EP3441319B1

EP3441319B1 - Tamper-evident packaging and flexible material sheet for such packaging

Info

Publication number: EP3441319B1
Application number: EP17185929.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alan Li; Chris Wang
Original assignee: Metsa Board Oyj
Current assignee: Metsa Board Oyj
Priority date: 2017-08-11
Filing date: 2017-08-11
Publication date: 2019-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-11
Also published as: EP3441319A1; RU2017129750A

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to a tamper-evident packaging. Further, the present invention relates to a cut flexible material sheet for a tamper-evident packaging.

BACKGROUND

In certain applications, for example in packaging of healthcare products, tamper-evident packaging is required. In such applications the user can easily detect unauthorized or previous access to the protected object in order to make sure that the product has not been altered since it left the manufacturer.
Many types of boxes are known provided with a security seal, the purpose of which is to make it evident by simple external examination that the initially closed box has already been opened for the first time, or to cause a portion of the box lid or a portion of the box itself to separate after initial opening, to prevent its reclosure.
Such known boxes are typically formed from a single piece of punched and crease-lined cardboard or the like. Document EP 0519389 A1 discloses a box including one or more cover elements comprising a closure panel from which a tongue extends which can be introduced into the box when the cover is closed. Through the tongue an elongated window being provided, at and near which a hole is formed through the cover closure panel. Under the cover there are provided flaps which project from one or more main panels of the box. The flaps are folded and arranged under the closure panel as the cover is closed. From at least one of the flaps there extends a hook shaped tooth which projects in the window and is locked therein. The tooth is separated by its respective flaps by means of a preset breakage line, so that the tooth operates as a seal element and is torn from the flap as the cover is opened. The presence of the tooth and, accordingly, the untampered condition of the box can be checked through the hole formed through the closure panel. Additionally, document EP 1340684 A2 describes a box having at least one closure panel and with a security seal, which is broken on first opening the panel, the box having elements which mutually cooperate to enable the panel to be repeatedly retained in its closed position after the seal has been broken.
Document DE 9318993 U1 teaches a box from a folded blank. The blank comprises four main panels, two further panels projecting from two of the main panels, and four dust panels. The dust panels comprise a preset breakage line in order to facilitate separation of a small corner of the dust panels.
Document EP 2112077 A1 describes a blank which has a tamperproof seal unit with stubs having pivoting lines that present a curvature ensuring self locking elastic resistance function. Each stub has a free edge extending in a direction and turned towards a base lateral wall. The edge has a section that is situated in extension of a folding line corresponding to a side lateral wall, without offset or lateral set back. The section moves against an inner side of a folding line of the wall and an end closing flap ensuring a self locking anti push resistance function.
Document US 7267261 B2 discloses a box with at least one base which is resistant to opening and of which portions become broken off to prevent the base being reclosed after being opened for the first time. The base includes a panel projecting from the box and a tab projecting from and separated from the panel by a folding line in which there is provided a cut through which hook-shaped teeth extend and hook thereonto, these latter projecting from two opposing lateral flaps positioned below said panel in the box when closed. In this base panel there are provided knurlings which extend from each end of said cut as far as the adjacent lateral edge of the panel, to hence define portions which break away from the base of the box.
Document WO 03/045795 A1 describes a polygonal box comprising first, second and third sides, an apical surface including a first cover, and a base surface including a second cover. Each of the first, second and third sides has a first common edge respectively with the apical surface, and a second common edge respectively with the base surface. The first cover is linked to the first common edge of the first side the second side comprising a first foldable flap linked to the first common edge. Said first foldable flap is urged to be inserted beneath the first cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging according to claim 1.
Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

the first preset breakage line and the second preset breakage lines are configured to break when the package is opened
at least a portion of a surface of the tongue is so marked as to make clearly visible the portion of the tongue as the portion of the second main panel is separated
the closure panel comprises at least one opening, preferably two openings, and wherein the position of the opening is arranged to at least partially coincide with at least one of the second preset breakage lines of the dust panels as said cover is closed

