CN210708457U

CN210708457U - Tamper-resistant bottle case and tamper-resistant insert

Info

Publication number: CN210708457U
Application number: CN201920961637.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 郑家恒; 道格拉斯·拉姆瑟姆; 提摩太·雷森; 维克多·雨果·奥西格达·盖拉戈; 张义峰; 杰米·拉莫斯
Original assignee: Sitadercas Ltd
Current assignee: Sitadercas Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-25
Filing date: 2019-06-25
Publication date: 2020-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-25
Also published as: EP3990366A4; EP3990366A1; WO2020263999A1

Abstract

The utility model discloses a thief-proof bottle case and thief-proof insert, it relates to the improvement thief-proof case that is used for storing and transporting the product safely. In one example, a tamper-evident case includes a top insert for holding and securing the neck of a bottle. The top insert may include one or more elongated bottle holders. The bottle holder may comprise a protrusion connected to a removable portion of the elongate bottle holder. The protrusion may act as a safety device in that the bottle can only be removed from the tamper-evident case by tearing the protrusion away from the elongate bottle holder. Other security and packaging features for a tamper-resistant case are described.

Description

Tamper-resistant bottle case and tamper-resistant insert

Technical Field

Aspects of the present invention relate to an improved case or portion thereof for transporting and storing various products, including bottled liquids, and more particularly, to an improved case or portion thereof for improving the storage, transport and protection of products such as beverage bottles.

Background

Wine and other beverage producers typically use rectangular boxes made of wood or cardboard to transport the bottles. These boxes include internal compartments separated by wood, cardboard, plastic or foam to provide a degree of protection to the bottles located inside. After the bottles are placed in the box, the box is closed and shipped to the wholesaler, retailer or consumer. These closed bottles present several problems due to the inherent drawbacks of the box design. For example, it may be difficult for a wholesaler, retailer or consumer to view the contents of a box, to determine if someone has tampered with the contents of a box, to display the contents of a box, or any combination of these limitations.

Typically, to view the contents within the bottles, each bottle must be removed from the box. Handling of each bottle creates the opportunity to damage the bottle. In addition, conventional bottle cases do not have a suitable tamper-evident construction, and because each bottle in the case can be removed, a fraudster can tamper with the contents of the bottle. For example, a person viewing a bottle may replace the original bottle with a different less valuable bottle. Finally, current methods do not provide an aesthetic system for displaying bottles. For example, a cardboard box is made as an inexpensive shipping container that is discarded once opened. Wooden boxes require tools to pry open the box lid and are easily damaged when the box is pried open. Accordingly, there is a need for a system that prevents tampering, provides bottle visibility, and maintains an aesthetically pleasing form for displaying bottles.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Embodiments of the present invention address these problems and other needs that will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Briefly, various aspects of the present invention relate to an improved case or portion thereof for transporting and storing various products, including bottled liquids, and more particularly, to an improved case or portion thereof for improving the storage, transport and protection of products such as beverage bottles.

One aspect of the present invention provides a tamper-resistant bottle case and method of use. The tamper-resistant bottle case may include a frame having a top surface, a bottom surface, and four substantially horizontal side surfaces. The frame of the case may be a rectangle or a substantially rectangular prism. Each of these faces may be adapted to receive a panel to protect the contents within the frame. At least one of the panels may be transparent and/or provide an opening to view and manipulate the bottles within the frame.

The tamper-evident case may include other features within the case capable of supporting the bottle, protecting the bottle, and providing tamper-evidence to ensure the security of the contents of the case. In some aspects, the features may include a top insert for supporting a neck of a bottle. The top insert may be disposed adjacent the top surface of the frame. The top insert may comprise a series of elongate bottle holders configured to surround and restrain the neck of the bottle. Each elongate bottle holder may have an interior channel to receive the neck of the bottle and a peripheral surface surrounding the interior channel. In some aspects, each elongated bottle holder can include one protrusion connected to the peripheral surface of the elongated bottle holder. The protrusion may create a security feature for the tamper-resistant bottle case. For example, the protrusion may be pulled away from the elongated bottle holder such that the protrusion pulls the removable portion of the peripheral surface away therewith. Once the removable portion of the peripheral surface is removed, the neck of the bottle may be pulled from the elongated bottle holder.

In some aspects, the top insert may comprise a fixed platform disposed at the top end of the interior channel of the elongated bottle rack. For example, the neck of a bottle may be placed within the internal passageway of the elongated bottle rack, and at the top of the internal passageway may be a fixed platform in contact with the top of the bottle. The fixed platform may be used to limit the bottles from moving up and down within the tamper-evident bottle box, for applying pressure to the cork inside the bottle, and for further supporting the bottle.

In some aspects, the top insert may be manufactured substantially horizontally and may be folded to form the insert positioned proximate the top surface of the frame. For example, the top insert may have a bottom layer comprising the elongated bottle holder and a top layer comprising the securing platform. In a first horizontal configuration, the fixed platform may be substantially horizontal with the elongate bottle rack. The top insert may then be folded from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the fixed platform may be proximate the top end of the interior channel of the respective elongated bottle rack.

In some aspects, an additional feature within a frame may include a bottom insert for supporting the heel of the bottle. The bottom insert may be disposed adjacent the bottom surface of the frame. The bottom insert may comprise a series of cups that receive the heel of the bottle. The base insert may additionally include raised lips at certain portions around the cup to increase the lifting force required to remove the bottle from the cup.

In any of the embodiments herein, the components of the frame may comprise wood, plastic material, or any combination thereof. The top insert and/or the bottom insert may comprise pressed pulp, cardboard, plastic material, or any combination thereof. In aspects that include a panel, the panel may comprise wood, plastic, cardboard, nanocrystalline cellulose cardboard, polyvinyl chloride, rubber, metal, cork, or any other suitable material or combination of materials to provide protection to the contents within the tamper-evident case. In the case of having one transparent panel, the transparent panel may comprise glass, transparent plastic materials (including but not limited to acrylic glass), and the like.

Drawings

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIGS. 1-2 are perspective views of exemplary securing assemblies for a tamper-resistant bottle case according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of an unfolded top insert according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 4-5 are perspective views of exemplary top inserts according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 6-8 are front views of a top insert within a frame according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary bottom insert according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 10 is a top view of an exemplary bottom insert according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 11 is a side view of an exemplary bottom insert according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary frame according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 13 is an exemplary view of a panel inserted into a face of a frame according to some embodiments of the invention;

fig. 14 illustrates an assembly of a tamper-resistant case according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 15 depicts a top plate including a security seal and a top plate over a top insert in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 16 depicts a panel with a view release button according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

figures 17A-17D illustrate an exemplary frame that may be folded from a horizontal configuration to a rectangular configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and the examples included herein. Before exemplary embodiments of devices and methods according to the present invention are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to those described in the present invention. Many modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are still within the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Some embodiments of the present technology will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The techniques of the present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures or techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to "one embodiment," "an example embodiment," "some embodiments," "certain embodiments," "various embodiments," etc., indicate that the embodiment described in connection with the techniques of the present invention as described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, repeated usage of "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms used herein should be understood in accordance with conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. In addition to any definitions of terms set forth below, it should be understood that, as used in the specification and claims, "a" and "an" may refer to one or more, depending on the context in which it is used. Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or". Furthermore, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean one or more, unless specifically indicated otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

Unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in other manner.

Also, in the description of the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term includes the broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of embodiments of the present invention, exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to implementations thereof. However, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limiting.

The materials described hereinafter as constituting the various elements of the embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many suitable materials that can function the same or similar to the materials described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Such other materials not described in this specification may include, but are not limited to: such as materials developed after the development of the present invention.

Embodiments of the technology of the present invention include a tamper-resistant case for storing and transporting wine bottles. In various embodiments, a tamper-resistant wine box may provide improvements that protect the integrity of the bottled wine, as well as allow a user to more easily use the features of the wine box. A tamper-resistant bottle case according to the present invention can be used by wine manufacturers for packaging wine bottles and can also be used by consumers to store wine bottles in the home or to transport bottles.

Throughout the specification, certain embodiments are described in an exemplary manner in connection with storing and transporting wine bottles. Embodiments of the present technology are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the techniques of the present invention may be effective to store and transport bottles or containers of many other types of liquids. For example, but not limiting of, as described herein, the top and bottom inserts may be configured for use with spirit bottles, beer bottles, water bottles, and other bottles having different shapes and sizes.

Various devices and methods for providing and using tamper-resistant bottle cases are disclosed, exemplary embodiments of which will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary securing assembly for a tamper-resistant bottle case, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1 does not include an outer box or frame for a box. This figure shows exemplary components that may be included within an outer case or frame for holding bottles. Thus, the assembly shown in FIG. 1 may be modular and may be provided in a variety of boxes or frames.

In some embodiments, the securing assembly within the case may include a top insert 102. The top insert 102 may be disposed near the top of the tamper-evident bottle case. The top insert 102 may include one or more elongated bottle holders 104. The elongated bottle holder 104 may extend at least partially down the neck of the bottle 106 to limit side-to-side movement of the bottle 106. Each of the one or more elongated bottle holders 104 may have a peripheral surface 108 along the length of the elongated bottle holder 104. The peripheral surface 108 may comprise material surrounding the neck of the bottle 106.

In some embodiments, a top insert 102 may include a protrusion 110. The protrusion 110 may be disposed proximate the peripheral surface 108 and coupled to at least a portion of the peripheral surface 108. The protrusion 110 may be used to remove a removable portion of the peripheral surface 108 so that the bottle 106 may be pulled laterally from the top insert 102.

In some embodiments, one top insert 102 may include a fixed platform 112. The fixed platform 112 may comprise a material that contacts the top of the bottle 106. As shown in fig. 1, the fixed platforms 112 are not fully visible because they are positioned within the top insert 102 and near the top of the bottle 106. In some embodiments, one top insert 102 may include a groove 114. The groove 114 may contact or mate with a frame and/or box component. To prevent movement of the top insert 102. For example, the groove 114 may meet with a protrusion of the frame and/or the case to prevent lateral movement of the top insert 102.

In some embodiments, a securing assembly within a case may include a bottom insert 116. The base insert 116 may include one or more cups 118 that may receive the heel of one of the bottles 106. The cup 118 may have a depth such that: a certain lifting force needs to be exerted on the bottle 106 to remove the bottle 106 from the cup 118. The cup 118 may be shaped according to the shape of the heel of the bottle 106 that the cup 118 holds. For example, if the heel of the bottle 106 is round (as shown), the cup 118 may be round, and if the heel of the bottle 106 is square, the cup 118 may be square. It is contemplated that cup 118 is any other shape and is possible with the presently disclosed system. In some embodiments, the cup 118 may form a snug fit with the heel of the bottle. In some embodiments, the cup 118 may be smooth to allow the bottle to rotate within the cup 118. This embodiment would allow a user to view the bottle 106 by rotating the bottle 106 without removing the bottle 106 from the bottom insert 116 or the top. In other embodiments, the cup 118 may include a frictional engagement surface to prevent rotation of the bottle 106. The frictional engagement surface may also provide additional padding and protection to the bottle 106. The frictional engagement surface may comprise a rubber pad, a rubber washer, or the like.

