CA2112364A1 - Security bags - Google Patents
Security bagsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2112364A1 CA2112364A1 CA002112364A CA2112364A CA2112364A1 CA 2112364 A1 CA2112364 A1 CA 2112364A1 CA 002112364 A CA002112364 A CA 002112364A CA 2112364 A CA2112364 A CA 2112364A CA 2112364 A1 CA2112364 A1 CA 2112364A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bag
- adhesive
- sheet material
- opening
- indicating means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/34—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices with special means for indicating unauthorised opening
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
- Silicon Polymers (AREA)
- Amplifiers (AREA)
- Acyclic And Carbocyclic Compounds In Medicinal Compositions (AREA)
- Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
- Prostheses (AREA)
Abstract
A security bag (6) is formed from sheet material (1) and has a first portion (3) including an opening (8) by means of which access is gained to the interior of the bag and a closure portion (7, 14) which is superposable with the first portion (3) to seal the opening by virtue of a band of adhesive (9). An indicator means (11) is provided which is disposed adjacent the opening (8) on sealing of the opening and which provides a visible and durable indication of heating or cooling of the bag.
Description
2 1 ~ 2 3 6 4 PCT~GBg2/0l542 Security Bsgs T~e present invention relates to bags, and more particularly to se~ur.ity bags in which a visible indication is provided of any attempt to gain access to the contents of the hag.
It is know for banking establishments a ~ the like to use bags for transmitting valuables, for example specified sums of money, from one department to anotherO The system operated by such establishments is such that it is readily possible to ascertain whether a bag has been stolen in transit. However, it is ordinarily more difficult to ascertain whether the ~ag has been opened in transit and then resealed af~er some of the contents have been removed. In order to overcome this problem, tamper-evidPnt bags have been : provided wherein a~y attempt to gain access ~o the i~terior of the bag becomes visibly apparent.
Typically, ~he walls of such bags are formed of ~; sheet material includ1ng a~portion having an opening whi:ch gives access~tn~the ~terior of the bay. The bags i~lude a closure portion arranged to be ~ superposed on the~portion having the opening, to close `~ the ba~. ~Closure~is~e~fected by means of a band of high-tack adhesi~e wh~ch~is applied across the clvsure 25~por~ion or-th~ portlon~having the opening, for e~ample from-~he molten.:state:~or in the~form o a tape. The`
a~he ive may be~pressure sensitive adhesive,~ and suitable adhesives include thermoplastic hot melt : adhesives, cured s~licone rubber adhesives, acrylic pressure sensitivé adhesives and the like.
Such adhesives~:are required to have high initial tack with respect:to the surface of the sheet material and also to~have high~adhesive and cohesive streng~hO
In order to provide a visible indication of any attemp~
to open the bag by separating the closure portion and the portion having the opening, the adhesive should be : .
W~ 93/00269 ~ 1 1 r~ 3 ~ '1 PCTlGB92/01142 2-- ~.
strong enough to cause stretching or ~earing of the portions. If desired, perforations may be provided in ~he closure portion to indicate tearing and emphasise the effect in the manner described in our British 5 patent specification no. 2149381.
With the exception of the cured silico~nQ rubber adhe~ive described in our British patent application no. 90~8276.9, pressure sensitive adhesives suitahle for the clos~re of security bags have a softeniny temperature which is below the melting point of the closuxe portion and of the sheet material. The so~tening ~emperature is commonly in ~he range of 90 to 100C. Accordi~gly, by the local application of hea~, the security ~ags can be opened and resealad without any visible indication tha~ the bag has been opened.
Also, the non-siliGone adhesives may be rendered glass-like by coolingO Such cooling may be effected by means of a spr~y from aerosol cans containing ~alog2nated hydrccarbons, such as Fresn~. Such sprays ~re int~nded ; 20 ~or use in cleaning electrical contacts and are widely ; available. Consequently by local cooling of the closure portion, the bags can be opened and resealed :w$thout any indication that the-bags have ~een opened.
Our European Patent Specification No~ 0396428 and ~ 25 ~British Patent Application No. 9024177~9 describa : m~thods for making such tampering evident. ~-However, he ~ethods~descri~ed therein aré dependent upon -subjective assessment of layer separation or degradation of print quali~y. In~pection of bags for ~evidence of tampering may therefore take ldnger than is desired by:the banking establishment or the like.
: The present inYention seeks to provide a security bag incorporating means of determining unequivocally whether ~he bag has been subjected to hea~ing or cooling. Desirably, an indication is provided not only of whether an attempt has been made to open the closure :
W093/00269 2 ~ i ~ 3 ~ 4 PCT/GB92/01142 .
of the bag by heating or cooliny, but also the method used. Even in khe case that the adhesiv~ u~ed was the cured silicone rubber adhesive in our above patent application no. 9008~76.9, the indicating means would ensure that even unsuccessful attempts to open the bags are detected.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a bag formed of sheet material which bag comprises a first portion of the sheet material having an opening to enable access to be gained to the interior of the bag, a closure por~ion arranged to be superposable with the first portion and a band of adhesive arranged so as to seal the opening on superposition of the first portion and the closure portion, wherein an indicating means is provided which, on superposition of th~ first portion and th~ closure portion, is di~posed adjacen~ to the opening and which provides a du--able visible indication ~; o~ hea~ing or cool~ng of the bag.
