 of the sheet, (2) positioning an item (e.g., a consumer good) into the blister 12, (3) positioning the bottom half 18 of the sheet over the top half 16 of the sheet such that the flange 24 is positioned therebetween and such that at least a portion of the inner surface 19 of the bottom half 18 of the sheet is positioned to engage at least a portion of the inner surface 17 of the top half 16 of the sheet, and (4) applying heat, radio frequency energy, ultrasonic energy, microwave energy, mechanical pressure and/or an adhesive to the mated portions of the top half 16 and bottom half 18 of the sheet to seal the top half 16 to the bottom half 18 of the sheet.

[0030] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, a first aspect of the disclosed blister packaging structure, generally designated 30, may include at least one pre-printed label 32 disposed at a predetermined location on the front side 31 of the housing 14A. The pre-printed label 32 may include informational text 33 and/or symbols, such as CUT, f or the like, and may be disposed to align with spaced perforations 34 (shown as hidden lines) arranged across the housing 14A and extending through at least a portion of the cross-section (see cross-section 15 in Fig. 2) of the housing 14A. The label 32 may identify for the user (e.g., a cashier) that this portion of the housing 14A should be cut with either a pair of scissors or a nicking device (not shown) at the time of purchase. Once the housing in the vicinity of label 32 has been nicked or cut, an aperture 36 (Fig. 5) may be produced, and a tear may be propagated along the spaced perforations 34 by the consumer applying force through a tearing motion directed across the housing 14A. In certain embodiments, the perforations 34 may be omitted, for example if the package materials are tear resistant, but may be torn once a nick or cut has been provided. In certain embodiments, the perforations may be omitted, for example if the package is otherwise locally weakened, for example by using of less adhesive between layers of the package.

[0031] In Fig. 5, the partially-opened package 30 shows a partially detached front side 38. The cross section of the housing 14A may then be fully separated to access the product contained in the blister 12 A. In certain embodiments, access to the blister contents may be achieved by tearing the housing without fully separating the front and back sides of the package. The pre-printed label 32 may be a variety of shapes, such as circle, triangle (as illustrated), etc.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an opening feature for the blister package 30 may include at least one pre-printed label disposed to align with spaced perforations arranged lengthwise on the package and through at least a portion of the cross-section of the package.

[0033] Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, a second aspect of the disclosed blister packaging structure, generally designated 40, may include at least one scratch-off pre-printed label 41 disposed at a predetermined location on the rear side 43 of the housing 14B. The scratch-off label 41 or the adjacent portion of the package 40 may include informational text 42 and symbols, such as SCRATCH, f or the like, to direct the consumer.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 7, tear perforation guidance marks 46 may be revealed after a sufficient amount of the scratch-off label 41 has been removed (i.e., in the post-scratch-off configuration). The pre-printed marks 46 may be positioned to align with spaced perforations 47 (shown as dotted lines) arranged generally across (or otherwise) the package housing 14B and through at least a portion of the cross-section (see cross-section 15 in Fig. 2) of the housing 14B. Once the marks 46 are revealed, a tear may be propagated along the spaced perforations 47 by the consumer applying force through a tearing motion directed across the rear side 43 of the housing 14B. The cross-section of the housing 14B may then be fully separated to access the product contained in the package 40. In certain embodiments, access to the blister contents may be achieved by tearing the housing without fully separating the front and back sides of the package. The pre-printed scratch-off label 41 may be a variety of shapes, such as circle, square (as illustrated) or the like.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that an opening feature for the blister package 40 may include at least one pre-printed scratch-off label disposed to align with spaced perforations arranged lengthwise on the package and through at least a portion of the cross- section of the package.

[0036] Referring to Figs. 8-10, a third aspect of the disclosed blister packaging structure, generally designated 50, may include a barcode 51 on a portion thereof (e.g., the front facing panel 52) containing data that identifies the predetermined location of a hidden perforated tear path 58 (Fig. 10) or otherwise weakened region by directing the consumer to a numbered location on the package 50. Besides a barcode, a two-dimensional code or other visible code, or a magnetic code, may be used.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 9, after the barcode is scanned (e.g., at a check-out counter) the consumer's purchase receipt 53 may include informational text 54 that identifies the numbered location (e.g., location 3) where the consumer should initiate a tear into the package housing 14C. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that means other than a purchase receipt may be used to communicate to the consumer the numbered location corresponding to the hidden perforated tear path 58.

