Abstract:
Theft-resistant product package includes a front shell having a security pattern of thickened plastic areas or of cut-resistant strands on a plastic substrate and a back cover secured to and disposed relative to the front shell. An alternative theft-resistant product package includes an enclosed packaging structure having front and back surfaces spaced apart by at least one side wall around the perimeter of the front and back surfaces, and a plurality of indentations disposed in the at least one side wall. A process for manufacturing theft-resistant product packaging includes the steps of forming a theft-resistant security pattern of thickened plastic areas on a plastic substrate, shaping the plastic substrate to form a cavity, and securing the plastic substrate to a back cover.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to packaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to tamper resistant product packaging. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Product packaging is the science, art, and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Product packaging can be described as a coordinated system of preparing goods for transport, warehousing, logistics, sale, and end use. Product packaging contains, protects, preserves, transports, informs, and helps sell the product it contains. 
         [0003]    The first product packages used the natural materials available at the time including baskets of reeds, wooden boxes, pottery vases, ceramic amphorae, wooden barrels, and woven bags. Processed materials were used to form packages as they were developed. For example, early glass and bronze vessels. The earliest recorded use of paper for packaging dates back to 1035, when a Persian traveler visiting markets in Cairo noted that vegetables, spices and hardware were wrapped in paper for the customers after they were sold. Iron and tin plated steel were used to make cans in the early 19th century. Paperboard cartons and corrugated fiberboard boxes were first introduced in the late 19th century. Product packaging advancements in the early 20th century included Bakelite closures on bottles, transparent cellophane overwraps and panels on cartons, increased processing efficiency and improved food safety. As additional materials such as aluminum and several types of plastic were developed, they were incorporated into packages to improve performance and functionality. In-plant recycling has long been common for production of packaging materials. Now post-consumer recycling of aluminum and paper based products has been economical for many years. Since the 1980s, post-consumer recycling has increased due to curbside recycling, consumer awareness, and regulatory pressure. 
         [0004]    As of 2003, the packaging sector accounted for about two percent of the gross national product in developed countries. About half of this market was related to food packaging. Product packaging serves a multitude of purposes today. First, product packaging is physical protection as the objects enclosed in the package may require protection from, among other things, mechanical shock, vibration, electrostatic discharge, compression, and temperature. Second, product packaging may provide a barrier protection from oxygen, water vapor, and dust. Permeation is a critical factor in design. Some packages contain desiccants or oxygen absorbers to help extend shelf life. Modified atmospheres or controlled atmospheres are also maintained in some food packages. Keeping the contents clean, fresh, sterile and safe for the intended shelf life is a primary function. Product packaging may also aid in containment or agglomeration when small objects are typically grouped together in one package for reasons of efficiency. For example, a single box of 1000 pencils requires less physical handling than 1000 single pencils. Liquids, powders, and granular materials also need containment. Product packaging is also used for information transmission as packages and labels communicate how to use, transport, recycle, or dispose of the package or product. With pharmaceuticals, food, medical, and chemical products, some types of information are required by governments. Some packages and labels also are used for track and trace purposes. Product packaging is used for marketing as the packaging and labels can be used by marketers to encourage potential buyers to purchase the product. Product package graphic design and physical design have been important and constantly evolving phenomenon for several decades. Marketing communications and graphic design are applied to the surface of the package and (in many cases) the point of sale display. Product packaging is also for convenience as packages can have features that add convenience in distribution, handling, stacking, display, sale, opening, reclosing, use, dispensing, and reuse. Also, product packaging can be used for portion control as a single serving or single dosage packaging has a precise amount of contents to control usage. Bulk commodities (such as salt) can be divided into packages that are a more suitable size for individual households and also aids the control of inventory. 
         [0005]    One function of product packaging that most people don&#39;t realize is for security. Product packaging can play an important role in reducing the security risks of shipment. Packages can be made with improved tamper resistance to deter tampering and also can have tamper-evident features to help indicate tampering. Packages can be engineered to help reduce the risks of package pilferage. Some package constructions are more resistant to pilferage and some have pilfer-indicating seals. Packages may include authentication seals and use security printing to help indicate that the package and contents are not counterfeit. Packages also can include anti-theft devices, such as dye-packs, RFID tags, or electronic article surveillance tags that can be activated or detected by devices at exit points and require specialized tools to deactivate. Using product packaging in this way is a means of loss prevention. 
         [0006]    Unfortunately, theft of goods is quite prominent today despite the advances in product packaging and theft prevention techniques. Two particular packaging types are quite susceptible to theft; the clamshell and blister pack product packaging. Clamshells are generally comprised of a housing and a chamber for storing products and may be reusable or permanently sealed. Permanently sealed clamshells are generally formed from a clear plastic housing that is sealed together through radio frequency (RF), sonic vibrations or electrical resistance. As the housing is generally made from clear plastic, inserts made of cardboard and other materials are often inserted into the clamshell packaging to describe or label the goods. Blister packs typically have two layers of cardboard or stiff paper with a clear plastic housing on the other side. Between the clear plastic housing and the cardboard is the product. 
         [0007]    Many clamshell and blister packs have RFID tags embedded in the housing such that it is difficult to carry the product with the packaging out through the sensors at the entrance and exit of a storefront. Therefore, the thieves have simply removed the product from the packaging while still in the store. For instance, an area of high theft is in the knives department. With some retailers, they report to have stolen four knives for every one they legitimately sell. The thieves will grab the product off the shelves, relocate to a less noticeable spot and simply cut open the package to the remove the product. The thieves will literally use a knife, razor blade, or other cutting tool to slice open the clamshell and blister pack and then remove the product. 
         [0008]    To help deter pilfering, the clamshell thickness has increased to make it harder to penetrate. This also means the cost of the product packaging itself has gone up and the overall product is now more costly. The cost of the thicker product packaging and the stolen product is passed on to the consumer. Additionally, such thick plastic packaging is typically slippery, whereby a knife being used to open the package by penetrating the plastic clamshell can bounce or slip off the package and cut or otherwise wound the user. Many stores want to reduce the amount of wasted material in their product packaging, yet want to prevent or reduce the amount of pilfered goods. Rising oil prices also drives the cost of plastic packaging up. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, there is a need for a clamshell and blister pack design that reduces or eliminates the ability of a thief to quickly and easily slice open the product packaging to then steal the product located inside. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention is directed to theft-resistant product packaging. In certain embodiments, the packaging comprises a front shell and a back cover secured to one another by folding, bonding, gluing and/or stapling edges of the cover shell and backing shell together. The front shell may comprise a matrix of cut-resistant strands disposed within or adjacent to a plastic substrate. Alternatively, the front shell may comprise a security pattern of thickened plastic areas on top of or integral with the plastic substrate. The cover shell may be preformed with a recess conforming to a shape of the product. The back cover is disposed relative to the front shell so as to form a cavity configured to contain a product. The cavity may be pre-formed in either the cover shell or the back cover. Alternatively, the cavity may be created simply by the cover shell and/or back cover bending or bulging around the product contained therein. The back cover may comprise cardboard, wood, metal, plastic or a matrix of cut-resistant strands disposed within or adjacent to a plastic substrate. 
         [0011]    The cut-resistant strands may comprise metal, ceramic, glass, carbon fiber, fabric or fiber optic materials and may also include a hard, outer shell comprising a hardened adhesive, a powdered metal, or a ceramic material. The matrix may comprise a grid of cut-resistant strands overlayed, weaved, or twisted with respect to intersecting strands. The cut-resistant strands are disposed in the grid so as to form squares, rectangles, diamonds or parallelograms. The intersecting strands are welded, glued or bound at the points of intersection. The plastic substrate may comprise a laminate of thermoplastic or bio-film material formed around the matrix. The plastic substrate comprises first and second laminates of thermoplastic or bio-film material disposed on opposite sides of the matrix and formed around the matrix. 
         [0012]    A method for manufacturing the theft-resistant product packaging comprises the step of providing a matrix of cut-resistant strands. The matrix is adhered to a plastic substrate to form a theft-resistant material. A front shell is formed from the theft-resistant material and may include a cavity for holding a product therein. The front shell is secured to a back cover so as to enclose the product therebetween. 
         [0013]    The providing step includes orienting a first set of individual strands in a first direction and orienting a second set of individual strands in a second direction different from the first direction. A matrix is formed by overlaying, weaving, wefting and warping, or twisting the first and second sets of strands together. The first and second sets of wires are secured, welded, glued or bonded together. The first and second directions of the first and second sets of wires may be oriented perpendicularly to each other. 
         [0014]    The method may also comprise the step of coating the strands with a hard, outer shell comprising a hardened adhesive, a powdered metal, or a ceramic material. The adhesive is initially applied as a liquid or other soft form and is hardened by the end of the process. The adhering step may include the steps of applying a first laminate of thermoplastic or bio-film material to one side of the matrix, and heating the matrix and first laminate such that the first laminate softens such that it becomes pliable. The applying step may include applying a second laminate of thermoplastic or bio-film material to another side of the matrix. Once heated the matrix and first/second laminate(s) are pressed such that the first/second laminate(s) becomes formed around and bonded to the matrix. The matrix and first/second laminate(s) may also be cooled to fix the matrix and first/second laminate(s) together. 
         [0015]    The adhering step includes the steps of pulling the matrix across a surface, dispensing small pieces of thermoplastic or bio-film material over the matrix on the surface, heating the small pieces such that they soften or melt around the matrix, and rolling the matrix and heated small pieces such that they form the plastic substrate around the matrix. As above, the matrix and plastic substrate may be cooled to fix the matrix and plastic substrate together. 
         [0016]    The forming step includes the steps of shaping the theft-resistant material into a clamshell or blister pack, and preforming a recess in the front shell conformed to a shape of the product. The forming step also includes the step of forming an unobstructed area in the front shell that is devoid of the matrix. The back cover comprises cardboard, wood, metal, plastic or theft-resistant material. The securing step comprises folding, bonding, gluing and/or stapling edges of the front shell and back cover together. 
         [0017]    An alternative method of manufacturing theft-resistant product packaging comprises the steps of providing a plastic substrate, forming a theft-resistant material having a security pattern of thickened plastic areas on the plastic substrate, shaping a front shell from the theft-resistant material which may or may not include a cavity for holding a product therein, and securing the front shell to a back cover so as to enclose the product therebetween. The forming step may comprise the steps of dispensing pieces of thermoplastic or bio-film material over a surface of the plastic substrate. Those pieces of thermoplastic or bio-film material are then heated to their melting point. The heated pieces of thermoplastic or bio-film material on the plastic substrate are then impression rolled to form the security pattern of thickened plastic areas. The impression rolling may include feeding the plastic substrate and heated pieces of thermoplastic or bio-film material between a pair of impression rollers having at least one set of impression teeth with embossed or recessed portions. By these impression rollers, the security pattern is imprinted into the heated pieces of thermoplastic or bio-film material. The security pattern may also be created through extrusion, thermoforming or injection molding processes as described below. 
         [0018]    The security pattern may comprise a plurality of ridges interspersed with recesses or grooves interspersed with plateaus. The ridges or plateaus are preferably configured in square, rectangular, diamond, trapezoidal, triangular, circular and/or ringed shapes. Alternatively, the ridges or grooves may comprise a repetitive pattern of a symbol, design or logo as in a company trademark or other trade identity. The plurality of ridges interspersed with recesses or grooves interspersed with plateaus or the repetitive pattern may be inline or offset. A symbol, design or logo such as a company name or trade identity may be embossed on the recesses or plateaus. After the step of creating the security pattern, e.g., by impression rolling, extrusion, thermoforming, or injection molding, the heated pieces of thermoplastic or bio-film material may be cooled to fix them together and to the plastic substrate. An interior portion devoid of thickened plastic areas may be impressed on the plastic substrate. In this case, the formed theft-resistant material has the security pattern of thickened plastic areas only in a perimeter area of the theft-resistant material. 
         [0019]    Alternatively, a theft-resistant product package according to the present invention may include a front shell having a security pattern of cut-resistant strands disposed within or adjacent to a plastic substrate. In this embodiment, the cut-resistant strands are disposed generally side-by-side in a single plane and each strand is alternatingly, intermittently wound around adjacent strands. A back cover is secured to the front shell so as to form a cavity configured to contain a product. As before, the cavity may be pre-formed or may be created simply by the front shell and/or back cover bending or bulging around the product. The cut-resistant strands may comprise metal, ceramic, glass, carbon fiber or fabric materials. The cut-resistant strands preferably include a hard, outer shell comprising a hardened adhesive, a powdered metal, or a ceramic material. 
         [0020]    The plastic substrate preferably comprises a laminate of thermoplastic or bio-film material formed around the security pattern. The plastic substrate may comprise first and second laminates of thermoplastic or bio-film material disposed on opposite sides of the security pattern and formed around the security pattern. The front shell may be preformed with a recess conforming to a shape of the product. 
         [0021]    The back cover preferably comprises a cardboard, wood, metal, plastic, or a second security pattern of cut-resistant strands disposed within or adjacent to a second plastic substrate. The back cover may be secured to the front shell at its edges by a fold, a bond, glue or staples. A symbol, design or logo may be embossed on the plastic substrate in an open area of the security pattern. The front shell may have the security pattern along a perimeter area such that an interior portion of the front shell is devoid of the security pattern. 
         [0022]    In an alternate embodiment, the theft-resistant product packaging may be manufactured by providing a plastic substrate, heating the plastic substrate such that it may be impression molded, impression rolling the heated plastic substrate so as to form a security pattern of thickened plastic areas on the plastic substrate, shaping a front shell from the theft-resistant material which may include a cavity for holding a product therein, and securing the front shell to a back cover so as to enclose the product therebetween. Instead of impression rolling the heated plastic substrate, the plastic substrate may be formed using an extrusion, thermoforming, or injection molding process that simultaneously creates the security pattern of thickened plastic areas integral with the plastic substrate. In an extrusion process, the security pattern has thickened plastic areas running only in one direction, e.g., in the direction of extrusion. 
         [0023]    A theft-resistant product packaging may comprise an enclosed packaging structure made from thermoplastic material. The enclosed packaging structure has front and back surfaces spaced apart by at least one side wall around the perimeter of the front and back surfaces. A plurality of indentations are disposed in the at least one side wall, each of said plurality of indentations extending along the side wall from the front surface to the back surface. The enclosed packaging structure preferably has a generally round, square, rectangular, triangular or polygonal shape. The front surface of the enclosed packaging structure preferably has an open interior portion. In addition, the back surface of the enclosed packaging structure has an open interior portion having only thermoplastic material devoid of any blockages or obstructions. The enclosed packaging structure may be configured as two halves with a longitudinal line dividing the front and back surfaces in half. 
         [0024]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a simplified perspective view of an exemplary manufacturing process of a wire grid of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 1A  is an illustration of an alternate wire/strand grid of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention continued from  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2B  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an alternate exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention continued from  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention continued from either  FIG. 2A  or  2 B; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an alternate exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4A  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an alternate exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4B  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an alternate exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4C  is a close-up view of a portion of  FIG. 4B  designated by circle  4 C; 
           [0035]      FIG. 4D  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an alternate exemplary impression rolling manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4E  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an alternate exemplary thermoforming manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 4F  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an alternate exemplary thermoforming manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 4G  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an alternate exemplary injection molding manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4H  is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an alternate exemplary spray fiber manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a side view illustration of the structure of  FIG. 2A  taken along line  5 - 5 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a side view illustration of the structure of  FIG. 2B  taken along line  6 - 6 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of the wire grid before and after the processing steps illustrated in  FIG. 2A  or  2 B; 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  is a close-up view of the wire grid of  FIG. 7  indicated by circle  8 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a wire mesh structure; 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a wire mesh structure; 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 9  indicated by circle  11  showing the wires welded; 
           [0047]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 9  indicated by circle  12  showing the wires overlapping; 
           [0048]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 10  indicated by circle  13  showing the wires welded; 
           [0049]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 10  indicated by circle  14  showing adjacent wires twisted and connected; 
           [0050]      FIG. 15  is a simplified perspective view of an exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 16  is a simplified perspective view of an alternate exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 17  is a simplified perspective view of another alternate exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 18  is a sectional view of the manufacturing process of  FIG. 15  taken along line  18 - 18 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the exemplary manufacturing process of  FIG. 15  taken along line  19 - 19 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 20  is a sectional view of the exemplary manufacturing process of  FIG. 16  taken along line  20 - 20 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 21  is a sectional view of the exemplary manufacturing process of  FIG. 16  taken along line  21 - 21 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 22  is a sectional view of the exemplary manufacturing process of  FIG. 17  taken along line  22 - 22 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 23  is a sectional view of the exemplary manufacturing process of  FIG. 17  taken along line  23 - 23 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a clam pack embodying the present invention about to package a product; 
           [0060]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the clam pack of  FIG. 24  now packaging a product; 
           [0061]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a clamshell mold embodying the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a clamshell embodying the present invention before it is folded; 
           [0063]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the clamshell of  FIG. 27  now folded about to package a product; 
           [0064]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the clamshell of  FIG. 27  now packaging a product; 
           [0065]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the structure of  FIG. 29  now resistant to cutting with a knife or razor; 
           [0066]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a clam pack alternate embodiment of the present invention about to package a product; 
           [0067]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the clam pack of  FIG. 31  now packaging a product; 
           [0068]      FIG. 33  is a simplified perspective view of another alternate exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention; 
           [0069]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a blister pack embodying the present invention about to package a product; 
           [0070]      FIG. 35  is a perspective view of the blister pack of  FIG. 34  now packaging a product 
           [0071]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the clam pack of  FIG. 24 ; 
           [0072]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the clam pack of  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0073]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the clamshell of  FIG. 28 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 39  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the clamshell of  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0075]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a circular clam pack embodying the present invention; 
           [0076]      FIG. 41  is a perspective view of an assembled circular clam pack embodying the present invention; 
           [0077]      FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of the circular clam pack of  FIG. 41  taken along line  42 - 42 ; 
           [0078]      FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of the circular clam pack of  FIG. 41  taken along line  43 - 43 ; 
           [0079]      FIG. 44  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the theft-proof product packaging material of the present invention; 
           [0080]      FIG. 45  is a cross-sectional view of the theft-proof product packaging material of  FIG. 44  taken along line  45 - 45 ; 
           [0081]      FIG. 45A  is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the theft-proof product packaging material of  FIG. 44  taken along line  45 - 45 ; 
           [0082]      FIG. 46  is a cross-sectional view of the theft-proof product packaging material of  FIG. 44  taken along line  46 - 46 ; 
           [0083]      FIG. 46A  is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the theft-proof product packaging material of  FIG. 44  taken along line  46 - 46 ; 
           [0084]      FIG. 47  is a top view of another alternate embodiment of the theft-proof product packaging material of the present invention; 
           [0085]      FIG. 47A  is a cross-sectional view of the theft-proof product packaging material of  FIG. 47  taken along line  47 A- 47 A; 
           [0086]      FIG. 48  is a top view of another alternate embodiment of the theft-proof product packaging material of the present invention; 
           [0087]      FIG. 48A  is a cross-sectional view of the theft-proof product packaging material of  FIG. 48  taken along line  48 A- 48 A; 
           [0088]      FIG. 49  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the theft-proof product packaging material having embossed rings; 
           [0089]      FIG. 50  is a cross-sectional view of the theft-proof product packaging material of  FIG. 49  taken along line  50 - 50 ; 
           [0090]      FIG. 51  is a perspective view of wire/strand matrix folded about to package a product and card insert; 
           [0091]      FIG. 52  is a perspective view of the wire/strand matrix of  FIG. 51  folded around the product and card insert; 
           [0092]      FIG. 53A  is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the wire/strand matrix with product and card insert about to be enclosed in a plastic clamshell; 
           [0093]      FIG. 53B  is a perspective view of the plastic clamshell enclosing the wire/strand matrix with product and card insert of  FIG. 53A ; and 
           [0094]      FIG. 53C  is a perspective view of the wire/strand matrix with product and card insert of  FIG. 52  about to be enclosed in a plastic clamshell. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0095]      FIGS. 1-3  present simplified perspective views of an exemplary manufacturing process  10  for theft proof product packaging of the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , a grid or two-dimensional matrix  12  is formed first. The matrix  12  may be formed from a plurality of individual cut-resistant wires or strands  14 . The cut-resistant wires or strands  14  may comprise metallic, ceramic, glass, or carbon-based materials. Preferably, the wires or strands  14  comprise aluminum, steel, nylon, or reinforced polymer. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the strands  14  are form from materials that are clear, transparent or translucent so as to not interfere with lines of sight or other viewing through packaging material containing the same, as described below. The strands  14  may also be impregnated with cut-resistant fibers, polypropylene pieces and/or ceramic scraps. 
         [0096]    The following paragraphs describing the formation of the matrix  12  relate primarily to the use of metal wires  14 , but a person skilled in the art will recognize that the same or similar methods can be used with the other materials. The term matrix  12  as used through the following written description is intended to and does refer to a matrix or security pattern of any type described herein. The matrix  12  is not intended to be limited to a wire grid or other configuration of cut-resistant strands  14 . 
         [0097]    The individual wires  14  come out of a machine called a creel  16 . The creel  16  is able to store the rolls of individual wires  14 . The creel  16  organizes the plurality of individual wires  14  into the correct location to thereafter form the matrix  12 . A first set of individual wires  14  come out of the creel  16  and pass through a series of idle rollers  18 . The idle rollers  18  help to align the individual wires  14  into their proper spacing. 
         [0098]    The individual wires  14  then pass through a weft and warp insertion machine  20 . The weft and warp insertion machine  20  introduces a perpendicular set of wires  22  to the previous individual wires  14  to form matrix  12 . The perpendicular wires  22  are fed from a second creel or similar machine (not shown). The weft and warp insertion machine  20  may place a plurality of perpendicular individual wires  22  onto, i.e., overlaying, or weaved within the individual wires  14 . The perpendicular wires  22  can be welded, weaved, glued, bound or temporarily held into place in relation to their spacing and position to the individual wires  14 . The wires  14  and  22  may comprise metal, fiber, fabric or other cut-resistant material, as described elsewhere. The wires  14  and  22  may be coated with an adhesive material to increase cutting resistance. The adhesive material creates a hard shell with fiber or fabric through the core. The wires  14  and  22  may also comprise fiber or fabric coated with a powdered metal or ceramic material to provide a hard outer shell resistant to cutting. 
         [0099]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an alternate embodiment for the matrix  12 . In this embodiment, the wire grid comprises a plurality of individual wires  14  arranged parallel to each other in a single plane and alternatingly, intermittently wound around adjacent wires to form a mesh such as chicken wire. Such a structure is known in the art and commonly available. This type of matrix  12  can be manufactured on an as-needed basis or purchased commercially. As with the wires  14  discussed above, this embodiment of the matrix  12  may be manufactured from strands  14  comprising metallic, ceramic, glass, or carbon-based materials such as aluminum, steel, nylon, or reinforced polymer. 
         [0100]    In the next step, illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the matrix  12  is subjected to a process that adds an adhesive coating to the wire  14 ,  22 . In  FIG. 2A , the matrix  12  is passed through a vat or bath  80  of liquid or viscous adhesive material  82  that is caused to adhere to the wires  14 ,  22  by any known process. The adhesive material  82  may comprise a form of polymer which is caused to conform to the wires  14 ,  22  as by heating or other known process.  FIG. 5  illustrates a partial side view of the process applying this adhesive material  82  to wires  22 .  FIG. 2B  illustrates an alternate process for applying the adhesive material  82 . In this alternate process, the adhesive material  82  is applied via spray guns  84  either above, below or on both sides of the matrix  12 . In this method of application, the adhesive material  82  may comprise powder, flecks, or strands of metallic, ceramic, glass or carbon-based materials, such as aluminum oxide, nylon, fiber optic, or Kevlar. In the case of fiber optics, the material may be continuous strands or chopped pieces. Such materials may be subjected to an electromagnetic charge  86  as depicted in  FIG. 6 . It is worth noting that the process for applying the adhesive material  84  to the wires  14 ,  22  preferably does not involve sintering or a similar process. Both of these adhesive application processes are followed by a heating or curing process  87  to set the adhesive  82  as a hardened coating. 
         [0101]    The next step in  FIG. 3  is when the matrix  12  with the adhesive coating  82  is mated on one side to a first laminate  24  from a laminate reel  26   a . The matrix  12  and first laminate  24  meet when they pass over another idle roller  18  or series of idle rollers  18 . A second laminate  28  may then be introduced from another laminate reel  26   b.  The second laminate  28  can pass through a series of idle rollers  18  as it then mates to the matrix  12 . Now, the matrix  12  has a first laminate  24  on one side and a second laminate  28  on the other side. Alternately, either laminate  24 ,  28  may be omitted so that the matrix  12  only has one laminate on one side. This is described more fully below. 
         [0102]    A heat process  30  is applied to the matrix  12 , laminate  24  and laminate  28  if present. The heat process  30  can be a multitude of designs and configurations used by one skilled in the art. For example, the heat process  30  can be accomplished through an oven, hot air, radiation, microwave/radio waves or other radiometric means. Here, it is shown simplistically as applied heat to the wire grid and forcing it between an idle roller  18  and a larger heated roller  32 . Heat is absorbed into the laminates  24  and  28  which cause them to soften and become pliable so as to form around the matrix  12  and also bond together. Now the matrix  12  and laminates  24  and  28  are laminated together to act as a single material of theft proof product packing material  34 . The material  34  is then rolled onto a storage reel  36  to be used later to create theft proof product packaging. As can be seen by one skilled in the art, there may exist a multitude of pathways and location of idle rollers  18  that accomplish the same end result, and this disclosure is not limited to the exact configuration shown and described herein. 
         [0103]    The laminates  24  and  28  may be made from any common thermoplastic material. Alternatively, the laminates  24  and  28  may be made from a bio-film, such as corn-based material. Where bio-film on its own would tend to lose its shape and integrity in fairly low temperatures—125°-150°—the addition of the matrix  12  provides a support framework for the bio-film. With this support framework, the bio-film can retain its shape and integrity in higher temperatures. 
         [0104]      FIG. 4  is another simplified perspective view of an alternate exemplary manufacturing process  10  for theft proof product packaging of the present invention. The matrix  12  can be formed as described in connection with  FIGS. 1 ,  1  A,  2 A and  2 B with the creel  16  and weft and warp insertion  20 , or can be taken from a premade wire grid reel  38 . The matrix  12  is pulled onto a surface  38  where plastic feed  40  is combined and heated. The plastic feed  40  is small bits of plastic material. The plastic feed  40  is channeled into a plastic feed chute  42  such that is can be appropriately dispensed over the matrix  12 . 
         [0105]    As the plastic feed  40  is in the plastic feed chute  42 , it is pre-heated at the pre-heat stage  44 . When the plastic feed  40  is dispensed over the matrix  12 , it is further heated in the final heat stage  46 . The plastic feed  40  is distributed over and around the wire mesh. The heat stage  46  melts or softens the plastic feed  40  such that it flows around and bonds to the matrix  12 . The plastic feed  40  and matrix  12  are then pulled through a blend and cover chamber where the heat is allowed to penetrate the plastic feed  40  as it forms around the matrix  12 . Next, the matrix  12  and plastic feed  40  go through a series of leveling and thickness rollers  48 . The rollers  48  level the amount of plastic in relation to the matrix  12  such that any inconsistencies are eliminated or reduced. 
         [0106]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the matrix  12  and plastic feed  40  may be passed between top and bottom pocket impression rollers  98  designed to compress the plastic feed  40  through the openings on the matrix  12 . At this point the plastic feed  40  has been heated to its impression rolling point as defined below. As illustrated in the close up of  FIG. 4A , the pocket impression rollers  98  have abutting teeth  99  configured to create waffle-like impressions  100  in the plastic feed  40  that coincide with the shape of the matrix  12 . In this method of manufacture, the pocket impression rollers  98  are necessary to compress the plastic such that the manufactured material  34  is not unnecessarily bulky or heavy by a uniformly thick layer of plastic. 
         [0107]      FIG. 4B  illustrates an alternate embodiment wherein the matrix  12  is replaced with laminate material  24  on its own. The laminate material  24  may be presented in any thickness and constructed of any material that is commonly used for product packaging as described herein. The laminate material  24  is pulled onto a surface  38  where a plastic feed  40  is combined and heated. The plastic feed  40  is small bits of plastic material as described above. The plastic feed  40  is channeled into a plastic feed chute  42  such that it can be appropriately dispensed over the laminate material  24  as described above in connection with  FIG. 4A . The plastic feed  40  is similarly heated and applied, also as described above in connection with  FIG. 4A . The laminate  24  with melted plastic feed  40  is fed through a series of leveling and thickness rollers  48  as described above. 
         [0108]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 4B , the impression rollers  98  are designed to compress the plastic feed  40  so as to form an embossed pattern in the plastic feed  40  and laminate  24 . The embossed pattern will resemble those structures illustrated in  FIGS. 44 ,  47 ,  48  and/or  49 , all of which will be described more fully below. The embossed pattern represents a series of thickened areas of plastic material that present a hindrance to cutting or other inappropriate opening actions sought to be prevented through theft-proofing. The remainder of the process in  FIG. 4B  resembles the remainder of the process described in connection with  FIG. 4A . 
         [0109]    In alternate embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 4C , the abutting teeth  99  on the pocket impression rollers  98  may include embossed or recessed portions  102  so as to imprint a pattern  104  into the surface of the plastic feed  40 . The pattern  104  preferably comprises a repetition of a symbol or design in the configuration of the embossed or recessed portion  102 . The repetition in the pattern  104  may be either continuous or discontinuous depending upon the proximity and number of abutting teeth  99  including an embossed or recessed portion  102 . The symbol or design embodied in the configuration of the embossed or recessed portion  102  may comprise a generic symbol or a commercial logo or symbol, e.g., trademark. As described above, the abutting teeth  99  may be configured to create the impressions  100  that coincide with the shape of the matrix  12  such that the embossed or recessed portion  102  imprints the pattern in the openings on the interior of the wires or strands  14  forming the matrix  12 . In alternate embodiments described herein, the impression rollers  98  may be configured with embossed or recessed portions  102  forming a continuous pattern of symbols or impressions forming areas of increased patterns of thickness throughout the plastic feed  40 . 
         [0110]    Returning to  FIG. 4A , at this point the plastic feed  40  has melted or softened and been formed around the matrix  12  to create the theft proof product packaging material  34 . The material  34  is quickly drawn through a cooling chamber  50  to stop any residual melting or movement of the plastic relative to the matrix  12 . The material  34  is then passed through a series of idle rollers  18  as it is rolled onto a storage reel  36 . As can be seen by one skilled in the art, the material  34  can be formed by combining one or two laminate sheets  24 ,  28  with a matrix  12  or by using a plastic feed  40  which is then melted to the wire grid, as this disclosure is not limited to the precise forms described and shown herein. 
         [0111]    In either method of  FIG. 3 ,  4  or  4 A, the plastic laminates  24 ,  28  and/or plastic feed  40  may include powder, flecks or strands of the metallic, ceramic, glass or carbon materials described above in connection with the adhesive material  82  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The powder, flecks or strands are preferably treated as described above. Such materials may be distributed in a random or predetermined set pattern and contribute to the cut-resistant properties. 
         [0112]    In a variation on the process for manufacturing theft-resistant material  34  as described in  FIG. 4C  above, the plastic feed chute  42  and plastic feed  40  may be eliminated and a laminate  24   a  may be provided at the beginning of the process as illustrated in  FIG. 4D . The laminate  24   a  is preferably heated to soften the same for impression rolling. The laminate is preferably heated to an impression forming point. In this context, the term impression forming point means a temperature at which the laminate is sufficiently soft so that it will accept and hold a shape when subject to impression rolling or other forming processes (as described below—see  FIGS. 4E and 4F ). For most materials, this impression forming point would be at or near the melting point of the material. Preferably, the impression forming point would be at some temperature less than the melting point such that the plastic material does not lose its cohesion or the polymer chains otherwise take on a different form, i.e., increased alignment or interlinking of polymer chains. 
         [0113]    Impression rollers  98  compress the top and bottom surfaces of the thickened laminate  24   a  so as to form areas of thickened plastic integral with the laminate  24   a  forming a security pattern with any of the configurations and shapes provided by the impression rollers  98 . The security pattern may comprise an ordered pattern or a random pattern, so long as the areas of thickened plastic provide the intended deterrence or hindrance to theft of the product contained within the packaging. The same ordered pattern or random pattern feature can also be applied to the matrix  12  of strands or wires  14  described above. 
         [0114]    The plastic laminate may be formed using other processes known in the art. For example, extrusion, thermoforming or injection molding may be used to form a plastic substrate having a security pattern, e.g., areas of thickened plastic, resulting either from the impression rolling process of  FIG. 4D  or the initial extrusion, thermoforming, or injection molding processes. In the case of an extrusion process, the security pattern may only run in one direction, e.g., in the direction of the extrusion. The extrusion process does not lend itself to the formation of a security pattern having crossing areas of thickened plastic. 
         [0115]      FIGS. 4E  thru  4 H illustrate other forming processes that can be used to form the security pattern.  FIG. 4E  illustrates an alternate manufacturing process in which the impression rollers  98  are replaced by a thermoforming machine  126 . The thermoforming machine  126  accepts a softened laminate  24   a  from the heater  50   a.  A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the thermoforming machine can create the areas of thickened plastic integral with the laminate  24   a  as described elsewhere herein. The thermoforming machine  126  produces the theft-proof product packaging material  34  in sheets  36   a  which are stored in stacks instead of rolls. As with the other embodiments, the areas of thickened plastic form ribs or raised sections (see  FIGS. 44-46 ) that present a hindrance to cutting or similar attempts at in-store product theft. 
         [0116]    In  FIG. 4F , another thermoforming machine  126  receives a matrix  12  of strands or wires  14  as described above. As the matrix  12  is fed into the thermoforming machine  126 , it is sandwiched between laminates  24  provided by rolls  26   a,    26   b.  The thermoforming machine  126  melts and presses the laminates  24  around the matrix  12  as described in connection with  FIGS. 18-19 . One of the laminates  24  may be eliminated so as to provide a laminate on only one side of the matrix  12  as described in connection with  FIGS. 20-23 . The thermoforming machine  126  again produces the theft-proof product packaging material  34  in sheets  36   a  which are stored in stacks. 
         [0117]      FIG. 4G  illustrates another alternate manufacturing process in which the impression rollers  98  are replaced by an injection molding machine  128 . Instead of receiving a laminate  24   a,  the injection molding machine  128  receives an input of molten plastic or similar material from a hopper  130 , as will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The injection molding machine  128  forms the molten plastic into theft-proof product packaging material  34  formed in a sheet  36   a  having a security pattern of areas of thickened plastic. 
         [0118]    The alternate manufacturing process of  FIG. 4H  illustrates where a laminate  24   a  is fed into the thermoforming machine  126 . Prior to entering the thermoforming machine  126 , a quantity of strands, cables or wires  14  are dispersed from a hopper  132  across the surface of the laminate  24   a  in a random pattern. The intention here is to dispense a sufficient quantity of strands, cables or wires  14  such that a sufficient hindrance to unauthorized cutting of the product packaging is created. A second laminate  26   a  is preferably laid on top of the first laminate  24   a  to sandwich the strands, cables or wires  14 . Once fed into the thermoforming machine  126 , the laminates  24   a,    26   a  are melted and formed around the strands, cables or wires  14 . The thermoforming machine  126  again produces the theft-proof product packaging material  34  in sheets  36   a  which are stored in stacks. 
         [0119]    Any of the above alternate manufacturing processes of  FIGS. 4E  thru  4 H may be performed including or excluding a matrix  12 , as described above, between layers of laminates or plastics described herein. Following the above alternate manufacturing processes of  FIGS. 4E  thru  4 H, the process of manufacturing theft-proof product packaging material  34  continues as described herein. Due to the nature of the thermoforming machine  126  and/or injection molding machine  128 , the material  34  may be formed into separate sheets  36   a  rather than a continuous sheet formed into a roll  36 . 
         [0120]      FIG. 7  illustrates the matrix  12  along different portions of the manufacturing process illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  2 B. In particular, the left side of  FIG. 7  illustrates the matrix  12  before the application of the adhesive material  82  in either  FIG. 2A  or  FIG. 2B . The right side of  FIG. 7  illustrates the matrix  12  after application of the adhesive material  82  as illustrated in  FIG. 2A  or  FIG. 2B .  FIG. 8  illustrates a close-up view of the wire grid as indicted by circle  8  in  FIG. 7 . In this close-up view, the adhesive material  82  can be seen encasing each of the wires  14 ,  22  in the matrix  12 . 
         [0121]    A multitude of different wire grids or matrices  12  can be devised by one skilled the art.  FIG. 9  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a matrix  12 . The matrix  12  is made of perpendicular wires, including the individual wires  14  and perpendicular wires  22 .  FIG. 11  is an enlarged sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 9  indicated by circle  11  showing the wires  14 ,  22  overlapping and welded  54 . The wires  14 ,  22  can be welded every time they cross each other. The welding may be metallic welding if the wires are metallic, or may be bonded together using an adhesive or other means for attachment. Alternatively, the wires  14 ,  22  may be weaved together and bonded or attached every crossing or less frequently.  FIG. 12  is an enlarged sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 9  indicated by circle  12  showing the wires  14 ,  22  weaved  56  together. The weaving  56  can consist of placing one wire below another at one location and then above at another location. In this way the two wires  14  and  22  are woven and connected. 
         [0122]      FIG. 10  is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a wire mesh structure where two sets of parallel wires  14 ,  22  are combined at an angle relative to each other. The wires may form a diamond pattern, or a parallelogram shape.  FIG. 13  is an enlarged sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 10  indicated by circle  13  showing the wires  14 ,  22  welded and  FIG. 14  is an enlarged sectional view of the structure of  FIG. 10  indicated by circle  14  showing adjacent wires  14 ,  22  twisted and connected  58 .  FIGS. 11-14  also show the adhesive materials  82  on the wires  14 ,  22 . 
         [0123]      FIGS. 15-17  illustrate simplified perspective views of alternate embodiments of exemplary manufacturing processes already described above.  FIG. 15  illustrates the wires  14  being fed from the creel  16  over idle rollers  18  and into the wefting and warping machine  20  where the perpendicular wires  22  are added. For clarity, the wefting and warping machine  20  is not illustrated in  FIGS. 15-17 , but is intended to be used as shown and described in  FIG. 1 . Subsequently the adhesive material  82  is applied by the device  80 ,  84  as shown and described in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . For clarity, the application and curing processes are shown as box  94  in  FIGS. 15-17 . As illustrated previously in  FIG. 3 , laminate layers  24  and  28  are added to opposite sides of the matrix  12  and heated by roller  32  before being rolled onto storage reel  36 . Notably different from the earlier embodiments, a portion  88  of the laminates  24 ,  28  extends beyond the width of the matrix  12  so as to create an unobstructed area  88  that is devoid of the matrix  12 . The purpose for this will be explained in greater detail below. 
         [0124]      FIG. 16  illustrates a simplified perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment of an exemplary manufacturing process similar to  FIG. 15 . However, in  FIG. 16  the matrix  12  is attached to and bonded with a single laminate  24  as depicted. The second laminate  28  is omitted from this embodiment such that the matrix  12  only has laminate  24  on the underside as depicted in this drawing.  FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment of an exemplary manufacturing process similar to  FIG. 16 . However, in this embodiment the laminate  24  on the underside of the matrix  12  is omitted and the laminate  28  on the upper side is included. This again results in a matrix  12  having a laminate  28  only on its upper surface as depicted in the drawing. 
         [0125]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the structure manufactured in  FIG. 15  taken along line  18 - 18 . The first laminate  24  is on one side of the matrix  12  and the second laminate  28  is on the other side of the matrix  12 . It can be seen in this stage that the two laminates  24  and  28  are not formed around the matrix  12 , but have void spaces  52  in between.  FIG. 19  is a side view of the structure manufactured in  FIG. 15  taken along line  19 - 19 . Heat has been applied to form or mold both laminates  24  and  28  around the matrix  12 . The void spaces  52  have been eliminated. 
         [0126]      FIGS. 20 and 22  illustrate side views of the structures manufactured in  FIGS. 16 and 17  respectively taken along lines  20 - 20  and  22 - 22  therein. In  FIG. 20 , the first laminate  24  is on the underside of the matrix  12  and the second laminate  28  is omitted. In  FIG. 22 , the second laminate  28  is on the top side of the matrix  12  and the first laminate  24  is omitted. As in  FIG. 18 , the individual laminates  24  or  28  are not formed around the matrix  12 , but have void spaces  52  in between the wires  14 , 22 .  FIGS. 21 and 23  are side views of the structure manufactured in  FIGS. 16 and 17  respectively taken along lines  21 - 21  and  23 - 23  thereof. With heat having been applied to the single laminates  24  and  28 , both respectively form or mold themselves to the matrix  12 . The void spaces  52  have been eliminated. Where only a single laminate is used in either of these illustrated embodiments, the matrix  12  is exposed on the side of the laminate  24  or  28  that has been omitted. 
         [0127]    The theft proof product packaging material  34  can then be formed into a multitude of packing designs.  FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a clam pack  60  embodying the present invention about to package a product  62 . The product  62  is placed between a backing  64  and the packaging material  34 . The backing  64  can be cardboard, wood, metal, plastic or any other appropriate material.  FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the clam pack  60  of  FIG. 24  now packaging the product  62 . The material  34  has been pressed over the product  62  and the ends of the material folded over the backing  64 . The ends may then be bonded or glued in place such that it cannot be easily opened. 
         [0128]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a clamshell mold  66  embodying the present invention. The clamshell mold  66  can be used to form the material  34  into a clamshell package  68 .  FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a clamshell package  68  before it is folded. The clamshell package  68  has a front side  74  and a back side  76 . Once the clamshell package  68  has been formed, it can now package a product  62 .  FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the clamshell package  68  of  FIG. 27  now folded about to package a product  62 .  FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the clamshell package  68  of  FIG. 27  now packaging a product  62 . 
         [0129]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the structure of  FIG. 29  now resistant to cutting with a knife or razor  70 . The theft proof product package  72  securely contains the product  62 . A razor  70  can easily cut the plastic, but it can&#39;t cut the matrix  12 . The plastic laminates  24  and  28  hold the matrix  12  from being opened or moved aside. The matrix  12  and plastic laminates  24  and  28  work together to create a tamper and theft resistance package. A thief can no longer easily open a package within a store to remove the product from the packaging. When the consumer buys the product, the consumer may use a pair of scissors to open the package. The scissors create a shearing action that is needed to cut through the matrix  12 . A knife or razor  70  cannot do this. 
         [0130]    The cut-resistant wire-embedded plastic shell  72  allows the product to be seen underneath while presenting a visual deterrent to potential thieves. The theft proof product package  72  also would require a thief to spend a longer amount of time trying to remove the contents. Many thieves will be discouraged from theft due to the increased time it takes to steal a product. 
         [0131]      FIG. 31  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the clam pack depicted in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . In this embodiment, the theft-proof packaging material  34  including the unobstructed area  88  is used. In this way, the backing  64  can include trade identity information  90  such as a logo or other product identification which is not obstructed by the matrix  12  or other theft-proof features of the packaging.  FIG. 32  illustrates how the packaging material  34  including the unobstructed area  88  is attached to the backing  64  in such a way that the trade identity information  90  appears through the unobstructed area  88 . The packaging material  34  and the backing material  64  are attached as described above in connection with  FIG. 25 . 
         [0132]    The cut-resistant matrix  12  can be formed from a multitude of materials including metals such as copper or steel, and also from cut resistant fabrics, such as Kevlar. Alternatively, the matrix  12  can include a fabric core with a cut resistant coating such as a metallic or ceramic coating. As can be seen by one skilled in the art, various wires can be devised that are formable into a product package while being resistant to cutting with a knife or razor. 
         [0133]    Because the matrix  12  does the bulk of the work to stop a razor blade  70 , the plastic laminates  24  and  28  or plastic feed  40  used can be thinner. This means there is less waste used in making plastic containers as less plastic is needed. Typically, a laminate of plastic is about  20  thousands of an inch thick. With the present invention, that thickness can be reduced to 6-10 thousands of an inch. For example, two laminates  24  and  28  at 6 thousandths of an inch thickness would be a total thickness of 12 thousandths of an inch. This is substantially thinner than the standard 20 thousandths of an inch thickness used today. 
         [0134]      FIG. 33  depicts a simplified perspective view of another exemplary manufacturing process of the present invention. The process depicted in  FIG. 33  begins with a wire grid as is manufactured in  FIG. 1  above. This wire grid is formed into one or more blister packs  60  through a machine process such as a tool and die  92 . The tool and die  92  conforms the matrix  12  to a particular shape configured to accept a product  62 . After the tool and die process  92 , the formed wire grid is passed through an adhesive machine  94  to apply and cure the adhesive material  82  to the wire grid as described above in connection with  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The blister pack  60  then moves to a plasticizing process  96  that applies plastic or laminate material  24 , 28  to the blister pack  60  using one of the methods described above, particularly those of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0135]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a blister pack  60  embodying the present invention about to package a product  62 . The material  34  has been preformed to match the product  62 . Alternatively, the product  62  may be packaged with filler such as cardboard or Styrofoam to conform to the blister pack  60 . The backing  64  is formed to go around the material  34  and then fold over upon itself. The backing  64  is shown as one layer, but can be made from multiple layers of card stock or varying thicknesses and densities of cardboard. For instance, the backing  64  could be formed from two layers of card stock to give it sufficient stiffness and strength. The hole of the backing  64  contains one end of the material  34  and the backing  64  is then folded over one layer and adhered/sealed to itself.  FIG. 35  is a perspective view of the blister pack of  FIG. 34  now packaging a product. 
         [0136]    The exemplary embodiments shown herein used two sets of wires  14  and  22  to form a matrix  12 . However, it is possible by one skilled in the art that only one set of wires  14  are required to form the theft proof product packaging material  34 , as this disclosure is not necessarily limiting it to the required use of two wires  14  and  22 . For example, one set of wires  14  may be utilized where the wires  14  are laid along a wavy (non-straight) pattern such that they essentially perform the function of a matrix  12 . 
         [0137]    The theft proof product packaging material  34  can not only be used to make a blister pack and clamshell packages, but can be used to make other general packages such as boxes, tubes, shipping containers, envelopes and so forth. It is to be understood by one skilled in the art that the theft proof packaging material  34  can be used to a make a multitude of theft proof packages  72  beyond those specific embodiments shown and described herein. 
         [0138]      FIGS. 36 and 37  illustrate an alternate embodiment of the clam pack previously discussed in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . In this embodiment, the theft-proof product packaging material  34  is formed into a clam pack  60  configured to package a product  62 . The product  62  is placed between the backing material  64  and the packaging material  34 . However, in this alternate embodiment the packaging material  34  includes an interior portion  106  that is comprised of plastic material resulting from one or both laminates  24 ,  28  or the formed plastic feed  40  described in earlier methods. This interior portion  106  is devoid of matrix  12 , any other wires or strands  14  or any areas of thickened plastic  118  (see discussion of  FIG. 4B  above or  FIGS. 44 ,  47 ,  48  and  49  below). The matrix  12 , strands  14 , or areas of thickened plastic  118  are confined to a perimeter portion  108  that folds over the edges of the backing  64 . This configuration provides the theft-proof properties described above by preventing or hindering cutting around the perimeter of the packaging while displaying the product  62  without obstruction or other blockage by the matrix  12 , strands  14  or areas of thickened plastic  118 . 
         [0139]    In a particular embodiment, the packaging material  34  including the interior portion  106  devoid of matrix  12  is manufactured using one of the methods described above. However, before application of the laminates  24 ,  28  or plastic feed  40 , the matrix  12  is either manufactured with openings in the grid corresponding to the interior portion  106  or is cut to create the interior portion  106  prior to application of the laminates  24 ,  28  or plastic feed  40 . Other variations using strands  14  or areas of thickened plastic  118  are similarly manufactured using the previously described processes. In the case of the process of  FIG. 4B , the impression roller  98  would include large abutting teeth  100  configured to create interior portion  106 . 
         [0140]      FIGS. 38 and 39  show a similar alternate configuration for the clamshell packaging  68  illustrated in  FIGS. 28 and 29 . In this embodiment, the front side  74  includes an open interior portion  106  that is devoid of matrix  12  or similar structure while the perimeter portion  108  of the front side  74  contains the matrix  12  or similar structure. The back side  76  may also contain an interior portion  106  devoid of matrix  12 , but is preferably constructed with a continuous matrix  12  or similar structure. As with the clam pack of  FIGS. 36 and 37 , this alternate embodiment of the clamshell displays the product  62  without blockage or obstruction by the matrix  12 . The interior portion  106  of the front sides  74  is constructed in a manner similar to the interior portion  106  described above in connection with  FIGS. 36 and 37 . 
         [0141]      FIGS. 40 and 41  illustrate an alternate embodiment of theft-proof packaging. In the illustrated embodiment, the theft-proof packaging comprises a circular-shaped packaging  110  comprising left and right halves  112 ,  114 . Although the illustrated embodiment is circular, the packaging  110  may be configured in any shape, e.g., round, square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, etc., so long as side walls are present as described below. Side walls of the left and right halves  112 ,  114  are constructed with ribs or indentations  116  that effectively increase the amount of material around the perimeter that one would need to cut through in order to open the package  110 . The increased amount of material to cut through decreases the ease with which one may cut through the packaging  110  in order to open the product. This decrease in ease of opening has a resultant decrease in the amount of theft. This embodiment contains an open interior portion  106  on both the front and back sides so as to display the product contained therein without obstruction or blockage. 
         [0142]      FIG. 42  presents a cross-sectional view of the package  110  taken along line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 41 . This cross-sectional view illustrates the two halves  112 ,  114  of the package  110  and the corresponding ribs or indentations  116  spaced around the side walls. This view also illustrates the open interior portion  106  on the back side of the package  110 .  FIG. 43  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the package  110  taken along line  43 - 43  of  FIG. 41 . This view illustrates the ribs or indentations  116  from the interior of the package  110 . 
         [0143]      FIGS. 44 ,  47  and  48  illustrate yet other alternate embodiments constructed according to a process described above in connection with  FIG. 4B . A laminate or plastic sheet  24  passed through the process illustrated in  FIG. 4B  may result in a theft-proof product packaging material  34  comprising a plurality of embossed ridges or grooves  118  along with corresponding flat plateaus or depressions  120 . The ridges or grooves  118  and plateaus or depressions  120  are formed according to a pattern contained on the impression rollers  98 . The impression rollers  98  have a pattern of teeth  100  on their surface that imprint onto the softened plastic feed  40  and/or laminate material  24 ,  28 . Because of the circular rotation of the impression rollers  98 , they would imprint a repeating pattern of impressions having various shapes including square, rectangular, diamond, trapezoidal, triangular, circular, random lines, etc. The impression shapes may be aligned as illustrated in  FIG. 44  or may be offset as illustrated in  FIGS. 47 and 48 . Packaging material  34  having similar patterns can also be made through the extrusion, thermoforming or injection molding processes described above. 
         [0144]    The changes in thickness of the packaging material  34  across the ridges or grooves  118  and the plateaus or depressions  120  hinder the ability of one to easily cut the packaging material  34 . The offset nature of the impressions in  FIGS. 47 and 48  present an alternate obstruction pattern. 
         [0145]      FIGS. 45 and 45A  illustrate a cross-section of the ridges or grooves  118  and plateaus or depressions  120  of the packaging material  34  illustrated in  FIG. 44 , particularly along line  45 - 45 .  FIG. 45  illustrates where the ridges  118  and depressions  120  are only on the top surface of the packaging material  34 . In this instance, only the top impression roller  98  has a pattern of teeth to create the ridges  118  and depressions  120 . 
         [0146]    The bottom impression roller  98  presents a smooth surface to create the flat underside of the cross-section of  FIG. 45 .  FIG. 45A  is manufactured using a similar process. However, the bottom impression roller  98  includes a pattern of teeth  100  configured to create the grooves  118  on the underside such that the ridges  118  on the top side have the hollow configuration as shown. 
         [0147]      FIG. 46  illustrates a configuration in which both the top and bottom impression rollers  98  have a pattern of teeth  100  configured to generate the ridges  118  and depressions  120  shown.  FIG. 46A  illustrates an embodiment in which the ridges  118  are hollow or filled with a solid core such as in the case of the matrix  12 . 
         [0148]      FIG. 47A  illustrates a cross-section of the packaging material  34  of  FIG. 47  showing the alternating offset nature of the plateaus  120  that are circular in nature.  FIG. 48A  illustrates a similar cross-section of  FIG. 48  showing the alternating offset pattern of plateaus  120  that are square in shape. 
         [0149]      FIG. 49A  illustrates a packaging material  34  having a pattern of embossed concentric rings  122 . This pattern of rings  122  includes an interior portion  124  that is devoid of any embossing or other obstructions that would block the view through the packaging material  34 . These rings  122  represent thickened plastic or other theft-proof material that hinders any attempt at theft.  FIG. 50  is a cross-section of the packaging material  34  illustrated in  FIG. 49 . 
         [0150]      FIGS. 51  thru  53 C illustrate other alternate embodiments of the theft-proof product packaging. In one alternate embodiment ( FIGS. 51 and 52 ), the matrix  12  without laminate or other plastic coating is provided. The product  62 , with or without a packaging card  62   a  is sandwiched between the matrix  12  having a front portion  74   a  and a back portion  76   a  folded-over the product  62 . The matrix  12  may be unmolded so as not to conform to the product  62 . In this instance, the matrix  12  would bend or bulge around the product  62  ( FIG. 53C ). Alternatively, the folded-over matrix may include a spine  12   a  ( FIG. 52 ) to facilitate widening of the folded-over matrix  12  and accommodate the product  62  therebetween. Such folded over matrix  12  including product  62  may then be sealed in standard clamshell-type packaging material  134 ,  136 , as shown in  FIG. 53C . 
         [0151]    In another alternate embodiment ( FIG. 53A ), the matrix  12  is provided with only a front portion  74 A and laminates  138 , all of which are provided as individual sheets to enclose product  62  and packaging card  62 A. The assembled matrix  12  is then enclosed in standard clamshell type packaging  134 ,  136 , as illustrated in  FIG. 53B . The final assembly of this theft-proof product packaging will resemble that of the alternate embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 53C  even though the assembly of the internal matrix  12  is performed in a different manner. 
         [0152]    Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.