the closure panel comprises at least one indentation, preferably two indentations, and wherein the position of the indentation is arranged to at least partially coincide with at least one of the second preset breakage lines of the dust panels as said cover is closed
at least one of the dust panels comprises a locking tab, and wherein the locking tab is configured to extend through a groove which is arranged in the folding line between the first main panel and the closure panel as said cover is closed
the packaging comprises four dust panels, each comprising a second preset breakage line
the packaging comprises two closure covers on opposite sides of the box body
the packaging comprises two separate first preset breakage lines for separation of two different portions of at least one of the main panels
the second preset breakage line extends only along a portion of the dust panel
the second preset breakage line extends along the entire dust panel
the second preset breakage line extends along the entire dust panel from a first side to an opposite second side, wherein neither the first side nor the second side are in the form of a folding line or an outer contour of the dust panel, which outer contour is parallel to the folding line between the dust panel and the respective side panel
the second preset breakage line extends from one of two cuts through a respective dust panel, which cuts form a respective locking tab, to an opposite side of the dust panel

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cut flexible material sheet according to claim 11.
Various embodiments of the second aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

at least a portion of a surface of the tongue is so marked as to make clearly visible the portion of the tongue
the closure panel comprises at least one opening, preferably two openings
the closure panel comprises at least one indentation, preferably two indentations
at least one of the dust panels comprises a locking tab
the sheet comprises a groove which is arranged in the folding line between the main panel and the closure panel
the sheet comprises four dust panels each comprising a second preset breakage line
the sheet comprises two closure panels on opposite sides of at least one of the main panels
the sheet comprises two separate first preset breakage lines
the second preset breakage line extends only along a portion of the dust panel
the second preset breakage line extends along the entire dust panel
the second preset breakage line extends along the entire dust panel from a first side to an opposite second side, wherein neither the first side nor the second side are in the form of a folding line or an outer contour of the dust panel, which outer contour is parallel to the folding line between the dust panel and the respective side panel
the second preset breakage line extends from one of two cuts through a respective dust panel, which cuts form a respective locking tab, to an opposite side of the dust panel