It is contemplated that the top insert 102 may be made from a variety of materials. These materials may include, but are not limited to, pulp, cardboard, foam, plastic, or similar materials. It is also contemplated that the bottom insert 116 may comprise similar materials as described for the top insert 102. However, nothing requires that the material composition of the top insert 102 be the same as the material composition of the bottom insert 116, although it could be.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment having six bottles 106 according to some embodiments. It is contemplated that three bottles 106 may be along one side of the top and

bottom inserts

102, 116 and three more bottles may be along the other side of the

inserts

102, 116. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. The system described herein is equally applicable to more or fewer bottles 106 than shown in the figures. It is also envisaged that the present invention may be used in a single bottle configuration.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary securing assembly for a tamper-resistant bottle case, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2 depicts one top insert 102 and one bottom insert 116 configured to hold three bottles 106 according to some embodiments. It is contemplated that the system described herein may be used with bottles of various sizes and shapes. For example, a beverage producer may wish to package and ship large bottles (1.5 liters) or larger bottles. In these cases, a three or less bottle 106 configuration may help the manufacturer reduce the overall size and weight of the bottle bin.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an unfolded top insert 102 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, a top insert 102 can include a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration may be a substantially horizontal configuration as shown in fig. 3. The second configuration may be similar to that shown herein, for example as shown in fig. 1, 2, 4 and 5. Both configurations may allow the top insert to be manufactured as a sheet and then folded into the final protective insert to be placed on top of a bottle 106. For example, by providing a substantially horizontal first configuration, the assembly of top inserts 102 may be pressed into a single sheet, such as a cardboard or pulp shape. Once press formed, the top insert 102 may be folded into a final configuration to protect the neck of one bottle 106.

Reference is again made to the substantially horizontal configuration shown in fig. 3. As shown in fig. 3, the top insert 102 may include a bottom layer 302. The bottom layer 302 of the unfolded top insert 102 may include one or more elongated bottle holders 104. As described herein, one or more of the elongated bottle holders 104 may have an interior channel 304 that is capable of contacting and receiving the neck of an inserted bottle. At one end of the internal passage 304 may be an orifice 306 into which the neck of a bottle is inserted. Each elongated bottle holder 104 may also include a removable portion 308. The removable portion 308 is a portion of the peripheral surface 108 surrounding the interior channel 304 that can be removed when the protrusion 110 is pulled. In some embodiments, the bottom layer 302 of the unfolded top insert 102 may also include one or more bevels 309 to add additional support to the top layer of the unfolded top insert 102.

In some embodiments, the interior channel 304 may be smooth to allow the bottle to rotate within the elongated bottle holder 104. This embodiment would allow a user to view the bottle 106 by rotating the bottle 106 without removing the bottle 106 from the top insert 102 or the bottom insert 116. In other embodiments, the interior channel 304 may include a frictional engagement surface to prevent rotation of the bottle 106. The frictional engagement surface may also provide additional padding and protection for the bottle 106. The frictional engagement surface may comprise a rubber pad, rubber washer, or the like.

In some embodiments, the top insert 102 may include a top layer 310a, b. In some embodiments, the top layer may include two separate sides, a first side 310a of the top layer and a second side 310b of the top layer. In these embodiments, the first side 310a of the top layer is foldable from a horizontal position to a position adjacent to the elongated bottle holder 104, and the second side 310b of the top layer is also foldable from a horizontal position to a position adjacent to the elongated bottle holder 104. In other embodiments, the top layers 310a, b are not two separate flanges, but rather are a single flange that is folded to a position proximate to the elongated bottle holder 104. The arrows 350 provided in FIG. 3 illustrate the direction of folding of the top insert 102 from the first configuration to a configured second configuration, e.g., the top layers 310a, b may be folded up onto the bottom layer 302 in an exemplary embodiment.

In some embodiments, the top layers 310a, b may include one or more fixed platforms 112a, b, as shown in fig. 1 and 2. In embodiments having one first side 310a of the top layer and one second side 310b of the top layer, a series of fixed platforms 112a may be present on one side 310a of the top layer, while another series of fixed platforms 112b may be located on the other side 310b of the top layer. In embodiments having one single top layer 310a, b, all of the fixed platforms 112a, b may be disposed on the single top layer 310a, b. In some embodiments, the securing platforms 112a, b may contact the top of the bottle when the top insert 102 is in a folded second configuration. As described above, the securing platforms 112a, b may limit upward movement of the bottle within the internal passage 304, thereby further securing the bottle within the top insert 102. It is also contemplated that the fixed platforms 112a, b serve to maintain pressure on the cork at the top of the bottle to prevent the cork from lifting from the bottle during shipping and handling.

