WO1996012659A1 - Tamper evident packaging - Google Patents

Tamper evident packaging Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1996012659A1
WO1996012659A1 PCT/GB1995/002470 GB9502470W WO9612659A1 WO 1996012659 A1 WO1996012659 A1 WO 1996012659A1 GB 9502470 W GB9502470 W GB 9502470W WO 9612659 A1 WO9612659 A1 WO 9612659A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
atmosphere
package according
surround
compartment
package
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1995/002470
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dawood Parker
Original Assignee
Jna Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jna Limited filed Critical Jna Limited
Publication of WO1996012659A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996012659A1/en

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
    • B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/02—Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
    • B65D55/026—Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure initial opening or unauthorised access being indicated by a visual change using indicators other than tearable means, e.g. change of colour, pattern or opacity
    • 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
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • 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
    • B65D2401/55—Tamper-indicating means based on a change or a contrast in colour

Definitions

  • the present invention is concerned with tamper evident packaging.
  • US 4813541 describes a tamperproof package comprising an outer container completely surrounding an inner container, the region between the containers comprising a selected atmosphere.
  • the package is further provided with a sensor responsive to a change in the gaseous composition of the selected atmosphere.
  • the tamperproof package is capable of indicating invasion of the selected atmosphere by a foreign gaseous medium, the package is not capable of providing a positive indication of undesirable gaseous penetration into the inner container.
  • a tamper evident package comprising:
  • first surround means arranged to provide an inner compartment containing a first atmosphere
  • second surround means arranged to provide an outer hermetically sealed compartment completely surrounding said inner compartment, said outer compartment containing a second atmosphere;
  • the first and second surround means preferably comprise first and second membranes impervious to the passage of gas therethrough.
  • the first and second membranes comprise metallised polyethylene.
  • the second surround membrane is preferably arranged as a sheath around the first surround membrane, so as to be suitable for maintaining the second atmosphere as a gaseous envelope surrounding the inner compartment.
  • the inner compartment which may, in some embodiments, be hermetically sealed, is typically dimensioned so as to be suitable for storing goods therein.
  • Preferred goods for storage within a package according to the present invention include documents, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, valuables, medical apparatus or the like.
  • the indicating means typically comprise at least one colo ⁇ met ⁇ c indicator, convertible from a first colour to a second, distinguishable, colour in response to a change in the second atmosphere in communication with the indicator.
  • the indicating means are typically provided in strip form within the outer compartment although it is envisaged that the indicating means may be provided as substantially at least one continuous surface coating provided on the respective surface or surfaces of the surround membranes.
  • the first atmosphere enclosed within the tamper evident package contains air
  • the second enclosed atmosphere consists essentially of a gas enriched with a finite volume of carbon dioxide
  • the second atmosphere may typically comprise a finite volume of air and hence a finite volume of carbon dioxide
  • the atmospheric change occurring within the outer compartment is due to ingress of a foreign gaseous medium into the outer compartment.
  • the foreign gaseous ingress into the outer compartment olves ingress of gas containing carbon dioxide.
  • the indicating means of a package according to the present invention, comprise a carbon dioxide sensitive colorimet ⁇ c dye which may be reversible or irreversible
  • the indicating means typically include a carbon dioxide sensitive colo ⁇ met ⁇ c dye, which is preferably capable of undergoing an irreversible colour change.
  • a suitable carbon dioxide sensitive dye in such an irreversible or reversible indicator includes an indicator material, being a salt of an indicator anion and a lipophilic organic quaternary cation.
  • the carbon dioxide sensitive indicating means typically comprises an intimate mixture of such an indicator material, a polymer vehicle and a plasticiser therefor.
  • Preferred indicator anions for the irreversible indicator include azo dyes and preferred quaternary cations include tetra-octyl ammonium and tricapryl methyl ammonium.
  • Typical polymer vehicles include polyvinyl butyral (typically of molecular weight about 36,000) and ethyl cellulose (46% ethoxyl content).
  • a preferred plasticiser is tris (2-ethyl- hexyl) phosphate.
  • a preferred indicator anion includes creosol purple and a preferred quaternary cation includes tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide.
  • a typical polymer vehicle includes ethyl cellulose.
  • a preferred plasticiser is tri-n-butyl phosphate.
  • the first atmosphere comprises air and the second atmosphere consists essentially of a gas, typically air, containing a finite volume of carbon dioxide.
  • the indicator strip is permeable to allow free diffusion of gas molecules between the film and the gas phase.
  • the indicating means is capable of absorbing a finite volume of carbon dioxide without any corresponding colour change in the indicator.
  • the finite volume of carbon dioxide contained in the outer compartment is below the carbon dioxide critical capacity of the indicating means to effect a colour change.
  • the outer membrane When the package is breached, the outer membrane allows an influx of air leading to a change in the atmosphere in the outer compartment and a resulting colour change in the indicating means due to interaction of the indicator with increased levels of carbon dioxide in the inflowing air. There is no substantial change in the atmosphere in the inner compartment. The increased volume of carbon dioxide in the outer compartment resulting from the ingress of air, exceeds the critical capacity of the indicating means to carbon dioxide and results in an irreversible colour change in the indicator. In the case where the first atmosphere is breached by a syringe or the like, the ingress of air (and hence carbon dioxide) to the second atmosphere from the inner compartment, leads to a colour change in the indicator as previously described. Thus advantageously both tampering by manual opening of the package such as opening or tearing of the package and by injection or the like, may be easily identified.
  • a tamper evident package substantially as hereinbefore described, which package is arranged to contain materials, such as documents, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, medical apparatus or the like. age materials are typically located within the inner compartment of the tamper evident package. Typically, the package provides a sealed plastics bag or sachet for enclosing the storage materials.
  • a method of providing an article with a tamper evident covering comprises arranging first and second surround means of a package substantially as hereinbefore described so as to envelope said article within said inner compartment of said package, and respectively providing said inner and outer compartments with first and second atmospheres.
  • the first surround means is initially arranged to enclose the article within a selected atmosphere, typically a carbon dioxide containing atmosphere, such as air; the first surround means being arranged to provide an inner compartment and being capable of precluding ingression or egression of gas relative to the inner compartment.
  • a selected atmosphere typically a carbon dioxide containing atmosphere, such as air
  • the second surround means are then typically arranged to surround the above described sealed inner compartment, such that the second surround means maintains the second atmosphere as a gaseous envelope surrounding the inner compartment.
  • the second surround means is arranged to provide a hermetically sealed outer compartment, which is capable of precluding gaseous ingression or egression relative to the outer compartment as desc ⁇ bed with respect to the surround means.
  • the method further comprises arranging indicating means such that a visual indication of a change in the gaseous composition of the atmospheres of the respective compartment can be provided by the indicating means.
  • a transparent or translucent window is provided on the outer sealing membrane.
  • the indicating means typically comprise indicator dyes, advantageously provided as strip materials or surface coatings on respective surfaces of the surround means.
  • a method of providing an indication of package tampering comprises providing a package substantially as hereinbefore described and monitoring any visual change of said indicating means in response to a change of the gaseous composition of either said first or second atmospheres.
  • the package is preferably arranged to contain storage material within the inner compartment thereof.
  • a tamper-evident package comprising an inner membrane 2, an outer membrane 3, and inner and outer compartments 4, 5 respectively.
  • Compartment 4 is suitably dimensioned for receiving stored items 6 therein.
  • Adhesive seal 9 secures the flap 10 of the package securely to the outer surface of the outer membrane 3.
  • the adhesive bond between the flap 10 and the outer membrane 3 is such that any attempt to open the flap 10 results in a tear in the outer membrane 3, typically of metallised vinyl plastics.
  • Compartment 5 is of relatively smaller dimensions than compartment 4, so as to be suitable for maintaining a gaseous film surrounding compartment 4.
  • Indicator dye strip 7 is arranged within compartment 5, and is capable of providing an indication of a change in the atmosphere within the outer compartment 4. Indicator 7 is sensitive to the presence of carbon dioxide.
  • Compartment 4 contains air and compartment 5 contains a finite volume of air and thus a finite volume of carbon dioxide.
  • Strip 7 is initially blue as it is arranged in contact with the atmosphere of air within compartment 5. Ingress of air into compartment 5 can effect conversion of strip 7 from blue to red, as a result of reaction of the dye of strip 7 with carbon dioxide within the air. Indicator strip 7 is permeable allowing the free diffusion of gas molecules between the strip 7 and the atmosphere in compartment 5. Any carbon dioxide molecules entering the strip 7 react irreversibly with hydroxyl ions in the strip 7 and remains trapped in the form of carbonate ions.
  • the strip 7 will absorb a finite volume of carbon dioxide while exhibiting no visible colour change, but once the critical capacity of the strip 7 to carbon dioxide has been exceeded a rapid colour change occurs.
  • the capacity of the strip 7 depends on its physical dimensions (volume) and the concentration of the incorporated hydroxide base.
  • Membranes 2 and 3 typically comprise sheeting impervious to the passage of gas therethrough, and are therefore capable of maintaining the atmosphere of compartment 5 as an isolated gaseous medium.
  • Window 8 on the outer membrane 3 is transparent for allowing the colour of the indicator strip 7 to be viewed.
  • strip 7 On breach of membranes 2, 3 in the presence of air, strip 7 turns red due to ingress of air (and hence carbon dioxide) into compartment 5. Thus, the volume of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or from the inner compartment 4, will additionally be absorbed by the indicator strip 7. The change is irreversible and thus records evidence of tampering.
  • the strip 7 may be reversible and yellow in colour when exposed to the limited carbon dioxide in the outer compartment 5. On exposure to increased levels of carbon dioxide above 1 % the strip 7 turns from yellow to blue, and back again to yellow when the level of carbon dioxide is once again reduced to 1 % in outer compartment 5.
  • the metallised foil of membranes 2 and 3 has a very low permeability to carbon dioxide.
  • the limitation of diffusion of carbon dioxide results in a long shelf life.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

A tamper evident package comprises an inner membrane (2) defining an inner compartment (4), containing a first atmosphere of air, and an outer membrane (3) defining an outer compartment (5) surrounding the inner compartment, and containing a second atmosphere containing carbon dioxide. An atmospherically sensitive indicator strip (7) is arranged within outer compartment (5) and is capable of providing an indication of a change in the first and second atmospheres.

Description

Tamper Evident Packaging
The present invention is concerned with tamper evident packaging.
Several forms of tamper evident packaging and sealing means capable of providing an indication that the packaging or sealing means have been tampered with are known.
For example, US 4813541 describes a tamperproof package comprising an outer container completely surrounding an inner container, the region between the containers comprising a selected atmosphere. The package is further provided with a sensor responsive to a change in the gaseous composition of the selected atmosphere. Although the tamperproof package is capable of indicating invasion of the selected atmosphere by a foreign gaseous medium, the package is not capable of providing a positive indication of undesirable gaseous penetration into the inner container.
I have now developed a tamper evident packaging which helps to alleviate the above problem.
According to the present invention, there is provided a tamper evident package comprising:
(a) first surround means arranged to provide an inner compartment containing a first atmosphere;
(b) second surround means arranged to provide an outer hermetically sealed compartment completely surrounding said inner compartment, said outer compartment containing a second atmosphere; and
(c) atmospherically sensitive indicating means arranged in contact with said second atmosphere, such that a visual indication of a change in the gaseous composition of either said first atmosphere or said second atmosphere can be provided by said indicating means located in said outer compartment.
The first and second surround means preferably comprise first and second membranes impervious to the passage of gas therethrough. Preferably the first and second membranes comprise metallised polyethylene. Advantageously, there is provided a transparent or translucent window in the outer membrane behind which the indicating means can be viewed.
The second surround membrane is preferably arranged as a sheath around the first surround membrane, so as to be suitable for maintaining the second atmosphere as a gaseous envelope surrounding the inner compartment.
The inner compartment, which may, in some embodiments, be hermetically sealed, is typically dimensioned so as to be suitable for storing goods therein. Preferred goods for storage within a package according to the present invention include documents, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, valuables, medical apparatus or the like.
The indicating means typically comprise at least one coloπmetπc indicator, convertible from a first colour to a second, distinguishable, colour in response to a change in the second atmosphere in communication with the indicator. The indicating means are typically provided in strip form within the outer compartment although it is envisaged that the indicating means may be provided as substantially at least one continuous surface coating provided on the respective surface or surfaces of the surround membranes.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the first atmosphere enclosed within the tamper evident package contains air, and that the second enclosed atmosphere consists essentially of a gas enriched with a finite volume of carbon dioxide The second atmosphere may typically comprise a finite volume of air and hence a finite volume of carbon dioxide
Typically the atmospheric change occurring within the outer compartment is due to ingress of a foreign gaseous medium into the outer compartment. In the case of a package according to the present invention, the foreign gaseous ingress into the outer compartment
Figure imgf000004_0001
olves ingress of gas containing carbon dioxide.
It is further preferred that the indicating means, of a package according to the present invention, comprise a carbon dioxide sensitive colorimetπc dye which may be reversible or irreversible The indicating means typically include a carbon dioxide sensitive coloπmetπc dye, which is preferably capable of undergoing an irreversible colour change. A suitable carbon dioxide sensitive dye in such an irreversible or reversible indicator includes an indicator material, being a salt of an indicator anion and a lipophilic organic quaternary cation. The carbon dioxide sensitive indicating means typically comprises an intimate mixture of such an indicator material, a polymer vehicle and a plasticiser therefor.
Preferred indicator anions for the irreversible indicator, include azo dyes and preferred quaternary cations include tetra-octyl ammonium and tricapryl methyl ammonium. Typical polymer vehicles include polyvinyl butyral (typically of molecular weight about 36,000) and ethyl cellulose (46% ethoxyl content). A preferred plasticiser is tris (2-ethyl- hexyl) phosphate.
Alternatively, for the reversible indicator a preferred indicator anion includes creosol purple and a preferred quaternary cation includes tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide. A typical polymer vehicle includes ethyl cellulose. A preferred plasticiser is tri-n-butyl phosphate.
In a preferred embodiment, the first atmosphere comprises air and the second atmosphere consists essentially of a gas, typically air, containing a finite volume of carbon dioxide. Advantageously, the indicator strip is permeable to allow free diffusion of gas molecules between the film and the gas phase. The indicating means is capable of absorbing a finite volume of carbon dioxide without any corresponding colour change in the indicator. Advantageously, the finite volume of carbon dioxide contained in the outer compartment is below the carbon dioxide critical capacity of the indicating means to effect a colour change.
When the package is breached, the outer membrane allows an influx of air leading to a change in the atmosphere in the outer compartment and a resulting colour change in the indicating means due to interaction of the indicator with increased levels of carbon dioxide in the inflowing air. There is no substantial change in the atmosphere in the inner compartment. The increased volume of carbon dioxide in the outer compartment resulting from the ingress of air, exceeds the critical capacity of the indicating means to carbon dioxide and results in an irreversible colour change in the indicator. In the case where the first atmosphere is breached by a syringe or the like, the ingress of air (and hence carbon dioxide) to the second atmosphere from the inner compartment, leads to a colour change in the indicator as previously described. Thus advantageously both tampering by manual opening of the package such as opening or tearing of the package and by injection or the like, may be easily identified.
There is further provided by the present invention a tamper evident package substantially as hereinbefore described, which package is arranged to contain materials, such as documents, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, medical apparatus or the like. age materials are typically located within the inner compartment of the tamper evident package. Typically, the package provides a sealed plastics bag or sachet for enclosing the storage materials.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing an article with a tamper evident covering, which method comprises arranging first and second surround means of a package substantially as hereinbefore described so as to envelope said article within said inner compartment of said package, and respectively providing said inner and outer compartments with first and second atmospheres.
It is preferred that the first surround means is initially arranged to enclose the article within a selected atmosphere, typically a carbon dioxide containing atmosphere, such as air; the first surround means being arranged to provide an inner compartment and being capable of precluding ingression or egression of gas relative to the inner compartment.
The second surround means are then typically arranged to surround the above described sealed inner compartment, such that the second surround means maintains the second atmosphere as a gaseous envelope surrounding the inner compartment. The second surround means is arranged to provide a hermetically sealed outer compartment, which is capable of precluding gaseous ingression or egression relative to the outer compartment as descπbed with respect to the
Figure imgf000006_0001
surround means.
The method further comprises arranging indicating means such that a visual indication of a change in the gaseous composition of the atmospheres of the respective compartment can be provided by the indicating means. Preferably a transparent or translucent window is provided on the outer sealing membrane. The indicating means typically comprise indicator dyes, advantageously provided as strip materials or surface coatings on respective surfaces of the surround means.
According to yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing an indication of package tampering, which method comprises providing a package substantially as hereinbefore described and monitoring any visual change of said indicating means in response to a change of the gaseous composition of either said first or second atmospheres.
The package is preferably arranged to contain storage material within the inner compartment thereof.
The present invention will now be further illustrated by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing in which the sole drawing is a plan view of a tamper evident package according to the invention.
Referring to the drawing, there is shown a tamper-evident package 1, comprising an inner membrane 2, an outer membrane 3, and inner and outer compartments 4, 5 respectively.
Compartment 4 is suitably dimensioned for receiving stored items 6 therein. Adhesive seal 9 secures the flap 10 of the package securely to the outer surface of the outer membrane 3. The adhesive bond between the flap 10 and the outer membrane 3 is such that any attempt to open the flap 10 results in a tear in the outer membrane 3, typically of metallised vinyl plastics. Compartment 5 is of relatively smaller dimensions than compartment 4, so as to be suitable for maintaining a gaseous film surrounding compartment 4.
Indicator dye strip 7 is arranged within compartment 5, and is capable of providing an indication of a change in the atmosphere within the outer compartment 4. Indicator 7 is sensitive to the presence of carbon dioxide.
Compartment 4 contains air and compartment 5 contains a finite volume of air and thus a finite volume of carbon dioxide.
Strip 7 is initially blue as it is arranged in contact with the atmosphere of air within compartment 5. Ingress of air into compartment 5 can effect conversion of strip 7 from blue to red, as a result of reaction of the dye of strip 7 with carbon dioxide within the air. Indicator strip 7 is permeable allowing the free diffusion of gas molecules between the strip 7 and the atmosphere in compartment 5. Any carbon dioxide molecules entering the strip 7 react irreversibly with hydroxyl ions in the strip 7 and remains trapped in the form of carbonate ions.
CO, + 20H- → C03 2- + H2O This process continues until the hydroxyl content of the strip 7 has been fully depleted. Subsequently, any further carbon dioxide entering the strip 7 reacts with the dye anion producing a colour change.
2 Dye' + CO: + H20 → 2 DyeΗ + C03 2"
Therefore, the strip 7 will absorb a finite volume of carbon dioxide while exhibiting no visible colour change, but once the critical capacity of the strip 7 to carbon dioxide has been exceeded a rapid colour change occurs. The capacity of the strip 7 depends on its physical dimensions (volume) and the concentration of the incorporated hydroxide base.
Membranes 2 and 3 typically comprise sheeting impervious to the passage of gas therethrough, and are therefore capable of maintaining the atmosphere of compartment 5 as an isolated gaseous medium. Window 8 on the outer membrane 3 is transparent for allowing the colour of the indicator strip 7 to be viewed.
On breach of membranes 2, 3 in the presence of air, strip 7 turns red due to ingress of air (and hence carbon dioxide) into compartment 5. Thus, the volume of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or from the inner compartment 4, will additionally be absorbed by the indicator strip 7. The change is irreversible and thus records evidence of tampering.
Alternatively, the strip 7 may be reversible and yellow in colour when exposed to the limited carbon dioxide in the outer compartment 5. On exposure to increased levels of carbon dioxide above 1 % the strip 7 turns from yellow to blue, and back again to yellow when the level of carbon dioxide is once again reduced to 1 % in outer compartment 5.
The metallised foil of membranes 2 and 3 has a very low permeability to carbon dioxide. The limitation of diffusion of carbon dioxide results in a long shelf life.

Claims

CLAEVIS:
1. A tamper evident package comprising:
(a) first surround means arranged to provide an inner compartment containing a first atmosphere;
(b) second surround means arranged to provide an outer hermetically sealed compartment completely surrounding said inner compartment, said outer compartment containing a second atmosphere; and
(c) atmospherically sensitive indicating means arranged in contact with said second atmosphere, such that a visual indication of a change in the gaseous composition of either said first atmosphere or said second atmosphere can be provided by said indicating means located in said outer compartment.
2. A package according to claim 1, wherein said first and second surround means comprise respective membranes impervious to the passage of gas therethrough.
3. A package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said membranes each comprise metallised polyethylene.
4. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein said outer membrane has a transparent or translucent window through which the indicating means can be viewed.
5. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein said second surround means comprises a sheath around said first surround means.
6. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein said inner compartment is hermetically sealed.
7. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein said indicating means comprise at least one colorimetric indicator, convertible from a first colour to a second, distinguishable, colour in response to a change in said second atmosphere in communication with said indicator.
8. A package according to claim 7, wherein said indicating means is in strip form within said outer compartment.
9. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein said indicating means comprises at least one substantially continuous surface coating provided on the respective surface or surfaces of said surround means.
10. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein said first atmosphere contains air, and said second atmosphere consists of a gas containing carbon dioxide in a greater proportion than in said air.
11. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein said indicating means comprises a carbon dioxide sensitive colorimetric dye.
12. A package according to any of claim 11, wherein said indicating means comprises an intimate mixture of said dye, a polymer vehicle and a plasticiser therefor.
13. A package according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said dye is a salt of an indicator anion and a lipophilic organic quaternary cation.
14. A package according to claim 13, wherein said dye comprises an irreversible azo dye.
15. A package according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said dye is irreversible and said quaternary cation is tetra-octyl ammonium or tricapryl methyl ammonium.
16. A package according to claims 13 or 14, wherein said dye is reversible and said indicator comprises cresol purple.
17. A method of providing an article with a tamper evident covering, which method comprises arranging first and second surround means of a package according to any of claims 1 to 16 so as to envelope said article within said inner compartment of said package, and respectively providing said inner and outer compartments with first and second atmospheres.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said first surround means is initially arranged to enclose said article within a selected atmosphere, said first surround means being arranged to provide an inner compartment and being capable of precluding ingression or egression of gas relative to said inner compartment.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein said selected atmosphere is a carbon dioxide containing atmosphere.
20. A method according to claim 19 wherein said atmosphere is air.
21. A method according any of claims 17 to 20, wherein said second surround means is arranged to surround said sealed inner compartment, such that said second surround means maintains said second atmosphere as a gaseous envelope surrounding said inner compartment.
22. A method according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein said second surround means is arranged to provide a hermetically sealed outer compartment which is capable of precluding gaseous ingression or egression into or from said outer compartment.
23. A method according to any preceding claim which further comprises arranging indicating means providing a visual indication of a change in the gaseous composition of the atmospheres of the respective compartments.
24. A method according to any of claims 17 to 23, wherein said outer sealing membrane has a transparent or translucent window.
25. A method according to any of claims 17 to 24, wherein each of said indicating means comprises an indicator dye material, provided as a strip material or surface coating on a respective surface of said surround means.
26. A method of providing an indication of package tampering, which method comprises providing a package according to claims 1 to 16, and monitoring any visual change of said indicating means in response to a change of the gaseous composition of either said first or second atmosphere.
PCT/GB1995/002470 1994-10-21 1995-10-19 Tamper evident packaging WO1996012659A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9421237A GB9421237D0 (en) 1994-10-21 1994-10-21 Tamper evident packaging
GB9421237.0 1994-10-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996012659A1 true WO1996012659A1 (en) 1996-05-02

Family

ID=10763185

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1995/002470 WO1996012659A1 (en) 1994-10-21 1995-10-19 Tamper evident packaging

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB9421237D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1996012659A1 (en)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19742240A1 (en) * 1997-09-25 1999-04-01 Euro Style Shop Systeme Gmbh Secondary packaging for tube container for e.g. food
DE19851569A1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2000-05-25 Armin Schwab Procedure for checking the condition of the gas filling in the insulating space of an insulating glass pane and insulating glass pane
FR2857990A1 (en) * 2003-07-25 2005-01-28 Oreal Cosmetic product packaging device, has chemical reactant on additional authentication unit, where detectable visual modification of reactant is caused when it is placed in contact with another reactant in authentication unit
WO2005014933A3 (en) * 2003-07-25 2005-04-14 Oreal Authenticatable cosmetic packaging device
WO2006031647A2 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-23 General Electric Company Medical article and method of making and using the same
WO2006123983A1 (en) * 2005-05-18 2006-11-23 Secure Logistics Sweden Ab A method and a device for detecting intrusion into or tempering with contents of an enclosure
WO2010146296A1 (en) 2009-06-18 2010-12-23 Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Bag with an integrated tamper indicator, method for making such a bag, and method for using same
WO2012042139A2 (en) 2010-09-30 2012-04-05 Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Detection of the integrity of a tight, closed, soft plastic pouch for receiving and protecting a product or a biopharmaceutical device
US10845265B2 (en) 2017-11-13 2020-11-24 Thanner A/S Gas indicator
DE102020118562A1 (en) 2020-07-14 2022-01-20 Aesculap Ag Sterile barrier system with defect indication
US11542080B2 (en) 2013-05-07 2023-01-03 BBB Holding Company Track and trace packaging and systems

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2252619A1 (en) * 1973-11-23 1975-06-20 Bio Medical Sciences Inc
EP0125107A1 (en) * 1983-05-04 1984-11-14 American Can Company A plural-layer packaging film, a method of making said film and a bag made therefrom
US4813541A (en) * 1986-07-23 1989-03-21 Velasco Edward R Tamperproof package and method
WO1990003632A1 (en) * 1988-09-19 1990-04-05 Margaret Pamela Richardson Tamper- or damage-indicating members
GB2235187A (en) * 1989-08-21 1991-02-27 Robert Peter Sunman Container
EP0627363A1 (en) * 1993-06-03 1994-12-07 Trigon Industries Limited A gas indicator for a food package

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2252619A1 (en) * 1973-11-23 1975-06-20 Bio Medical Sciences Inc
EP0125107A1 (en) * 1983-05-04 1984-11-14 American Can Company A plural-layer packaging film, a method of making said film and a bag made therefrom
US4813541A (en) * 1986-07-23 1989-03-21 Velasco Edward R Tamperproof package and method
WO1990003632A1 (en) * 1988-09-19 1990-04-05 Margaret Pamela Richardson Tamper- or damage-indicating members
GB2235187A (en) * 1989-08-21 1991-02-27 Robert Peter Sunman Container
EP0627363A1 (en) * 1993-06-03 1994-12-07 Trigon Industries Limited A gas indicator for a food package

Cited By (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19742240A1 (en) * 1997-09-25 1999-04-01 Euro Style Shop Systeme Gmbh Secondary packaging for tube container for e.g. food
DE19851569A1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2000-05-25 Armin Schwab Procedure for checking the condition of the gas filling in the insulating space of an insulating glass pane and insulating glass pane
DE19851569C2 (en) * 1998-11-09 2003-01-30 Armin Schwab Sensor for checking the condition of the gas filling in the insulating space of an insulating glass pane and insulating glass pane
US6555378B1 (en) 1998-11-09 2003-04-29 Armin Schwab Method for checking the state of the gas fill in the insulating cavity of an insulating glass pane, and insulating glass pane
US7546923B2 (en) 2003-07-25 2009-06-16 L'oreal Authenticatable cosmetic packaging device
WO2005014933A3 (en) * 2003-07-25 2005-04-14 Oreal Authenticatable cosmetic packaging device
FR2857990A1 (en) * 2003-07-25 2005-01-28 Oreal Cosmetic product packaging device, has chemical reactant on additional authentication unit, where detectable visual modification of reactant is caused when it is placed in contact with another reactant in authentication unit
WO2006031647A2 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-23 General Electric Company Medical article and method of making and using the same
WO2006031647A3 (en) * 2004-09-13 2007-06-21 Gen Electric Medical article and method of making and using the same
US7682696B2 (en) 2004-09-13 2010-03-23 Sabic Innovative Plastics Ip B.V. Medical article and method of making and using the same
WO2006123983A1 (en) * 2005-05-18 2006-11-23 Secure Logistics Sweden Ab A method and a device for detecting intrusion into or tempering with contents of an enclosure
AU2006248151B2 (en) * 2005-05-18 2011-03-17 Secure Logistics Sweden Ab A method and a device for detecting intrusion into or tampering with contents of an enclosure
US7659816B2 (en) 2005-05-18 2010-02-09 Secure Logistics Sweden Ab Method and a device for detecting intrusion into or tampering with contents of an enclosure
WO2010146296A1 (en) 2009-06-18 2010-12-23 Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Bag with an integrated tamper indicator, method for making such a bag, and method for using same
FR2946868A1 (en) * 2009-06-18 2010-12-24 Sartorius Stedim Biotech Sa DETECTION OF LOSS OF INTEGRITY OF A FLEXIBLE POCKET, OF NON-POROUS PLASTIC MATERIAL, CLOSED.
CN102482021A (en) * 2009-06-18 2012-05-30 赛多利斯生物技术公司 Bag with an integrated tamper indicator, method for making such a bag, and method for using same
US9139348B2 (en) 2009-06-18 2015-09-22 Sartorius Stedim Fmt Sas Pouch with incorporated loss of integrity indicator, method for making such a bag, and method for using same
US10112764B2 (en) 2009-06-18 2018-10-30 Sartorius Stedim Fmt Sas Pouch with incorporated loss of integrity indicator, method for making such a bag, and method for using same
WO2012042139A2 (en) 2010-09-30 2012-04-05 Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Detection of the integrity of a tight, closed, soft plastic pouch for receiving and protecting a product or a biopharmaceutical device
CN103282285A (en) * 2010-09-30 2013-09-04 赛多利斯斯泰迪姆生物技术公司 Detection of the integrity of a tight, closed, soft plastic pouch for receiving and protecting a product or a biopharmaceutical device
EP2662307A1 (en) 2010-09-30 2013-11-13 Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Detection of the integrity of a tight, closed, soft plastic pouch for receiving and protecting a biopharmaceutical product or a biopharmaceutical device.
US9005978B2 (en) 2010-09-30 2015-04-14 Sartorius Stedim Fmt Sas Detection of the integrity of a tight, closed, soft plastic pouch for receiving and protecting a product or a biopharmaceutical device
US11542080B2 (en) 2013-05-07 2023-01-03 BBB Holding Company Track and trace packaging and systems
US10845265B2 (en) 2017-11-13 2020-11-24 Thanner A/S Gas indicator
DE102020118562A1 (en) 2020-07-14 2022-01-20 Aesculap Ag Sterile barrier system with defect indication

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9421237D0 (en) 1994-12-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4098577A (en) Method and indicator for detecting the loss of integrity of a package
US5439648A (en) Gas indicator for a package
US5228573A (en) Pharmaceutical capsule and method of making
US5260023A (en) System and method for preserving acid-containing articles
US5928560A (en) Oxygen scavenger accelerator
WO1996012659A1 (en) Tamper evident packaging
JPH07149362A (en) Incorrect contact-indicating mechanism
US6325974B1 (en) Package for decayable foodstuffs
US7147799B2 (en) Methods of using an oxygen scavenger
US3463532A (en) Security seal
US20040050740A1 (en) Tamper evident packaging
WO2001044385A1 (en) Ink composition for detecting carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide indicator using the same, and package having carbon dioxide indicator therein
NZ199106A (en) System for absorbing oxygen
EP2994080B1 (en) Damage evident condom packaging
EP0328336A1 (en) Container closures and Materials for use in these
SG71688G (en) Oxygen-absorbing structures for protecting contents of containers from oxidation,containers embodying such structures and method of protecting oxidation-susceptible products
EP2077237A1 (en) Container having improved oxygen barier function
EP0936999B1 (en) Package for decayable foodstuffs
BG64946B1 (en) Method for the production of transparent flexible container, and container produced therewith
US5086642A (en) Test vessel device for testing an apparatus for measuring or detecting a gas
WO2009129998A1 (en) Device for measuring the time frame between a first opening and/or closing after filling a package and a predetermined later time, and the use thereof
JPH0126632Y2 (en)
JPS6022311Y2 (en) Abnormal temperature display device
JPH07190984A (en) Oxygen gas sensor package
JPS6317466Y2 (en)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): KE MW SD SZ UG

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)