Considerable advantages are obtained by certain embodiments of the invention. A tamper-evident packaging is provided. The packaging according to certain embodiments of the present invention provides a plurality of preset breakage lines which need to be broken in order to open the packaging. An altered packaging can be simply inspected by a user. The user can clearly see if the first preset breakage line has been broken and the user can also clearly see through the opening(s) or indentation(s) of the closure panel if the second preset breakage lines have been broken.
Certain embodiments of the present invention further provide dust panels each including a locking tab which can be brought into contact with a groove in or an opening through the folding line between the closure panel and the first main panel. Such an additional locking mechanism provides more stability to the closed packaging. Once the packaging has been opened and the second preset breakage lines are broken, the locking tabs cannot be correctly put into the grooves in or through the opening through the folding line between the closure panel and the first main panel again, thus improving tamper-evidence.
The blank, in the following also referred to as "cut flexible material sheet", can be further punched or cut from a flexible material sheet using high-speed machinery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging,
FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging,
FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging,
FIGURE 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a part of a closed packaging,
FIGURE 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a part of a closed packaging during opening of the packaging,
FIGURE 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging,
FIGURE 7 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging,
FIGURE 8 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging, wherein the packaging has been re-closed,
FIGURE 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a packaging,
FIGURE 10 illustrates a schematic top view of a cut flexible material sheet, and
FIGURE 11 illustrates a schematic top view of another cut flexible material sheet in accordance with the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present technology relate to a tamper-evident packaging. The embodiments of a packaging and a cut flexible material sheet of figures 1-10 do not form part of the invention but are useful for understanding the invention.
An embodiment comprises a packaging in the shape of a box made of a flexible material, such as paperboard, for containing goods, such as solid objects. The box is preferably formed by folding panels along preformed folding lines in a cut flexible material sheet. The box has at least one end closure cover which can be opened to allow for access to content of the box.
In an embodiment, the packaging comprises a plurality of different parts with preset breakage lines. In order to open the packaging, all preset breakage lines have to be broken. If anybody tries to open the packaging, the perforation will break and reveal the inside of the upper tongue graphic. Thus, a user will immediately be able to ascertain by simple inspection, in particular visual inspection, whether the packaging 1 has been altered subsequent to manufacturing and closing it. Further, a user can immediately make certain by simple inspection through the openings or indentations in the closure panel whether the packaging has been altered subsequent to manufacturing and closing it. In other words, there are a plurality of locations that make it clearly visible that the packaging has been altered subsequent to manufacturing and closing it.
In FIGURE 1 a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging 1 is illustrated. The packaging 1 comprises a first main panel 2, a first side panel 3, a second main panel 4, and a second side panel 5. The four adjoining panels 2, 3, 4, 5 define a box body and are separated from one another by folding lines 6 formed on a flexible material sheet. The packaging 1 further comprises at least one closure cover for said box body.
The closure cover includes a tongue 7 projecting from a closure panel 8 in turn projecting from the first main panel 2. The closure panel 8 is separated from the tongue 7 and from the first main panel 2 by folding lines 6. The tongue 7 is configured to be introduced into the box body under the second main panel 4. Through the tongue 7 an elongated window (not shown) is provided. The packaging furthermore comprises a lug (not shown) projecting from the closure panel 8. The lug is arranged coplanar with the closure panel 8.
Additionally, the packaging 1 comprises a first dust panel 11a projecting from the first side panel 3 and a second dust panel 11b projecting from the second side panel 5. Each dust panel 11a, 11b is provided for turning about a folding line 6 and is configured to be arranged under the closure panel 8 of the cover. Yet further, the packaging 1 comprises a first tooth 12a being arranged coplanar with the first dust panel 11a, a second tooth being 12b arranged coplanar with the second dust panel 11b. The teeth 12a, 12b are configured to extend through the window 9 and to project from the window 9 as said cover is closed. Typically, the dust panels 11a, 11b and consequently also the teeth 12a, 12b overlap each other as the dust panels 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are arranged under the closure panel 8 of the cover. The teeth 12a, 12b in connection with the window 9 prevent the closure cover from being easily opened as the packaging 1 is closed.