In some embodiments, one securing platform 112a, b may include one recess 312a, b, the recess 312a, b may be shaped to fit over the top of the bottle. For example, the grooves 312a, b may be a semi-circular groove shaped to fit half of the top of the bottle as shown. In other embodiments, the grooves 312a, b may be given a full circular shape to fit the top of the bottle. It is contemplated that the recesses 312a, b may be modified depending on the size of the particular bottle stored in the tamper-evident case, as the bottles may take many different shapes and sizes (e.g., small or split (187.5 ml), half-filled (375 ml), standard (750 ml), quart (1.5 liter), large wine bottles (3.0 liter), etc.) as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the top insert 102 may include an intermediate layer 314. The intermediate layer 314 may include one or more flanges that provide side support when the top insert 102 is folded from a horizontal configuration to a final configuration. For example, the middle layer 314 may include end flanges 316, the end flanges 316 being foldable to meet the top layers 310a, b when the top layers 310a, b are folded. These end flanges 316 may provide additional support and structural integrity to the top layers 310a, b. The middle layer 314 may also include side flanges 318 to provide additional support and structural integrity to the top layers 310a, b. In some embodiments, the side flanges 318 may be disposed between the bottom layer 302 and the top layers 310a, b (as shown in fig. 3), such that a first fold is disposed between the side flanges 318 and the bottom layer 302 and a second fold is disposed between the side flanges 318 and the top layers 310a, b.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary top insert 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows one top insert 102 in a second final configuration after folding. For example, the horizontal configuration of fig. 3 may be folded into the embodiment shown in fig. 4 (according to some embodiments). A top insert 102 may include a fixed platform recess 402 extending from one side of the top layer 310. These fixed platform recesses 402 may be present to reduce the material used in the top insert 102. For example, in some embodiments, the top insert 102 may be made by pressing a single sheet into the final form of the top layer 310. Thus, the fixed platform 112 may be formed by pressing the top insert 102 into final form, thereby forming the fixed platform recess 402. In other embodiments using other manufacturing methods, the fixed platform groove 402 may not be present.

It is contemplated that the top layer 310 is closed to the bottom layer 302 once folded into the final configuration shown in fig. 4. Such closure may provide security such that the bottle can only be removed by pulling on the tab 110 to release a removable portion of the elongated bottle holder 104 (e.g., removable portion 308 in fig. 3) to release the bottle.

It is contemplated that the elongated bottle holder 104 may have various shapes. For example, the elongated bottle holder 104 of fig. 4 has a peripheral surface 108 having a frustoconical shape in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The removable portion of the peripheral surface 108 may be disposed within the frustroconical shape. Other shapes, e.g., rectangular shapes, cylindrical shapes, etc., are contemplated and such embodiments are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary top insert 102 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the peripheral surface 108 of one elongated bottle holder 104 can include the removable portion 308 that is flat or planar. For example, the peripheral surface 108 of the elongated bottle holder 104 can be substantially conical, circular, cylindrical, and/or the like; however, the removable portion 308 connected to one of the protrusions 110 may be substantially planar. It is contemplated that the planar removable portion 308 may facilitate the ability of the protrusion 110 to remove the removable portion 308, thereby creating a smooth opening for removal of the bottle. In some embodiments, the planar removable portion 308 may comprise the same material as the non-planar portion of the peripheral surface 108. For example, as described herein, some embodiments of a top insert 102 may be produced by pressing the top insert 102 into its shape. Thus, it is contemplated that the planar removable portion 308 is formed as only one planar portion of the geometry of the pressed peripheral surface 108. The removable portion 308 may include perforations that allow the removable portion 308 to be removed from the elongated bottle holder 104 with a clean or straight edge. In some embodiments, the planar removable portion 308 may be a separate material that is attached to the elongated bottle holder 104. For example, some embodiments may include a removable portion 308, the removable portion 308 being secured to the elongated bottle holder 104 with an adhesive, tamper evident tape, or the like, for indicating whether the removable portion 308 has been removed from the top insert 102. The tamper-evident tape may comprise any tape known in the art for indicating whether the tape has been removed, broken, or cut. For example, the tamper-evident tape may include wording that prohibits the tape from being realigned and reconnected after removal. The tamper-evident tape may also include language similar to "view contents if the seal is broken".

Fig. 6 is a front view of a top insert 102 within a frame 602 according to some embodiments of the invention. The top insert 102 may be inserted into a frame 602, the frame 602 containing the components described herein and one or more bottles 106. In some embodiments, the frame 602 may be a substantially rectangular prism, as shown in the figures. The frame 602 may have six planes, including a top surface 604, four substantially horizontal side surfaces 606 (one side surface in the foreground and the other side surface in the background of the view), and a bottom surface (not shown in the figures). The top insert 102 may be proximate the top surface 604. Each face may receive a panel to protect the contents within the frame 602. It is contemplated that one or more faces may include a protrusion 608 that provides an outward force on the panel to prevent the panel from being vibrated or over-moved during handling and transportation.

In some embodiments, the frame 602 may be manufactured to be assembled around the assembly and one or more bottles 106 and then prevented from disassembly. For example, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a tamper-evident case for bottles 106. It is contemplated that once the frame is assembled around the top insert 102 and the bottle 106, the frame cannot be disassembled. In these embodiments, a customer wishing to remove a bottle 106 from within the frame 602 needs to pull on the tab 110 and remove the removable portion of the elongated bottle holder 104. Fig. 7 depicts an embodiment in which the removable portion (not shown in fig. 7 because it has been removed) has been removed by pulling on the tab 110. Once the removable portion is removed from the elongated bottle holder 104, an opening 702 in the elongated bottle holder 104 is formed. The opening 702 allows the bottle cap 704 to be exposed and a consumer can remove the bottle 106 by pulling the bottle outward from the top insert 102. Fig. 8 is a detailed view of the top insert 102 within a frame 602 according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the frame 602 can include a latch 802, the latch 802 can receive a portion of a panel to secure the panel to the frame 602.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary bottom insert 116 according to some embodiments of the present invention. As described herein, the assembly within a frame or box may include a bottom insert 116. The bottom insert 116 may include one or more cups 118 that may receive the heel of a bottle. The cup 118 may have a depth such that: a certain lifting force needs to be exerted on the bottle in order to remove the bottle from the cup 118. It is contemplated that cup 118 may have a depth of from about 1.0cm to about 4.0cm (e.g., about 1.0cm to about 2.0 cm; about 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm; about 2.0 cm to about 3.0 cm; about 2.5 cm to about 3.5 cm; or about 3.0 cm to about 4.0 cm). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the cups 118 may have different diameters to accommodate different shapes and sizes (e.g., small or portioned (187.5 ml), half bottled (375 ml), standard (750 ml), quart bottle (1.5 l), large wine bottle (3.0 l), etc.).