In an e~bodiment~o t~e invention, the closure portion aomp~ises a flap portion foxmed integrally with a portion of the sheet material o~ the bag.
In another:~embodimen~ of the invention, the closure portion comprises a transparent plastics s~bstrate to~which:the band of adhesive is applied, :which-s~bstrate i-~ adhersd to ~he heet:material of the bag by.means-of adhesive which may~be the same as, or ` ~ t different from, that~of the`band of adhasive, : In sti~ll another embodimen~ of the invention, a releasable cover-strip is~ provided on the free surface vf the band of adhesivè. In use, the cover strip is remo~ved prior to~the closure of the bag.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the indicating means is applied to or affixed on the closure portion.
In a still further embodiment of the in~ention, the indicating means is applied or affixed ~o the WO 93/00269 ~ 2 ~r ~ l~ PCTtGBg2tO11$, . --4 ~
portion having an opening.
In a yet f urther embodiment of the invention, the indicating means provides a colour change on heating or cooling of the bag and in a still further embodiment, the indicating means provides a visible change of pha~e or state on heating or cooling of the bag~ f desired, individual means may be provided to show heating or cooling, respectively.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of exa~ple only, to the followin~ drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic front view of an open security bag in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2a is a diagramma~ic sect1on ~hrough a par~
of the bag of Figure 1 on an increased scale wh~n the bag is open, :~ ~ Figure 2b ~s a diagr ~ atic se~tlon through a part of ~he bag of Figure 1 when the bag is closed, ~ ~ Figures 3a and 3b are respec~ively di~grammatic sectio~s :t~rough a variation of the bag of the embodiment of Figure~l when open and closed.
Figure 4 is a~diagrammatic section through a part :25 -of a bag.of a second embodiment of the inven~ion, -:~ Figure 5.is~a diagrammatic section through a . Yariation of the:bag of Figure 4 showing op~ional additional security features, and Figure 6 is a diagr~mmatic section through a precursor of a security bag of the firs~ embodiment o~
the invention when the bag is open, during an exemplary ~;: production proress.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the bag is : formed from a sin~le strip 1 of flexible thermoplastics : 35 sheet material such as polyethylene or polypropylene : which is folded laterally along a fold line 2 to form a ~ ' , w~ 93/00269 2 ~ PCT/GB92/01142 first portion 3 and a second portion 4O The thermoplastics sheet ma~erial is preferably transparent~ partially transparent or translucent, or a combination of opaque and transparent so as to make i~
easie~ to see evidence of tampering. The folded portions 3 and 4 are heat welded to each ~her ih a zone 5 which ex~ends parallel with and close to each o the longitudinal and each of the lateral ~dges of the portions to produce an envelope-like bag 6 wherein the second portion 4 is longer than the first portion 3.
The second p~rtion 4 has a closure portion in the form of a flap 7. The flap portion 7 is a~ leas~
~ranslucen~, and preferably is transparent.
At an end region of the bag 6 closer to the flap por~ion 7, an opening line in the form of a slit 8 extends across the first portion 3 ter~inating at each end a~ the weld xone 5. The sl~t 8 provides access to :the interlor of ~he bag 6. A band of adhesiYe 9 is pro~ided on the flap~por~ion 7~ ~he ahoice of adhesive is~not limit~d, although the adhesive should be a high ~ack adhes~ve having high cohesive and adhesive strength, such that any attempt to open the bag by separa~ing the first portion and th~ closure por~ion : will result in.stretching or tearing of the closure 25- and/or-first portions, and can-i lude all thosé
men~ioned~above. :The adhesive 9 may be applied from the molten stats or in the form of a tape, or by any ~ther suitable method. As can be seen from Figure 2a, a releasable cover strip 10 is provided to cover the free surface of the adhesive 9 when the b~g is open.
~An indicating means 11, comprising a band of a substance exhibiting a change of colour, phase or state when subjected to heating or cooling is provided on the -flap portion 7 and is covered by the adhesive 9. The indicator means is visible ~hrough ~he flap portion 7.
In use of the security bag, the items to be held WO 93/00269 PCI'/GB92/01142~
23~ 6-in the bag are introduced through the slit 8. The cover strip 10 is then removed ~rom the adhesive 9 and the flap portion 7 is folded over onto the portion 3, with the fold line being close to the proximal laterally extending part of the weld zone 5. The disposition o~ the adhesive layer 9 relative~ the fold line of the flap portion 7 is such that when the flap portion 7 is brough~ down onto the first portion 3, ~he part of the flap portion 7 carrying the adhesive 9 straddles the slit 8 so that the slit 8 is completely overlain by the-said adhesive 9. Thus, the slit 8 is completely sealed and there is no access opening whatsoever to the inteirîor of the bag 6 ~see Figure 2b). Advantageously, the parts of the first portion 3 adjacent to the slit 8 have previously b~n subjec~ed to Corona diæcharge to assist adhesion. Thei indicator :~; means 11 overlies at least that part of the po~tion 3 ad j acant to the sli~ 8 which is di~tant from the ~: lat~ral weld zone Sa. If desired, the flap portion 7 ~ay i:n~lude a receipt portion 12 which i~ de~a¢hable by : ~ means~ of perforations 13.