[0038] Referring to Fig. 10, a series of numbers 57 (e.g., numbers 1 through 12) or other indicia may be pre-printed on or about the perimeter of the backside panel 56. One, or a select few of the numbers, may indicate the location of a hidden perforated tear line 58. Therefore, by providing the consumer with the numbered location of the hidden perforated tear line 58, the consumer may quickly open the package 50 by tearing at the numbered location. Other than using perforations, there may be a linear area weakened by other means, such as the use of less adhesive between layers of the package.

[0039] Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, a fourth aspect of the disclosed blister packaging structure, generally designated 60, may include a pre-printed folding line indicator symbol 61 disposed at a predetermined location on the package 60. For example, the symbol 61 may be displayed on the backside panel 62 of the package 60. In the illustrated aspect, the symbol 61 may include two triangles pointing at each other, though those skilled in the art will appreciate that various symbols may be used.

[0040] The symbol 61 may identify a location on the package 60 bearing perforations (e.g., micro perforations), use of less adhesive, or other methods that form a weakened tear line 64 when subjected to a folding action. Therefore, the symbol 61 may identify a location where the consumer should fold the package 60 and continue folding the package 60 (e.g., 3 or 4 times) until the weakened tear line 64 is formed (see Fig. 12).

[0041] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the perforations should not be readily visible from the back face 62 of the package 60 prior to purchase and should only become visible after several flexes. Following the flexing motion, a tear may be propagated by the consumer applying force through a tearing motion directed across the backside 63 of the package 60.

[0042] Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, a fifth aspect of the disclosed blister packaging structure, generally designated 70, may include a cut or notch 72. The notch 72 may facilitate tearing through the package 70. Optionally, the notch 72 may be aligned with hidden perforations 74 or other weakening measures (such as use of less adhesive between layers) extending across at least a portion of the package 70, thereby enhancing a user's ability to tear through the package 70. [0043] A locking device 76, such as an antitheft tag, may be connected to the package 70 to cover the notch 72 and restrict access thereto. The locking device 76 may be connected to the package 70 by a clamping action, by engaging a recess in the package 70 or by any other available means. The locking device 76 may thus provide a theft deterrent.

[0044] Accordingly, unless the locking device 76 is removed from the package 70 to expose the notch, the notch 72 and associated perforations are not available to facilitate opening the package 70. However, once the locking device 76 is removed from the package 70, a tear may be easily propagated through the package 70 by taking advantage of the notch 72 and, optionally, the associated perforations 74.

[0045] While the embodiments described here use perforations as an exemplary method to provide tear lines in a package, it will be understood that other methods may be utilized, for example cuts, scores, areas with less adhesive, or any other methods that would provide locally weakened tear resistance. While the term "label" is used herein to describe certain areas of the package such as printed or scratch off areas, the term is not meant to be limiting and may include printed areas, indicia, or other indicators that may be used to denote location.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed blister packaging structures and associated opening features may provide a theft deterrent function, while providing legitimate consumers with a simple means for opening such structures.

[0047] Although various aspects of the disclosed blister packaging structures have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification.

Claims

1. A packaging structure comprising:

a housing defining spaced perforations therein; and

at least one opening-assist feature.

2. The packaging structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening-assist feature comprises at least one pre-printed label disposed to align with the spaced perforations, wherein the label identifies a cutting or tearing location.

3. The packaging structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening-assist feature comprises a scratch-off pre-printed label positioned to align with the spaced perforations, wherein the location of the spaced perforations is revealed when a portion of the scratch-off label is removed.

4. The packaging structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening-assist feature comprises a code on the packaging structure, and a plurality of identifying indicia printed on the packaging structure, wherein a select one of the plurality of identifying indicia identifies a location of the perforations; and

a code reader adapted to read the code on the packaging structure to identify the select one of the plurality of identifying indicia.

5. The packaging structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening-assist feature comprises an indicator symbol disposed at a predetermined location on the housing, wherein repeated folding at the indicator symbol causes the perforations to define a fold line.

6. A packaging system comprising:

a packaging structure defining a notch; and

a locking device connected to the packaging structure to cover the notch, wherein the notch provides a means for tearing the packaging structure.

7. A display card for holding an item, the card comprising:

a front layer and a back layer, at least one of said layers being tear-resistant, with at least a portion of said layers adhered together;

a product-receiving volume, disposed within said display card between said front layer and back layer; and

an opening-assist feature.

8. The display card of claim 7, further comprising a weakened area in one of said front layer and back layer.

9. The display card according to claim 8, wherein said weakened area is adjacent or contiguous to said opening assist feature.

10. The display card of claim 9, wherein said weakened area is not visible.

11. The display card of claim 9, wherein said opening assist feature comprises a cut or nick on an edge of said display card.

12. The display card of claim 9, wherein said weakened area comprises a perforation or score line

13. The display card of claim 12, wherein said display card further comprises an additional layer disposed on one of said front layer and back layer and the perforation or score line is in said additional layer.

14. The display card of claim 9, wherein said weakened area comprises a portion wherein said front layer and said back layer are not adhered together.

15. The display card of claim 7, wherein said opening-assist feature comprises a first indicia on at least one of said front layer and said back layer.

16. The display card of claim 15, wherein said opening-assist feature further comprises a tear initiation region, and said first indicia is proximate to said tear initiation region.

17. The display card of claim 16, further comprising a layer disposed over said weakened area in proximity to said first indicia, which layer may be removed to reveal said weakened area.

18. The display card of claim 16, further comprising additional indicia not proximate to said tear initiation region.

19. The display card of claim 16, wherein machine-readable information is encoded on said card and is used to identify said first indicia.

20. The display card of claim 19, wherein said identification of said first indicia is printed on a sale receipt provided at a point of sale.

21. The display card of claim 19, wherein said machine-readable information comprises a bar code, two-dimensional code, other visible code, or magnetic coded information.

22. The display card of claim 7, wherein said product-receiving volume comprises a blister.

23. The display card of claim 22, wherein said blister is retained between said front and back layers.

24. The display card of claim 22, wherein at least one of said front and back layers contains an aperture for holding said blister.

25. The display card of claim 22, wherein said blister is retained upon the surface of one of said front and back layers.

26. The display card of claim 7, wherein said product-receiving volume comprises a space between said front layer and said back layer.

27. The display card of claim 7, wherein said product-receiving volume comprises a volume formed by a folded material.

28. The display card of claim 27, wherein said volume formed by a folded material is formed at least partly by folding at least one of said front layer, said back layer, or a material other than said front layer or said back layer.

29. The display card of claim 7, wherein at least portions of said front and back layers are adhered together by an adhesive or a heat seal material.

30. The display card of claim 7, wherein a heat seal material is coated onto at least one of said front and back layers.

31. The display card of claim 7, wherein said front and back layers comprise paperboard.

32. A method for allowing easier opening of a display card for holding an item, the method comprising:

providing a display card for holding an item, said display card comprising a tear resistant material;

providing an indicia on said display card, indicating a location to start a tear, and upon purchase of said display card, making a cut or nick at said location to start a tear.

33. A method for allowing easier opening of a display card for holding an item, the method comprising:

providing, on or proximate an edge of said display card, a cut or weakened area at which to start a tear;

placing on said display card a removable antitheft device to limit access to said cut or weakened area; and

upon sale of said display card, removing said removable antitheft device.

34. A method for allowing easier opening of a display card for holding an item, the method comprising:

providing on or within at least a portion of said display card, a weakened area through which a tear may more readily occur than elsewhere on said display card;

hiding said weakened area; and

providing an opening-assist feature on said display card.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein providing an opening-assist feature comprises providing indicia upon said display card indicating an approximate location of said weakened area; and in said approximate location, rubbing off or scraping off a portion of said display card to reveal said weakened area.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein providing an opening-assist feature comprises providing first indicia upon said display card indicating the location of said weakened area;

providing additional indicia upon said display card;

providing machine readable information on said display card;

reading said machine readable information; and

based on said machine readable information, providing a message identifying said first indicia.

37. The method of claim 34, wherein providing an opening-assist feature comprises providing indicia upon said display card indicating the location of said weakened area; and

flexing said display card along said location of said weakened area in order to further weaken and allow tearing of said weakened area.