Abstract:
A single use container comprises a slider having first and second closable profiles having an adhesive or epoxy disposed thereon. The profiles are configured, for example, to prevent premature closing and bonding.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.78(a)(4) and 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), this application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/475,431, filed Jun. 3, 2003. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention generally relates to security bags or containers, and in particular to single use or tamper evident containers.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
       [0003]     Many industries, such as the financial services, armored car and retail and grocery store industries purchase security bags to move money and other important documents from one location to another. It is desirable that a security bag be capable of evidencing tampering that may have occurred as the bag is moved from a first location where it is filled to a second location where it is desired that the contents be delivered with confirmation that no tampering of the bag&#39;s contents has occurred. A security bag protects the contents of the bag from unauthorized tampering. This object has been accomplished by incorporating various security features such as, for example, tamper evident “void tape” or sequential numbering on both the bag and tear off receipts. However, such products have not proven to be completely satisfactory and improved security bags and/or containers are needed.  
         [0004]     Prior art devices have also utilized an adhesive disposed on one or both of the closing strips such that when the strips are pressed securely together to close the bag. To open the bag after closing it becomes necessary to tear the bag, which, of course destroys the bag and provides evidence of tampering. Such bags are prone to premature closing, for example, when the strips come into contact with one another during manufacturing or shipping, or if they inadvertently come into contact at any time. Bags that close prematurely cannot thereafter be used.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     Accordingly, the present invention comprises a tamper resistant or single use container. One embodiment of the invention includes a bag or flexible container having an opening with a pair of interlocking fastener strips and a slider for closing the strips. A bonding agent such as an adhesive or epoxy is disposed on at least one of the fasteners strips. The slider is movable along the strips to fuse them together so that the bag must be torn apart to gain entry.  
         [0006]     In another embodiment of the invention, there may be no end stops on one or both ends of the profiles so that the slider may be moved off of the fasteners strips and thrown away. Still another embodiment of the invention may include the feature of microencapsulated bonding agents such that movement of the slider crushes the capsules resulting in the combining of a two-part epoxy compound. A further embodiment of the invention involves two pair of profiles, one being a single use profile and the other being a reclosable closure. Either one of the two pair could be the external pair of profiles.  
         [0007]     These and other objects of the present invention will be classified in the following description of the preferred embodiments in connection with the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. The drawings constitute a part of this application and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various features thereof.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a flexible container embodying the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  showing the container in a different operating position.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary perspective view of the container and slider of the invention but looking at the container in the opposite direction from  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary section of an alternative embodiment of the invention having two pairs profiles, one of which may be a single use profile and the other of which may be a reusable profile.  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is a fragmentary view similar to  FIG. 4  of another alternative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of the invention comprising a film covering an adhesive.  
         [0014]      FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  but showing the profiles prior to closure.  
         [0015]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of a slider forming a part of the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 9  is a view similar to  FIG. 7  of a further embodiment of the invention comprising a guard formed along an interior portion of a slider.  
         [0017]      FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 9  of still another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 10  but also showing a slider on the profiles.  
         [0019]      FIGS. 12 and 13  are sectional views of still another embodiment of the invention comprising an offset or misaligned slider assembly. 
     
    
       [0020]     It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding elements.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
         [0022]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a flexible container or bag  10  comprising two sheets  11  of plastic film which are joined or sealed together at edges  12 ,  15  and  16 . The bag  10  may be made from any suitable thermoplastic film such as, for example, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, substantially linear copolymers of ethylene and a C3-C8 ∝-olefin, polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, or mixtures of two or more of these polymers or mixtures of one of these polymers with another thermoplastic polymer. The sheets  11  of film should, however, be capable of showing any perforation or tear that is present in or performed upon the sheets  11 .  
