Shrink wrap and security tape opening apparatus and method

An efficient and safe device designed to perform the difficult task of opening tightly fitting Shrink Wrap plastic packaging material and security tape around a product or product case, particularly that used for the distribution of CD-ROM'S, DVD'S, videogames, and videotapes. The device quickly cuts a clean slit opening in the Shrink Wrap and security tape along the inserted edge of the packaged product. The cutting element of the device can be in the form of a wire or blade, and function via heating, mechanical cutting action, and/or ultrasonic vibration. A multiple-capacity alignment channel guides various shaped products into proper cutting position. Sensors may activate the cutting/slitting action, with adequate heat, vibration, and/or mechanical cutting being applied for a time period sufficiently long, or until sufficient temperature is reached, to cut through the Shrink Wrap material and security tape without damaging the underlying product or product case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to cutting devices used to open packaging, specifically to a device and method for opening the combined Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape that is commonly employed to package media recording products, such as but not limited to CD-ROM'S, DVD'S, videogames, and videotapes.

2. Description of the Related Art

The advent of the Shrink Wrap plastic packaging film and package security tape has proven to provide a number of advantages for the retail packaging of CD-ROM, DVD, videogames, and videotape media. Among the advantages of this tightly fitting clear plastic Shrink Wrap are, high visibility of product graphics through the crystal clear plastic, all product contents are held and contained together inside the plastic wrap and a high degree of security and protection from tampering and or removal of the product contained within. However, this high degree of protection and security for the packaging contents is a double-edged sword, as the tightly fitting Shrink Wrap plastic packing film and security tape employed proves very difficult for consumers to remove. Some consumers resort to the use of a razor blade, knife, or sharp scissors to cut open this packaging. Using these types of implements for the opening of such packaging can prove to be dangerous not only to the user, but also cause unintentional damage to the product itself.

Anyone who has tried to open such packaging by hand or with a blade knows of the difficulty this task poses. The prior art describes solutions that enclose a blade for user safety, but these devices do little to prevent actual product damage while cutting through the Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape. Additionally such devices are tedious to use, often requiring multiple passes to cut through both the shrink wrap packing material and security tape and the blades used are prone to become dull over time. No opening device for packaging is known that has all of the features and advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide a rapid, safe, and effective way for purchasers to open the combined Shrink Wrap and security tape packaging that is commonly used for retail of media products, including but not limited to CD-ROM'S, DVD discs, videogames, and videotapes. It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a Shrink Wrap and Security Tape opening device that is compact in configuration and easy-to-use. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a Shrink Wrap and Security Tape opening device that is durable, reliable, and requires little or no maintenance between uses.

The current invention provides an efficient and safe device designed to perform the difficult task of opening tightly fitting Shrink Wrap plastic packaging material and security tape, which are commonly used for sale of CD-ROM'S, DVD discs, videogames, videotapes, and all other digital media. This device will quickly cut a clean slit or slit-like opening in the Shrink Wrap and security tape centrally along any targeted edge of the packaged product. The cutting element of the device is comprised of a heating/cutting element member that could be in the form of a wire or blade and cuts via mechanical movement, heat, vibration, or any combination thereof. A multiple capacity alignment channel serves to guide the various shaped products into proper alignment position with the heating/cutting element member, which is in parallel position relative to the alignment channel. As the packaged product is placed into the alignment channel, sensors activate the heating/cutting element member so as to prepare it for its cutting task. When heat will be used, adequate heat is applied for a sufficiently long time period to cut through the Shrink Wrap material and security tape without damaging the product contained within the packaging. A visual and/or audible indicator may alert a user to periods of present invention operation or the conclusion of its operation. Once a slit is made in the Shrink Wrap and security tape along one edge of a packaged product, additional cuts are typically made in the Shrink Wrap and security tape on other edges of the product packaging for easy book-like opening of the media case to access the contents inside.

