Tamperproof Bag

Abstract

A tamperproof bag includes a base, a pair of opposing end walls, and a pair of opposing sidewalls extending upwardly from the base to form an open upper end, defining an interior volume. Each end wall includes a height greater than a height of each sidewall, allowing for easier handling. An adhesive strip is disposed on an interior-facing surface of at least one end wall. The adhesive strip is configured to secure the end walls together to form a sealed closure and prevent access to the interior volume. Separation of the pair of end walls once adhered forms a tear in the bag, which may identify that an unauthorized access attempt to the bag has been made and prevents reclosure of the bag. A tab connected to a perforated strip that aligns with the adhesive strip provides a mechanism for accessing the interior of the bag.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tamperproof bag. More specifically, the present invention provides a tamperproof bag having a sealing closure mechanism that can only be opened by tearing away a portion of the bag, thereby making evident any attempts of tampering or unauthorized access or tampering with the bag contents.

Restaurants and other similar businesses often serve food for delivery or for pick-up to be consumed off-site. Food is often served for delivery or pickup in a variety of containers having different shapes and sizes. Most commonly, the food is prepared and placed into a paper bag, plastic container, or other similar disposable container. Such food containers and delivery bags provide a quick and inexpensive way to package food for delivery or take-out, but they have several drawbacks. For example, most bags utilized for food delivery and takeout lack any mechanism for preventing or deterring unwanted access to the food container. If any closure fastener is present on the bag, it can usually be easily removed. The simple construction and lack of fasteners makes it easy for unauthorized individuals to gain access to the contents of the bag. For instance, if a customer purchases a food item for delivery from a restaurant, the customer typically has no way of knowing whether the contents of the bag have been accessed and potentially tampered with in the time between the food container being filled at the restaurant and the food bag arriving at the customer. In view of the above concerns, it is desirable to provide a bag that includes a tamper-evident closure mechanism which maintains a liquid-tight seal and deters unauthorized access to the contents of the bag, since any unauthorized access would be readily apparent due to the closure mechanism damaging the bag upon being opened and preventing future reclosing of the bag.

Some devices exist in the known art that provide containers with mechanisms for deterring and detecting tampering with the container contents. However, these devices have several drawbacks. Some of these devices include adhesives and tearable strips that are improperly aligned, such that the container can still be resealed after an unauthorized access attempt has been made, potentially concealing the tampering from the bag's intended recipient. Other similar bags lack ideal construction features and are difficult to open and close in an efficient way.

In light of the tamperproof containers and bags disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in functional and structural elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing tamperproof containers and bags. In this regard the present invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of tamperproof bags, containers, and related devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a tamperproof bag wherein the same can be utilized for deterring individuals from tampering and leaving evidence of tampering for the intended recipient.

The tamperproof bag generally includes a base, a pair of opposing end walls, and a pair of opposing sidewalls extending upwardly from the base to an open upper end, defining an interior volume. Each end wall includes a height that is greater than a height of each sidewall of the pair of sidewalk. An adhesive strip is disposed on an interior-facing surface of at least one end wall, wherein the adhesive strip is configured to secure the at least one end wall of the pair of end walls to the opposing end wall of the pair of end walls to form a closure and prevent access to the interior volume. Further, separation of the pair of end walls once adhered is configured to form a tear which identifies an access attempt to the bag has been made, such that the bag can no longer be reclosed once opened.

One object of the present invention is to provide a tamperproof bag that includes handles constructed to improve ease of transport and handling.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tamperproof bag that includes a tab with a perforated strip aligned over the adhesive, such that removal of the perforated strip severs the adhesive closure and creates a tear, leaving evidence that the bag was opened, and preventing the bag from being reclosed.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a tamperproof delivery bag that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the tamperproof bag.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the tamperproof bag.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the tamperproof bag in an open configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the third embodiment of the tamperproof bag in a closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the tamperproof delivery bag. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a tamperproof delivery bag that displays evidence of tampering and cannot be resealed once opened. The term “bag” is not intended to be limiting and can be interpreted as any container having some degree of flexibility in its construction. Additionally, the figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a first embodiment of the tamperproof bag. In some embodiments, the tamperproof bag 10 can be constructed of paper, paperboard, plastic, nylon, or any suitable flexible materials. The tamperproof bag 10 includes a base 11, a pair of opposing end walls 12, and a pair of opposing sidewalk 13 extending upwardly from the base 11. An open upper end 14 defines an interior volume 15, in which food or other contents may be stored. In some embodiments, the interior volume 15 is lined with an aluminum material to reflect heat and insulate the contents of the tamperproof bag 10. In other embodiments, the interior volume 15 is lined with a polyethylene laminating film, which helps to waterproof the tamperproof bag 10 and prevent leaks. Additionally, each end wall 12 includes a height that is greater than a height of each sidewall 13. This allows for much easier operation of the bag 10, including opening and closing of the tamperproof bag 10, when compared to other bags having side and end walls of equal height.

An adhesive strip 16 is disposed on an interior-facing surface 30 of at least one of the end walls 12. The adhesive strip 16 is configured to secure the end walls 12 together to form a sealed closure and prevent access to the interior volume 15. In the shown embodiment, the adhesive strip 16 extends along an upper edge 25 of its respective end wall 12 and across the length of the end wall 12, such that the adhesive strip 16 extends from a first end of the end wall 12 to an opposing second end of the end wall 12. This allows for a watertight seal to form and prevents any contents of the tamperproof bag 10 from leaking when the tamperproof bag 10 is sealed closed via the adhesive strip 16. In some embodiments, the adhesive strip 16 includes a removable cover 17 that is initially disposed overtop the adhesive strip 16. The cover 17 can be peeled away to expose the adhesive strip 16 when it is needed to seal the tamperproof bag 10 closed. Once the tamperproof bag 10 is sealed in a closed configuration, separation of the pair of end walls 14 is configured to form a tear or otherwise damage the tamperproof bag 10. This signifies that an access attempt to the tamperproof bag 10 has been made, and the tamperproof bag 10 can no longer be reclosed once opened, preventing someone from hiding any unauthorized access attempt.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tamperproof bag 10 further includes a handle 18 attached to an upper end 25 of each end wall 12. The handles 18 can be composed of paper, paperboard, or other similar flexible materials. The handles 18 provide for easier handling and transporting of the tamperproof bag 10. In the shown embodiment, each handle 18 includes a pair of supporting rods 20 secured to the end wall 12 via an adhesive fastener 19. A central flat portion 22 of the handle 18 extends between an upper end 21 of each supporting rod 20. The flat portion 22 of the handle 18 includes a width greater than a width of the supporting rods 20 and a thickness that is less than a thickness of the supporting rods 20. This configuration allows for a stronger connection and more stability via the supporting rods 20, while the lower profile flat portion 22 of the handle 18 is easier to grasp and support the tamperproof bag 10. In other embodiments, the handle 18 can be a single a continuous flat portion 22 that includes no supporting rods.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of a second embodiment of the tamperproof bag. In some embodiments, the tamperproof bag 10 further includes a tab 23 affixed to an outer surface of one end wall 12, which is integrally formed with a perforated strip 24. The tab 23 is integral with the end wall 12 on which it is disposed yet frangible so as to tear the end wall 12 on which is disposed upon a tearing force being applied to the tab 23. In the shown embodiment, the tab 23 and perforated strip 24 include angled perforations 26 that allows the tab 23 to flex partially and be grasped more easily by the user. The perforated strip 24 guides the movement of the tab 23 for a clean separation. The tab is disposed on the end wall 12 opposite the end wall 12 having the adhesive strip 16. Additionally, in the shown embodiment, the perforated strip 24 extends across the upper edge of the end wall 12 to which the tab 23 is affixed, from a first end of the end wall 12 to a second end of the end wall 12. Further, the perforated strip 24 aligns with the adhesive strip 16, such that pulling the tab 23 causes separation of the perforated strip 24 from the adhesive strip 16. This alignment ensures that the adhesive strip 16 that seals the tamperproof bag 10 closed is damaged upon opening the sealed tamperproof bag 10. In this way, the tamperproof bag 10 cannot be resealed after an access attempt has occurred, meaning it will always be evident to the end consumer when an unwanted tampering or access event has occurred after the items were sealed within the tamperproof bag 10. While the shown embodiment includes a pair of perforated lines formed from angled perforations that define the perforated strip 24, other embodiments may include a single perforation line. Further, in other embodiments, the individual perforations can have different shapes, sizes, and directional orientations.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there are shown perspective views of a third embodiment of the tamperproof bag in an open configuration and a closed configuration, respectively. In some embodiments, the tamperproof bag 10 does not include handles. The tamperproof bag 10 is also designed to lay flat via folding the sidewalk 13 along a vertical fold line 27 extending downwardly to a pair of angular fold lines 28 that extend to opposing corners of the base 11. This allows the tamperproof bag 10 to be folded flat for storage prior to use. In order to use the tamperproof bag 10, the initial user unfolds the tamperproof bag 10 to an open configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. The initial user can then place food or other items within the tamperproof bag 10 and seal the tamperproof bag 10 closed via the adhesive strip 16. The tamperproof bag 10 is then sealed for delivery to the end user.

If an access attempt is made before reaching the end user, it will be evident via tearing of the tamperproof bag 10. To properly open the tamperproof bag 10, the end user tears the tab 23 along the perforated strip 24 to separate the perforated strip 24 from the adhesive fastener 16. This action damages the adhesive fastener 16 such that the tamperproof bag 10 cannot be resealed. In this way, the end user will be aware if the delivery person or other individual attempts to access to the contents of the tamperproof bag 10, because they will be unable to reseal the tamperproof bag 10 after doing so.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A tamperproof bag, comprising: a base;a pair of opposing end walk and a pair of opposing sidewalk extending upwardly from the base to an open upper end, defining an interior volume;wherein each end wall of the pair of end walls includes a height that is greater than a height of each sidewall of the pair of sidewalk; andan adhesive strip disposed on an interior-facing surface of at least one end wall of the pair of end walls, wherein the adhesive strip is configured to secure the at least one end wall of the pair of end walls to the opposing end wall of the pair of end walls to form a closure and prevent access to the interior volume;whereby separation of the pair of end walls once adhered is configured to form a tear which identifies an access attempt to the bag has been made, such that the bag can no longer be reclosed once opened.

2) The tamperproof bag of claim 1, wherein the adhesive strip includes a removably attached cover that can be peeled away to expose the adhesive strip.

3) The tamperproof bag of claim 1, wherein the adhesive strip extends along an upper edge of at least one end wall of the pair of end walls from a first end of the at least one end wall to a second end of the at least one end wall.

4) The tamperproof bag of claim 1, wherein the interior volume includes an aluminum lining.

5) The tamperproof bag of claim 1, wherein the interior volume includes a lining of polyethylene laminating film.

6) The tamperproof bag of claim 1, wherein each end wall of the pair of end walls includes a handle attached thereto.

7) The tamperproof bag of claim 6, wherein each handle includes a pair of supporting rods secured to an outer surface of one end wall of the pair of end walls via an adhesive fastener, and a flat portion of the handle that extends between an upper end of each supporting rod of the pair of supporting rods, wherein the flat portion of the handle includes a width greater than a width of the supporting rods and a thickness that is less than a thickness of the supporting rods.

8) The tamperproof bag of claim 1, wherein the base, the pair of opposing end walls, and the pair of opposing sidewalls are composed of either paper or paperboard material.

9) The tamperproof bag of claim 1, further comprising a tab affixed to an outer surface of one end wall of the pair of end walls.

10) The tamperproof bag of claim 9, wherein the tab is disposed on one end wall of the pair of end walls and the adhesive strip is disposed on the opposing second end wall of the pair of end walls.

11) The tamperproof bag of claim 9, wherein the tab is integral with the end wall on which it is disposed yet frangible so as to tear the end wall on which is disposed upon a tearing force being applied to the tab.

12) The tamperproof bag of claim 9, wherein the tab is connected to a perforated strip that extends across the upper edge of the end wall to which the tab is affixed, from a first end of the end wall to a second end of the end wall.

13) The tamperproof bag of claim 12, wherein the perforated strip aligns with the adhesive strip.

14) The tamperproof bag of claim 12, wherein the perforated strip includes angled perforations that extend to the tab portion.

15) The tamperproof bag of claim 1, wherein each sidewall of the pair of sidewalk includes a vertical fold line extending downwardly to a pair of angular fold lines that extend to opposing corners of the base.

16) The tamperproof bag of claim 6, wherein each handle of the pair of handles is composed of either paper or paperboard material.