The nature o~ t~ei lndicator means 11 is not limited, an~ ~he indicator meani may, for e~ample, comprise a te~perature indicating paint (such as 25~ The~mindex O/G 87,~supplied by Synthetic and Industrial Finishers Ltd of Cheam, Surrey), or temperature :~ : indicating ink, temperature indicating labels El or NEl or o~her temperature indica~ing materials such as "Colour Change" and "Thermal Melt" crayons supplied by :~ 30 Thermographics Ltd`of Burton, South Wirral. Thermal : transfer printin~ labels, such as those available from Kanzaki Label Technologies, Ricoh Ltd and Armour Ltd (from the l~tter under part nos. 479 and F 52 622) and heat-sensitive paper as used for facsimile machines and : 35 h~at copiers are also suitable. Also, suitable are coated papers and coated films such as those sold under :: ~
wo 93J~OZ6g ~ 3 ~ ~ PCr/~Bg2/0114~
. 7 the trade names RIVATAC T5206 and RIVATAC AT231/67HG
and the coatiny materials of such pap2rs and films sold under th~ trad~ names T902 and T903 by Smith ~ McLaurin Ltd of Kilbarchan, Sco~land. Furthermore, the dye systems included in heat-sensitive papers can advantageously be incorporated into printin$ ~ks. The temperakure indicating paints and inks and ~he temparature indicating labels and paper provide a visible indication of heating or cooling by changing colour at a specified temperature, which is preferably below the so.tening tempsrature of the adhesive or above the temperature at which ~he adhesive becomes gl ss-like, as appropria~e. It is essential how~ver, that the colour change of such matexials is irreversibla. Advantageously, temperature indica~ing inks may be applied d~rec~ly to ~he adhesive in the form of a pattern or de ign by means, for example, of :an ink ~et printing technique. Where, for example in the case of the therma~ melt crayons, the indic~tion of hea~ing~or cool1ng~is provided by a change of state, it will also,~ in g~neral, be necessary for the change of : phase or state to be:irr~versible. However, where, for : exampl ~, the indication is provided by a change from the~solid to the liquid state, ~he indicator means may be~applied in a pattern~or de ign to the sheet material :~ or directly on the~:odh~sivè. Thus, any change from the solid:to the liquid~state of the indicator ~eans can provide a disruption or distortion of the applied patt~rn or de~ign which will be immediately apparent, : 30 even is the indicator re-solidifies.
: Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, in whiGh parts corresponding ~o tho e of Figures 1 and 2, ~re ~: indicated by like reference numerals, it will be seen that the indicator means can also be provided on at least that part of the portion 3 which is immediately adjacent the opening 8 distant from the lateral weld W~93/00~6g PCT/G~92~0114 zone 5~ After closure of the bag, ~he adhe~ivs 9 completely overlies the opening slit 8 and the indica~or ll. In this embodiment, the adhesive 9 must be translucent, or preferably transparent, to ensure that the indicator means ll is visible through the flap portion 7. ~~ -Rçferring to Figure 4, in which partscorresponding to parts in Figures l to 3 have the same reference numerals, the bag 6, which is shown in the 10 open state, can be sealed by a closure member 14~ The closure member 14 comprises a plastics material substra~e lS which is at least translucent and preferably is transparent and which is adhered to at least a part of the sec~ion l6 of the firs~ portion 3 along ~he whole lateral width of the bag, and optionally to ~he second portion 4, by an adhesive layer 9. A releasable cover str~p lO prevents adhesion : ~ of the closure member 15 to ~he first portion 3 adjacent to th~ opening 8 prior to ~he filling of the bag. In use, ~he i~ems to be held in the bag are introduced through the slit 8, the cover strip lO i~
remoYed and the closura membsr 14 seals the opening 8 ~: by completely overlying the s~me. The free surface of ;;;: the adhesive 9 which is~exposed on semoval of the cover s~rip lO adheres the substrate lS to the first portion 3,16. An:indicator means ll i5 provided on the transparent plastics material substrate-lS in such a : position that, when the bag is sealed, the indicator means overlies the opening ~8 ! or at least that part of the first portion~3 whic~ is adjacent to the opening 8 and distant from the lateral weld zone 5a. The indicator means ll may equally b8 applied to the ~: adhesive 9 (by for example ink jet printin~ or to the part of the first portion 3 adjacent the slit opening 8 and distant from the weld zone 5a.
Further security features may be incorpor~ted into , ~l112313~
_g_ the securi~y bags as i5 particularly illustrated in FigurP. 5, which is a varia~ion of th~ embodiment of Figure 4. These s~curity features can also be incorporated in~o the embodiments of Figures l to 3.
In Figure 5, the closure member 14 comprises a transparent plas~ics material subs~rate l5 ~h~ch carries a discontinuous weakly bonded adhesive layer l7 such as ethyl cellulose and a strongly bonded adhesive layer l~ such as epoxy cellulose acetate propionate.
Because o~ the layers 17 and 18, any at~empt to gain access ~o the interior of the bag 6 by lifting the subs~rate 15 will result in those parts of the layer 18 which are in regi~try with layer 17 remaining adhered to portions 3 and 4 whilst other parts of the layer 18 will remain adhered to substrate 15. This results in :the fo~mation of a visible pattern constituted by the split layer 18 which pat~ern cannot be oblit~rated by re-~ealing t~e~closur~ member. Soluble ~ransparent or transluc~nt dye may~be carried in a layer l9. Layer 20 . 20 c~mpr~s~s a high tack adhesive in which the indicator means ll is disposed. It is not e~sential, howeverf for the indicator means ll:to be disposed in the layer 20~ Layer~2l is a~ optional second layer of adhesive ~which Garries optional ink jet printing 22.