         [0023]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , mounted on the upper edges of the sheets  11  is a pair of interlocking fastener strips  17  and  20  which include, respectively, first and second interlocking profiles  21  and  22  (e.g., hook-like interlocking). When the bag is open, i.e., before the closure assembly or slider  25  is moved, the profiles are misaligned, i.e., not engaged. When the bag is closed, the first profile  21  interlocks with the second profile  22  so that the profiles are interlocked throughout their entire length thereby forming a seal when by virtue of the two part epoxy.  
         [0024]     The closure or interlocking of the profiles is achieved by moving the slider  25  from the position of  FIG. 1  to the position of  FIG. 2 , that is, by moving the slider completely off of the bag  10  ( FIG. 3  illustrates the position of the slider  25  with a portion of the bag open and a portion of the bag closed). The slider  25  comprises suitable means, such as closing bars  37  (see  FIG. 4 ) or  57  (see  FIG. 8 ), for forcing the profiles  21  and  22  together so that they become interlocked when the slider  25  is moved to the position illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , an end stop  42  is provided which prevents the slider  25  from sliding off of the leftward end of the container  10 .  
         [0025]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , at or adjacent the contacting surfaces  26  and  27  of the profiles  21  and  22  there is provided a bonding agent such as a two-part epoxy compound. One part of the epoxy may be provided on or in the profile  21  and the other part on or in the profile  22 . Alternatively, any other type of permanently adhering adhesive may be provided on or adjacent the contacting surfaces of at least one of the profiles  21  and  22 . The epoxy compound and/or the adhesive is chosen such that the effect of the coming together of the profiles  21  and  22  causes them to be connected with a strength greater than the strength of the materials of the profiles  21  and  22 .  
         [0026]     Thus, in the event that an effort is made to separate the profiles  21  and  22  after they have been closed by the slider, they cannot be separated without tearing one or the other of the profiles, thereby providing tamper evidence.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  illustrates a further embodiment of the invention comprising a reclosable closure  30  located internally of a container  31  (shown only fragmentarily). The reclosable closure  30  does not include any epoxy or adhesive material but includes a separator  29  which operates to separate the profiles and open the bag when the slider is moved in one direction. When the slider is moved in the opposite direction closing bars (not shown) force the profiles together. The container  31  also includes a single use slider  32  which is mounted on fastener strips  35  and  36  and includes adhesive or epoxy materials as discussed above. The slider  32  has opposing closing bars  37  which force the profiles  40  and  41  of the fastener strips together to securely close the profiles.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  illustrates a further embodiment of the invention that is identical to the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , except that the configuration of the reclosable closure and the single use closure is reversed, that is, the reclosable closure  45  is located externally from the single use closure  46 .  
         [0029]      FIGS. 6-8  illustrate an additional embodiment of the invention comprising fastener strips  50  and  51  which include, respectively, first and second profiles  52  and  55 .  FIG. 7  illustrates the profiles prior to being closed by the slider  56 .  FIG. 6  illustrates the profiles after they have been closed by the slider  56 , which has inwardly extending closing bars  57 ,  
         [0030]     Referring in detail to  FIG. 7 , the first profile  52  includes a female portion  60  that is filled with adhesive  61  and is closed off during manufacture by a film  59  which prevents the epoxy or adhesive material from bonding with the second profile  55 . The film  59  may, for example, be extruded over the adhesive  61  during manufacturing. The film  59  should be made from a material suitable to resist surface contact incidental to the manufacturing, shipping and the like and to withstand variations in temperature, humidity and the like.  
         [0031]     In operation, moving the slider  56  along the fastener strips to the position illustrated in  FIG. 6  causes the dual male portion  62  to puncture the film  59  and to couple with the female portion  60  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The profiles  52  and  55  may also include secondary male portion  65  and female portion  66  which function to keep the profiles together, for example during manufacturing, extrusion, shipping, bag making, etc.  