Further, the second main panel 4, which is arranged on the opposite side of the first main panel 2, comprises a first preset breakage line 13 for facilitating a separation of a portion of the second main panel 4. Additionally, each dust panel 11a, 11b includes a second preset breakage line 14 only along a portion of the respective dust panel 11a, 11b. The first preset breakage line 13 and the second preset breakage lines 14 are configured to break when the package 1 is opened. In other words, all breakage lines 13, 14 have to be altered in order to open the packaging 1. This can be e.g. easily done by breaking the breakage lines 13, 14 with a thumb or any other finger of a user. Typically, the user will open the packaging with one single motion of the thumb or any other finger. Of course, the first preset breakage line 13 may be broken first and subsequently the second preset breakage lines 14 may be broken by in total two separate motions of a thumb or any other finger of a user.
Additionally, the closure panel 8 comprises at least one opening 15. The position of the opening 15 is arranged to at least partially coincide with at least one of the second preset breakage lines 14 of the dust panels 11a, 11b as the cover is closed.
Typically, the closure panel 8 comprises two separate openings 15. Each opening 15 then at least partially coincides with a respective second preset breakage line 14 of the dust panels 11a, 11b when said cover is closed. As an alternative, the closure panel 8 comprises at least one indentation (not shown) instead of an opening 15. The position of the indentation is arranged to at least partially coincide with at least one of the second preset breakage lines 14 of the dust panels 11a, 11b as said cover is closed. Typically, the closure panel 8 comprises two separate indentations in such a case. Each indentation then at least partially coincides with a respective second preset breakage line 14 of the dust panels 11a, 11b when said cover is closed. Both alternatives, i.e. the openings 15 or the indentations, allow the user to simply inspect whether the second preset breakage lines 14 have been broken.
According to certain other embodiments, at least one of the dust panels 11a, 11b comprises a locking tab 17. The locking tab 17 is configured to extend through a groove (not shown) or opening (not shown) which is arranged in the folding line 6 between the first main panel 2 and the closure panel 8 as the cover is closed. Such a configuration provides a closure mechanism comprising a locking tab 17 or a plurality of locking tabs 17 on one side of the first main panel 2 and teeth 12a, 12b in connection with a window on the side of the second main panel 4.
In FIGURE 2 a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging 1 is illustrated. The first dust panel 11a projecting from the first side panel 3 and the second dust panel 11b projecting from the second side panel 5 have been turned about the respective folding line 6. As can be seen, the dust panels 11a, 11b and also the teeth 12a, 12b overlap each other. Both dust panels 11a, 11b comprise a locking tab 17. The locking tab 17 is configured to extend through a groove (not shown) or opening (not shown) which is arranged in the folding line 6 between the first main panel (not visible) and the closure panel 8. The locking tabs 17 further improve the closure mechanism of the packaging 1.
In FIGURE 3 a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging 1 is illustrated. The dust panels 11a, 11b are arranged under the closure panel 8 of the cover when closing the packaging 1. When folding the tongue 7 relative to the closure panel 8 about a folding line, a window 9 is further formed in the tongue 7 due to a prefabricated, substantially C-shaped cut made through the tongue 7. A central portion of said C-shaped cut 21 is substantially parallel to a folding line separating said tongue 7 from the adjoining closure panel 8. Said cut 21 has two end portions which are slanted with respect to said central portion thereof and extend at least up to the adjoining folding line in order to define a lug 10 projecting from said closure panel 8 and being coplanar with it.
In FIGURE 4 a schematic perspective view of a part of a closed packaging 1 is illustrated. The dust panel 11a, 11b are arranged under the closure panel 8 of the cover. Further, the first tooth (not shown) is arranged coplanar with the first dust panel 11a and the second tooth (not shown) is arranged coplanar with the second dust panel 11b. The first and second teeth extend through the window 9 and project from the window 9 as the cover is closed. Typically, the dust panels 11a, 11b and consequently also the first and second teeth overlap each other as the dust panels 11a, 11b are arranged under the closure panel 8 of the cover. The first and second teeth in connection with the window 9 prevent the closure cover from being easily opened as the packaging 1 is closed.
In FIGURE 5 a schematic perspective view of a part of a closed packaging 1 during opening of the packaging 1 is illustrated. For opening the closure cover of the packaging 1 it is necessary to break the first preset breakage line. This can be e.g. easily done by breaking the first breakage line with a thumb or any other finger of a user.
In FIGURE 6 a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging 1 is illustrated. A portion of the second main panel 4 has been separated from the second main panel by breaking the first preset breakage line. Typically, at least a portion of the surface of the tongue 7 is so marked as to make clearly visible the portion of the tongue 7 as the portion of the second main panel 4 is separated. The portion of the surface of the tongue 7 may be, for example, coloured in another colour than the packaging 1 in order to clearly make the portion of the tongue 7 visible. A user can immediately see by simple inspection that the second main panel 4 of the packaging 1 has been altered subsequent to manufacturing and closing it.
In FIGURE 7 a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging 1 is illustrated. When removing the closure cover from its closed position, the second preset breakage lines of the first and second dust panels 11a, 11b break due to the teeth hooked in the window 9.
In FIGURE 8 a schematic perspective view of a part of a packaging 1 is illustrated, wherein the packaging 1 has been re-closed. A user can immediately see by simple inspection of the visible tongue 7 that the second main panel 4 of the packaging 1 has been altered subsequent to manufacturing and closing it. Further, a user can immediately see by simple inspection through the openings 15 in the closure panel 8 that the packaging 1 has been altered subsequent to manufacturing and closing it. In other words, there are three different locations that make it clearly visible that the packaging 1 has been altered subsequent to manufacturing and closing it.
In FIGURE 9 a schematic perspective view of a packaging 1 is illustrated. The packaging 1 comprises a first closure cover on one side of the box body and a second closure cover on the other side of the box body. Consequently, the packaging 1 also comprises four dust panels 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, each comprising a second preset breakage line 14. Further, the packaging 1 comprises two separate first preset breakage lines 13 for separation of two different portions of the first and second main panels 2, 4. Other embodiments of the present invention may only provide one closure cover and a closed end of the box body on the opposite side.
In FIGURE 10 a schematic top view of a cut flexible material sheet 19 is illustrated.
The sheet 19 comprises a first main panel 2, a first side panel 3, a second main panel 4, and a second side panel 5, and a clamping strip 20 projecting from one of said panels 2, 3, 4, 5. The four panels 2, 3, 4, 5, and the clamping strip 20 are separated from one another by folding lines 6 formed on the flexible material sheet 19. The clamping strip 20 further comprises a glue area 22 for assembling the box body of the packaging. The sheet 19 furthermore comprises a tongue 7 projecting from a closure panel 8 in turn projecting from the first main panel 2.
The closure panel 8 is separated from the tongue 7 and from the first main panel 2 by folding lines 6. A substantially C-shaped cut 21 made through the tongue 7. A central portion of said C-shaped cut is substantially parallel to a folding line 6 separating the tongue 7 from the adjoining closure panel 8. The cut has two end portions which are slanted with respect to said central portion thereof and extend at least up to an adjoining folding line 6 in order to define a lug 10 projecting from the closure panel 8.
The sheet 19 furthermore comprises a first dust panel 11a projecting from the first side panel 3 and a second dust panel 11b projecting from the second dust panel 5. The first dust panel 11a is separated from the first side panel 3 by a folding line 6 and the second dust panel 11b is separated from the second side panel 5 by a folding line 6. Additionally, the sheet 19 comprises a first tooth 12a projecting from the first dust panel 11a and a second tooth 12b projecting from the second dust panel 11b.
The second main panel 4 comprises a first preset breakage line 13 for facilitating a separation of a portion of the second main panel 4. Each dust panel 11a, 11b further includes a second preset breakage line 14 only along a portion of the respective dust panel 11a, 11b. The form of the second preset breakage line 14 may be straight, for instance. Thus, a part of each respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d is not completely separated as the closure is being opened.
The closure panel 8 may comprise at least one opening 15. Typically, the closure panel 8 may comprise two openings 15. As an alternative, the closure panel 8 may comprise at least one indentation (not shown). Typically, the closure panel 8 may comprise two indentations (not shown) in such a case.
According to certain embodiments, at least a portion of a surface of the tongue 7 is so marked as to make the marked portion of the tongue 7 clearly visible.
According to a certain other embodiment, at least one of the dust panels 11a, 11b comprises a locking tab 17. The sheet 19 then also comprises a corresponding groove 18 or opening for each locking tab 17. Each groove 18 or opening is arranged in the folding line 6 between the main panel 2 and the closure panel 8.
According to the embodiment shown in FIGURE 10, the sheet 19 comprises four dust panels 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d each comprising a second preset breakage line 14 and a tooth 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. The sheet 19 further comprises two closure panels 8 on opposite sides of the sheet 19. Additionally, the sheet 19 comprises two separate first preset breakage lines 13. In other words, two closure covers are provided on opposite sides of the box body.
In FIGURE 11 a schematic top view of another cut flexible material sheet 19 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated.
The sheet 19 comprises a first main panel 2, a first side panel 3, a second main panel 4, and a second side panel 5, and a clamping strip 20 projecting from one of said panels 2, 3, 4, 5. The four panels 2, 3, 4, 5, and the clamping strip 20 are separated from one another by folding lines 6 formed on the flexible material sheet 19. The clamping strip 20 further comprises a glue area 22 for assembling the box body of the packaging. The sheet 19 furthermore comprises a tongue 7 projecting from a closure panel 8 in turn projecting from the first main panel 2.
The closure panel 8 is separated from the tongue 7 and from the first main panel 2 by folding lines 6. A substantially C-shaped cut 21 made through the tongue 7. A central portion of said C-shaped cut is substantially parallel to a folding line 6 separating the tongue 7 from the adjoining closure panel 8. The cut has two end portions which are slanted with respect to said central portion thereof and extend at least up to an adjoining folding line 6 in order to define a lug 10 projecting from the closure panel 8.
The sheet 19 furthermore comprises a first dust panel 11a projecting from the first side panel 3 and a second dust panel 11b projecting from the second dust panel 5. The first dust panel 11a is separated from the first side panel 3 by a folding line 6 and the second dust panel 11b is separated from the second side panel 5 by a folding line 6. Additionally, the sheet 19 comprises a first tooth 12a projecting from the first dust panel 11a and a second tooth 12b projecting from the second dust panel 11b.
The second main panel 4 comprises a first preset breakage line 13 for facilitating a separation of a portion of the second main panel 4. Each dust panel 11a, 11b further includes a second preset breakage line 14. The second preset breakage line 14 extends along the whole respective dust panel 11a, 11b. The form of the second preset breakage line 14 may be curved or straight, for instance. The second preset breakage line 14 extends from a first side of a respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d to an opposite second side of the respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, wherein neither the first side nor the second side of the respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d is in the form of a folding line 6 or an outer contour, which is parallel to the folding line 6 between the respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and a respective side panel 3, 5. In other words, the second preset breakage line 14 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the folding line 6 between the respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and a respective side panel 3, 5 according to certain embodiments. The first side and the second side of the respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are arranged perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the folding line 6 and the outer contour, which is parallel to the folding line 6 between the respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and a respective side panel 3, 5. Thus, a substantial part of each respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d is completely separated as the closure is being opened.
The closure panel 8 may comprise at least one opening 15. Typically, the closure panel 8 may comprise two openings 15. As an alternative, the closure panel 8 may comprise at least one indentation (not shown). Typically, the closure panel 8 may comprise two indentations (not shown) in such a case.
According to certain embodiments, at least a portion of a surface of the tongue 7 is so marked as to make the marked portion of the tongue 7 clearly visible.
According to a certain other embodiment, at least one of the dust panels 11a, 11b comprises a locking tab 17. The sheet 19 then also comprises a corresponding groove 18 or opening for each locking tab 17. Each groove 18 or opening is arranged in the folding line 6 between the main panel 2 and the closure panel 8. According to certain embodiments, the second preset breakage line 14 extends from one of the two cuts through a respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, which cuts form a respective locking tab 17, to the opposite side of the respective dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d. Consequently, the second preset breakage line 14 is considered to also extend along the whole dust panel 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d within this document.
According to the embodiment shown in FIGURE 11, the sheet 19 comprises four dust panels 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d each comprising a second preset breakage line 14 and a tooth 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. The sheet 19 further comprises two closure panels 8 on opposite sides of the sheet 19. Additionally, the sheet 19 comprises two separate first preset breakage lines 13. In other words, two closure covers are provided on opposite sides of the box body.
The above embodiments employ flexible materials for the packaging. Any material which allows for breakage of the panels along the breakage lines, as explained above, can be used. Typical examples of suitable materials include paperboard, which can be coated or uncoated, on one or both sides. The paperboard can be selected from a number of paperboard grades, for example from the group of folding box boards, white lined chipboards, greyboards, liquid packaging boards, solid bleached boards and coated unbleached boards and carrier boards. The grammage of the paperboard can vary for example in the range from about 50 to 750 g/m², for example 60 to 350 g/m². In addition to, or instead of, sheets of paperboard, sheets of plastic materials, as well as sheets of composite materials comprising both paperboard and plastic layers, can be used.
It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed.
As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
The verbs "to comprise" and "to include" are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

At least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in tamper-evident packaging for healthcare. The present packages can also be used for other products, such as foodstuff, confections and sweets, tobacco products, as well as electronics and other consumer goods which may be subject to counterfeiting.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: packaging
2: first main panel
3: second main panel
4: third main panel
5: fourth main panel
6: folding line
7: tongue
8: closure panel
9: window
10: lug
11a: first dust panel
11b: second dust panel
11c: third dust panel
11d: fourth dust panel
12a: first tooth
12b: second tooth
12c: third tooth
12d: fourth tooth
13: first preset breakage line
14: second preset breakage line
15: opening
16: indentation
17: locking tab
18: groove
19: sheet
20: clamping strip
21: C-shaped cut
22: glue area

Claims

A packaging (1) comprising:
- a first main panel (2), a first side panel (3), a second main panel (4), and a second side panel (5), defining a box body and being separated from one another by folding lines (6) formed on a flexible material sheet,

- at least one closure cover for said box, wherein the closure cover includes a tongue (7) projecting from a closure panel (8) in turn projecting from the first main panel (2), the closure panel (8) being separated from the tongue (7) and from the first main panel (2) by folding lines (6),

- the tongue (7) being configured to be introduced into the box under the second main panel (4), and wherein through the tongue (7) at least one elongated window (9) is provided,

- a lug (10) projecting from the closure panel (8) and being arranged coplanar with it,

- a first dust panel (11a) projecting from the first side panel (3) and a second dust panel (11b) projecting from the second side panel (5), wherein each dust panel (11a, 11b) is provided for turning about a folding line (6) and is configured to be arranged under the closure panel (8) of the cover, and

- a first tooth (12a) being arranged coplanar with the first dust panel (11a) and a second tooth being (12b) arranged coplanar with the second dust panel (11b), and wherein the teeth (12a, 12b) are configured to extend through the window (9) and to project from the window (9) as said cover is closed,
characterized in that
- the second main panel (4), which is arranged opposite to the first main panel (2), comprises a first preset breakage line (13) for facilitating a separation of a portion of the second main panel (4), and

- each dust panel (11a, 11b) includes a second preset breakage line (14) along a portion of the respective dust panel (11a, 11b), wherein the second preset breakage line (14) extends along the whole dust panel (11a, 11b) from a first side to an opposite second side, wherein neither the first side nor the second side are in the form of a folding line (6) or an outer contour of the dust panel (11a, 11b), which outer contour is parallel to the folding line (6) between the dust panel (11a, 11b) and the respective side panel (3, 5).
The packaging (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first preset breakage line (13) and the second preset breakage lines (14) are configured to break when the package (1) is opened.
The packaging (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the tongue (7) is so marked as to make clearly visible the portion of the tongue (7) as the portion of the second main panel (4) is separated.
The packaging (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the closure panel (8) comprises at least one opening (15), preferably two openings (15), and wherein the position of the opening (15) is arranged to at least partially coincide with at least one of the second preset breakage lines (14) of the dust panels (11a, 11b) as said cover is closed.
The packaging (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the closure panel (8) comprises at least one indentation (16), preferably two indentations (16), and wherein the position of the indentation (16) is arranged to at least partially coincide with at least one of the second preset breakage lines (14) of the dust panels (11a, 11b) as said cover is closed.
The packaging (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein at least one of the dust panels (11a, 11b) comprises a locking tab (17), and wherein the locking tab (17) is configured to extend through a groove (18) which is arranged in the folding line (6) between the first main panel (2) and the closure panel (8) as said cover is closed.
The packaging (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the packaging (1) comprises four dust panels (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), each comprising a second preset breakage line (14).
The packaging (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the packaging (1) comprises two closure covers on opposite sides of the box body.
The packaging (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the packaging (1) comprises two separate first preset breakage lines (13) for separation of two different portions of at least one of the main panels (2, 4).
The packaging (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the second preset breakage line (14) extends along the whole dust panel (11a, 11b) from a first side to an opposite second side, wherein neither the first side nor the second side are in the form of a folding line (6) or an outer contour of the dust panel (11a, 11b), which outer contour is parallel to the folding line (6) between the dust panel (11a, 11b) and the respective side panel (3, 5) or only along a portion of the dust panel (11a, 11b).
A cut flexible material sheet (19) for manufacturing a packaging according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the sheet (19) comprises:
- a first main panel (2), a first side panel (3), a second main panel (4), and a second side panel (5), and a clamping strip (20) projecting from one of said panels (2, 3, 4, 5), said panels (2, 3, 4, 5) and the clamping strip (20) being separated from one another by folding lines (6) formed on the flexible material sheet (19),

- a tongue (7) projecting from a closure panel (8) in turn projecting from the first main panel (2), the closure panel (8) being separated from the tongue (7) and from the first main panel (2) by folding lines (6),

- a substantially C-shaped cut (21) made through the tongue (7), wherein a central portion of said C-shaped cut is substantially parallel to a folding line (6) separating the tongue (7) from the adjoining closure panel (8) and said cut having two end portions which are slanted with respect to said central portion thereof and extend at least up to an adjoining folding line (6) in order to define a lug (10) projecting from the closure panel (8), and

- a first dust panel (11a) projecting from the first side panel (3) and a second dust panel (11b) projecting from the second dust panel (5), wherein first dust panel (11a) is separated from the first side panel (3) by a folding line (6) and the second dust panel (11b) is separated from the second side panel (5) by a folding line (6),

- a first tooth (12a) projecting from the first dust panel (11a) and a second tooth (12b) projecting from the second dust panel (11b),
characterized in that
- the second main panel (4) comprises a first preset breakage line (13) for facilitating a separation of a portion of the second main panel (4), and

- each dust panel (11a, 11b) includes a second preset breakage line (14) along a portion of the respective dust panel (11a, 11b), wherein the second preset breakage line (14) extends along the whole dust panel (11a, 11b) from a first side to an opposite second side, wherein neither the first side nor the second side are in the form of a folding line (6) or an outer contour of the dust panel (11a, 11b), which outer contour is parallel to the folding line (6) between the dust panel (11a, 11b) and the respective side panel (3, 5).
The sheet (19) according to claim 11, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the tongue (7) is so marked as to make clearly visible the portion of the tongue (7).
The sheet (19) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the closure panel (8) comprises at least one opening (15), preferably two openings (15).
The sheet (19) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the closure panel (8) comprises at least one indentation (16), preferably two indentations (16).
The sheet (19) according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein at least one of the dust panels (11a, 11b) comprises a locking tab (17).
The sheet (19) according to claim 15, wherein the sheet (19) comprises a groove (18) which is arranged in the folding line (6) between the main panel (2) and the closure panel (8).
The sheet (19) according to any one of claims 11-16, wherein the sheet (19) comprises four dust panels (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) each comprising a second preset breakage line (14).
The sheet (19) according to any one of claims 11-17, wherein the sheet (19) comprises two closure panels (8) on opposite sides of at least one of the main panels (2, 4).
The sheet (19) according to any one of claims 11-18, wherein the sheet (19) comprises two separate first preset breakage lines (13).
The sheet (19) according to any one of claims 11-19, wherein the second preset breakage line (14) extends along the whole dust panel (11a, 11b) from a first side to an opposite second side, wherein neither the first side nor the second side are in the form of a folding line (6) or an outer contour of the dust panel (11a, 11b), which outer contour is parallel to the folding line (6) between the dust panel (11a, 11b) and the respective side panel (3, 5) or only along a portion of the dust panel (11a, 11b).