~ ~ ~Raferring~now~to Figure 6, the bag is produced by : folding Io~gitudinally a continuous length lOl of : th~rmoplastic s~eet material (after it has been : :optionally printed~as appropriate) into a J-form where ; it includes a first portion 103 folded longitudinally at lO2 so as to be superposed on a part of a second portion lO~ so as to leave a flap portion 107 of the secnnd portion 104 exposed. The first portion 103 is heat sealed ~o the second portion 104 by a longitudinally extending heat seal denoted by a reference nu~eral 105. Preferably, a longitudinally extending region of the flap portion 107, which region ' .
wo 93/00~69 ~ . 3 ~ ~ Pcr~G~92/o114~n is generally parallel to the hea~ seal 105, is subjected ~o corona discharge to impr~ve its adhesion characteristiGs in that region. A band of high-tack adhesi~e 109 is applied to that region and is covered by a removable cover strip 110 optionally after having been provided with a security code by means~ an inX
jet printing technique. An indicating means 111 may be applied to the flap portion 107 prior to the application of the adhesion ~09. Alternatively, the indicating means may be applied generally at region 113. The region indica~ed generally by 113 may also be subjected tD corona discharge to improve its adhe~ion.
The continuous length 101 of shee~ material is then cut transversely using a double heat ~eali~g device comprising two~pairs of heat sealing jaws : betwaen which is located a cutting blade so ~hat ~he shee~ material is cut into adjacent transverse : sections ~ach having heat sealed ~dges. Each of these sec~ions constitutes a bag in accordance with the invention. It will be appreciated that a slmilar me~od can be applied for the production of th~ b~gs in accordance with Figures 4 and 5. It is particularly advantageous to apply the closure member as a pre-made : tape~which will desirably incorporate the indica~ing means.
.
It is know for banking establishments a ~ the like to use bags for transmitting valuables, for example specified sums of money, from one department to anotherO The system operated by such establishments is such that it is readily possible to ascertain whether a bag has been stolen in transit. However, it is ordinarily more difficult to ascertain whether the ~ag has been opened in transit and then resealed af~er some of the contents have been removed. In order to overcome this problem, tamper-evidPnt bags have been : provided wherein a~y attempt to gain access ~o the i~terior of the bag becomes visibly apparent.
Typically, ~he walls of such bags are formed of ~; sheet material includ1ng a~portion having an opening whi:ch gives access~tn~the ~terior of the bay. The bags i~lude a closure portion arranged to be ~ superposed on the~portion having the opening, to close `~ the ba~. ~Closure~is~e~fected by means of a band of high-tack adhesi~e wh~ch~is applied across the clvsure 25~por~ion or-th~ portlon~having the opening, for e~ample from-~he molten.:state:~or in the~form o a tape. The`
a~he ive may be~pressure sensitive adhesive,~ and suitable adhesives include thermoplastic hot melt : adhesives, cured s~licone rubber adhesives, acrylic pressure sensitivé adhesives and the like.
Such adhesives~:are required to have high initial tack with respect:to the surface of the sheet material and also to~have high~adhesive and cohesive streng~hO
In order to provide a visible indication of any attemp~
to open the bag by separating the closure portion and the portion having the opening, the adhesive should be : .
W~ 93/00269 ~ 1 1 r~ 3 ~ '1 PCTlGB92/01142 2-- ~.
strong enough to cause stretching or ~earing of the portions. If desired, perforations may be provided in ~he closure portion to indicate tearing and emphasise the effect in the manner described in our British 5 patent specification no. 2149381.
With the exception of the cured silico~nQ rubber adhe~ive described in our British patent application no. 90~8276.9, pressure sensitive adhesives suitahle for the clos~re of security bags have a softeniny temperature which is below the melting point of the closuxe portion and of the sheet material. The so~tening ~emperature is commonly in ~he range of 90 to 100C. Accordi~gly, by the local application of hea~, the security ~ags can be opened and resealad without any visible indication tha~ the bag has been opened.
Also, the non-siliGone adhesives may be rendered glass-like by coolingO Such cooling may be effected by means of a spr~y from aerosol cans containing ~alog2nated hydrccarbons, such as Fresn~. Such sprays ~re int~nded ; 20 ~or use in cleaning electrical contacts and are widely ; available. Consequently by local cooling of the closure portion, the bags can be opened and resealed :w$thout any indication that the-bags have ~een opened.
Our European Patent Specification No~ 0396428 and ~ 25 ~British Patent Application No. 9024177~9 describa : m~thods for making such tampering evident. ~-However, he ~ethods~descri~ed therein aré dependent upon -subjective assessment of layer separation or degradation of print quali~y. In~pection of bags for ~evidence of tampering may therefore take ldnger than is desired by:the banking establishment or the like.
: The present inYention seeks to provide a security bag incorporating means of determining unequivocally whether ~he bag has been subjected to hea~ing or cooling. Desirably, an indication is provided not only of whether an attempt has been made to open the closure :
W093/00269 2 ~ i ~ 3 ~ 4 PCT/GB92/01142 .
of the bag by heating or cooliny, but also the method used. Even in khe case that the adhesiv~ u~ed was the cured silicone rubber adhesive in our above patent application no. 9008~76.9, the indicating means would ensure that even unsuccessful attempts to open the bags are detected.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a bag formed of sheet material which bag comprises a first portion of the sheet material having an opening to enable access to be gained to the interior of the bag, a closure por~ion arranged to be superposable with the first portion and a band of adhesive arranged so as to seal the opening on superposition of the first portion and the closure portion, wherein an indicating means is provided which, on superposition of th~ first portion and th~ closure portion, is di~posed adjacen~ to the opening and which provides a du--able visible indication ~; o~ hea~ing or cool~ng of the bag.