In some embodiments, the base insert 116 may include one or more raised

lips

902, 904 at locations around the cup 118 to increase the lift required to remove a bottle from the cup 118 at those locations. For example, a bottom insert 116 may include one or more front lips 902 disposed at an outer surface 906 of the bottom insert 116. A front lip 902 may make it necessary to have a higher lifting force to remove the bottle or box from the frame. For example, referring to fig. 7, to remove the bottle 106, the bottle must be pulled from the top insert 102. Thus, if a front lip 902 is provided, the bottle will be lifted onto the front lip 902 to remove the bottle from the opening 702. It is contemplated that the front lip 902 has a height of from 0.5 cm to about 3.0 cm (e.g., from about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm; from about 1.0cm to about 2.0 cm; from about 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm; or from about 2.0 cm to about 3.0 cm).

In some embodiments, one bottom insert 116 may include one or more rear lips 904 at the rear of the bottle. For example, in embodiments having a first row of cups 118 parallel to a second row of cups 118, the rear lip 904 may be placed between the rows, as bottles would not be expected to be removed from the frame or box. Thus, a rear lip 904 may have a higher height such that a front lip 902, which is a bottle, is not removed over a rear lip 904. It is contemplated that the height of the rear lip 904 may have a similar range as the given front lip 902.

Fig. 10 is a top view of an exemplary bottom insert 116 according to some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 10 illustrates an exemplary topography of an exemplary bottom insert 116. This view also shows how the rear lip 904 is provided to separate and protect different rows of bottles. However, as described herein, the base insert 116 does not require two rows of cups 118, as a single row of cups 118 may be disposed in the base insert 116.

Fig. 11 is a side view of an exemplary bottom insert 116 according to some embodiments of the invention. The figure provides additional detail of an exemplary bottom insert 116 having two rows of cups 118. It also shows an embodiment where one front lip 902 may be shorter than one rear lip 904.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary frame 602 according to some embodiments of the invention. As described herein, a frame 602 may include one or more sides, including a top side 604, a bottom side 1202, and four side sides 606. The frame 602 may include one or more protrusions 1204 along the edges of the frame 602 so that a panel (not shown in the figures) may be inserted into place at the respective faces 604, 606, 1202 of the frame 602. The frame 602 may also include one or more latches 802 (or clips) that hold the respective panels in place against the respective faces 604, 606, 1202 of the frame 602. The frame 602 may comprise plastic, polyvinyl chloride, wood, metal, or any other material or combination of materials to provide the desired qualities described herein. The top surface 604 may include a face plate 1206, and the face plate 1206 may be similar to the face plate at the

other sides

606, 1202 of the frame 602. In some embodiments, the top surface 604 can include one top panel 1206, each of the four sides can include one side panel 1206 (four side panels 1206), and the bottom surface 1202 can include one panel 1206 (located below the bottom insert 116 in the figures).

Fig. 13 is an exemplary view of a panel 1206, the panel 1206 inserted into a face of the frame 602, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a panel 1206 may be attached to the frame 602 around one or more sides of the frame 602. In some embodiments, the face plate 1206 may include a slot 1304 that receives the protrusion 1204 disposed along an edge of a frame 602, wherein the slot 1304 retains the face plate 1206 to a corresponding face of the frame 602.

It is contemplated that one panel 1206 of the tamper-resistant case may comprise wood, plastic, cardboard, nanocrystalline cellulose cardboard, polyvinyl chloride, rubber, metal, cork, or any other suitable material or combination of materials to provide protection for the contents within the tamper-resistant case. In some embodiments, one or more of the panels 1206 may be transparent to allow a user to view the contents behind the panels 1206 without removing the panels 1206. In the case of one transparent panel 1206, the transparent panel may comprise glass, a transparent plastic material (including but not limited to acrylic glass), or the like. In some embodiments, one panel 1206 may include a cut-out or opening for viewing the contents within the case or frame.

Fig. 14 illustrates an assembly of a tamper-resistant case 1400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, a tamper-resistant case 1400 may include an internal frame 602 (as described herein), the internal frame 602 having attachment panels 1206 at respective sides 606 of the tamper-resistant case 1400. In some embodiments, once a tamper-evident case 1400 is assembled and the bottles 106 are placed within the tamper-evident case 1400, a top insert 102 may be placed over the bottles 106. The top insert 102 may be folded prior to placement over the bottle 106, or the top insert 102 may be folded into the second configuration after placement over the bottle 106. Once the bottles 106 are secured by the top insert 102, a top panel 1206 may be placed on the top surface 604 of the tamper-evident case 1400 to enclose the bottles within the tamper-evident case 1400. In some embodiments, the top insert 102 may be connected to the top panel 1206, such as by an adhesive.