The description herein provides preferred embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention opening device. For example, variations in the size and configuration of the base member; the spatial orientation of the channel, the height and thickness dimensions of the back wall; and the cutting means used; other than those shown and described herein may be incorporated into the present invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than being limited to the examples given.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1–4shows a first preferred embodiment of the present invention that is used for opening the type of Shrink Wrap plastic packaging frequently used on the cases and packaging of DVD discs, CD-ROM'S, videotapes, videogames, and digital and analog media discs and tapes.FIG. 1shows a DVD case10with an outer layer (not separately numbered) of retail Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape that is in need of removal, with DVD case10being positioned above and vertically aligned with the first preferred embodiment, prior to its use to open the Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape surrounding DVD case10. Proper alignment of DVD case10for cutting of the Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape is achieved by means of an upwardly-extending back wall20that communicates with a downwardly-extending alignment channel30. A front wall50and opposing side walls40A and40B, together with back wall20, define alignment channel30. Optionally, side walls40A and40B may be attached to back wall20, secured in fixed positioned close to the opposing ends of back wall20, and/or made adjustable relative to back wall20for different sizes of DVD cases10and other cases/packaging, such as but not limited to CD-ROM case70inFIG. 4. However, in most preferred embodiments of the present invention side walls40A and40B would not be attached to front wall50. The primary function of side walls40A and40B is to keep a DVD case10properly aligned within channel30to prevent product damage while the cut/slit in the Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape is being made, as well as to prevent any portion of DVD case10from extending laterally beyond channel30. As a DVD case10travels into the alignment channel30, front wall50also serves to completely trap DVD case10in a proper position for cutting the Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape surrounding it without damage to DVD case10. When the DVD case10is fully seated and touching the active end of alignment channel30, activation sensors (shown by the numbers80A and80B inFIG. 2), activate a heating element member (shown by the number60inFIG. 2), which then cuts open the Shrink Wrap packaging and any associated security tape on the fully seated edge of inserted DVD case10. Since the more difficult-to-remove security tape is typically located on more than one edge of a DVD case10, after the Shrink Wrap packaging and any associated security tape on the first edge of a DVD case10is cut, it would then be rotated to allow other sides of DVD case10having Shrink Wrap packaging and/or security tape to be inserted into channel30for cutting.FIG. 1also shows an arcuate base90positioned beneath and supporting the channel30defined by back wall20and front wall50. The perimeter configuration and size of base90is not critical, as long as it fulfills its support function, and it may have perimeter configurations other than the elliptical configuration shown. An audio and/or visual indicator95may optionally be positioned through base90or front wall50, to denote the time period during which heating element member60is activated, or perhaps in the alternative when the cutting/slitting action is complete. In addition, activation sensors80A and80B may be configured to activate heating element member60for a set period of time to achieve the needed cutting/slitting of the Shrink Wrap packaging and/or security tape, or in the alternative until heating element member60reaches the pre-selected temperature at which cutting would occur without damage to DVD case10. Further, although the first preferred embodiment inFIG. 1is shown with only one DVD case10being processed at a time, it is considered within the scope of the present invention for more than one DVD case10or other cases/packaging, such as but not limited to CD-ROM case70inFIG. 4, to be cut or slit at one time. Although not limited thereto, for simplicity of operation and reduced product cost, when multiple cases/packing are cut at one time, it is preferred that all cases/packaging opened at one time be similar in size and configuration. The materials used for base90, back wall20, front wall50, and side walls40A and40B are not critical, as long they remain unaffected by the heat generated by heating element member60and channel30is able to provide secure positioning for DVD case10and other cases/packaging while Shrink Wrap packaging and/or security tape is being cut/slit. Typically in preferred present invention embodiments, although not critical, side walls40A and40B would have identical structure, with side wall40A being used as a stop for smaller sizes of cases10. When the Shrink Wrap packaging and/or security tape around smaller size cases10is being cut or slit, side wall40B could be movable toward side wall40A to make certain that the inserted case10is in proper alignment for cutting. In the alternative, side wall40A could be movable toward side wall40B, as long as the sensors80A and80B shown inFIG. 2are repositioned accordingly toward side wall40B. Although not shown, the source of power provided for heating element member60is not critical and it is contemplated for the first preferred embodiment of the present invention to be able to use any appropriate source of alternating or direct current. As an option, although not shown, base90can be configured with a battery compartment that is accessible through its bottom surface or behind back wall20.

FIGS. 2–4also show the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2reveals the positioning of the heating element member60used to cut the Shrink Wrap packaging material and security tape around a DVD case10or other cases/packaging, which is substantially parallel to the back wall20and front wall50defining channel30. Two activation sensors80A and80B are also shown, although the number of activation sensors80A and80B used may be more or less than the two shown inFIG. 2. If a single activation sensor80A is used and smaller cases10are to be opened by the first preferred embodiment, the sole activation sensor80A would have to be situated near the side wall40A or40B selected for positioning of the smaller cases10, which inFIGS. 2 and 4is side wall40A. In addition, the size and configuration of the activation sensors80A and80B shown inFIG. 2are representative only and should not be used as a limitation for their scope. Further, in the alternative although not shown, a manually activated on/off switch can be substituted in place of sensors80A and80B, or be used in conjunction with sensors80A and80B.FIG. 2also shows base90as having an oval configuration. In the alternative, base90in other preferred embodiments of the present invention may have other perimeter configurations. However, for greatest stability during the cutting/slitting process and when DVD case10is inserted and removed from channel30, although not critical as balance could otherwise be provided, it is preferred for channel30to have a centralized position relative to base90. Side walls40A and40B are shown positioned inFIG. 2near the opposing ends of back wall20, but not connected to front wall50. It is not critical for side walls40A and40B to be physically connected to back wall20as long as they are securely fixed into their usable positions by base90. Also,FIG. 2shows heating element member60positioned adjacent to front wall50, the inside surface of front wall50having a slightly arcuate configuration allowing its central portion to be used for applying pressure to and biasing a case10against back wall20during cutting/slitting operations, and heating element member60extending laterally beyond side walls40A and40B. At a minimum, it is contemplated for heating element member to extend the full width of channel30.FIG. 3depicts a target DVD case10within alignment channel30in a position where the retail Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape around it can be cut or slit without damage to the underlying product inside Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape. Once the Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape on one edge of DVD case10is cut, DVD case10would be rotated 90° or 180° so that the Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape on other edges of DVD case10can also be cut/slit. When heating element60is activated for a pre-selected period of time, a user (not shown) can simply remove DVD case10or other cases/packaging from channel30after that amount of time has elapsed. In the alternative, the indicator95shown inFIG. 1or other similar device can be used via audio, visual, and/or other means to alert a user that cutting of the Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape is complete. The manner in which a user of the present invention is alerted to completion of the cutting/slitting process can be as a result of the presence or absence of an alert signal from indicator95. Typically, the time required for cutting and/or slitting Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape on media cases10and similar packaging is very brief. Although indicator95is not shown inFIGS. 2–4, it is still considered an optional feature of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, as well as other preferred embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 4depicts a target CD-ROM package70within alignment channel30and in a position where the Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape around it can be cut. When CD-ROM package70or any other cases/packaging does not extend the full width of channel30, it is placed against one of the side walls40A or40B, withFIG. 4showing CD-ROM package70using side wall40A as its lateral stop. Should40B instead be used as a lateral stop for CD-ROM package70, it would be expected for sensors80A,80B, or one or more additional sensors80(not shown) to be positioned within channel30where CD-ROM package70would contact it when fully inserted within channel30.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bshow a second preferred embodiment of the present invention that has a movable cutting member130replacing the heating element member60shown inFIG. 2. Movable cutting member130extends beyond the side walls40A and40B that in combination with back wall20and front wall50define channel30. At a minimum, movable cutting member130should extend the full width of channel30. However, it should be noted that although not shown in the accompanying illustrations, use by the present invention of a combination of heating and cutting activity to cut/slit Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape is also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.FIGS. 5A and 5Bshow an elliptical base90supporting a front wall50, two side walls40A and40B, and a back wall20that together define a channel30where a DVD case10or other cases/packaging are inserted for cutting of the retail Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape that surrounds it. The elliptical configuration shown for base90is not critical and other perimeter configurations are also contemplated, including but not limited to those that are non-symmetrical, irregularly-shaped, and/or curvilinear. In addition,FIG. 5Ashows a drive belt100within base90that is guided in its movement by two spaced-apart drive wheels or pulleys110A and110B. In the alternative, although not shown, it is contemplated for the present invention to include other drive means for its cutting member130that allows movement of cutting member130across the bottom portion of channel30for Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape cutting/slitting purposes.FIG. 5Afurther shows a rail or track120A that is used to guide cutting member130along a linear path centrally down the fully inserted edge of a DVD case10, CD-ROM packaging70, or other cases/packaging (not shown) during its cutting of Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape without damage to the product it protects. The circle designated as140inFIG. 5Arepresents the motor or other drive means used for movement of cutting member130, and is not meant to be indicative of the size and shape of drive means140. Further,FIG. 5Ashows cutting member130being in the form of a single edged razor blade, although not limited thereto, and secured for movement via a horizontally-extending shaft150, the end of which is visible inFIG. 5A. Due to the angle at which the upwardly-extending sharp edge of cutting member130is positioned, it is contemplated in the second preferred embodiment of the present invention for cutting member130to travel from side wall40A to toward side wall40B during the cutting of Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape. However, it is equally contemplated for cutting member130to travel from side wall40B to toward side wall40A during the cutting of Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape, wherein cutting member130would be angled in an orientation that is substantially the mirror image of that shown inFIG. 5A, or similarly effective cutting angle.FIG. 5Balso identifies a second rail/track120B that is not illustrated inFIG. 5A. It should be remembered that all of the dimensions, relative positioning, and orientations of components shown inFIGS. 5A and 5Bare merely representative of one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims. It should also be noted that althoughFIGS. 1–4,5A and5B, as well as6A and6B, show the present invention base90positioned under an upwardly-extending channel30defined by front wall50, side walls40A and40B, and back wall20, it is equally contemplated for channel30to have a horizontally-extending or downwardly-extending orientation, as well as oblique orientations. It is contemplated that attachment of base90to any needed surface (not shown), whether channel30is upright or in any other orientation, would be via conventional means.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow a third preferred embodiment of the present invention that has an elongated ultrasonic cutting means160, which extends beyond the side walls40A and40B that in combination with back wall20and front wall50define channel30. At a minimum, it is contemplated for ultrasonic cutting means160to extend the full width of channel30. The ultrasonic horn transducer160used as the cutting/slitting means inFIG. 6A, and which is long and thin like a knife blade, is vibrated by ultrasonic energy to produce heat and mechanical action that provide the means by which the Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape are cut/slit.FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow an elliptical base90supporting front wall50, side walls40A and40B, and back wall20that together form the channel30where a DVD case10or other cases/packaging are inserted for cutting Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape without damage to the underlying product and product packaging. The perimeter configuration and size of base90is not critical, as long as it fulfills its support function, and it may have perimeter configurations other than that shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B. In addition,FIG. 6Ashows an electronic ultrasonic driver170within base90that is connected to the ultrasonic horn transducer160communicating with the lower portion of channel30.FIG. 6Afurther shows the ultrasonic horn transducer160being positioned adjacent to front wall50, and two activating sensors80A and80B also communicating with the bottom portion of channel30that are used to trigger the vibration of ultrasonic horn transducer160once a DVD case10or other cases/packaging reached its fully inserted position within channel30. The shape and relative size of the electronic ultrasonic driver170shown inFIG. 6Ais representative only and not meant to be determinative thereof. Thus, use of any of the preferred embodiments of the present invention makes the opening of retail of Shrink Wrap packaging and security tape much easier to accomplish, with access to the contents of the DVD case10or other cases/packaging within the opened Shrink Wrap being achieved in a very brief period of time, typically a matter of seconds, and without injury to the operator or damage to the DVD case10, other cases/packaging, and/or the contents thereof.