In an e~bodiment~o t~e invention, the closure portion aomp~ises a flap portion foxmed integrally with a portion of the sheet material o~ the bag.
In another:~embodimen~ of the invention, the closure portion comprises a transparent plastics s~bstrate to~which:the band of adhesive is applied, :which-s~bstrate i-~ adhersd to ~he heet:material of the bag by.means-of adhesive which may~be the same as, or ` ~ t different from, that~of the`band of adhasive, : In sti~ll another embodimen~ of the invention, a releasable cover-strip is~ provided on the free surface vf the band of adhesivè. In use, the cover strip is remo~ved prior to~the closure of the bag.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the indicating means is applied to or affixed on the closure portion.
In a still further embodiment of the in~ention, the indicating means is applied or affixed ~o the WO 93/00269 ~ 2 ~r ~ l~ PCTtGBg2tO11$, . --4 ~
portion having an opening.
In a yet f urther embodiment of the invention, the indicating means provides a colour change on heating or cooling of the bag and in a still further embodiment, the indicating means provides a visible change of pha~e or state on heating or cooling of the bag~ f desired, individual means may be provided to show heating or cooling, respectively.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of exa~ple only, to the followin~ drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic front view of an open security bag in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2a is a diagramma~ic sect1on ~hrough a par~
of the bag of Figure 1 on an increased scale wh~n the bag is open, :~ ~ Figure 2b ~s a diagr ~ atic se~tlon through a part of ~he bag of Figure 1 when the bag is closed, ~ ~ Figures 3a and 3b are respec~ively di~grammatic sectio~s :t~rough a variation of the bag of the embodiment of Figure~l when open and closed.
Figure 4 is a~diagrammatic section through a part :25 -of a bag.of a second embodiment of the inven~ion, -:~ Figure 5.is~a diagrammatic section through a . Yariation of the:bag of Figure 4 showing op~ional additional security features, and Figure 6 is a diagr~mmatic section through a precursor of a security bag of the firs~ embodiment o~
the invention when the bag is open, during an exemplary ~;: production proress.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the bag is : formed from a sin~le strip 1 of flexible thermoplastics : 35 sheet material such as polyethylene or polypropylene : which is folded laterally along a fold line 2 to form a ~ ' , w~ 93/00269 2 ~ PCT/GB92/01142 first portion 3 and a second portion 4O The thermoplastics sheet ma~erial is preferably transparent~ partially transparent or translucent, or a combination of opaque and transparent so as to make i~
easie~ to see evidence of tampering. The folded portions 3 and 4 are heat welded to each ~her ih a zone 5 which ex~ends parallel with and close to each o the longitudinal and each of the lateral ~dges of the portions to produce an envelope-like bag 6 wherein the second portion 4 is longer than the first portion 3.
The second p~rtion 4 has a closure portion in the form of a flap 7. The flap portion 7 is a~ leas~
~ranslucen~, and preferably is transparent.
At an end region of the bag 6 closer to the flap por~ion 7, an opening line in the form of a slit 8 extends across the first portion 3 ter~inating at each end a~ the weld xone 5. The sl~t 8 provides access to :the interlor of ~he bag 6. A band of adhesiYe 9 is pro~ided on the flap~por~ion 7~ ~he ahoice of adhesive is~not limit~d, although the adhesive should be a high ~ack adhes~ve having high cohesive and adhesive strength, such that any attempt to open the bag by separa~ing the first portion and th~ closure por~ion : will result in.stretching or tearing of the closure 25- and/or-first portions, and can-i lude all thosé
men~ioned~above. :The adhesive 9 may be applied from the molten stats or in the form of a tape, or by any ~ther suitable method. As can be seen from Figure 2a, a releasable cover strip 10 is provided to cover the free surface of the adhesive 9 when the b~g is open.
~An indicating means 11, comprising a band of a substance exhibiting a change of colour, phase or state when subjected to heating or cooling is provided on the -flap portion 7 and is covered by the adhesive 9. The indicator means is visible ~hrough ~he flap portion 7.
In use of the security bag, the items to be held WO 93/00269 PCI'/GB92/01142~
23~ 6-in the bag are introduced through the slit 8. The cover strip 10 is then removed ~rom the adhesive 9 and the flap portion 7 is folded over onto the portion 3, with the fold line being close to the proximal laterally extending part of the weld zone 5. The disposition o~ the adhesive layer 9 relative~ the fold line of the flap portion 7 is such that when the flap portion 7 is brough~ down onto the first portion 3, ~he part of the flap portion 7 carrying the adhesive 9 straddles the slit 8 so that the slit 8 is completely overlain by the-said adhesive 9. Thus, the slit 8 is completely sealed and there is no access opening whatsoever to the inteirîor of the bag 6 ~see Figure 2b). Advantageously, the parts of the first portion 3 adjacent to the slit 8 have previously b~n subjec~ed to Corona diæcharge to assist adhesion. Thei indicator :~; means 11 overlies at least that part of the po~tion 3 ad j acant to the sli~ 8 which is di~tant from the ~: lat~ral weld zone Sa. If desired, the flap portion 7 ~ay i:n~lude a receipt portion 12 which i~ de~a¢hable by : ~ means~ of perforations 13.
The nature o~ t~ei lndicator means 11 is not limited, an~ ~he indicator meani may, for e~ample, comprise a te~perature indicating paint (such as 25~ The~mindex O/G 87,~supplied by Synthetic and Industrial Finishers Ltd of Cheam, Surrey), or temperature :~ : indicating ink, temperature indicating labels El or NEl or o~her temperature indica~ing materials such as "Colour Change" and "Thermal Melt" crayons supplied by :~ 30 Thermographics Ltd`of Burton, South Wirral. Thermal : transfer printin~ labels, such as those available from Kanzaki Label Technologies, Ricoh Ltd and Armour Ltd (from the l~tter under part nos. 479 and F 52 622) and heat-sensitive paper as used for facsimile machines and : 35 h~at copiers are also suitable. Also, suitable are coated papers and coated films such as those sold under :: ~
wo 93J~OZ6g ~ 3 ~ ~ PCr/~Bg2/0114~
. 7 the trade names RIVATAC T5206 and RIVATAC AT231/67HG
and the coatiny materials of such pap2rs and films sold under th~ trad~ names T902 and T903 by Smith ~ McLaurin Ltd of Kilbarchan, Sco~land. Furthermore, the dye systems included in heat-sensitive papers can advantageously be incorporated into printin$ ~ks. The temperakure indicating paints and inks and ~he temparature indicating labels and paper provide a visible indication of heating or cooling by changing colour at a specified temperature, which is preferably below the so.tening tempsrature of the adhesive or above the temperature at which ~he adhesive becomes gl ss-like, as appropria~e. It is essential how~ver, that the colour change of such matexials is irreversibla. Advantageously, temperature indica~ing inks may be applied d~rec~ly to ~he adhesive in the form of a pattern or de ign by means, for example, of :an ink ~et printing technique. Where, for example in the case of the therma~ melt crayons, the indic~tion of hea~ing~or cool1ng~is provided by a change of state, it will also,~ in g~neral, be necessary for the change of : phase or state to be:irr~versible. However, where, for : exampl ~, the indication is provided by a change from the~solid to the liquid state, ~he indicator means may be~applied in a pattern~or de ign to the sheet material :~ or directly on the~:odh~sivè. Thus, any change from the solid:to the liquid~state of the indicator ~eans can provide a disruption or distortion of the applied patt~rn or de~ign which will be immediately apparent, : 30 even is the indicator re-solidifies.
: Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, in whiGh parts corresponding ~o tho e of Figures 1 and 2, ~re ~: indicated by like reference numerals, it will be seen that the indicator means can also be provided on at least that part of the portion 3 which is immediately adjacent the opening 8 distant from the lateral weld W~93/00~6g PCT/G~92~0114 zone 5~ After closure of the bag, ~he adhe~ivs 9 completely overlies the opening slit 8 and the indica~or ll. In this embodiment, the adhesive 9 must be translucent, or preferably transparent, to ensure that the indicator means ll is visible through the flap portion 7. ~~ -Rçferring to Figure 4, in which partscorresponding to parts in Figures l to 3 have the same reference numerals, the bag 6, which is shown in the 10 open state, can be sealed by a closure member 14~ The closure member 14 comprises a plastics material substra~e lS which is at least translucent and preferably is transparent and which is adhered to at least a part of the sec~ion l6 of the firs~ portion 3 along ~he whole lateral width of the bag, and optionally to ~he second portion 4, by an adhesive layer 9. A releasable cover str~p lO prevents adhesion : ~ of the closure member 15 to ~he first portion 3 adjacent to th~ opening 8 prior to ~he filling of the bag. In use, ~he i~ems to be held in the bag are introduced through the slit 8, the cover strip lO i~
remoYed and the closura membsr 14 seals the opening 8 ~: by completely overlying the s~me. The free surface of ;;;: the adhesive 9 which is~exposed on semoval of the cover s~rip lO adheres the substrate lS to the first portion 3,16. An:indicator means ll i5 provided on the transparent plastics material substrate-lS in such a : position that, when the bag is sealed, the indicator means overlies the opening ~8 ! or at least that part of the first portion~3 whic~ is adjacent to the opening 8 and distant from the lateral weld zone 5a. The indicator means ll may equally b8 applied to the ~: adhesive 9 (by for example ink jet printin~ or to the part of the first portion 3 adjacent the slit opening 8 and distant from the weld zone 5a.
Further security features may be incorpor~ted into , ~l112313~
_g_ the securi~y bags as i5 particularly illustrated in FigurP. 5, which is a varia~ion of th~ embodiment of Figure 4. These s~curity features can also be incorporated in~o the embodiments of Figures l to 3.
In Figure 5, the closure member 14 comprises a transparent plas~ics material subs~rate l5 ~h~ch carries a discontinuous weakly bonded adhesive layer l7 such as ethyl cellulose and a strongly bonded adhesive layer l~ such as epoxy cellulose acetate propionate.
Because o~ the layers 17 and 18, any at~empt to gain access ~o the interior of the bag 6 by lifting the subs~rate 15 will result in those parts of the layer 18 which are in regi~try with layer 17 remaining adhered to portions 3 and 4 whilst other parts of the layer 18 will remain adhered to substrate 15. This results in :the fo~mation of a visible pattern constituted by the split layer 18 which pat~ern cannot be oblit~rated by re-~ealing t~e~closur~ member. Soluble ~ransparent or transluc~nt dye may~be carried in a layer l9. Layer 20 . 20 c~mpr~s~s a high tack adhesive in which the indicator means ll is disposed. It is not e~sential, howeverf for the indicator means ll:to be disposed in the layer 20~ Layer~2l is a~ optional second layer of adhesive ~which Garries optional ink jet printing 22.
~ ~ ~Raferring~now~to Figure 6, the bag is produced by : folding Io~gitudinally a continuous length lOl of : th~rmoplastic s~eet material (after it has been : :optionally printed~as appropriate) into a J-form where ; it includes a first portion 103 folded longitudinally at lO2 so as to be superposed on a part of a second portion lO~ so as to leave a flap portion 107 of the secnnd portion 104 exposed. The first portion 103 is heat sealed ~o the second portion 104 by a longitudinally extending heat seal denoted by a reference nu~eral 105. Preferably, a longitudinally extending region of the flap portion 107, which region ' .
wo 93/00~69 ~ . 3 ~ ~ Pcr~G~92/o114~n is generally parallel to the hea~ seal 105, is subjected ~o corona discharge to impr~ve its adhesion characteristiGs in that region. A band of high-tack adhesi~e 109 is applied to that region and is covered by a removable cover strip 110 optionally after having been provided with a security code by means~ an inX
jet printing technique. An indicating means 111 may be applied to the flap portion 107 prior to the application of the adhesion ~09. Alternatively, the indicating means may be applied generally at region 113. The region indica~ed generally by 113 may also be subjected tD corona discharge to improve its adhe~ion.
The continuous length 101 of shee~ material is then cut transversely using a double heat ~eali~g device comprising two~pairs of heat sealing jaws : betwaen which is located a cutting blade so ~hat ~he shee~ material is cut into adjacent transverse : sections ~ach having heat sealed ~dges. Each of these sec~ions constitutes a bag in accordance with the invention. It will be appreciated that a slmilar me~od can be applied for the production of th~ b~gs in accordance with Figures 4 and 5. It is particularly advantageous to apply the closure member as a pre-made : tape~which will desirably incorporate the indica~ing means.
.
Claims (17)
1. A bag formed of sheet material which bag comprises a first portion of the sheet material having an opening to enable access to be gained to the interior of the bag, a closure portion arranged to be superposable with the first portion and adhesive, applied as a band having a free surface so arranged as to seal the opening on superposition of the first portion and the closure portion, wherein at least one indicating means is provided which, on superposition of the first portion and the closure portion, is disposed adjacent to the opening and which provides a durable visible indication of heating or cooling of the bag.
2. A bag as claimed in claim 1 wherein the closure portion comprises a flap portion formed integrally with a portion of the sheet material of the bag,
3. A bag formed of sheet material which bag comprises a first portion of the sheet material having an opening to enable access to be gained to the interior of the bag, a closure portion arranged to be superposable with the first portion and adhesive, applied as a layer having a free surface so arranged as to seal the opening on superposition of the first portion and the closure portion, wherein at least one indicating means is provided which, on superposition of the first-portion and the closure portion, is disposed adjacent to the opening and which provides a durable visible indication of heating or cooling of the bag and characterised in that the layer of adhesive is applied in a molt n state to the bag.
4. A bay as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3 wherein the closure portion comprises a transparent plastics substrate to which the adhesive is applied, which substrate is affixed to the sheet material of the bag.
5. A bag as claimed in claim 4 wherein the plastics substrate is affixed to the sheet material by means of an adhesive.
6. A bag as claimed in claim 4 wherein the plastics substrate is heat welded to the sheet material.
7. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a releasable cover-strip is provided on the free surface of the band of adhesive.
8. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an indicating means is applied to or affixed on the closure portion.
9. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an indicating means is applied or affixed to the portion having an opening.
10. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an indicating means provides a colour change on heating the bag.
11. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an indicating means provides a colour change on cooling the bag.
12. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an indicating means provides a visible change of phase or stage on heating of the bag.
13. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an indicating means provides a visible change of phase or state on cooling the bag.
14. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim including a temperature indicator selected from the group comprising temperature indicating paints, temperature indicating inks, temperature indicating labels, heat sensitive papers, thermal melt crayons and thermal colour change crayons.
15. A bag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an indicator means is applied to the sheet material in a patter or design.
16. A bag according to claim 10 wherein the indicating means is such as to change colour at a temperature above that of normal use of the bag and below the melting temperature of the adhesive.
17. A bag according to claim 10 wherein the indicating means is such as to change colour at below the temperature of normal use of the bag but above that at which the adhesive becomes glasslike.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9113981.6 | 1991-06-28 | ||
| GB919113981A GB9113981D0 (en) | 1991-06-28 | 1991-06-28 | Improvements in or relating to bags |
| PCT/GB1992/001142 WO1993000269A1 (en) | 1991-06-28 | 1992-06-24 | Security bags |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2112364A1 true CA2112364A1 (en) | 1993-01-07 |
Family
ID=10697490
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002112364A Abandoned CA2112364A1 (en) | 1991-06-28 | 1992-06-24 | Security bags |
Country Status (13)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0591326B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3322401B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE169880T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2153292A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2112364A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69226702T2 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0591326T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2121858T3 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI935872A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9113981D0 (en) |
| IE (1) | IE922077A1 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO934847D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993000269A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2270857B (en) * | 1992-09-04 | 1996-11-13 | Antony Brian Jennings | Tamperproof container |
| US5631068A (en) * | 1994-08-02 | 1997-05-20 | Trigon Packaging Corporation | Self-containing tamper evident tape and label |
| DE69513291T2 (en) * | 1994-08-02 | 2000-05-31 | Sealed Air Corp., Saddle Brook | ORIGINAL ADHESIVE TAPE AND CLASP |
| DE29511385U1 (en) * | 1995-07-14 | 1995-10-12 | Stausberg, Gregor, 42781 Haan | Data-safe letter mail |
| US6270256B1 (en) * | 1997-04-07 | 2001-08-07 | Sealed Air Corporation | Tamper evident bag |
| GB2346363A (en) * | 1999-02-05 | 2000-08-09 | Learoyd Packaging Ltd | Security bag with a heat sensitive tamper evident seal |
| US6264033B1 (en) * | 1999-07-09 | 2001-07-24 | Sealed Air Corporation | Article with improved tamper evidence |
| US6431752B1 (en) | 1999-11-23 | 2002-08-13 | Jonathan Diplock | Plastic coin transport bag |
| US6190043B1 (en) * | 1999-11-23 | 2001-02-20 | Jonathan Diplock | Front opening plastic secure package with false panel |
| DE20117026U1 (en) * | 2001-10-17 | 2003-02-27 | Anton Debatin GmbH Werk für werbende Verpackung, 76646 Bruchsal | Safety bag with integrated effect indicators |
| DE10306576A1 (en) * | 2003-02-17 | 2004-08-26 | Quiss Gmbh | Device to identify marking on product for refund of deposit and to alter identification marking to prevent repeated refund, for automated recycling of e.g. drinks cans |
| US20060234014A1 (en) * | 2005-04-14 | 2006-10-19 | Liu Yaoqi J | Patterned adhesives for tamper evident feature |
| FR2885724B1 (en) * | 2005-05-13 | 2007-07-06 | Moulac Jean Louis Le | DEVICE FOR SECURING AND GUARANTEEING THE AUTHENTICITY OF AN OBJECT OR A DOCUMENT AND / OR ENSURING THE INVIOLABILITY OF A PACKAGING |
| DE102013011227A1 (en) * | 2013-07-05 | 2015-01-22 | Harald Misch | SECURITY BAG |
| DE102017002941A1 (en) | 2017-03-27 | 2018-09-27 | Anton Debatin GmbH Werk für werbende Verpackung | Plastic safety bag |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2361074A1 (en) * | 1976-08-13 | 1978-03-10 | Rosel Claude | Label for indicating thawing of frozen prod. - with pastille of frozen ink and porous white support |
| GB2202823B (en) * | 1987-03-24 | 1990-10-31 | Mardon Wrappings Ltd | Improvements in or relaring to containers |
| SE8705114L (en) * | 1987-12-21 | 1989-06-19 | Axel Larsson | MAKE SURE TO CHECK A FRONT PACKAGING IS UNBREAKED |
| GB8910242D0 (en) * | 1989-05-04 | 1989-06-21 | Lawson Mardon Cambridge Ltd | Improvements in or relating to bags |
| GB9011457D0 (en) * | 1990-05-22 | 1990-07-11 | Amblehurst Ltd | Tamper indicating security tape |
-
1991
- 1991-06-28 GB GB919113981A patent/GB9113981D0/en active Pending
-
1992
- 1992-06-24 ES ES92913279T patent/ES2121858T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-06-24 EP EP92913279A patent/EP0591326B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-06-24 AT AT92913279T patent/ATE169880T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-06-24 DK DK92913279T patent/DK0591326T3/en active
- 1992-06-24 JP JP50139993A patent/JP3322401B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-06-24 CA CA002112364A patent/CA2112364A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-06-24 AU AU21532/92A patent/AU2153292A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-06-24 DE DE69226702T patent/DE69226702T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-06-24 WO PCT/GB1992/001142 patent/WO1993000269A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-07-01 IE IE207792A patent/IE922077A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
1993
- 1993-12-27 NO NO934847A patent/NO934847D0/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1993-12-27 FI FI935872A patent/FI935872A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE69226702T2 (en) | 1999-04-08 |
| DE69226702D1 (en) | 1998-09-24 |
| IE922077A1 (en) | 1992-12-30 |
| JP3322401B2 (en) | 2002-09-09 |
| NO934847L (en) | 1993-12-27 |
| DK0591326T3 (en) | 1999-08-16 |
| FI935872A0 (en) | 1993-12-27 |
| FI935872A (en) | 1993-12-27 |
| WO1993000269A1 (en) | 1993-01-07 |
| ATE169880T1 (en) | 1998-09-15 |
| ES2121858T3 (en) | 1998-12-16 |
| GB9113981D0 (en) | 1991-08-14 |
| JPH07500300A (en) | 1995-01-12 |
| NO934847D0 (en) | 1993-12-27 |
| EP0591326B1 (en) | 1998-08-19 |
| EP0591326A1 (en) | 1994-04-13 |
| AU2153292A (en) | 1993-01-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |