WO2011043916A1 - Releasable security device and packages using the device - Google Patents

Abstract

A security device and packages using the device are disclosed wherein a magnetic device is utilized to move the security device from a locked to an unlocked configuration.

Description

RELEASABLE SECURITY DEVICE AND PACKAGES USING THE DEVICE

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119(e) of provisional application serial number 61/249,646 filed on October 8, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present application is directed to security packages and, more particularly, to a theft-prevention device for securing the closure of a security packages. The theft-prevention device may be a magnetically releasable security device.

[0003] Manufacturers and retailers of consumer goods, such as pharmaceuticals, software, electronics, home entertainment media (such as DVD and BLURAY products), 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 or clamshell 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 and the potential for being cut on a rough edge especially of plastic blisters. Packages may therefore be made based largely on paperboard, for example, NATRALOCK packages. Packaging made primarily of paperboard is more sustainable than packaging made from petroleum-based plastics. The paperboard used in such packages may be tear-resistant as described in commonly assigned US Patent No. 7,144,635. Due to their tear-resistant construction, upon purchase the customer may need a tool such as a scissors in order to conveniently open such packages. [0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a security package that has provides tear- resistant, tamper-resistant, and theft-resistant features, which still being easily opened after purchase.

SUMMARY [0005] In one aspect, a package is disclosed which comprises a containment region for holding an item, the package formed of sheet material and comprising an opening through which an item may be placed into or removed from the containment region,

[0006] Other aspects of the disclosed packaging structures will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a cross section view of three parts of a security device before assembly.

[0008] FIGS. 2-7 are cross section views of the three parts of the security device being assembled. [0009] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of an accessory being inserted into the security device.

[0010] FIG. 9 is a cross section view of a fourth part being added to the security device.

[0011] FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the assembled security device in an open state.

[0012] FIG. 11 is a cross section view of the security device in a partly closed state. [0013] FIG. 12 is a cross section view of the security device in a fully closed state.

[0014] FIG. 13 is a side view of the security device (in cross section) being placed on a unlocking device. [0015] FIG. 14 is a side view of the security device (in cross section) in proximity to certain parts of the unlocking device.

[0016] FIGS. 15 -17 are side views of the security device (in cross section) showing steps in the unlocking process.

[0017] FIG. 18 is a side view of the security device (in cross section) returning to an unlocked state as it is moved away from the unlocking device.

[0018] FIGS. 19 - 20 are perspective views the security device showing details of its use in securing together two flaps of a package.

[0019] FIGS. 21 - 41 show various packages utilizing the security device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] As a security device or tag is described, reference will be made to FIGURES 1-18. The security device may also be described as a tag. FIG. 1 shows in cross section a tag base 10, a shuttle 30, and a resilient element 50, before assembly of these parts. By way of example, tag base 10 may be made of injection molded plastic, shuttle 30 may be made of a cast material such as carbon steel or other material that may be attracted by a magnet or magnets, and resilient element 50 may be formed from a sheetlike material such as spring steel. Additional features of these parts will be introduced and described as the operation of the tag is explained. As the Figures show cross sections intended to illustrate mainly the operation of the parts, not every detail of the parts may be shown in the Figures.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a step in the assembly of the tag, in which the shuttle 30 slides into the resilient element 50 as denoted by arrow Al . The resilient element may comprise parts (not all of which may be shown) to help guide or retain the shuttle. As shuttle 30 is slid into resilient element 50, a lower ledge 32 may press down upon base spring 52 as denoted by arrow A2, and the lower ledge may eventually ride over the base spring. [0022] FIG. 3 shows shuttle 30 slid fully into resilient element 50. Lower ledge 32 has passed over base spring 52 which is now in a relatively uncompressed state as shown by arrow A3. Lower ledge 32 may now be in proximity to back spring 54

[0023] FIG. 4 shows the combined shuttle 30 and resilient element 50 being slid toward tag base 10 as denoted by arrow A4. It should be noted that resilient element 50 may comprise at its forward end a front hook 56.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows the combined shuttle 30 and resilient element 50 being slid into tag base 10. Tag base 10 may comprise an aperture such as cavity or slot 12 to receive the lower portion of the resilient element 50 along with the shuttle 30. Front hook 56 is temporarily forced upward upon entering the slot 12 as shown by arrow A5. Front hook 56 is able to flex upward due to the spring-like nature of resilient element 50. One or both of the shuttle 30 and front hook 56 may be formed with a cutaway or other clearance to allow the front hook 56 to move upward during this step.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows the combined shuttle 30 and resilient element 50 slid further into tag base 10. A locking pin 34 on the shuttle 30 upon entry into slot 12 is initially forced downward as shown by arrow A6, thus moving the shuttle and compressing base spring 52. The locking pin 34 will eventually be received into lock hole 14.

[0026] FIG. 7 shows the combined shuttle 30 and resilient element 50 slid completely into tag base 10. Locking pin 34 moves upward into lock hole 14 where it may be held at least partly by the upward force of base spring 52, as denoted by arrow A7. Front hook 56 upon passing through slot 12 is able to flex back to its uncompressed state, as denoted by arrow A8. This secures resilient element 50 and shuttle 30 within tag base 10.

[0027] FIG. 8 shows how an optional element such as antitheft device 5 (for example an RFID chip or other device), may be placed (as denoted by arrow A9) into a receptor cavity 58 formed in the resilient element. The receptor cavity may be a formed depression in the resilient element, or an opening in the resilient element. It the cavity is an opening, then the antitheft device 5 may have a flange or lip (not shown) to prevent it from falling through the opening, or the opening may have fingers, leafs, protrusions, or other features (not shown) to retain the antitheft device.

[0028] FIG. 9 shows a tag lid 70 being slid (as denoted by arrow A 10) onto the upper portion of resilient element 50. Tag lid 70 may comprise an aperture such as cavity or slot 74 to receive upper portion of resilient element 50. Either the tag lid 70 or upper portion of resilient element 50, or both, may comprise devices such as detents, prongs, catches or the like to retain the tag lid 70 on the assembly.

[0029] FIG. 10 shows a completely assembled security tag 100 in an open

configuration. The internal parts are for the most part surrounded by tag base 10 and tag lid 70. Note the tag tooth 72 and base well 16 which have clearance therebetween in the open position. Also provided, for example within tag tooth 72, and optionally formed as a part of resilient element 50, is a tooth barb 60. Within base well 16 is a ratchet 36 that may be formed, for example, in the forward edge of shuttle 30.

[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates a step in closing security tag 100 by pressing together (as denoted by arrow A9) the tag lid 70 and tag base 10, which pivot together and compress resilient element 50 into an approximately closed loop. Tag tooth 72 is received into base well 16, and tooth barb 60 engages ratchet 36 as denoted at arrow A10. The engagement of tooth barb 60 with ratchet 36 locks security tag 100 in a closed configuration. Ratchet 36 may have multiple steps to provide for locking the tag with varying degrees of spacing between tag base 10 and tag lid 70, so that different thicknesses of material may be accommodated within the tag. In FIG. 11, tooth barb 60 has engaged an upper step on ratchet 36.

[0031] The ratcheting action of tooth barb 60 and ratchet 36 may be accomplished by reversing the positions of the barb and ratchet, for example providing the ratchet on the tooth 72 and the barb on the end of shuttle 30.

[0032] FIG. 12 shows the security tag in a completely closed and locked

configuration, where tooth 72 is descended as far as possible into well 16, and tooth barb 60 has engaged a lower step on ratchet 36. [0033] In either of the closed and locked configurations of FIGURES 11 and 12, the tag cannot be opened without the use of a special tool. One such tool is unlocking device 200, shown in FIGURE 13, and disclosed in U.S. Patent Application

10/540,326, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The unlocking device 200 may comprise a bottom magnet 210 and a back magnet 220, each of which may be formed of one or more individual magnets grouped together. To unlock tag 100, it may be placed upon unlocking device 200, and moved into proximity with the bottom magnet 210 and back magnet 220, as shown by arrow Al 1.

[0034] FIGURE 14 shows a closer detail cross section of tag 100 in close proximity to the bottom magnet 210 and back magnet 220 of the unlocking device 200. The internal parts of tag 100 are shown as if the magnets had not yet influenced them.

However, at this point, the actions of FIGURES 15 - 17 may commence in rapid succession or to some extent simultaneously.

[0035] FIGURE 15 shows how bottom magnet 210 may exert a downward pull upon shuttle 30, as denoted by arrow A 12. This downward pull is against the upward force of base spring 52, and causes lock pin 34 to move out of lock hole 14.

[0036] FIGURE 16 shows how back magnet 220 exerts a backward pull upon shuttle 30, as denoted by arrow A13. Shuttle 30 is free to move backward as the lock pin is freed from the lock hole. Shuttle 30 may therefore move backward, against the force of back spring 54. Ratchet 36 at the front end of shuttle 30 also moves backward, releasing tooth barb 60. The tag is thus unlocked, and as shown in FIGURE 17, the spring action of resilient element 50 causes tag lid 70 to pivot away from tag base 10 as denoted by arrow, which moves tag tooth 72 out of base well 16. The tag may then be removed from whatever item it has been protecting.

[0037] FIGURE 18 shows how, when the tag is removed from the proximity of the magnets on the unlocking device, back spring 54 pushes shuttle 30 forward as denoted by arrow A16, and base spring 52 pushes upward on shuttle 30 so that lock pin 34 once again returns to its position in lock hole 14. The tag is now restored to the

configuration of FIGURE 10, and is once again ready for use. [0038] Unlocking devices other than the unlocking device shown in FIGURES 13-18 may also be used, provided they include the appropriate magnets to unlock the tag. The unlocking devices may have other shapes, and may include devices that are placed upon or fixed to a table, countertop, or checkout lane, or hand-held unlocking devices. [0039] FIGURE 19 shows a partial cut away view of tag 100, with many details omitted as the details have already been described. Tag 100 is in proximity to flaps 310 and 320, which may, for example, be closure flaps for a package, such as a paperboard carton. The panels each have a flap aperture 312, 322 which may be superimposed upon one another when flaps 310, 320 are brought close together. [0040] FIGURE 20 show the same partial cutaway view, except that flaps 310 and

320 have been brought close together, and flap apertures 312, 322 overlap or are superimposed. Tag 100 may then be slid over the adjoined flaps, and the tag closed and locked so that tag tooth 72 passes through the flap apertures 312, 322 and locks into place in base well 16, as previously described. Thus the flaps are locked shut, which prevents the associated package from being opened until tag 100 has been unlocked and removed. This is especially true if the package, along with its flaps 310, 312, is made of tear resistant material. However, once the tag has been unlocked and removed, the package may be opened without need for special cutting tools, and without need to tear the package. [0041] Examples will now be described of packages that may be secured using security tag 100. Where there is more than one of the same feature, generally only one will be denoted by a reference numeral. If different packages have a common feature, it may only be described one time. Common features, where practical, are denoted with similar numerals differing by the 'hundreds' digit. Where assembly steps are described, these steps are exemplary and are not to be limiting as to the sequence of operations used to arrive at the final package. Also, directions such as up, down, top, bottom, front, back, etc. are used for convenience in describing the package and are not meant to be limiting. In most cases the packages described here are made from one or several blanks (that is, the cut sheet parts from which the package components are made by folding and other steps). However, it should be understood that certain unitary blanks may be provided instead as more than one part, and certain blanks may be combined into single blanks, while still arriving at the same finished package.

[0042] FIG. 21 A shows a package 300 to be closed using tag 100. The package 300 may be made from a sheet material such as tear-resistant paperboard and formed into a containment structure using glue, adhesives, heat sealing or other methods to seal the flaps together. In this example the package is a rectangular box. The package may also be made of other sheet materials such plastic, synthetic fibers, or other materials. At an open end there may be tuck flaps 305 and closure flaps 310, 320. As previously discussed for FIGURES 19 and 20, the closure flaps may comprise flap apertures 312 and 322 (not shown) that will receive the tag tooth. The flap apertures 312, 322 may also serve as hang holes for hanging on a hook, wire, or rack. The package may comprise additional panels such as intermediate panel 314 between the main portion of the package, and the closure flap 310. By appropriate sizing of the panels, the closure flaps of the finished package may be made to lie in the plane of the front surface of the package or in the plane of the back surface of the package, or in an intermediate plane.

[0043] FIG. 21B shows package 300 after being closed using tag 100. Tuck flaps 305 having been closed inward into the package, and closure flaps 310, 320 brought together, the tooth of tag 100 is then passed through flap apertures 312 and 322 (shown as a dashed line). The package is now locked shut until the tag is removed as previously described. Package 300 may be the primary package for a product item, that is, the product item may be directly enclosed within package 300. Package 300 may also be secondary packaging for a product, for example an additional layer of security around a primary package that itself contains the product item.

[0044] FIG. 22A shows a different view of another package 400 to be closed using tag 100. This example does not have tuck flaps (although tuck flaps could optionally be used) but has closure flaps 410, 420 with flap apertures 412 and 422 (not shown) to receive the tag tooth. The flap apertures may also serve as hang holes for hanging on a hook, wire, or rack. The package may comprise additional panels such as intermediate panels 414, 424 between the main portion of the package, and the closure flaps 410, 420. By appropriate sizing of the panels 414, 424, the closure flaps of the finished package are here made to lie in a plane about midway between two opposite surfaces of the package.

[0045] FIG. 22B shows package 400 after being closed using tag 100. Closure flaps 410, 420 are brought together, and the tooth of tag 100 is then passed through flap apertures 412 and 422 (shown as a dashed line). The package is now locked shut until the tag is removed as previously described. Package 400 may be the primary package for a product item, that is, the product item may be directly enclosed within package 400. Package 400 may also be secondary packaging for a product, for example an additional layer of security around a primary package that itself contains the product item. It will be noted that package 400 in the closed state of FIG. 22B may completely surround the product item, and if the package is opaque, may completely conceal the product item. The package 400 may comprise paperboard or plastic, and may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. Particularly if the package is opaque or translucent, one or more optional openings such as window 402 may be provided. Such a window may for example provide a partial view of the item, to verify a title, color, size, or other information about the item.

[0046] FIG. 23 A shows a view of another package 500 to be closed using tag 100. Package 500 is a "basket" package that forms an enclosure but does not completely hide the product. Package 500 has closure flaps 510, 520 with flap apertures 512, 522 to receive the tag tooth. The flap apertures may also serve as hang holes for hanging on a hook, wire, or rack. The package may comprise additional panels such as

intermediate panels 514, 524 between the main portion of the package, and the closure flaps 510, 520. By appropriate sizing of the panels 514, 524, the closure flaps of the finished package are here made to lie in a plane about midway between two opposite surfaces of the package.

[0047] Because package 500 is somewhat open, it may be advantageous to use it as a secondary package, encircling a primary package 550 as shown in FIGURE 22B.

FIG. 22B shows package 500 after being closed using tag 100. A "basket" or "cage" package like 500 may be used, for example, to provide more visibility to the primary package 550, while still providing good security. The package 500 may comprise paperboard or plastic. The package 500 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent.

[0048] FIG. 24A shows a package 600 to be closed using tag 100. This example does not have tuck flaps (although tuck flaps could optionally be used) but has closure flaps 610, 620 with flap apertures 612, 622 to receive the tag tooth. The flap apertures may also serve as hang holes for hanging on a hook, wire, or rack. The package may comprise additional panels such as tuck flaps (not shown) or intermediate panels such as intermediate panel 614 between the main portion of the package and closure flaps 610. By appropriate sizing of the intermediate panels (in this case using a relatively large intermediate panel 614, and omitting such a panel at the opposite side of the package, the closure flaps 610, 620 of the finished package are made to lie in the plane of the back surface of the package as shown in FIG. 24B.

[0049] FIG. 24B shows package 600 after being closed using tag 100. Closure flaps 610, 620 are brought together, and the tooth of tag 100 is then passed through flap apertures 612, 622. The package is now locked shut until the tag is removed as previously described. Package 600 may be the primary package for a product item, that is, the product item may be directly enclosed within package 600. Package 600 may also be secondary packaging for a product, for example an additional layer of security around a primary package that itself contains the product item.

[0050] Placing the tag tooth through the hang hole, as with packages 300, 400, 500, 600 may make the hang hole inaccessible for hanging on a hook, wire, rack, or other display device. Therefore tag 100 may be provided with an integral or removable tag hanger 110 such as a hang hole, hook, slot, loop, lanyard, or other feature enabling tag 100 (and any package attached thereto) to be hung from a hook, wire, rack, or other display device. The tag hanger could be a clip-in or snap-in option that the store could clip into the back of the tag if required. The tag hanger may be designed to be moved out of the way or detached before detagging

[0051] FIG. 25 A shows a package 700 to be closed using tag 100. This example does not have tuck flaps (although tuck flaps could optionally be used) but has closure flaps 710, 720 with flap apertures 712, 722 to receive the tag tooth. Closure flap 710 is longer than the immediately previous example, and contains near its outer edge a hang hole 716 for hanging on a hook, wire, or rack. A clearance hole 718 is provided for the body of tag 100. The package may comprise additional panels such as tuck flaps (not shown) or intermediate panels such as intermediate panel 714 between the main portion of the package and closure flaps 710. By appropriate sizing of the intermediate panels

(in this case using a relatively large intermediate panel 714, and omitting such a panel at the opposite side of the package, the closure flaps 710, 720 of the finished package are made to lie in the plane of the back surface of the package as shown in FIG. 25B.

[0052] FIG. 25B shows package 700 after being closed using tag 100. Closure flaps 710, 720 are brought together, and the tooth of tag 100 is then passed through flap apertures 712 and 722. The package is now locked shut until the tag is removed as previously described. Hang hole 716 may be used even when the tag 100 is in place. In order to provide clearance for placing the package into an unlocking device as seen in FIGURES 13-18, a fold line such as clearance fold line 719A or 719B may be provided, or the extending portion of closure flap 710 may simply be flexed out of the way. By folding along clearance fold line 719A or 719B, or by flexing of closure flap 710, the tag 100 may be placed in a position accessible to the unlocking device.

[0053] As seen in FIGURES 25A-25B, closure flap 710 is longer than closure flap 720. However, closure flap 720 may also be made approximately as long as closure flap 710, or closure flap 710 may be shortened, and closure flap 720 lengthened and provided with a clearance hole and hang hole. Instead of having the tag 100 situated in the plane of the back surface of the package 700, an intermediate panel (not shown) could be provided between package 700 and closure flap 720, and the intermediate panel 714 could be shortened, so that the location of tag 100 would be shifted forward to an intermediate position located forward of the back surface.

[0054] FIG. 26A shows a package 800 to be closed using tag 100. In this example closure flaps 810, 820 are provided with flap apertures 812, 822 to receive the tag tooth, and clearance notches 818, 828 are provided for the body of tag 100. Intermediate panels 814, 824 are provided between the closure flaps and the main body of the package. The package may comprise additional panels such as cover flap 830, with tuck tab 834. Access cutout 836 may be provided.

[0055] FIG. 26B shows package 800 with closure flaps 810, 820 folded inward so that they are at least partially superimposed, and their flap apertures 812, 822 are aligned, and clearance notches 818, 828 are aligned. Tag 100 may then be moved as denoted by arrow A18 into clearance notches 818, 828, the tag tooth put through flap apertures 812, 822, and the tag closed to lock the package shut.

[0056] FIG. 26C shows how the closure flaps 810, 820 (along with attached tag 100) may then be pressed downward so that they descend into package 800, along with intermediate panels 814, 824. Tag 100 is now recessed into the package. Cover flap 830 may then be folded over the top of the package, concealing tag 100. Tuck tab 834 may be tucked into the package to hold cover flap 830 in place.

[0057] In using the embodiment shown in FIGURES 26A-26C, the tag 100 is preferably positioned so that it may be unlocked using unlocking device 200. This may mean inverting the tag, that is, having the tag base facing upward or outward relative to the package 800.

[0058] Variations may be practiced on the embodiment shown in FIGURES 26A- 26C. For example, cover flap 830 and tuck tab 834 may be omitted. Intermediate panels 814, 824 may be omitted, in which case the tag may be exposed or may project outward slightly from the carton. Access cutout 836 may be enlarged or shaped to provide clearance for tag 100.

[0059] FIG. 27 shows another type of arrangement for securing a package. In this case the product may be a slipcase 990 such as a box holding DVD cases, book, or other items accessible through opening 995. Package 900 is shown before assembly as a blank having a bottom panel 901, back panel 902, front panel 903 with slide prevention flaps 904, and top panel 905. The panels may be folded into a tubular structure wrapping slipcase 990 to secure its contents. FIG. 28 shows the slipcase 990 having been placed upon the bottom panel 901, thus hiding it from view in the Figure. It will be noted that slipcase 990 walls may include slipcase side walls 992 and slipcase top wall 991.

[0060] In FIG. 29, back panel 902 and front panel 903 are being folded upward, and slide prevention flaps 904 have been folded inward and placed inside of slipcase 990. Here for example the slide prevention flaps are placed between slipcase side wall 992, and the outermost contents (for example, outermost DVD case) within the slipcase. Alternately the slide prevention flap or flaps may be designed for placement between content items inside the slipcase. In either method, placing the slide prevention flaps 904 inside slipcase 990 will prevent the tubular packaging structure from sliding off the slipcase, which may otherwise happen to the tubular packaging structure if using without the slide prevention flaps 904 being placed inside slipcase 990. FIG. 29 also identifies closure tabs 932 on top panel 905, which will fit into closure slots 933 on back panel 902. The closure tabs 932 and the back panel may comprise tuck tabs 934 and 936 and associated apertures 935 to help hold the tubular packaging (sleeve) together in its assembled state.

[0061] The back panel 902 at its end comprises closure portion 910 with tooth aperture 914 to receive the tag tooth. Extension portion 912 may be folded over upon closure portion 910, and may comprise a clearance slot 916 for the tag tooth. The top panel 905 at its end comprises closure flap 920 with tooth aperture 924 to receive the tag tooth.

[0062] FIG. 30 shows a further step in assembling the package, as closure tabs 932 on top panel 905 are ready to be fitted into closure slots 933 on back panel 902. FIG. 31 shows the package further assembled, with the closure tabs 932 now inserted through closure slots 933. Closure portion 910 and closure flap 920 are now in close proximity to one another, with tooth apertures 914 and 924 aligned. As a further step, extension portion 912 may be folded forward over closure flap 920, or between closure flap 920 and closure portion 910. In either case, clearance slot 916 may then be aligned with tooth apertures 914 and 924.

[0063] FIG. 32 shows a rear view of the package ready to receive security tag 100. The tag tooth will fit through tooth aperture 914, as well as tooth aperture 924 and clearance slot 916. The security tag then holds the tubular packaging structure snugly around the product contents, while the slide prevention flaps 904 (as shown in FIG. 29) prevent the structure from being slid off of the product. Optionally the tuck tabs 934 and 936 previously described on closure tabs 932 may be engaged with associated apertures 935 previously described on back panel 902.

[0064] FIG. 33 shows a front view of the package with security tag 100 in place.

[0065] FIG. 34 shows another type of arrangement for securing a package. In this case the product may be a boxcase 1090 that may hold a wide variety of product items accessible if the boxcase top portion 1092 is lifted off the boxcase bottom portion 1094. Package 1000 is shown before assembly as a blank having a bottom panel 1001, primary slide prevention flaps 1002, secondary slide prevention flaps 1003, back panel 1004, front panel 1005, and top panel 1006. The panels may be folded into a tubular structure wrapping boxcase 1090 to secure its contents.

[0066] FIG. 35 shows the boxcase 1090 being placed downward onto bottom panel 1001, while the primary slide prevention flaps 1002 and secondary slide prevention flaps 1003 fit into the gap between boxcase top portion 1092 and boxcase bottom portion 1094.

[0067] FIG. 36 shows the boxcase 1090 sitting upon the package 1000. Since the boxcase 1090 is closed now, only boxcase top portion 1092 is visible.

[0068] In FIG. 37, back panel 1004 and front panel 1005 are being folded upward as a step in forming a tube or sleeve around the boxcase. The slide prevention flaps having been inserted into the boxcase structure (as shown in FIG. 35) will prevent the tubular packaging structure from sliding off the boxcase, which may otherwise happen to the tubular packaging structure if used without the slide prevention flaps. FIG. 37 also identifies closure tabs 1032 on top panel 1006, which will fit into closure slots 1033 on back panel 1004. The closure tabs 1032 and the back panel 1004 may comprise tuck tabs and associated apertures as previously described to help hold the tubular packaging (sleeve) together in its assembled state. [0069] FIG. 38 shows a further step in assembling the package, as closure tabs 1032 on top panel 1006 are ready to be fitted into closure slots 1033 on back panel 1004.

[0070] FIG. 39 shows the package further assembled, with the closure tabs 1032 now inserted through closure slots 1033. Closure portion 1010 and closure flap 1020 (see FIG. 38) are now in close proximity to one another, with tooth apertures 1014 and 1024 aligned. As a further step, extension portion 1012 may be folded over closure flap 1020, or between closure flap 1020 and closure portion 1010. In either case, clearance slot 1016 may then be aligned with tooth apertures 1014 and 1024.

[0071] FIG. 40 shows a rear view of the package ready to receive a security tag. The tag tooth will fit through tooth aperture 1014, as well as tooth aperture 1024 and clearance slot 1016. The security tag then holds the tubular packaging structure snugly around the product contents, while the slide prevention flaps 1002, 1003 (as shown in FIG. 35) prevent the structure from being slid off of the product. Optionally the tuck tabs 1034 and 1036 previously described on closure tabs 1032 may be engaged with associated apertures 1035 previously described on back panel 1004.

[0072] FIG. 41 shows a front view of package 1000 with security tag 100 in place.

[0073] The "tubular" or "sleeve" type of package as shown in FIGS. 27-41 secures the package contents by preventing the internal package (such as a slipcase or boxcase) from being opened. Meanwhile, the slide prevention flaps 904, 1002, and 1003 keep the outer package from sliding off of the internal package. The packages shown in FIGS. 27 - 41 are examples only, and other types and locations of slide prevention flaps may be contemplated for these and for other package designs.

[0074] The security features described in this application may be used alone or in combination with other described security features. It is to be understood that a variety of materials may be used to form these packages. However, for sustainability purposes, a paperboard based material may be used and for improved theft deterrence a tear resistant paperboard may be used. Package materials may include tear-proof materials such as DURAFOLD paperboard, tear-resistant materials such as NATRALOCK paperboard, as well as other types of paperboard or plastic materials. The packages may be made of one or more layers of material, including but not limited to one, two, three or more layers of material. Different parts of the packages may comprise different materials and/or different numbers of layers.

[0075] For the packages described herein, at least one set of closure flaps is left unglued but is closed by tag 100. However, the closure flaps may also be glued together as is conventionally done. It may be difficult to open packages made of tear resistant material, without first initiating a tear, which can often most readily be done by using a knife or scissors. However, a package may be provided with a pre-cut tear initiation point, such as a perforation or a notch cut into the tear-resistant material, for example near its periphery. In such a case, to avoid unauthorized opening of the package before it is sold, tag 100 may be used to cover up the tear initiation point. Use of a security device to cover a tear initiation point is also described in U.S. Provisional Application 61/025,102 filed on January 31, 2008 and in International Application PCT/US09/32321 filed on January 29, 2009, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties.

[0076] The packages disclosed herein may be comprised mostly of paperboard, for example as described in International Application PCT/US08/051245. The paperboard used in such packages may be tear-resistant as described in commonly assigned US Patent No. 7,144,635. However, the packages disclosed herein may also comprise plastic materials.

[0077] The packages disclosed herein may be made from one or several blanks (that is, the cut sheet parts from which the package components are made by folding and other steps). However, it should be understood that certain unitary blanks may be provided instead as more than one part, and certain blanks may be combined into single blanks, while still arriving at the same finished package.

[0078] Where more than one blank is used, the blanks may be assembled in various stages, including assembling a unitary blank into a package, assembling separate blanks and then joining them to form a package, and joining two or more blanks together, for example by heat sealing, gluing, mechanical fastening, or otherwise and then forming the combined blanks into the package. [0079] Portions of the packages may be made of one, two, or more layers of material. It is to be understood that additional layers of material may be used based on

manufacturing preferences. Portions of certain panels may be folded over or around the portions of other panels, creating multiple layers of material. Folds between panels or walls may be reinforced by inward gussets or external gussets.

[0080] The packages described herein may be provided with one or more window areas as described in PCT/US08/068595. For example, a window area may be provided as a transparent area in one of the paperboard surfaces. The window area could be strengthened by sandwiching the window material between pieces of board and heat sealing the board together. Placing holes around the border of the window in the area where the boards trap it may allow for greater protection, by allowing the heat sealing glue to penetrate through and around the window material as well. Recycled or recyclable material may be used. The window material may be strengthened such that it provides a greater barrier of entry while still providing product visibility. The packages may be provided with features to allow opening as described in US

Provisional Application 61/025102. Such features, by way of example, may include overt or hidden weakened areas in the package. The packages may be provided with features to help it stand upright, as described in US Provisional Application 61/192,064. For example, an extension of one or more of the paperboard panels may be provided to stabilize the package in an upright stance.

Claims

1. A package comprising: an enclosure formed of a sheet material; a containment region within the enclosure, for holding an item; an opening in the enclosure, through which the item may be placed into or removed from the containment region; a closure portion of the enclosure movable from an closed position to a open position, wherein the closure portion in the closed position prevents the item from moving through the opening, and wherein the closure portion in the open position allows the item to move through the opening; and a security device for releasably attaching to the package, the security device having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the security device in the locked configuration fastens said closure portion in the closed position to at least one additional portion of the enclosure, and the security device in the unlocked configuration allows said closure portion to be unfastened from said additional portion.

2 The package of claim 1, wherein the closure portion comprises a flap.

3 The package of claim 1 , wherein the closure portion comprises a flap hingedly movable relative to the enclosure.

4 The package of claim 1 , where the additional portion comprises a second flap hingedly movable relative to the enclosure.

5. The package of claim 1, wherein the additional portion comprises a region of the enclosure other than a movable flap.

6. The package of claim 1, wherein the closure portion comprises a first aperture, the additional portion comprises a second aperture, the first and second apertures overlap in the closed position, and the security device comprises a projection that passes through both apertures to secure together said closure portion and said additional portion.

7. The package of claim 1, wherein at least one of said closure portion and said additional portion comprises an aperture, the closure portion and additional portion overlap in the closed position, and the security device comprises a projection that passes through the aperture to secure together said closure portion and said additional portion.

8. The package of claim 1, wherein the security device comprises a base and a lid, connected together by a resilient element, the base and lid each have an inner face, the inner faces are in proximity to one another and define a slot, the lid comprises a tooth on the inner face and facing inward toward a well in the inner face of the base, wherein in the locked configuration the tooth extends at least partially into the well, and in the unlocked configuration the tooth does not extend into the well.

9. The package of claim 9, wherein the security device comprises an internal catch which retains the security device in a locked configuration, once moved into the locked configuration, until two or more magnetic fields of sufficient force and orientation are applied to release the internal catch and cause the security device to enter the unlocked configuration.

10. The package of claim 1, wherein the sheet material is tear-resistant.

11. The package of claim 1 , wherein the sheet material comprises at least one of paperboard or plastic.

12. The package of claim 1, wherein the enclosure in the closed position completely surrounds the item.

13. The package of claim 1, wherein the enclosure in the closed position completely conceals the item.

14. The package of claim 1, wherein the enclosure in the closed position forms a cage around the item, without completely concealing the item.

15. The package of claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises at least on slide prevention flap, wherein the slide prevention flap interlocks with the item and prevents the enclosure from sliding off the item.

16. The package of claim 15, wherein the item is a slipcase having an outer wall and enclosing contents, and the slide prevention flap is placed the outer wall and the contents.

17. The package of claim 15, wherein the item is a boxcase comprising a top portion having a first wall and a bottom portion having a second wall, and the slide prevention flap is placed between the first wall and the second wall.

18. A security device comprising: a base (10) and a lid (70) hingedly connected by a spring element (50); at least one of the base (10) and lid (70) comprising a tooth (72) and the other of the base (10) or lid (70) comprising a well (16) to receive the tooth (72); a shuttle (30) within the base (10) and comprising a ratchet (36) which extends into the well (16); the tooth (72) comprising a tooth barb (60) which engages the ratchet (36) when the tooth (72) is received into the well (16), thereby locking shut the security device.

19. The security device of claim 18, wherein the shuttle (30) comprises a material that is attracted by a magnet or magnets.

20. The security device of claim 18, wherein the shuttle (30) comprises a lock pin (34) and the base (10) comprises a lock hole (14), and the lock pin (34) is biased upward and retained in the lock hole (14) by a base spring (52) when the security device is in a locked state.

21. The security device of claim 20, wherein application of a first magnetic force in a first direction pulls shuttle (30) and moves lock pin (34) out of lock hole (14), and application of a second magnetic force in a second direction pulls shuttle (30), disengaging ratchet (36) from tooth barb 60.

22. The security device of claim 20 further comprising a back spring (54) biasing the shuttle (30) forward.

23. The security device of claim 19, further comprising an antitheft component (5) selected from the group of an RFID device, an acousto-magnetic device, a magnetic device, an electronic surveillance device, or an electro magnetic device.