Fig. 15 depicts a top panel 1206, the top panel 1206 including the security seal 1502 and a top panel 1206 (disposed over the top insert 102), according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the top panel 1206 can provide closure of the top surface 604 of the tamper-resistant case 1400. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, one top insert 102 may be disposed below the top panel 1206. The top insert 102, top plate 1206, and security seal 1502 may each be bonded together on a per layer basis as the layers taper from top to bottom. In some embodiments, the top panel 1206 has a finger groove 1504 and is disposed above the top insert 102. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, a security seal 1502 may be disposed around the perimeter of the top panel 1206. The top panel 1206 may be made of a material similar to that used to construct the side panels 1206. The security seal 1502 may include additional security features to ensure that the case is not opened. For example, the security seal may comprise tamper-evident tape, as described herein.

Fig. 16 depicts a panel 1206 having a view release button 1602 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, a panel 1206 may provide closure of the tamper-evident case 1400 by sliding down over a corresponding side 606 of the frame 602. In some embodiments, the view release button 1602 may lock onto the frame 602 when the panel 1206 is slid fully downward, thereby providing a locking feature. Conversely, in some embodiments, when the view release button 1602 is connected to the frame 602, the view release button 1602 may be unlocked by pressing the view release button 1602. In these embodiments, the panel 1206 may be raised to allow viewing of the bottles 106 within the tamper-evident case 1400 without removing the bottles. For example, a user may rotate the bottle while the bottle remains fixed in place, e.g., to view a label.

As described above, the tamper-resistant case may include a frame 602 to provide support for components within the frame 602 and to provide a face for receiving a panel (e.g., side panel 1206). In some embodiments, the frame may be a rectangular prism (as shown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the frame 602 may have a first configuration, such as substantially horizontal, and a second configuration having a rectangular shape. Thus, the frame 602 may be folded from a first configuration to a second configuration. Figures 17A-17D illustrate an embodiment having a foldable frame 602.

Fig. 17A illustrates an exemplary frame 602 for a tamper-resistant case, with various living hinges 1702 prior to folding the frame 602 into a final shape, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, the frame 602 may include one or more living hinges 1702. In some embodiments, and as will be understood by those skilled in the art, a living hinge 1702 may be a sheet or portion of the frame 602 (designed to allow the frame 602 to fold along the living hinge 1702). According to some embodiments, the frame 602 may be positioned so as to allow the frame 602 to be folded into a desired position. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, the frame 602 may include one or more protrusions 1704. It will be appreciated that the protrusions 1704 may facilitate attachment of the panel 1206 (not shown). In some embodiments, the protrusion 1704 may be a molded protrusion integrally formed with the frame 602. According to some embodiments, the protrusion 1704 may be a protrusion fixed to the frame 602. In some embodiments, the protrusions 1704 may be serrated, and it will be appreciated that the serrated features of the protrusions 1704 may further improve the connection at the junction between the face plate 1206 and the frame 602.

As further shown in fig. 17A, some embodiments may include a bottom insert 116, as previously described. According to some embodiments, bottom insert 116 may be attached to the frame 602 prior to folding the frame 602. In some embodiments, the bottom insert 116 may snap into place in the frame 602. In some embodiments, the bottom insert 116 may be press fit into one face of the frame 602. In an alternative embodiment, a flat plate may be attached to the frame 602 in place of the bottom insert 116 to form a container suitable for storage or transport (e.g., cigar, jewelry, etc.). In other embodiments, the bottom insert 116 may be integrally formed with the frame 602. The frame 602 may also include symmetrical top cover frame portions, or

edge connecting arms

1706a and 1706 b. For example, upon folding the frame 602, the symmetrical

top frame portions

1706a and 1706b may be joined to form the top surface 604, as discussed further herein.

Fig. 17B illustrates a partially assembled tamper-resistant case having a frame 602 (as shown in fig. 17A) including various living hinges 1702 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, the tamper-resistant case may include a panel 1206. In some embodiments, the slot may be a portion of the panel 1206 that is cut out or otherwise configured to receive a portion of the frame 602. According to some embodiments, and as understood by those skilled in the art, the slots may be formed in the manner of mortise and tenon joints, or in any other suitable configuration that will permit connection between the face plate 1206 and the frame 602.

In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, the bottom of the frame 602 may include a guide protrusion 1708, and the guide protrusion 1708 may be a molded protrusion integrally formed with the frame 602 or a protrusion secured to the frame 602. It will be appreciated that the guide boss 1708 may provide a locating feature where the display panel 1206 will be attached to the frame 602. In some embodiments, and as shown in the figures, the panel 1206 may be placed within the frame 602 by inserting the panel 1206 flush with the guide boss 1708. In some embodiments, the guide tabs 1708 may penetrate through a bottom slot of the face plate 1206, allowing the face plate 1206 to be attached to the bottom of the frame 602.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 17B, frame 602 may have living hinges 1702 disposed on both sides of the bottom insert 116. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the living hinges 1702 may allow the sides of the frame 602 to fold upward toward the panel 1206. The side edges of the panel 1206 may be attached to the frame 602 in a manner similar to the attachment to the bottom edge of the panel 1206 as discussed above. For example, the side edges of the face plate 1206 may have one or more slots (not shown), and the frame 602 may have one or more protrusions 1704 corresponding to the one or more slots. Thus, when the living hinge frame is folded about the living hinge 1702, one or more protrusions on the frame 602 may contact or engage the one or more slots on the side edge of the panel 1206 similar to the manner in which the protrusions 1704 contact or engage the side edge of the panel 1206. Accordingly, in such embodiments and as can be appreciated, the panels 1206 may be attached to the frame 602 at the bottom and side portions without the use of nails, glue, or other adhesives. While the disclosed subject matter has been described in terms of the particular arrangement of living hinge 1702, it should be understood that the locations described and illustrated herein provide only exemplary shapes for the final tamper-resistant case. Accordingly, other locations may be considered in order to achieve the desired size and shape of the tamper-evident case.

Fig. 17C illustrates a tamper-resistant case having a frame 602 of rectangular configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention. Once the frame is in a rectangular configuration, a top insert 102 as described herein may be lowered into a box (not shown in the figures) at the top of the bottle. The symmetrical top

cover frame portions

1706a and 1706b may remain open to allow the top insert 102 to be lowered into the tamper-evident case. In some embodiments, a top panel 1206 may be lowered on top of the top insert 102. In some embodiments, and as described above, a security seal 1502 may be placed on top of the top panel 1206 to prevent tampering. In other embodiments, and as described below, the symmetrical

top frame portions

1706a and 1706b may be closed to prevent removal of the top plate 1206 (with or without a security seal 1502).

Fig. 17D illustrates further assembly of a tamper-resistant case having a frame 602 including various living hinges 1702, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As previously described, in some embodiments, upon folding the frame 602, symmetrical

top frame portions

1706a and 1706b may be joined to form the top surface 604 of the frame 602. In such embodiments, the

top frame portions

1706a and 1706b may be attached to the frame 602 by a living hinge 1702 disposed at one end of the

top frame portions

1706a and 1706 b. For example, the living hinge 1702 may allow the frame 602 to fold at the edge of each of the

top frame portions

1706a and 1706b such that the

top frame portions

1706a and 1706b may fold toward each other to connect and form the top surface of the frame 602. In some embodiments, the top edges of the side panels 1625 may have one or more slots (not shown), and the top

cover frame portions

1706a and 1706b may include one or more protrusions 1704 corresponding to the one or more slots. According to such an embodiment, for example, when the living hinge frame is folded about the living hinge 1702, one or more protrusions 1704 on the top frame portions 1706a and 1706B can contact or be received by one or more slots of the top edge of the panel 1206, in a manner as previously discussed with respect to fig. 17A and 17B.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the top

cap frame portions

1706a and 1706b can each include a male fastener or locking feature 1710a and one female fastener or locking feature 1710 b. Thus, after the frame 602 has been folded, the male fasteners 1710a can lock with the female fasteners 1710b, forming the top surface of the frame 602, and locking the frame 602 in place. It will be appreciated that the locking feature provided by the male and

female fasteners

1710a, 1710b allows the frame to be locked without damaging the frame 602. In some embodiments, once the frame 602 is fully assembled, the male and

female fasteners

1710a, 1710b are inaccessible. According to some embodiments, the male and

female fasteners

1710a, 1710b may be snap-tap fasteners, although other types of suitable fasteners may be used. According to some embodiments, once the male and

female fasteners

1710a, 1710b have closed the top

cover frame portions

1706a and 1706b, the top of the frame 602 is permanently sealed. In these embodiments, the bottles within the tamper-resistant case may be removed by the method described above alone, which includes pulling on the protrusions and removing the removable portion of the elongate channel bottle holder.

Aspects of the present invention are also provided by the following numbered clauses:

1. a method of securing a bottle comprising:

providing a top insert, said top insert comprising:

a base layer comprising a plurality of elongated bottle holders, each of said elongated bottle holders comprising:

an interior channel having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to receive a neck of a bottle;

a peripheral surface surrounding said interior channel;

a protrusion connected to a removable portion of the peripheral surface, wherein the removable portion of the peripheral surface is configured to be removed when the protrusion is pulled; and

a top layer comprising a plurality of securing platforms configured to contact a top of the bottle, wherein the top layer is configured to fold from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is substantially horizontal with the bottom layer, and wherein the second position is proximate to the second end of the internal passage;

inserting the neck of the bottle into the first end of the interior channel of at least one elongated bottle rack;

folding the top layer from the first position to the second position such that at least one of the plurality of securing platforms contacts the top of the bottle.

2. The method of securing a bottle of clause 1, further comprising:

providing a bottom insert comprising a plurality of cups configured to receive a heel of the bottle; and

inserting the heel of the bottle into at least one cup of the plurality of cups.

3. The method of securing a bottle of clause 2, further comprising:

providing a frame having a top surface, a bottom surface, and four substantially horizontal side surfaces;

placing the bottom insert adjacent the bottom surface; and

placing the top insert adjacent the top surface.

4. The method of securing a bottle according to clause 3, further comprising:

placing a top plate adjacent to the top surface; and

securing the bottle, the top insert, and the bottom insert within the frame.

5. The method of securing a bottle of clause 4, further comprising:

pulling the protrusion;

removing the removable portion of the peripheral surface to form an opening in the peripheral surface;

pulling the neck of the bottle out of the opening of the peripheral surface; and

removing the bottle from the frame.

6. The method of securing a bottle according to any of clauses 1-5, wherein the peripheral surface has a truncated cone shape, and wherein the protrusion is configured to remove the removable portion of the truncated cone shape.

7. The method of securing a bottle according to any of clauses 1-5, wherein the removable portion of the peripheral surface is planar.

8. The method of securing a bottle according to any of clauses 1-5, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral surface has a truncated cone shape, and wherein the removable portion of the peripheral surface is planar.

9. A method of removing bottles from a tamper-evident case, comprising:

receiving a box, the box comprising:

a top insert, said top insert comprising an elongated bottle rack, said elongated bottle rack comprising:

an internal channel configured to receive a neck of a bottle;

a peripheral surface surrounding said interior channel; and

a protrusion connected to a removable portion of the peripheral surface, wherein

The removable portion of the peripheral surface is configured to be removed when the protrusion is pulled; and

a bottle comprising a neck, wherein the neck is disposed within the internal passageway of the top insert;

pulling the protrusion;

pulling said neck out of said opening of said peripheral surface; and

removing the bottle from the frame.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the specification and drawings provide examples of the embodiments contemplated. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting to the claims.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this application is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims set forth herein. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the patent office and the public generally, and especially those skilled in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a simple inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the present application. The abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application nor limit the scope of the claims in any way. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tamper-resistant bottle case, comprising:

a frame having a top surface, a bottom surface, and four substantially horizontal side surfaces;

a top insert disposed adjacent to the top surface and comprising:

a plurality of elongated bottle holders, each elongated bottle holder comprising:

an internal channel configured to receive a neck of a bottle;

a peripheral surface surrounding said interior channel; and

a bottom insert disposed proximate the bottom surface, the bottom insert including a plurality of cups configured to receive a heel of the bottle.

2. The tamper-resistant bottle case of claim 1, wherein the peripheral surface has a frustoconical shape, and wherein the protrusion is configured to remove a removable portion of the frustoconical shape.

3. The tamper-resistant bottle case of claim 1 wherein the removable portion of the peripheral surface is planar.

4. The tamper-resistant bottle case of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the peripheral surface has a frustoconical shape, and wherein the removable portion of the peripheral surface is planar.

5. The tamper-resistant bottle box of claim 1, wherein the interior channel of each elongated bottle holder comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to receive the neck of the bottle, and wherein the second end comprises a securing platform configured to contact a top of the bottle.

6. The tamper-resistant bottle case of claim 1 wherein:

said top surface adapted to receive a top plate;

said bottom surface adapted to receive a bottom plate;

each of the four substantially horizontal sides is adapted to receive one side panel; and

the tamper-resistant bottle case further comprises:

a top plate;

a base plate; and

four side plates.

7. The tamper-resistant bottle case of claim 6 wherein at least one of the four side panels is transparent.

8. The tamper-resistant bottle box of claim 1, wherein the top insert and the bottom insert comprise at least one of pulp or cardboard.

9. A tamper-resistant bottle case as recited in claim 1, wherein the top insert and the bottom insert comprise a plastic material.

10. A tamper-resistant bottle case comprising:

a top insert configured such that the top insert can be folded from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first configuration being a substantially horizontal configuration and the second configuration being configured proximate the top surface, wherein the top insert comprises:

a plurality of elongated bottle holders, wherein each of said elongated bottle holders comprises:

an internal channel configured to receive a neck of a bottle;

a peripheral surface surrounding said interior channel; and

a bottom insert disposed proximate the bottom surface, the bottom insert including a plurality of cups configured to receive a heel of a bottle.

11. A tamper-resistant bottle case as in claim 10, wherein the peripheral surface has a truncated cone shape, and wherein the protrusion is configured to remove the removable portion of the truncated cone shape.

12. A tamper-resistant bottle case as recited in claim 10, wherein the removable portion of the peripheral surface is planar.

13. A tamper-evident bottle case as recited in claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral surface has a frustoconical shape, and wherein the removable portion of the peripheral surface is planar.

14. A tamper-resistant bottle box as recited in claim 10, wherein the interior channel of each elongated bottle holder includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to receive the neck of the bottle, and wherein the second end includes a securement platform configured to contact a top of the bottle.

15. The tamper-resistant bottle case of claim 10 wherein:

said top surface adapted to receive a top plate;

said bottom surface adapted to receive a bottom plate;

the tamper-resistant bottle case further comprises:

a top plate;

a base plate; and

four side plates.

16. A tamper-evident bottle case as recited in claim 15, wherein at least one of the four side panels is transparent.

17. The tamper-resistant bottle case of claim 10 wherein:

said interior channel of each of said plurality of elongated bottle holders comprises a first end and a second end;

the first end is configured to receive the neck of the bottle;

the top insert further comprising a flange, the flange comprising a plurality of securing platforms;

the plurality of fixed platforms, when in the first configuration, are substantially horizontal to the plurality of elongated bottle racks; and

the plurality of fixed platforms, when in the second configuration, are proximate to the second ends of the plurality of elongated bottle racks.

18. A tamper-resistant insert for a bottle container, comprising:

a peripheral surface surrounding said interior channel;

a top layer comprising a plurality of securing platforms configured to contact the tops of the bottles;

wherein the tamper-evident insert is configured such that the insert is foldable from a first configuration to a second configuration,

wherein in the first configuration the bottom layer is substantially horizontal to the top layer and

wherein, in the second configuration, the plurality of securing platforms are proximate the second end of the interior channel of the plurality of elongated bottle racks.

19. A tamper-resistant insert as recited in claim 18, wherein the peripheral surface has a truncated cone shape, and wherein the protrusion is configured to remove the removable portion of the truncated cone shape.

20. A tamper-resistant insert as recited in claim 18, wherein the removable portion of the peripheral surface is planar.