GB2407308A

GB2407308A - Sharps safety mail packet

Info

Publication number: GB2407308A
Application number: GB0302793A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ronald George Hazelwood
Original assignee: UK VENDING Ltd
Current assignee: UK VENDING Ltd
Priority date: 2003-02-07
Filing date: 2003-02-07
Publication date: 2005-04-27
Also published as: GB0302793D0

Abstract

This is a specially designed packet/envelope for the handling of sharp objects which may be placed within and mailed and safely handled by the public and postal services throughout the world. The envelope may have a tongue-and-slot closure 1,3. Sealing is made positive so that access is not possible without serious damage to the packet and tamper evidence plainly apparent. The envelope may be made of polypropylene.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

TECHNICAL

1.1 This invention relates to a packet/envelope which has been assigned the title of 'So'.

1.2 The device has been designed to be safely handled by accepted parameters demanded to resist penetration by sharp objects among its contents by: a) Royal Mail.

b) Any other national or international mailing authority or carrier.

c) Mail sorting machinery.

d) Mail delivery sta,, handling.

1.2 The device has been specially designed to be supplied to users from vending machines although distribution may be obtained by any other means including simple 'over the counter' methods.

Background

2.1 Since the advent of terrorist attacks in the United States on 11thSeptember 2001, travel throughout the world has been a sensitive matter forcing a need to reduce the risk of further smacks by passenger traffic carrying weapons capable of inflicting injury or death.

2.2 Incidents of terrorist attacks have been a.,ernpted since. This has led travel operators, companies and organizations to take strict precautions to limit passenger traffic from boarding aircraft and other transport means carrying weapons or articles which may be used as weapons.

2.3 Where there has been likely perceived passenger traffic opportunities for such attacks on the general public, travel authorities have installed measures and special machinery to detect and identity weapons and or objects ilkely to be used as weapons. These may indude x-ray machines and instruments, magnetic walk through circuits to detect metal objects and physical examination of travellers.

2.4 Precautions as set out in 2.3 above have been largely successful in deterring many attempts at violation which has given the travailing public more peace of mind when considering world travel. Where weapons have been identified security staff have apprehended individuals for policing authorities to take matters further and, appropriate, through the courts of justice.

2.5 It is very well and internationally understood that dangers to the travailing public arise from a very small number of dissident groups or individuals which wish to further their cause through extreme and violent measures with no care or co,siderabon for innocent people or, in some cases, themselves in suicide attacks. This has led to the level of security which has to be faced by the majority of travelers.

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2.6 The level of strictness in passenger searches has resulted in the innocent public often having articles in hand luggage confiscated. What may seem to the passenger an innocent article for persor;al use whist travelling will be subject to the strict demands OT travel operators and the articlefs conrsca.ed and disposed of by the travel operator. Any amount OT public objection is generally ignored with a possible refusal to allow the passenger to travel.

2.7 Where the general travailing public has fallen foul of such security scrutiny, UK Vending Limited has sought and succeeded in designing a means of purchasing a 'Se,eard' packetlenveiope through vending means to pack forbidden objects and address to themselves at home or office.rcr collection on their return from travels.

2.7 S.=a_E=.rd' packetlenvelopes are supplied complete with add.ssing labels and pcstace stamped for immediate use affording minimum of inconvenience.

Claims

Claims 3.1 This invention is depicted in the attached drawing No. UKV/000.

The device is shown in a single profile view which describes its form.

3.
2 The shape of the device in this case has been sized to suit simple vending operations but this may be changed to suit any means of handling or vending.

3.3 The material adopted for the manufacture of this oevice is plastic being of white o00aram textured polypropylene but a different colour or material may be used providing it meets the parameters and criteria demanded by postal authorities in its safe handling and sorting machinery operations.

3.4 The device is cut from formed polypropylene sheet by means of purposely designed and shaped cutters before being machine folded and formed prior to process.

3.5 To finish device, the external flaps along its length are glued with special compatible adhesive and pressed to seal the sides thus forming a pocket to accepted articles suitable for its size. Other means of sealing may be adopted including high frequency sonic welding.
3.6 With the device sealed as set out in 3 above, the packet/envelope may be mailed in the nominal way affording safety from penetration by any sharp article within its contents. The closure mechanism has been designed so as to provide tamper evidence should a+tem?T.s be nade TWO open by ar,y party other than the mailed recipient

3.S When obtained by the user, articles are placed inside the packet/envelope. The securing tongue (1) fray then be folded over towards the sealing aperture (3). T he securing tongue (1) may then be inserted into the sealing aperture (3) ensuring that entry is full and complete. At this point the locking shoulder (2) will engage within the sealing aperture (3) preventing re- opening of the packetlenvelope.