         [0032]      FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention comprising closure assembly  69  having fastener strips  70  and  71 . The fastener strips include respective first and second profiles  72  and  75 . The closure assembly  69  is similar to the embodiments of  FIGS. 6-8  in that it includes a female portion  76  which is filled with adhesive  77  and is closed off during manufacture by a film  80 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a guard  85  extends inwardly from fastener strip  71  and is generally positioned between male portions  82  and female portions  76 . The guard  85  prevents premature closing of the fastener strips  70  and  71 . The guard  85  functions to protect the film  80  and the adhesive  77  so that the dual male portion  83  does not puncture the film  80 . The profiles  70  and  71  include secondary male portion  85  and female portion  86  which have the same function and purpose as the portions  65  and  66  described above.  
         [0033]     Closure assembly  69  also comprises a slider such as the slider  81  shown in  FIG. 11  which has a separator  82 . During operation, as the slider  81  is moved to close the bag, the separator  82  functions to depress the guard  85  and allows the male portions  83  to puncture the film  80  to allow the profiles to securely bond. That is, when it is desired to close and seal the bag, the separator  82  pushes the protector  85  downwardly out of the way so that the dual male portion  82  can puncture the film  80  and mate with the female portion  76 .  
         [0034]      FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate a further embodiment  88  of the present invention comprising fastener strips  87  and  90 . This embodiment includes a shield or protector  91  that has the same purpose and function as the guard  85  discussed above. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the protector extends generally inwardly from the fastener strip  87  and is located between the male and female portions  92  and  95 . An epoxy or adhesive is provided in or on the walls of the male and/or female portions  92  and  95 .  
         [0035]     The protector  91  is shown in  FIG. 10  in its initial position wherein it protects the inside of the female portion  95  and prevents premature closure of the fastener strips.  FIG. 11  shows the action of the slider  87  as it is moved from the position of  FIG. 1  to the position of  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 11  the separator  82  engages the shield  91  and moves it to a position wherein it does not block the dual male portion  92  and allows it to close with the female portion  95  to seal the bag. Such sealing does not occur, however, until after the separator  82  passes between the male and female portions and closing bars (not shown) such as the closing bars  37  and  57  force the male and female portions  92  and  95  together.  
         [0036]      FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate a further embodiment of the invention comprising a closure assembly  89  which includes fastener strips  90  and  91 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , male profile portion  92  is extruded generally at an angle wither respect to the side wall of the fastener strip  91  such that if the fastener strips  90  and  91  are pressed together (e.g., during manufacture, shipping, etc.) the male profile portion  92  is out of alignment with the female profile portion  95  so that it cannot close to seal the profile portions together. Referring to  FIG. 13 , when the separator  99  passes between the fastener strips  90  and  91  the male profile portion is forced downward such that the fastener strips be sealed to one another by the closing bars of the slider. Similarly to one or more of the other disclosed embodiments adhesive may be used with this embodiment by filling the female profile portion  95  with adhesive and providing a film such as the film  80 . Alternatively epoxy may be used on the surface or near the surface of the male and female portions  92  and  95  for securing the fastener strips together.  
         [0037]     Any and all of the aforementioned embodiments can be modified to include one or more mechanically scored or laser scored portions (e.g., near the center of the length of the profiles, or at various places along the length thereof, or along the entire length thereof). Such scored portions may be provided to weaken the attachment of either the male or the female profile to the flange of the fastener strips. For example, if there is a single, short line of weakening between a profile and the fastener flange, then during an attempt to open the bag the profiles would easily separate only at this weakened area. This weakened area can be sized to be small enough to not permit access to the interior of the bag yet big enough to allow a finger or two into the interior of the bag, such that the person would be able to tear it apart to provide evidence of tampering.  
         [0038]     In another embodiment, there could be a score line between a fastener profile and the flange of the fastener strips as described above, leading to a second score line. The second destruction could be along a second score line (such as one that extends at an angle from the first score line).  
         [0039]     Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to two exemplary embodiments, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that modification or variations in the structure and arrangement of this embodiment other than those specifically set forth herein may be achieved by those skilled in the art and that such modifications are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all modifications, variations, equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims.