Tamper Proof Container Arrangement And Method For Transporting Any Type Of Highly Sensitive Products

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to a method and system of securely containing contents in a tamper-evident shipping and storage container that provides a detectable indication of a breach of the security of the shipping container. In an aspect, the invention relates to a method and system of providing a pre-folded blank that may be formed into a closeable container and secured with a lead directed through a plurality of openings arranged in a security strip embedded within the pre-folded blank container.

BACKGROUND

It is well known to utilize folded boxes and/or cartons as shipment containers and for the transport and storage of items. For example, the ubiquitous cardboard box, as often utilized for shipping goods or mail order purchases, provides several advantages in favor of their common use, including the box having lightweight and providing adequate structural integrity for the purpose of storage and limited stacking, the ability to be recycled, or repurposed after use, and being inexpensive to produce, and capable of being shipped in large quantities in the form of flat blanks having prefolds aiding the convenient assembly to final form for use.

Cardboard boxes may be made of various grades or forms of wood fiber based material, for example paper, paperboard or cardstock, and corrugated polyvinyl chloride (“pvc”) and/or fiberboard. Oftentimes, multiple layers are utilized to form a combined board material. Common forms of combined board include single face board, single wall (double face) board, double wall board, or additional layers may be combined, for example to form triple wall board. Single face board presents with a corrugated medium and a single sheet of linerboard as a face material adhered together. Single wall board has a corrugated medium, with a sheet of linerboard adhered on either side of the corrugated medium. Double wall board provides 3 linerboard layers, with intervening corrugated layers between the smooth linerboard layers. Triple wall board provides 4 linerboard layers, with intervening corrugated layers between the linerboard layers. In the board forms having more than one of either corrugated medium or linerboard layers, it is contemplated that the thickness for each may be varied to tailor the thickness and physical characteristics of the resulting combined product. For example, a double wall board may have a layer of corrugated medium with wide fluting, and a second layer of corrugated medium with much narrower fluting; or the linerboard may be varied in thickness as desired to provide the sought after characteristics for the container produced from such a combined board material. The corrugated form further provides a level of cushioning to the contents during handling, as the corrugations are able to collapse when crushed, thereby absorbing and dissipating forces, thereby cushioning the contents. Corrugated containers offer advantages of being durable and wear resistant, providing a high strength to weight ratio due to the lightweight nature of the material and high burst strength for the material. Additionally, corrugated containers are cost effective to manufacture and use, and may be reused, repurposed, or recycled when disposed of, thus providing a sustainable product that is environmentally friendly.

Corrugated containers that incorporate a single-entry design have long been known. However, the ability to reliably secure a container of this nature against unauthorized entry has yet to be achieved, as the cardboard box does not, on its own provide any assurance of security. A folded box may readily be opened to access the interior. Tampered box contents may result in harm to the sender and recipient, and range in severity from a minor nuisance, to a national security breach. For example, the safe shipment of fragile and/or delicate items may be at risk due to in-transit tampering and theft. In an extreme example, tampering with box contents in the form of election ballots may affect election integrity, where, if ballots are tampered with when there is an expectation of the ballots being secured, may result in voter fraud through improper count or misplacement of ballots, which can easily turn a close election.

It has long been known to attempt to secure a folded box by applying tape or stickers to an exterior surface, to seal the box, however, careful removal of such tape or sticker, and replacement of the same or additional or substitute tape or stickers may be applied, thereby hiding unauthorized access to the box interior, making it difficult or impossible to determine if the contents have been accessed or tampered with. Similarly, it has been known to apply glue to an interior surface of a lid, to seal the box, as is common with cereal boxes, however, tampering is still possible where the box is carefully opened, and additional glue applied to seal the box, hiding any structural damage to the box from opening.

What is needed is a foldable blank of suitable material, such as cardboard and/or corrugated pvc board, that can be folded, and have provided a security feature that prevents opening or accessing the interior of the box without leaving an easily detectable indication of the breach, thereby providing a level of assurance to the user that the contents in the box remain secure and free from unauthorized access.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a tamper proof container arrangement is provided having, in an exemplary embodiment, a single board blank adapted to be folded into a double-walled box having a single site of entry; a security strip embedded in the blank and extending a full length of the blank, the security strip comprising a polymer material having at least one reinforcement filament; a plurality of holes formed in the single board blank in a manner that the plurality of holes pass through the security strip, the plurality of holes are arranged relative to each other such that when the single board blank is folded into its box configuration, a lead may be passed through the plurality of holes to enable the box to be locked against unauthorized entry.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a plurality of holes, namely, a first hole, a second hole and a third hole, the first hole is located proximate a first end of the single board blank, and the second hole and the third hole are located proximate to each other and proximate a second end of the single board blank; and the first hole and the second hole are overlapping and the third hole is located proximate the first hole and the second hole when the single board blank is folded into its box configuration so that a lead can be passed through the overlapping first and second holes, and then pass through the proximately located third hole. In this manner, the double-walled corrugated box can be secured against unauthorized entry.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tamper proof container has a reinforcement filament that is a woven filament, or a non-woven fabric.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tamper proof container has a lead that can be secured by one or more of crimping, fusing, bonding, or locking, such that the portions of the lead are secured relative to each other. The lead may be threaded through the first and second holes, then through the third hole prior to the portions of the lead being secured relative to each other. The lead may have an identifier code that will coincide with a retained manifest.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tamper proof container is made from a foldable blank that has at least a corrugated layer C, and at least a first face layer FF. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank also has a second face layer SF, with the corrugated layer between the first layer and the second face layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the blank is one or more of fiberboard, paperboard, cardstock, solid bleached board, and plastic.

In an exemplary embodiment, the container of claim 1 may provide protective materials within the container. These protective materials may provide protection against one or more of impact damage, thermal damage, and static discharge damage.

In an exemplary embodiment, the blank has a coating on an exterior surface. The coating may be a protective coating providing one or more of moisture penetration resistance, and wear resistance. The coating may enhance the first hole application of graphics and signage on the blank.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a blank for forming a tamper proof container having: a corrugated fiberboard with a plurality of pre-folds defining a bottom panel, a pair of double side panels, a front panel, a back panel, a top panel, and a front flap panel; a security strip embedded within the corrugated fiberboard and having at least one filament reinforcement, and having at least a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole passing through the security strip within the blank; and a lead that may be passed through the holes, and configured to have the ends of the lead secured together, the lead having an identifier code.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures of which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a cardboard blank, which can be folded into a double-walled box structure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the initial folds for converting the cardboard blank into the double-walled box structure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of additional folds for converting the cardboard blank into the double-walled box structure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of additional folds for securing the lid when closing the double-walled box structure;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the secured double-walled box structure with a lead passing through holes to secure the closure of the double-walled box structure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section along the view defined by line 6-6 of FIG. 1, depicting the filament bearing plastic strip embedded within the thickness of the cardboard blank; and

FIGS. 7a and 7b are bottom perspective views of the double-walled box structure with alternative locations for holes in the front of the container through which the lead may be directed to secure the closure of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

The present invention is directed to a container arrangement and system for securely containing material within the confines of the container 10. The container arrangement system comprises a foldable blank 100 of material suitable for being folded into the container shape having a single opening side, and having a security strip 120 embedded within the blank, with a plurality of holes 122, 124, 126 passing through the security strip within the blank. The system further comprises a security lead 150 that may be passed through the plurality of holes 122, 124, 126 through the security strip 120 in the folded and closed container 10, and the portions of the lead 150 remaining outside of the container may be secured in any suitable way, including welding, crimping, sealing, or locking, so as to provide a secure closure of the container arrangement. Any breach of the container 10, such as by opening the lid, or penetrating through the container itself to access the interior contents would be evident from damage to the system components, either as a broken or cut security lead, or evident tears or holes in the container itself.

With reference to FIG. 1, there is depicted an exemplary embodiment of a blank 100 which can be folded in the manner depicted in FIGS. 2-5 to form a secure container 10, as will be described. As depicted in FIG. 1, the blank 100 is in a form that a flat component that can be folded to take on the form of a container 10. The blank 100 may be provided with a plurality of pre-folds 110, creating fold lines between adjoining panels that form the box perimeter. It is contemplated that the dimensions of each of the surfaces that make up the box may be varied, to form any suitable size and final shape for the container, so long as there is created a single access to the container interior, specifically, via the opening created as the lid is opened in the manner shown in FIG. 4.

The blank 100 of FIG. 4 may be initially provided initially in a flat configuration, without any folds. While the blank 100 is in a flat configuration, many blanks may conveniently be stacked atop each other for efficient transport and storage. In an embodiment, the blanks 100 in a flat configuration may have one or more pre-folds 110 that facilitate making folds in determined locations in the blank, where the pre-folds define the edges between adjacent panels to create the final shape of the container. Prior to use, one or more of the blanks may be folded along the pre-folds 110, as will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 2-4, to make the closed container 10 form of FIG. 5.

With reference to FIG. 1, the blank 100 may be a multi-layered material, including, as non-limiting examples, corrugated fiberboard, often referred to generically as cardboard, or corrugated plastic, such as corriboard. In an embodiment, the blank may have at least one face material, in the form of a smooth substantially flat sheet, adhered to one or more layers of the corrugated or fluted material. In an embodiment, the blank 100 may have a pair of face layers, with at least one corrugated layer between the opposing face layers. In an embodiment, the blank may be a foldable board material, such as cardboard, or paperboard, for example solid bleached sulfate paperboard, and may be a single layer of the foldable board material, or may be multiple layers of the board material, and alternatively may incorporate a face and at least one corrugated layer. In still another embodiment, there may be one or more layers of the board material and not have a corrugated layer.

In an embodiment, one or both of the face layers may present an exterior surface 50 that is capable of receiving printing to display signage, and labelling of the box. In an embodiment, one or more of the face layers, or the exterior surface 50 may be coated with a coating, such as a hydrophobic, wax or other protective coating to provide protective qualities to the container, such as resistance or impermeability to moisture infiltration and or enhanced wear resistance. In an embodiment, the coating enhances the corrugated fiberboard application of graphics and signage to the blank or formed container. In an embodiment, the blank 100 may feature a coating rendering it impermeable, or resistant to radiation transmission, such as by providing a lead coating, or lead integrated coating that may serve as an energy barrier, as may be useful, for example, to prevent harm to the contents when passed through an X-ray scanner, such as may be required when transporting x-ray sensitive materials, for example photographic or x-ray film. Alternatively, the energy barrier coating may serve to prevent the leakage of radioactive energy from within the container, such as may be required when storing or transporting radioactive sources or materials, such as radioactive waste, or radioactive standards or samples for scientific studies and medical equipment.

In an embodiment, the blank 100 may be corrugated material of any desired thickness to accommodate the anticipated load and handling requirements for the container. For example, it is contemplated that the blank 100 may be a corrugated fiberboard material that is, as non-limiting examples, at least one of A-flute, B-flute, C-flute, E-flute, W-flute, AA-flute, AAA-flute, B/C-flute, or combined layers. In another embodiment, the blank may be of any suitable thickness for the anticipated load and function for the container, including, as non-limiting examples, thickness of approximately 0.188″, approximately 0.125″, approximately 0.157″, 0.062″, approximately 0.314″, approximately 0.393″, approximately 0.590″, approximately 0.125″, less than 0.75″, greater than 0.05″. In another embodiment, the blank may be a single composite layer, where the composite layer is made up of the corrugated medium and any face layers applied directly to that corrugated medium. In another embodiment, the blank may be a two layer, a three layer, or a double wall blank, or other layer configurations known generally to those in the industry.

The security strip 120 can be seen with reference to FIG. 1, and is shown extending entirely through a length dimension of the blank 100, so that once formed into a container, the security strip 120 encircles the entire container in a longitudinal orientation, and at least partially overlaps as the container 10 is sealed. In an embodiment, the security strip 120 may be a woven, tear-resistant, polysynthetic filament-type reinforcing tape, and may be glued to the underside of a face layer, and may also be adhered to a surface of the corrugated medium of the blank. As shown in cross-section in FIG. 6, the security strip 120 may be seen embedded within the layers of the blank 100. The security strip may be polymer material embedded between adjacent layers that make up the blank. In an embodiment, the security strip may be filament bearing security tape having a polymer backing, which may be secured by an adhesive material applied to one or both surfaces of the backing material. In an embodiment, the security strip may be a polysynthetic, filament reinforcing tape and may have adhesive on one, or both sides such that it may be embedded within the blank. In an embodiment, the security strip has a backing that is a polymer material, such as polypropylene or polyester, as non-limiting examples. It is contemplated that in an embodiment, the polymer backing of the security strip may be a highly oriented polymer, where the high degree of polymer orientation, presents a relatively larger percentage of polymer molecules aligned along the length axis of the polymer than would be present with a less oriented polymer backing. Such a polymer backing that has more highly oriented polymer molecules would serve to provide greater strength along the length of the security strip, and enhanced tear resistance.

It is contemplated that any suitable adhesive for securing the security strip within the blank 100 may be employed, including reactive or non-reactive adhesives, natural or synthetic adhesives. Adhesives that may be utilized to affix the security strip in the blank may include any suitable type of adhesive, such as drying adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, contact adhesives, hot melt adhesives, multi-part adhesives, one-part adhesives that cure by any of heat, moisture or UV light. Possible adhesives that may be utilized for securing the security strip in place include, as non-limiting examples, known adhesives such as rubber cement, white glue, polyvinyl acetate adhesives, acrylate polymer adhesives, natural rubber adhesive, polychloroprene adhesive, ethylene-vinyl acetates adhesives or other thermoplastic adhesives, acrylic, urethanes and epoxy adhesives, cyanoacrylates. It is contemplated that the adhesives may be applied to one, or both sides of the security strip to secure it between adjacent layers during blank manufacture. Thus as the adhesive sets, the polymer is secured on at least one side to the adjoining layers of the blank.

In an embodiment, the security strip 120 may be a filament-reinforced tape, where the security strip is provided with one or more reinforcing filaments 130. In an embodiment, the security strip may be, for example, strapping or filament tape, for example, Sesame™ reinforcement tape or the like known to those in the industry. The incorporation of filaments 130 into the security strip 120 may provide even greater tear resistance and tensile strength, beyond that offered by the use of a polymer security strip lacking filament reinforcement, whether polymer or highly oriented polymer. In an embodiment, the security strip 120 may feature one or more filaments 130 provided in a mesh or a woven pattern, and may have warp and weft, such that there is filament interlacing in a repeating pattern. The security strip 120 may alternatively feature one or more filaments 130 provided in a non-woven form, where the strands of filaments or portions of filaments are physically interlocked in a non-repeating pattern.

In any of the embodiments having filaments 130, the filaments of the security strip 120 may be of any suitable reinforcing materials, and each filament of the security strip may be provided as a mono-filament, as a fiber, or as multiple filaments or fibers twisted, braided, or otherwise grouped together to form, for example, threads, strings, or yarns. The reinforcing filament 130 may be of fibrous materials, such as fibers or filaments of fiberglass, polyester, polyethylene, aramid fiber, or metal wire, as non-limiting examples. In an embodiment, the filament 130 may be a polymer, and is itself a highly oriented polymer, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, having high tensile strength in a narrow diameter filament. It is contemplated that the security strip 120 may combine different materials as the filaments 130 provided in the security strip. For example, a woven pattern may comprise a first form of a filament as the warp in the woven pattern, and a second form of a filament as the weft in the woven pattern. Alternatively, different filaments may be combined together within the security strip. In an embodiment having woven filaments within the security strip, the woven pattern may provide different materials or combination of materials for the warp and weft components of the weave. Alternatively, the weave may have a highly oriented polymer in the warp component, and the same polymer, but not highly oriented in the weft component.

The presence of the filament 130 elements as a component of the security strip adds significant tear resistance to the security strip 120, due to the tensile strength of the filaments, enhancing the tear resistance of the security strip. The security strip with polymer backing and filament reinforcement as described thus may be a bilaterally reinforced filament tape, resistant to tensile stress applied either perpendicular, as well as parallel to the length axis of the security strip; and accordingly would be tear resistant to forces applied in any direction. It is contemplated that the security strip 120 within the blank 100 material may provide combined material having a tensile strength of approximately 150 pounds, greatly enhancing the resistance to tampering beyond that of a conventional cardboard box.

In an embodiment, the filament 130 component of the security strip 120 may be embedded within the thickness of the polymer backing. It is contemplated that the filament component may be embedded into the polymer backing while the polymer backing is in a melted state, such that the filament is securely maintained within the polymer backing as it cools. Alternatively, the filament 130 component may be placed against the polymer backing and secured with any of the adhesives contemplated herein.

In an embodiment, the security strip 120 may be a reinforcing tape that has a width dimension appropriate for the anticipated use, and the able to accommodate the hole dimensions that will be required for placement of the security lead. In an embodiment, the security strip 120 within the blank has a width in the range of at least approximately 1/16″, ⅛″, ¼″, ½″, ¾″, 1″, 2″, 4″, 6″ or more; and less than approximately ½″, 1″, 2″, 4″, 8″, 10″, 24″. In an embodiment, the security strip 120 is of a dimension such that it is a layer extending across the entirety of the blank 100, having a length and width corresponding to that of the blank form.

The blanks 100 of the present invention may be manufactured in any suitable method for producing the blank, with the appropriate form and features such that it may be folded into a container 10. For example, the blank 100 may be formed by providing a sheet of the desired material, whether single layer, multi-layer, composite, having dimensions that are larger than those of the finished blank. The sheet may then be placed under a cutting die, which when pressed against the material, will cut the sheet into the desired shape for the blank 100. The holes 122, 124, 126 in the blank, passing through the security strip 120, may be formed at the same time, by the cutting die as it is pressed. Additionally, the cutting die may feature blunt ridges that do not cut the blank material, but rather selectively compress in defined patterns to create the pre-folds 110 in the blank by at least partially compressing the corrugations, without cutting the blank 100 in the compressed portions. Alternatively, the holes 122, 124, 126 and pre-folds 110 may be formed separately, using additional stamping dies, machinery, or hand tools, or other techniques familiar to those skilled in the art.

In an embodiment, the blank 100 is a corrugated material, such as paperboard, cardboard, or fiberboard, and is formed into a container having a double walled arrangement, which inherently adds to the structural strength of the sidewalls of the container. With reference to FIGS. 1-6, there is depicted the folds required for converting the blank of FIG. 1 into a closed container 10 of FIG. 6.

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 1, the blank 100 includes a bottom panel 102, a pair of double side panels 104, a front panel 103, a back panel 105, a top panel 106, and a front flap panel 107, which may be defined by pre-folds 110, or detectable markings, along lines that form borders of adjoining panels or tabs where folds would be required to form the securable container. For purposes of illustration, the location for the pre-folds 110, or edges between panels are marked with dotted lines. The pre-folds 110, if present, may be previously folded to define a crease, and returned to flat configuration for transport or storage, or the pre-folds 110 may be formed by partly compressing the corrugated structure of the blank 100 between panels and tabs, at the location desired, thereby facilitating the folding of the flat blank to the container form by the user. One or more of the panels may feature slots 112, or may form slots when folded, that receive tab elements 114 within the slots to secure panels or folded portions in position relative to each other.

With reference to FIG. 2, the blank may be formed into a container by folding the front panel 103 and back panel 105 to approach a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the bottom panel, as depicted. Furthermore, the side tabs 114 for each of the front and back panel are folded to be generally perpendicular to their respective front or back panel.

As shown in FIG. 3, the double side panels 104 are folded to be generally perpendicular to the bottom panel 102, and folded again to double back at the mid-line 109, thereby forming a pocket for receiving the side tabs 114 for each of the front and back panels between the double walls. Further, to secure the double side panels in the folded position, the smaller tabs 114 at the ends of the double side panels are received in slots 112 adjacent to the bottom panel 102. Thus each of the double side panels 104 is folded on itself to form a double wall, with the larger tabs 114 of the front and back panels received between the double wall of each of the side-panels 104, adding a third layer in the sidewall of the formed container.

As shown in FIG. 4, the container may be closed when the top panel 106 is folded to be generally parallel to the bottom panel 102, with the side tabs 114 of the top panel folded to be generally perpendicular to the top panel. As the top panel 106 is folded to cover the top of the container 10, the side tabs 114 of the top panel 106 would be fitted into the interior of the container, adjacent to the inside wall of the side panels 104.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the closure of the container would be completed by folding the front flap panel 107 to be generally perpendicular to the bottom panel 102. The side tabs 114 of the front flap panel 107 would be folded to be generally perpendicular to the front flap panel, and as the front flap panel is folded to rest against the front panel 103, the side tabs 114 of the front flap panel 107 would be inserted into the slot between the adjacent walls of the double side panels 104 and to rest against the side panels of the front panel, and the front flap panel 107 is thus reversibly held in this position. The closed container 10 may then be secured by insertion of a lead 150 through openings in the container, as will be discussed.

Accordingly, when container is closed, sealed, and ready for transportation, it serves not only to protect contents against compressive forces, but also prevents access to or loss of the contents. Furthermore, the blank 100 may be provided with a protective coating, for example, a hydrophobic coating, and thus may prevent water/moisture penetration and prevent resultant damage to either the container, or the contents.

The construction of blank 100 provides a configuration such that, unlike conventional cardboard boxes, when formed as a container 10, there is only one opening via which access to the interior thereof can be gained, as it requires opening the lid comprising the top panel 106 and front flap panel 107, in the manner depicted in FIG. 4. The lid may be fully opened to facilitate access to the contents of the container 10, by unfolding the top panel 106, along with the front flap panel 107, to expose the interior of the container. Typically, the lid is unfolded beyond perpendicular to the bottom panel 102, such that gravity tends to keep the lid from falling down to obscure the contents. With the lid opened, the double side panels 104 retain the tabs 114 for each of the front and back panels, thereby maintaining the container for ready closure simply by closing the lid.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the blank has a security strip 120, as described previously, and illustrated in FIG. 1 with chain lines, that is buried within the blank 100 from one end to the other during manufacture of the blank, before its being folded along dashed lines representing the fold locations for the blank 100 to be formed into a container 10. When folded into its operative configuration, the blank is formed into a closed container, and may be securely sealed in a manner that renders it essentially impossible for the contents to be tampered with without the recipient of the package being aware of such an occurrence.

More specifically, as depicted in FIG. 1, a plurality of openings are provided as holes 122, 124, 126 near opposite ends of the blank 100, and near opposing end regions of the embedded security strip 120, as depicted in FIG. 1. When the blank 100 is folded along the dotted lines shown in FIG. 1 to form a container 10, the plurality of hole openings are located in the vicinity of one another so that a lead 150, or similar member to provide evidence of a sealed closure, can be passed through the hole openings to secure the container. In an embodiment, as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, there are provided at least three holes 122, 124, 126 through the security strip 120 within the blank 100. The holes 124, 126 are located on either side, and adjacent to, the fold line, or pre-fold 110 that forms the boundary between the front panel 103 and the bottom panel 102, while another hole 122 is adjacent to the end of the security strip 120 in the front flap panel 107. In this embodiment, as the blank 100 is formed into the container 10 depicted in FIG. 5, the hole 122 in the front flap panel 107 would be in overlapping alignment with the hole 124 in the front panel, and near those overlapping aligned holes 122, 124 would be the hole 126 in the bottom panel. The lead 150 would be directed to pass through all three holes, such that the lead passes through the aligned holes 122, 124 in the front of the container 10, and further passes through the hole 126 in the bottom panel 102 of the container, as depicted in FIG. 5, thereby presenting the free ends of the lead 150 outside of the container 10, and in close proximity to each other, such that they may be secured or connected together. The length of the loop formed by the secured lead 150 should be long enough to pass through the openings 122, 124, 126 in the blank 100, and be joined in close proximity to the container 10. Care must be taken to ensure that the loop of the lead 150 after connection is made is not so large as to allow the side tabs of the front flap panel 107 to be disengaged from the double wall side panels 104, which might otherwise allow unauthorized access to the contents of the container. Upon the ends of such a lead 150 being permanently connected to one another, in any suitable manner, such as by crimping, fusing, bonding, or the like, the interior of the container 10 cannot be accessed, so long as the secured lead 150 remains intact, without destroying at least a portion of the blank 100. Furthermore, the security strip 120, with filament 130 reinforcement to enhance the tensile strength of the security strip, encircles the sealed container 10 longitudinally, and would prevent tear through from the lead 150, minimizing the potential for accidental opening, in addition to preventing unauthorized access the contents of the container, and in such an event, provide detectable evidence of such a breach. Thus, this embodiment prevents anyone from secretly accessing or tampering with the contents of the container 10, as with only one opening that cannot be accessed without damaging either the lead 150 or the container 10, any entry would be evident due to damage of the components.

It is recognized that alternative configurations and dimensions of panels and openings in a blank 100 are possible to provide for secure closure of the container 10, and fit within the spirit of this disclosure. As an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that a lead 150 may be directed through the previously discussed aligned holes 122, 124 in the security strip 120 in the front flap panel 107 and front panel 103, and rather than pass through the bottom panel 102 as shown in FIG. 5, the lead 150 may be directed through a similar adjacent set of aligned holes in the front panel and front flap panel, as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b. This second set of aligned holes may also be created passing through the security strip 120. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the second set of aligned holes may be nearby in the blank, though not necessarily passing through the security strip 120. In either circumstance, damage to the container 10 or the security strip 120 would be evident if the lead 150 was pulled through the blank 100 in the region adjacent to any of the openings due to unauthorized access to the contents. For maximum resistance to tampering, ideally the alternative embodiment with the second pair of aligned holes on the front panels would pass through the security strip 120, so tearing forces would be more widely distributed through all four openings within the security strip. One skilled in the art would understand the security strip 120 can range in width and more than one can be incorporated into the blank 100 depending upon the size of the box to assure the tamper proof concept.

Once the container 10 is received at the destination or recipient and is ready to be opened, the lead 150 and the container 10 may be inspected for evidence damage, and allow the recipient to confirm the security code of the lead, as will be discussed, so as to ensure that the contents of the container 10 were maintained secure. The user may then unlock the lead, whether by cutting the lead, or unlocking the securement method as appropriate, thereby allowing the front flap panel to be unfolded, and the top panel raised, as shown in progress in FIG. 4, and allow access to the contents. Prior to opening the container 10, the lead 150 may be completely, or partially removed from the blank 100, freeing the front flap panel to be unfolded away from the front panel, and freeing the front of the top panel to be lifted.

The container 10 as described herein is highly advantageous to use, in that it is simultaneously lightweight and inexpensive, it is easily transported in bulk in blank form, easily formed into a container, and can be conveniently discarded or disposed of after a single use. Additionally, as with traditional corrugated board containers, the container 10 may be reused repeatedly, where replacement leads 150 may be employed to secure the contents. The use of a replaceable lead 150 to secure the contents provides an advantage over the technique of using glue to secure the container components to seal, as the replaceable securing lead allows a user to open and reuse the container with a new lead, where use of glue would likely result in destruction of the container when opened.

The double wall structure of the various embodiments of the container 10 herein described, which results after fully folding the blank, produces a remarkably robust container that provides a high degree of structural strength and protection for the contents held within. These properties prevent breakage/damage by the inevitable bumping and jostling which occurs during handling by commercial carrier or postal services, especially during loading/unloading from one transport vehicle to another, such as at truck terminals, airports, train stations, and the like.

It will be noted that the use of the blanks 100 described herein are not solely limited to corrugated materials, but may be used with cardstock, paperboard, such as solid bleached board, or any other foldable board material. The cardstock or paperboard may beneficially provide an exterior surface, or may have a coating on the exterior surface 50, suitable for application of graphics application of graphics or printing thereon. In any embodiment described herein, the material may be provided as a substantially flat blank 100, and subsequently folded into a container 10, the contents loaded, and security sealed with a lead 150 in a manner that permits the dispatch of a variety of items in a secure and inexpensive manner.

It is contemplated that there may be a need for the contents within the container 10 to have additional protections, beyond the protection afforded by the structure of the container itself, featuring a double walled form, and further, in some embodiments having at least one impact absorbing corrugated layer within the blank 100 that is folded to form the container. It is recognized that additional protection for the contents within the container may be provided by adding well known protective items and materials within the container, including as non-limiting examples: void fillers, wrapping materials, loose fill materials, air pillows, blocking and bracing materials. Example protective materials include, but are not limited to, paper, wood wool, polymer foam sheets, bubble pack, bubble wrap, corrugated wrap, polymeric cushioning foam or polymeric structures, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS)(often generically referred to as styrofoam), biodegradable expanded foam materials, polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) foams, non-woven spun bond polypropylene (SBPP) and/or polyurethane (PU). Any of the added protective measures contemplated herein may serve to prevent impact damage to an object during shipping. Furthermore, the added protective measures may provide the benefit of any one or more of thermal insulation, moisture barrier, and/or offering protection to sensitive electrical components from being damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD), such as where the protective measure is an anti-static material. It is contemplated that the added protective measure, may be bracing or blocking material, or foams that are molded, formed or engineered into shapes and/or sheets that are customized to secure the contents within the container. It is recognized that various materials may be combined to serve as a composite added protective measure, and further various items may be shaped or cut to size, and optionally glued into a cushion forming structure to accommodate the contents securely within the container 10.

In use of any of the embodiments of the secure and tamperproof container 10 discussed herein, the user may wish to inventory the contents prior to shipment and/or provide a previously sealed package for confidentially purposes. The tracking and verification of contents and security may utilize a lead 150 bearing a die-stamped metal, or plastic sealing lead embossed with a unique identifier code, for example a set of numbers and/or letters, which can be recorded for verification, and provided for confirmation upon receipt, such as on a shipping manifest or packing list. As depicted in FIG. 5, where the lead 150 is a wire form, the code may be imprinted in any suitable manner where the lead ends are secured together, such as crimping or embossing directly on the joined portion. Alternatively, the lead 150 may feature a detectable code that can be verified by the user. For example, for ease in scanning, bar codes or RFID tags may be embedded within the secured portion, or otherwise embedded in the lead, such that the user can detect the code.

In practice, the courier or shipping personnel may place one of the copies of the code on the lead 150 to be placed inside of the container 10, the lid of the container will be closed and the securable die-stamped metal and/or plastic sealing lead 150 will be passed through the series of holes 122, 124, 126 in the blank 100 as previously described, and portions of the lead are then permanently connected to one another, such as by crimping, fusing, bonding, or the like. In this manner, the interior of the container 10 cannot be accessed without destroying a portion of the container 10 or security lead 150, making the container a securable, tamper-proof, shipping/holding container, as, any tampering or unauthorized access to the contents would be readily apparent to the recipient upon delivery, who can then confirm the lead identifier code matches that previously recorded.

Example 1-Secure Transport and Storage of Election Ballots

The embodiment of the present invention may be used to prevent election fraud whereby the container 10 may be formed from a blank 100 according to the various embodiments described herein. The resulting container may then be secured in a closed configuration with a lead 150, such as a die-stamped metal lead, or alternatively an embossed plastic lead, where the lead is marked with a unique identifying code, which may be a set of numbers and/or letters. The container 10 may be secured by passing the lead through the holes 122, 124, 126 in the security strip 120 within the container, as previously described, to assure security of the container during transport.

In such an embodiment intended to maintain election integrity, ballots may be placed into the interior of the container 10. For example, individual ballots may be inserted through a ballot slot (not shown) arranged upright in the box by each voter. Alternatively, ballots collected at the polling place may be gathered by an election official, and placed into the interior of the container 10 whereupon the lid may be closed and a lead 150 bearing a unique identifier code directed through the openings, and the lead secured to ensure the container 10 remains sealed. Once the container is filled with ballots, the unique set of numbers and/or letters of the lead will be recorded on a certified manifest by the courier, a copy will be placed inside the ballot slot, and covered over with packing tape. A second copy of a triplicated certified manifest will be left at the voting location to be placed with the voting roles, and a third copy of the certified manifest will be placed in a shipping pouch that is associated with the container 10, such as by being attached to the top of the box, similar to a plastic shipping label envelope applied to the container exterior surface. Additionally, a larger box with the tamper proof qualities can be designed to hold several smaller boxes (containing the ballots) each having the same tamper proof qualities.

Upon arrival at its final destination, inspection may be performed to ensure there is no damage to the container 10 and the lead 150 is still intact and unbroken; the courier will have the recipient match the number referenced on the shipping manifest that was placed in the plastic shipping pouch attached on the top of the container to the securable die-stamped metal and/or plastic sealing lead securing the shipping/holding container.

Provided the identifier codes match, the seal may then be broken by cutting the lead 150, and the copy of the certified bill of lading and/or shipping manifest attached to the outside of the container should be confirmed to be identical to the copy that was placed inside of the container, thereby proving that the contents were not tampered with during shipment, whereupon the ballots may be counted with assurance that election integrity has been maintained.

The recipient may then sign the certified bill of lading and/or shipping manifest, which may be used to satisfy any security concerns.

Example 2-Secure Transport and Storage of Medical, Pharmaceutical Materials

An embodiment of the present invention may be used to prevent unauthorized access to or theft of medical and pharmaceutical products during storage or transit. Drugs, especially addictive pharmaceuticals are subject to strict controls, and susceptible to theft or abuse. Described herein are containers 10 that may serve to minimize the theft of these products while in storage in the pharmacy, or as these products are in transit from a central location to an intended user. In such a use, a container 10 may be formed from a blank 100 according to any of the various embodiments contemplated herein. The pharmacy or dispensing agency may then place the medical or pharmaceutical products within the container 10, along with any protective materials required, such as packing materials, or insulation or cooling blocks for temperature sensitive materials. The container may then be secured in a closed configuration to be secured with a lead 150, according the teachings herein. As discussed previously, the lead may be any suitable lead, such as a die-stamped metal lead, or alternatively an embossed plastic lead, where the lead is marked with a unique identifying code, which may be a set of numbers and/or letters. The container 10 may be secured by passing the lead 150 through the holes 122, 124, 126 in the security strip 120 within the container, to assure security of the container during transport or storage.

In order to ensure the accuracy of the contents within the container, the unique set of numbers and/or letters of the lead may be recorded, a copy of the list of contents, such as packing list or manifest, may be placed inside the container 10, prior to closure and securement of the lid. A second copy of the contents may be left with the pharmacy or dispensing agency. Optionally, a third copy of the listing of contents may be associated with the box, such as by being attached to the top of the box, similar to a plastic shipping label envelope applied to the container exterior surface. With the box sealed, it may be desirous to not have the contents readily discernible, but instead the code may be prominently displayed on the box, such that the sought after container may be readily identified, without the contents being explicitly detailed for any potential viewer.

When the container is accessed from storage, or upon arrival at its intended destination, inspection may be performed to ensure there is no damage to the container 10 and the lead 150, to confirm the seal is still intact and unbroken. The identifier code referenced on the contents list, either associated with the box as a label, or within the pharmacy records, may be confirmed to match that of the die-stamped or embossed security lead, to ensure that the contents have remained free from unauthorized access.

Provided the identifier codes match, the seal may then be broken and the copy of the content list placed inside the box may then be confirmed to be identical to one of the other copies of the list, thereby proving that the contents were not tampered with during storage or transit, and the integrity of the box contents may be assured.

Example 3-Secure Storage and Shipment of Electronic and Computer Parts

An embodiment of the present invention may be used to protect and prevent unauthorized access to or theft of electronic products, or computer parts during storage or transit. Electronic equipment, especially computer parts are often valuable, and are frequently the subject of theft, which may difficult to determine where parts are fraudulently replaced with substandard or counterfeit components during transit or while in storage. Furthermore, such products are highly susceptible to breakage or other damage from physical impact, as well as static discharge where such high voltage current may negatively affect the function of the electronics. Described herein are containers 10 that may serve to minimize the theft or damage to electronic goods while in storage, or as these products are shipped to customers. In such a use, a container 10 may be formed from a blank 100 according to any of the various embodiments contemplated herein. The electronic supplier may then place the computer parts or other electronic components within the container 10, along with any protective materials required, such as anti-static shielding and impact absorbing packing materials for shipping in commerce, as are known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, where a business looks to store electronic components, to be accessible for use by their IT department, the business may wish to ensure that the products are safely stored, and not accessed by unauthorized personnel, to avoid the possibility of damage or fraudulent replacement with components of lower performance or quality, the user may similarly pack the components and protective packing materials within the container 10 for storage. The container may then be secured in a closed configuration with a lead 150, according the teachings herein. As discussed previously, the lead may be any suitable lead, such as a die-stamped metal lead, or alternatively an embossed plastic lead, where the lead is marked with a unique identifying code, which may be a set of numbers and/or letters. The container 10 may be secured by passing the lead 150 through the holes 122, 124, 126 in the security strip 120 within the container, to assure security of the container during transport or storage.

In order to ensure the accuracy of the contents within the container, the unique set of numbers and/or letters of the lead may be recorded, a copy of the list of contents, such as packing list or manifest, may be placed inside the container, prior to closure and securement of the lid. A second copy of the contents may be recorded, or filed with the IT department. Optionally, a third copy of the listing of contents may be associated with the box, such as by being attached to the top of the box, similar to a plastic shipping label envelope applied to the container exterior surface. With the container 10 sealed, it may be desirous to not have the contents readily discernible, but instead the code may be prominently displayed on the container, such that the sought after container may be readily identified, without the contents being explicitly detailed for any potential viewer.

When the container 10 is accessed from storage, or upon arrival at its intended destination, inspection may be performed to ensure there is no damage to the container 10 and the seal 150 is still intact and unbroken. The identifier code referenced on the contents list, either associated with the box as a label, or within the IT department records, may be confirmed to match that of the die-stamped or embossed security lead, to ensure that the contents have remained free from unauthorized access.

Example 4-Tamper-Proof Box for Insured Shipment of Goods Shipped Internationally

An embodiment of the present invention may be used to protect and prevent unauthorized access to or theft of any product(s) during transit. International shipments of valuable items are frequently the subject of theft, which may be difficult to determine if or where the items are fraudulently replaced with substandard or counterfeit products and/or components during transit or while in storage. Furthermore, such products are highly susceptible to breakage or other damage from physical impact, as well as static discharge where such high voltage current may negatively affect the function of the electronics. Described herein are containers 10 that may serve to minimize the theft or damage to electronic goods while in storage, or as these products are shipped to customers. In such a use, a container 10 may be formed from a blank 100 according to any of the various embodiments contemplated herein. The supplier may then place the items and/or other components within the container 10, along with any protective materials required, such as anti-static shielding and impact absorbing packing materials for shipping in commerce, as are known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, where a business looks to store sensitive components, to be accessible for use at a later date, the business may wish to ensure that the products are safely stored, and not accessed by unauthorized personnel, to avoid the possibility of damage or fraudulent replacement with components of lower performance or quality, the user may similarly pack the components and protective packing materials within the container 10 for storage. The container 10 may then be secured in a closed configuration with a lead 150, according to the teachings herein. As discussed previously, the lead 150 may be any suitable lead, such as a die-stamped metal lead, or alternatively an embossed plastic lead, where the lead is marked with a unique identifying code, which may be a set of numbers and/or letters. The container 10 may be secured by passing the lead 150 through the holes 122, 124, 126 in the security strip 120 within the container, to assure security of the container 10 during transport or storage.

In order to ensure the accuracy of the contents within the container 10, the unique set of numbers and/or letters of the lead may be recorded, a copy of the list of contents, such as packing list or manifest, may be placed inside the container 10, prior to closure and securement of the lid. A second copy of the contents may be recorded, or filed within the company. Optionally, a third copy of the listing of contents may be associated with the box, such as by being attached to the top of the box, similar to a plastic shipping label envelope applied to the container exterior surface. With the container 10 sealed, it may be desirous to not have the contents readily discernible, but instead the code may be prominently displayed on the container 10, such that the sought-after container 10 may be readily identified, without the contents being explicitly detailed for any potential viewer.

When the container 10 is accessed from storage, or upon arrival at its intended destination, inspection may be performed to ensure there is no damage to the container 10 and the seal is still intact and unbroken. The identifier code referenced on the contents list, either associated with the box as a label, or within the IT department records, may be confirmed to match that of the die-stamped or embossed security lead, to ensure that the contents have remained free from unauthorized access.

Based on the design of the tamper-evident shipping and storage container, insurance companies will allow the tamper-evident shipping and storage container to be insured because of its tamper proof qualities and any form of damage can easily be identified. The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing the invention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, more or less of the aforementioned components can be used to conform to that particular purpose. It is, therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that the scope of the invention is given by the appended claims together with their full range of equivalents.

Tamper Proof Container Arrangement And Method For Transporting Any Type Of Highly Sensitive Products

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