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GB2561061A - Precursor of a tamper evident carton - Google Patents

Precursor of a tamper evident carton Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2561061A
GB2561061A GB1801597.4A GB201801597A GB2561061A GB 2561061 A GB2561061 A GB 2561061A GB 201801597 A GB201801597 A GB 201801597A GB 2561061 A GB2561061 A GB 2561061A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
lid portion
region
end panel
panel
tab
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1801597.4A
Other versions
GB201801597D0 (en
Inventor
Cuttell Michael
Parmar Adam
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Falconer Print And Packaging Ltd
Original Assignee
Falconer Print And Packaging Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Falconer Print And Packaging Ltd filed Critical Falconer Print And Packaging Ltd
Publication of GB201801597D0 publication Critical patent/GB201801597D0/en
Publication of GB2561061A publication Critical patent/GB2561061A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/02—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body
    • B65D5/0227—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body with end closures formed by inward folding of flaps and securing them by heat-sealing, by applying adhesive to the flaps or by staples
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/54—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
    • B65D5/5405—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a blank in tubular form
    • B65D5/5415—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a blank in tubular form the lines of weakness being provided in one or more closure flaps and in the container body so as to form after rupture a lid hinged to a side edge of the container body
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/02—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body
    • B65D5/0254—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body with end closures formed by inward folding of flaps and securing them by means of a tongue integral with one of the flaps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/02—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body
    • B65D5/10—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body with end closures formed by inward-folding of self-locking flaps hinged to tubular body
    • B65D5/103—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body with end closures formed by inward-folding of self-locking flaps hinged to tubular body one of the self-locking flaps having a tongue engaging into an opening of an opposite flap
    • B65D5/106—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body with end closures formed by inward-folding of self-locking flaps hinged to tubular body one of the self-locking flaps having a tongue engaging into an opening of an opposite flap the opening being a slot
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/54—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
    • B65D5/5405—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a blank in tubular form
    • B65D5/541—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a blank in tubular form the lines of weakness being provided in one or more closure flaps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)

Abstract

A blank with has foldable body 12 has panels 26, 28 extending from spaced apart regions of the same edge 14 of the body 16-24. A tab 46 on one panel 28 can engage with a slot 50 along the edge 14 where the other panel 26 meets the body. Two weakened regions 38 extend part of the way between the body edge 14 and tab 46 along the panel. A slot 39 extends from one weakened region 38a to the other 38b and extends into a concavity of the tab 46 so that the tip 37 of the tear region 36 extends further than the rest of flap 28. The weakened regions 38 are weaker than engagement of the tab 46 in the slot 50 so that they tear when an attempt is made to open the box as evidence of tampering. Panels 26 and 28 can be opposed. There can be further lines of weakness 60, 47 between the body and panel 28 and/or between panel 28 and the tab 46. Slot 50 can be between 30% and 90% of the length of fold 17, and 1.5mm shorter than the widest point of the tab. The opposite edges of tab 46 can diverge to their widest point 48 and then converge. Slot 50 can include wider aperture 52 designed to be adjacent tip 37 of tear region after folding. Lines of weakness can comprise perforations. The blank can be folded into a carton to contain pharmaceuticals.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Precursor of a tamper evident carton Abstract Title: A blank for a tamper evident carton (57) A blank with has foldable body 12 has panels 26, 28 extending from spaced apart regions of the same edge 14 of the body 16-24. A tab 46 on one panel 28 can engage with a slot 50 along the edge 14 where the other panel 26 meets the body. Two weakened regions 38 extend part of the way between the body edge 14 and tab 46 along the panel. A slot 39 extends from one weakened region 38a to the other 38b and extends into a concavity of the tab 46 so that the tip 37 of the tear region 36 extends further than the rest of flap 28. The weakened regions 38 are weaker than engagement of the tab 46 in the slot 50 so that they tear when an attempt is made to open the box as evidence of tampering. Panels 26 and 28 can be opposed. There can be further lines of weakness 60, 47 between the body and panel 28 and/or between panel 28 and the tab 46. Slot 50 can be between 30% and 90% of the length of fold 17, and 1.5mm shorter than the widest point of the tab. The opposite edges of tab 46 can diverge to their widest point 48 and then converge. Slot 50 can include wider aperture 52 designed to be adjacent tip 37 of tear region after folding. Lines of weakness can comprise perforations.
The blank can be folded into a carton to contain pharmaceuticals.
Figure GB2561061A_D0001
Figure GB2561061A_D0002
i
Figure GB2561061A_D0003
Figure GB2561061A_D0004
37
Figure GB2561061A_D0005
Figure GB2561061A_D0006
Figure GB2561061A_D0007
Figure GB2561061A_D0008
Figure GB2561061A_D0009
Figure GB2561061A_D0010
Figure GB2561061A_D0011
Figure GB2561061A_D0012
Figure GB2561061A_D0013
PRECURSOR OF A TAMPER EVIDENT CARTON
The present disclosure relates to a precursor for a tamper evident carton.
In particular the disclosure is concerned with a precursor for tamper evident carton and a tamper evident carton which may be formed from the precursor.
Background
Pharmaceutical products such as tablets are routinely distributed to consumers within blister packs which are housed in cardboard cartons. The cartons allow for easy storage and transportation of the product from supplier to customer and, once in the customers’ possession, provide protection and clear labelling. This useful as many blister packs do not provide sufficient information on the medicine they contain.
Problems exist with genuine medical products being replaced by other contents in the supply chain. To combat this issue new a regulation from the European Commission (EU2016/161) introduces a requirement for tamper evident features on medical packaging such that medicines can be verified and authenticated.
Additionally, cartons tend to be created from a “precursor”, where the precursor may be supplied to a packager for assembly into the carton before the product is inserted. They may be supplied in large numbers, and so it is advantageous for the carton to be as simple as possible to construct from the precursors) provided.
Hence a precursor for a tamper evident carton, and a carton that may be manufactured from the precursor, which is straightforward to assemble and comprises a tamper evident feature, is highly desirable.
Summary
According to the present disclosure there is provided apparatus as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.
Accordingly there may be provided a precursor (10) of a tamper evident carton, the precursor comprising a body panel (12) for forming a wall of a carton; a primary lid portion (26) which extends from a first region (17) of a first edge (14) of the body panel (12); a secondary lid portion (28) which extends from a second region (19) of the first edge of the body panel, the second region (19) being spaced apart from the first region (17) along the first edge (14) of the body panel; and an engagement feature (30) for anchoring the secondary lid portion (28) relative to the primary lid portion (26); wherein : the body panel (12) is foldable to form a boundary defining the carton with an opening (34), such that the primary lid portion (26) and secondary lid portion (28) are spaced apart from one another across the opening (34); the primary lid portion (26) is foldable relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14) to close the opening (34); and the secondary lid portion (28) is foldable relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14) to be anchored in position by the engagement feature (30) relative to the primary lid portion such that the secondary lid portion (28) at least in part covers the primary lid portion (26); whereby the secondary lid portion (28) comprises a flap section (36) defined by a weakened region (38), configured such that : the amount of force required to disengage the engagement feature (30), and thus separate the secondary lid portion (28) from the primary lid portion (26) is greater than the amount of force required to breach the weakened region (38) to thereby indicate an attempt has been made to open the carton.
The primary lid portion (26) may comprise a first end panel (40) which extends from the first edge of the body panel (12); a first end panel tab (42) which extends from an edge of the first end panel (40); such that the body panel (12) is spaced apart from the first end panel tab (42) by the first end panel (40).
The flap section (36) may be nested within the secondary lid portion (28).
The flap section (36) may extend from the first edge (14) of the body panel (12) within the secondary lid portion (28).
The flap section (36) may terminate at an end region (37) distal to the first edge (14) of the body panel (12).
The secondary lid portion (28) may comprise a second end panel (44) which extends from the first edge (14) of the body panel (12); and the engagement feature (30a) may comprise :a second end panel tab (46) which extends from an edge of the second end panel (44); such that the body panel (12) is spaced apart from the second end panel tab (46) by the second end panel (44); wherein the flap section (36) extends across at least part of the second end panel (44) and terminates at the second end panel (44) edge between the second end panel (44) and the second end panel tab (46).
The second end panel tab (46) may define opposing edges which diverge from one another where they each extend from the edge of the second end panel (44) to a respective inflexion (48); and the edges extend from their respective inflexion (48) in a convergent direction towards one another, the inflexion thereby defining a re-entrant region between the second end panel tab (46) and edge of the second end panel (44).
The engagement feature (30b) may further comprise : a cut through slot (50) along part, but not all, of the length of the first edge (14) of the first region (17) of the body panel (12) for receiving the second end panel tab (46) of the secondary lid portion (28).
There may be provided an aperture (52) along at least part of the slot (50).
The second end panel tab (46) and slot (50) may be configured such that the widest section of the second end panel tab (46), defined between the inflexions (48), is sized such that the second end panel tab (46) may extend in a first direction through the slot (50) to draw the secondary lid portion (28) to a position where it at least in part covers the primary lid portion (26) and thereby anchors the secondary lid portion (28) relative to the primary lid portion (26); and such that the inflexions (48) pass through the slot (50), but are inhibited from being retracted from the slot (50).
The second end panel tab (46) may be configured such the widest section of the second end panel tab (46) is greater than the length of the slot (50).
The widest section of the second end panel tab (46) may be about 1.5 mm greater than the length of the slot (50).
The aperture (52) may be positioned to coincide with the end region (37) of the flap section (36) at the boundary between the second end panel (44) and second end panel tab (46).
A weakened region may be provided along the second region (19) of the first edge (14) of the body panel (12) such that the secondary lid portion (28) is removable from the body panel (12).
The weakened regions may be provided as perforations.
The body panel may comprise sub panels which define the boundary wall of the carton; a first sub panel comprising the first region of the first edge from which the primary lid portion extends; a second sub panel comprising the second region of the first edge from which the secondary lid portion extends; a third sub panel being provided between the first sub panel and second sub panel, such that when the body panel is folded, the sub panels are folded relative to one another to define the carton with the opening, the opening being defined by the first sub panel and second sub panel spaced apart along one side by the third sub panel.
The first sub panel and second sub panel may be spaced apart by the third sub panel.
The body panel may further comprise : a fourth sub panel, the first sub panel being provided between the third sub panel and the fourth sub panel; and a fifth sub panel, the second sub panel being provided between the third sub panel and the fifth sub panel such that when body panel is folded, the sub panels are folded relative to one another to define the carton with the opening, the opening being defined by the first sub panel and second sub panel spaced apart along one side by the third, fourth and fifth sub panels.
The fourth sub panel and third sub panel may be spaced apart by the first sub panel; and the fifth sub panel and third sub panel are spaced apart by the second sub panel.
The precursor may formed from a sheet of material.
There may also be a tamper evident carton, suitable for use with pharmaceutical products, formed from the precursor of the present disclosure.
The body panel (12) may be folded to provide the wall of the carton and define the opening (34); the primary lid portion (26) is folded relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14) to close the opening (34); and the secondary lid portion (28) is folded relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14) to be fixed by the engagement feature (30a, 30b) relative to the primary lid portion (26) such that the secondary lid portion (28) at least in part covers the primary lid portion (26).
There may also be provided a precursor (10) for a tamper evident carton, the precursor comprising : a body panel (12) for forming a wall of a carton; a primary lid portion (26) which extends from a first region (17) of a first edge (14) of the body panel (12); a secondary lid portion (28) which extends from a second region (19) of the first edge (14) of the body panel (12), and comprises : a second end panel (44) which extends from the first edge (14) of the body panel (12), and a first engagement feature (30a) for anchoring the secondary lid portion (28) relative to the primary lid portion (26); wherein the first engagement feature (30a) comprises a second end panel tab (46) which extends from an edge (45) of the second end panel (44) along a fold line (47); such that the body panel (12) is spaced apart from the second end panel tab (46) by the second end panel (44); and the precursor further comprises a second engagement feature (30b) comprising : a cut through slot (50) along part, but not all, of the length of the first edge (14) of the first region (17) of the body panel (12) for receiving the second end panel tab (46) of the secondary lid portion (28); and the secondary lid portion (28) further comprises a flap section (36) defined by: a first weakened region (38a) which extends at least part of the way across the second end panel (44) between the first region (19) and the second end panel tab (46), a second weakened region (38b) which extends at least part of the way across the second end panel (44) between the first region (19) and the second end panel tab (46), and a cut region (37) which extends between ends of the first weakened region (38a) and the second weakened region (38b) proximate to the second end panel tab (46), such that the flap section (36) extends across at least part of the second end panel (44) and terminates at an end region (39) defined by the cut region (37); wherein the cut region (37) extends across the fold line (47) such that when the second end panel tab (46) is folded along the fold line (47), the cut region (37) overhangs the second end panel tab (46); the weakened regions (38a, 38b) configured such that the amount of force required to disengage the engagement features (30a, 30b), and thus separate the secondary lid portion (28) from the primary lid portion (26), is greater than the amount of force required to breach the weakened region (38) to thereby indicate an attempt has been made to open the carton.
The second region (19) may be spaced apart from the first region (17) along the first edge (14) of the body panel such that a region of the first edge (14) extends between the second region (19) and first region (17); and the body panel (12) is foldable to form a boundary defining the carton with an opening (34), such that : the primary lid portion (26) and secondary lid portion (28) are spaced apart from one another across the opening (34); the primary lid portion (26) is foldable relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14) to close the opening (34); and the secondary lid portion (28) is foldable relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14) to be anchored in position by the engagement features (30a, 30b) relative to the primary lid portion (26) such that the secondary lid portion (28) at least in part covers the primary lid portion (26).
A third weakened region (70a) and a fourth weakened region (70b) may extend from different sides of the cut region (37) and are aligned along the fold line (47), and the third weakened region (70a) and fourth weakened region (70b) are configured such that the amount of force required to disengage the engagement features (30a, 30b), and thus separate the secondary lid portion (28) from the primary lid portion (26), is greater than the amount of force required to breach at least one of the third weakened region (70a) and fourth weakened region (70b) to thereby indicate an attempt has been made to open the carton.
The end region (39) may extend across over the fold line (47) for at least 30% of the length of the fold line (47), but no more than 90% of the fold line (47).
The primary lid portion (26) may comprise : a first end panel (40) which extends from the first edge of the body panel (12); a first end panel tab (42) which extends from an edge of the first end panel (40); such that the body panel (12) is spaced apart from the first end panel tab (42) by the first end panel (40).
The flap section (36) may extend from the first edge (14) of the body panel (12) within the secondary lid portion (28).
The second end panel tab (46) may define opposing edges which diverge from one another where they each extend from the edge of the second end panel (44) to a respective inflexion (48); and the edges extend from their respective inflexion (48) in a convergent direction towards one another, the inflexion thereby defining a re-entrant region between the second end panel tab (46) and edge of the second end panel (44).
There may be further provided an aperture (52) along at least part of the slot (50), the aperture (52) being substantially wider than the slot (50).
The second end panel tab (46) and slot (50) may be configured such that the widest section of the second end panel tab (46), defined between the inflexions (48), is sized such that the second end panel tab (46) may extend in a first direction through the slot (50) to draw the secondary lid portion (28) to a position where it at least in part covers the primary lid portion (26) and thereby anchors the secondary lid portion (28) relative to the primary lid portion (26); and such that the inflexions (48) pass through the slot (50), but are inhibited from being retracted from the slot (50); wherein the second end panel tab (46) is configured such the widest section of the second end panel tab (46) is greater than the length of the slot (50).
The widest section of the second end panel tab (46) may be about 1.5 mm greater than the length of the slot (50).
The aperture (52) may be positioned to coincide with the end region (39) of the flap section (36) at the boundary between the second end panel (44) and second end panel tab (46).
A fifth weakened region (60) may be provided along the second region (19) of the first edge (14) of the body panel (12) such that the secondary lid portion (28) is removable from the body panel (12).
The weakened regions may be provided as perforations.
There may also be provided a tamper evident carton, suitable for use with pharmaceutical products, formed from the precursor as herein described, wherein: the body panel (12) is folded to provide the wall of the carton and define the opening (34); the primary lid portion (26) is folded relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14) to close the opening (34); the secondary lid portion (28) is folded relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14); and the second end panel tab (46) is folded along the fold line (47) and inserted in the slot (50) so as to fix the secondary lid portion (28) relative to the primary lid portion (26); and such that : the secondary lid portion (28) at least in part covers the primary lid portion (26); and the end region (37) overhangs the wall defined by sub panel (18) of the carton.
Hence there is provided a precursor for a tamper evident carton, and a carton that may be manufactured from the precursor, which is configured to provide an indication whether the carton (and, by inference, the medicine it holds) has been tampered with. Additionally the tamper evident features are unobtrusive and do not hamper the consumers access to the contents.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a plan view of a precursor for a tamper evident carton;
Figures 2 to 4 show steps of assembly of the tamper evident carton;
Figure 5, 6 show how the features of the carton operate to provide tamper evidence;
Figure 7 shows a plan view of a precursor for a further example of a tamper evident carton;
Figure 8 shows a plan view of a precursor for a further example of a tamper evident carton;
Figure 9 shows a tamper evident carton assembled from the precursor of Figure 8;
Figures 10, 11 show how the features of the carton of Figures 8, 9 operate to provide tamper evidence.
Detailed Description
Figure 1 shows a plan view for a precursor 10 of a first example of a tamper evident carton according to the present disclosure. Figures 2 to 4 show the precursor 10 at different stages of assembly of the carton. Figures 5, 6 show how the features of the carton operate to provide tamper evidence. The carton may be suitable for use with pharmaceutical products.
The precursor 10 comprises a sheet of material divided into regions to define features of the carton. The precursor may be formed from cardboard, plastic or metal, or other suitable sheet material.
The precursor 10 comprises a body panel 12 which (when assembled) will define a wall of a carton. In the example shown in Figure 1 the body panel 12 is made up from a plurality of sub panels, referred to below as first sub panel 18, second sub panel 22, third sub panel 20, fourth sub panel 16, and fifth sub panel 24. Each of the sub panels are defined/divided by creases/indents in the precursor material.
The body panel has a first edge 14. The first edge 14, indicated by the dotted line, extends along, and provides (i.e. defines) an edge of each of the sub panels 16, 18, 20, 22, 24.
The precursor comprises a primary lid portion 26 which extends from a first region 17 of a first edge 14 of the body panel 12. The first region 17 of the first edge 14 is defined by a creased/indented region. It further comprises a secondary lid portion 28 which extends from a second region 19 of the first edge 14 of the body panel. The second region 19 is defined by a creased/indented region. The second region 19 is spaced apart from the first region 17 along the first edge 14 of the body panel 12 such that a region of the first edge 14 extends between the second region 19 and first region 17. Hence the primary lid portion 26 is spaced apart from the secondary lid portion 28 along the first edge 14 of the body panel 12. That is to say, the primary lid portion 26 and secondary lid portion 28 may not be immediately adjacent to one another, but rather there may be a space provided there between.
The first sub panel 18 comprises the first region 17 of the first edge 14 from which the primary lid portion 26 extends. The second sub panel 22 comprises the second region 19 of the first edge from which the secondary lid portion extends. The third sub panel 20 is provided between the first sub panel 18 and second sub panel 22. That is to say, the first sub panel 18 and second sub panel 22 are spaced apart by the third sub panel 20.
The first sub panel 18 is provided between the third sub panel 20 and the fourth sub panel 16. The second sub panel 22 is provided between the third sub panel 20 and the fifth sub panel 24. The fourth sub panel 16 and third sub panel 20 are spaced apart by the first sub panel 18. The fifth sub panel 24 and third sub panel 20 are spaced apart by the second sub panel 22. Hence the sub panels 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 are provided in series from one side of the body panel 12, defined by the fourth sub panel 16, to an opposite side of the body panel 12, defined by the fifth sub panel 24.
The sub panels 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, and the creases/indents which define the sub panels, are configured such that when the body panel 12 is folded, the sub panels 18, 20, 22 may be folded relative to one another to define a carton with an opening 34, the opening 34 being defined by the first sub panel 18 and second sub panel 22 spaced apart along one side by the third sub panel 20. The opening may be further defined by the first sub panel 18 and second sub panel 22 spaced apart by the third 20, fourth 22 and fifth 24 sub panels.
The fourth sub panel 16 and fifth sub panel 24 may be configured to overlap to provide a joining region. That is to say, the fifth sub panel 24 may be configured to be placed “under” or “over” the sub panel 16, so the sub panels 16, 24 may be in face to face contact to allow them to be bonded together to hold the precursor in its folded shape to form the carton. In alternative examples, not shown, other means for securing the shape of the carton may be employed.
Hence the body panel 12 is foldable to form a boundary defining the carton with the opening 34, such that the primary lid portion 26 and secondary lid portion 28 are spaced apart from one another across the opening 34. That is to say, the body panel 12 is foldable such that, when formed into a carton, the first edge 14 defines a perimeter of an open end of the carton 32, with the first region 17 of the first edge 14 (and hence primary lid portion 26) and second region 19 of the first edge 14 (and hence secondary lid portion 28) spaced apart from one another across the opening 34 defined by the open end of the carton 32.
The primary lid portion 26 may comprise a first end panel 40 which extends from the first edge of the body panel, and a first end panel tab 42 which extends from an edge (i.e. boundary) of the first end panel 40 defined by a creased/indented region, such that the body panel 12 is spaced apart from the first end panel tab 42 by the first end panel 40.
The first end panel tab 42 provides engagement of the primary lid portion 26 with the body panel 12. As shown in Figure 3, the first end panel tab 42 tucks inside the opening 34 of the carton, when formed, such that the first end panel tab 42 is proximate to the second sub panel 22 of the body panel 12. In this way, the first end panel 40 closes the opening 34.
The secondary lid portion 28 comprises a second end panel 44 which extends from the first edge 14 of the second sub panel 22 of the body panel 12. A second end panel tab 46 extends from an edge (i.e. boundary) 45 of the second end panel 44, the edge 45 defined by a creased/indented region.
That is to say, the second end panel tab 46 extends from a fold line 47, wherein the fold line 47 defines the foldable edge 45 of the second end panel 44. Hence the second end panel tab 46 is connected to the second end panel 44 along the edge 45 and fold line 47.
The second end panel tab 46 provides a male part 30a of an engagement feature 30. That is to say the pre-cursor is provided with an engagement feature 30 which, in the present example, comprises a first engagement feature 30a (second end panel tab 46) configured to co-operatively engage with a second engagement feature 30b (cut through slot 50), as described below.
The secondary lid portion 28 comprises a flap section 36 (shown hashed in Figure 1) which is defined by a weakened region 38 (shown as dotted lines bounding the hashed area 36 in Figure 1). In the example shown by Figure 1, the flap section 36 is nested within the secondary lid portion 28. The flap section 36 extends from the first edge 14 of the body panel 12 within the secondary lid portion 28. The flap section 36 terminates at an end region 39 distal to the first edge 14 of the body panel 12. The end region 39 may be curved.
As shown in Figure 1, the flap section 36 may extend away from the first edge 14 with tapered edges, hence defining a generally triangular or trapezoidal shape. The weakened region 38 defining the flap section 36 may extend from (i.e. touch or begin at) the first edge 14 of the body panel 12. Alternatively the weakened region 38 may originate from a location spaced apart from the first edge 14 of the body panel 14. In yet further examples, not shown, alternative shapes may be used for the flap section 36.
Hence, the secondary lid portion 28 comprises the flap section 36 defined by a first weakened region 38a which extends at least part of the way, in a line, across the second end panel 44 between the first region 19 and the second end panel tab 46. The flap section 36 is further defined by a second weakened region 38b which extends at least part of the way in a line across the second end panel 44 between the first region 19 and the second end panel tab 46. The end region 39 is a cut region 37. The cut region 37 may be curved. The end cut region 37 extends between ends of the first weakened region 38a and the second weakened region 38b proximate to the second end panel tab 46. The first weakened region 38a and second weakened region 38b are spaced apart from one another. The first weakened region 38a and second weakened region 38b may be angled relative to one another, as shown in the examples. Thus the flap section 36 is defined to extend across at least part of the second end panel 44 and terminate at the end region 39 defined by the cut region 37.
Although not shown in the example of Figures 1 to 6, the fold line 47 may be weakened relative to the neighbouring panel material. For example the fold line 47 may comprise third and fourth weakened regions 70a, 70b to either side of the cut region 37, as described in relation to the examples of Figures 8 to 11. Such weakened regions 70a, 70b may comprise perforations.
The cut region 37 of the flap section 36 extends beyond the second end panel 44 across the fold line 47 such that when the second end panel tab 46 is folded along the foldable boundary (i.e. fold line 47), the cut region 37 protrudes beyond a plane of the second end panel tab 46. That is to say, the cut region 37 extends across the fold line 47 such that when the second end panel tab 46 is folded along the fold line 47, the cut region 37 overhangs the second end panel tab 46.
Hence the second end panel tab 46 is joined to the second end panel 44 along only part of its extent, as the join between the second end panel tab 46 and second end panel 44 is divided/interrupted by the cut region 37 of the flap section 36. However, the regions which join the second end panel tab 46 and second end panel 44 are aligned along the fold line 47.
The end region 39 may protrude over (i.e. extend across) the fold line 47 for at least 30% of the length of the fold line 47, but no more than 90% of the fold line 47.
That is to say, the end region 39 may protrude over (i.e. extend across) the edge 45 of the second end panel 44 for at least 30% of the length of the edge 45 of the second end panel 44, but no more than 90% of the edge 45 of the second end panel 44.
In examples where the end region 39 is curved, part of the end region 39 will extend over the fold line 47 further than other parts of the fold line 47.
The body panel 12 is spaced apart from the second end panel tab 46 by the second end panel 44. That is to say the second sub panel 22 of the body panel 12 and the second end panel tab 46 are joined by, and spaced apart by, the second end panel 44. Put another way, the secondary lid portion 28 may comprise a second end panel 44 and a second end panel tab 46 where the second end panel tab 46 forms the male part 30a of the engagement feature 30. The flap section 36 extends across at least part of the second end panel 44 and, as described above, terminates at the second end panel edge (i.e. boundary) between the second end panel 44 and second end panel tab 46.
As shown in the example shown in Figure 1 the flap section 36 is partly cut (or formed) into the second end panel tab 46. The second end panel tab 46 is foldable relative to the second end panel 44 such that, when the secondary lid portion 28 is engaged as shown in Figure 4, the end 37 of the flap section 36 overhangs the wall defined by sub panel 18 of the carton.
The second end panel tab 46 defines opposing edges which diverge from one another where they each extend from the edge of the second end panel 44 to a respective inflexion 48. The edges extend from their respective inflexions 48 in a convergent direction towards one another. Hence the edge of the second end panel tab 46 which extends between the second end panel 44 and the inflexion 48 defines a re-entrant region between the second end panel tab 46 and edge of the second end panel 44.
In the example shown by Figure 1, the edges of the second end panel tab 46 diverge at an angle to a line orthogonal to the edge between panel 44 and tab 46. The angle may be in the range of 10° to 20°. The angle may be about 16°. In particular the angle may be 16.7°.
The inflexions 48 may be formed with an internal angle in the range of 130° to 160°. The internal angle may be 145°. In particular the internal angle may be 145.34°.
A female part 30b of the engagement feature 30 is provided as the cut through slot 50 referred to above. The cut through slot extends along part, but not all, of the length of the first edge 14 of the first region 18 of the body panel 12. The slot 50 is configured for receiving, and engaging with, the second end panel tab 46 of the secondary lid portion 28. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 6, the slot 50 comprises a curved region 51 to coincide with the end region 37 of the flap section 36 at the boundary between the second end panel 44 and second end panel tab 46. The curved region 51 is cut into the first region 18. The curved region 51 allows for easier access to the end region 37 of the flap section 36 when the carton is fully formed.
Also in the example shown in Figures 1 to 6, the curved region 51 may be provided by an edge of an aperture 52. That is to say, an aperture 52 may be provided along at least part of the slot 50 to coincide with the end region 37 of the flap section 36. The aperture 52 allows for easier manufacture of the curved region 51 of the slot 50 and can be any shape provided the edge of the aperture which forms part of the slot 50 forms a curve. The aperture 52 is substantially wider than the slot 50. That is to say, the aperture 52 defines an opening greater in width than the slot 50.
In other examples, for example as will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11, only a slot 50 is provided, with no aperture 52 or curved region 51.
By inserting the tab section 46 into the slot 50, the second end panel 44 of the secondary lid portion 28 may be drawn into the position where the second end panel 44 covers at least part of the primary lid portion 26.
The second end panel tab 46 and slot 50 are configured such the widest section of the second end panel tab 46, i.e. the region extending across the second end panel tab between the inflexions 48, is sized relative to the slot 50 such that the second end panel tab 46 may extend in a first direction through the slot 50 to draw the secondary lid portion 28 to a position where it at least in part covers the primary lid portion 26. Although the inflexions 48 pass through the slot 50, the second end panel tab 46 is sized relative to the slot 50 so that the second end panel tab 46 is inhibited from being retracted from the slot 50. Thus when the secondary lid portion 28 is anchored in position relative to the primary lid portion 26 by the engagement features 30a, 30b (second end panel tab 46 and slot 50), the secondary lid portion 28 may not be disengaged without leaving evidence of tampering.
The first weakened region 38a and second weakened region 38b of the flap section 36 are configured such that the amount of force required to disengage the engagement features 30a, 30b (the second end panel tab 46 and slot 50), and thus separate the secondary lid portion 28 from the primary lid portion 26, is greater than the amount of force required to breach the first and second weakened regions 38a, 38b of the flap section 36 and hence, in use, the flap section 36 will be at least in part torn and thus indicate an attempt has been made to open the carton.
Put another way, the first and second weakened regions 38a, 38b are provided such that, when the secondary lid portion 28 is anchored, (i.e. “fixed” or “engaged”) by the engagement features 30a, 30b (the second end panel tab 46 and slot 50) in position relative to the primary lid portion 26, the amount of force required to disengage the engagement features 30a, 30b is greater than the force required to break at least part of one of the first and second weakened regions 38a, 38b. That is to say, the force required to separate the primary and secondary lid portions 26, 28, and thus overcome the anchor provided by the co-operation of the engagement features 30a, 30b, is greater than the force required to breach at least part of one of the first and second weakened regions 38a, 38b. Thus the flap 36 is separable from the secondary lid portion 28 such that the primary lid portion 26 is exposed. Hence any part of the first or second weakened regions 38a, 38b being breached, or the flap section 36 having been removed entirely, indicates that the carton has been opened (and hence may have been “tampered” with).
The second end panel tab 46 may be configured such the widest section of the second end panel tab 46 is greater than the length of the slot 50.
In the example shown by Figures 1 to 6, the widest section of the second end panel tab 46 is at least 0.5mm, but no more than 3.0mm, greater than the length of the slot 50. The widest section of the second end panel tab 46 may be at least 1.0mm, but no more than 2.0mm, greater than the length of the slot 50. The widest section of the second end panel tab 46 may be about 1.5mm greater than the length of the slot 50. The inflexion points 48 of the second end panel tab 46 may extend an equal distance to either side of the ends of the slot 50.
A fifth weakened region 60 may be provided along the second region 19 of the first edge 14 of the body panel 12 such that the secondary lid portion 28 is removable from the sub panel 22 of the body panel 12 by virtue of the fifth weakened region 60.
The weakened regions of the precursor 10 may be provided as perforations. Alternatively any suitable method for weakening a packaging precursor to allow for separation of the precursor may be employed.
As shown in figure 2, the precursor 10 of Figure 1 is configured to be folded along the crease/indent lines separating sub panels 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 to form a rectangular opening 34.
As shown in Figure 3, the primary lid portion 26 is foldable relative to the body panel 12 along the first edge 14 to close the opening 34. As shown in Figure 4 the secondary lid portion 28 is foldable relative to the body panel 12 along the first edge 14 to be fixed by the engagement features 30a, 30b relative to the primary lid portion 26 such that the secondary lid portion 28 at least in part covers the primary lid portion 26.
The engagement features 30a, 30b are configured to hold the primary lid portion 26 and secondary lid portion 28 relative to one another so that the opening 34 is covered (i.e. spanned) by the primary lid portion 26 and at least in part covered by the secondary lid portion 28.
Thus a tamper evident carton, suitable for use with pharmaceutical products, may be formed from the precursor as herein described.
In use, the body panel 12 is folded to provide the wall of the carton and define the opening 34. In the example shown, when the body panel is folded it defines an opening 34 at either end of the carton. Each of the plurality of openings may be provided with the tamper evident features herein described.
The primary lid portion 26 is folded relative to the body panel 12 along the first edge 14 to close the opening 34. The secondary lid portion 28 is then folded relative to the body panel 12 along the first edge 14. The second end panel tab 46 (male engagement feature 30a) is folded along the fold line 47 and inserted in the slot 50 (female engagement feature 30b) so as to fix (i.e. anchor) the secondary lid portion 28 relative to the primary lid portion 26. With this complete, the secondary lid portion 28 at least in part covers the primary lid portion 26. Additionally, and as shown in Figure 4, folding the second end panel tab 46 relative to the second end panel 44 exposes the end (cut) region 37 which, when the second end panel tab 46 is inserted in the slot 50, overhangs (i.e. protrudes beyond) the wall defined by sub panel 18 of the carton.
Hence the end region 39 may overhang (i.e. protrudes beyond) the wall defined by sub panel 18 of the carton for at least 30% of the length of the fold line 47, but no more than 90% of the fold line 47.
In examples where the end region 39 is curved, part of the end region 39 will overhang (i.e. protrude beyond) the wall defined by sub panel 18 of the carton more than other parts of the end region 39.
Figure 4 thus shows the precursor of Figure 1 folded to form a carton with the openable end 34 closed using the engagement features 30a, 30b. Medication is, of course, inserted before sealing the carton, i.e. when the carton is folded as shown in Figure 2 with the opening uncovered.
As shown in Figure 5, a person seeking to gain access the contents of the carton would make use of the curved overhanging end 37 of the flap section 36 to disengage the second lid portion 28 from the primary lid portion 26. As noted above, the weakened regions 38a, 38b of the flap section 36 requires less force to break than is required to remove the second end panel tab 46 from the cut through slot 50. Therefore the flap section 36 at least partially separates from the second lid portion 28 and exposes the surface of the primary lid portion 26.
By breaking the weakened regions 38a, 38b and separating the flap section 36 the user may more easily gain a grip by which to disengage the secondary lid portion 28 from the primary lid portion 26, for example by pushing down on the primary lid portion 26 to create a space between the primary and secondary lids 26, 28 into which a finger or thumb may be inserted.
For the example precursor of Figure 1 this will allow the second end panel tab 46 to be more easily removed from the slot 50.
Once disengaged the secondary lid portion 28 may be removed entirely from the carton by tearing along the fifth weakened region 60 on the first edge 14 of the second region 19 of the body panel 12, as shown in Figure 6. Doing so allows a legitimate user to simply open and close the carton using the primary lid portion 26 without the additional annoyance of secondary lid portion 28 being left to dangle or having to re-engage the secondary lid.
To aid identification of tampering, the primary lid portion 26 may comprise warning signs (or indicators) to indicate the carton has been tampered with. For example, a warning label may be placed on the area of the primary lid portion 26 which is directly below the flap section 36. Thus if the flap 36 is removed entirely, or even the secondary lid portion 28 is removed prematurely, it will be evident to an end user that the medication may have been tampered with.
Figure 7 shows a plan view for an alternative precursor 10 to that shown in Figure 1. The precursor of Figure 7 shows the tamper evident features described above adapted for use on a “skillet” carton.
The example of Figure 7 comprises many features common to the preceding example. However, in the example of Figure 7 the engagement feature 30 comprises engagement regions 30a of the secondary lid portion 28 which flank the removable flap section 36, and the surface of the primary lid portion 26 which, when assembled, will come into contact with the engagement regions 30a. An adhesive is provided to engage (i.e. anchor) the engagement regions 30a of the secondary lid portion 28 relative to the primary lid portion 26.
That is say, an adhesive (e.g. glue) is used to secure the outer surface of lid portion 26 to the inner surface of lid portion 28, where “inner” and “outer” define relative locations of the structure of the carton when assembled. The adhesive is applied anywhere on the region(s) 30a but not the flap section 36. That is to say, when assembled, the flap section 36 covers the primary lid 26 but is not bonded to the primary lid 26.
Similar to that described above for the examples of Figures 1 to 6, in the example of Figure 7 the amount of force required to breach the weakened region 38 of the flap section 36 is less than the amount offeree required to breach the engagement feature 30. That is to say, in the example of Figure 7 the weakened region 38 will break before the bond between the primary lid portion 26 and secondary lid portion 28 yields, thereby removing, or partly removing the flap section 36 to indicate tampering has occurred.
Figures 8 to 11 illustrate an alternative example of a precursor 100 of a tamper evident carton according to the present disclosure. The example of Figures 8 to 11 is similar to the example of Figures 1 to 6. Common features are referred to with the same reference numerals. The pre-cursor shown in Figure 8 may be formed into a carton shown in Figure 9 in the same way as in the previous example so that the cut end region 39 overhangs the second end panel tab 46 (i.e. overhangs the wall defined by sub panel 18 of the carton.)
In the examples of Figures 8 to 11, and as described above, in addition to the first weakened region 38a and second weakened region 38b, there are provided a third weakened region 70a and a fourth weakened region 70b which extend from different sides of the cut region 37. The third weakened region 70a and fourth weakened region 70b are aligned along the fold line 47 between the second end panel tab 46 and second end panel 44. The third weakened region 70a and fourth weakened region 70b are configured such that the amount of force required to disengage the engagement feature 30 (i.e. to disengage the first engagement feature 30a from the second engagement feature 30b), and thus separate the secondary lid portion 28 from the primary lid portion 26, is greater than the amount of force required to breach at least one of the third weakened region 70a and fourth weakened region 70b. Hence this arrangement provides the advantage that not only may the weakened regions 38a, 38b be breached by an attempt to open the carton, but the third and fourth weakened regions 70a, 70b may also or alternatively be breached to, in part or completely, detach the second end panel tab 46 from the second end panel 46 to thereby indicate an attempt has been made to open the carton.
Hence in this example, not all of the weakened regions 38a, 38b, 70a, 70b may be breached. For example only one or two of these may be breached before the carton may be opened. Alternatively the second end panel tab 46 may detach completely from the second end panel 44, thereby providing a further indication that an attempt has been made to open the carton. However, even in this case, it is still clear that an attempt has been made to open the carton.
The slot 50 of the example of Figures 8 to 11 is substantially continuous in width. That is to say, it may be provided as a cut/sliced region, with the slot 50 having parallel edges along its length. That is to say, the slot 50 is not provided with a wider region I aperture 52 along part of its length. The parallel sides of the slot may be advantageous in increasing the resistance to motion of the second end panel tab 46 through the slot 50, therefore increasing the chance of one of more of the weakened regions 38a, 38a, 70a, 70b breaching before the second end panel tab 46 may be removed from the slot 50.
In any of the above examples, a person seeking to gain access the contents of the carton would make use of the overhanging curved end 37 of the flap section 36 to disengage the second lid portion 28 from the primary lid portion 26. The primary and secondary lids 26, 28 are designed such that it is not possible, or at least extremely difficult, to disengage the two lid portions without using the protruding end 37 of the flap section 36. For example, the secondary lid portion 28 may sit flush with the primary lid portion and have a deliberately smaller profile than the primary lid portion 26.
Removing the second lid portion 28 allows for easier access to the contents of the carton.
A person looking to gain access for nefarious purposes therefore must also use the flap section 36 to open the carton. Thus, if the flap section 36 is at least partially separated from the secondary lid portion 28, it will be apparent the carton has been tampered with.
It will also be evident that a person looking to tamper with the medication within the carton may attempt to hide evidence of the fact. For example they may glue the flap section 36 back into place. By providing the weakened regions 38a, 38b as perforations the flap section 36 will tear away from the secondary lid portion 28 with the tearing evident regardless of attempts to reset the flap section 36 back to its covering position. By providing the weakened regions 70a, 70b as perforations the second end panel tab 46 may additionally or alternatively tear away from the second end panel 46 with the tearing evident regardless of attempts to reattach the second end panel tab 46. Furthermore, warnings on the box can be beneficially employed to inform the user of how the engagement feature 30 should open from a non-tampered state.
A distributor or consumer that receives medication within a carton of the present disclosure, and hence carton manufactured from a precursor of the present disclosure, can thus have increased confidence that the contents are as indicated on the carton labelling.
Additionally, as the carton is manufactured from one precursor element (i.e. rather than several elements joined together), the carton is straightforward to manufacture from the precursor. Also, since the carton is a one-piece element, formed form one precursor, distribution of the precursor to provide the carton is relatively straightforward.
Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (14)

1. A precursor (10) for a tamper evident carton, the precursor comprising : a body panel (12) for forming a wall of a carton;
a primary lid portion (26) which extends from a first region (17) of a first edge (14) of the body panel (12);
a secondary lid portion (28) which extends from a second region (19) of the first edge (14) of the body panel (12), and comprises :
a second end panel (44) which extends from the first edge (14) of the body panel (12), and a first engagement feature (30a) for anchoring the secondary lid portion (28) relative to the primary lid portion (26); wherein the first engagement feature (30a) comprises a second end panel tab (46) which extends from an edge (45) of the second end panel (44) along a fold line (47);
such that the body panel (12) is spaced apart from the second end panel tab (46) by the second end panel (44); and the precursor further comprises a second engagement feature (30b) comprising :
a cut through slot (50) along part, but not all, of the length of the first edge (14) of the first region (17) of the body panel (12) for receiving the second end panel tab (46) of the secondary lid portion (28); and the secondary lid portion (28) further comprises a flap section (36) defined by:
a first weakened region (38a) which extends at least part of the way across the second end panel (44) between the first region (19) and the second end panel tab (46), a second weakened region (38b) which extends at least part of the way across the second end panel (44) between the first region (19) and the second end panel tab (46), and a cut region (37) which extends between ends of the first weakened region (38a) and the second weakened region (38b) proximate to the second end panel tab (46), such that the flap section (36) extends across at least part of the second end panel (44) and terminates at an end region (39) defined by the cut region (37);
wherein the cut region (37) extends across the fold line (47) such that when the second end panel tab (46) is folded along the fold line (47), the cut region (37) overhangs the second end panel tab (46);
the weakened regions (38a, 38b) configured such that the amount of force required to disengage the engagement features (30a, 30b), and thus separate the secondary lid portion (28) from the primary lid portion (26), is greater than the amount offeree required to breach the weakened region (38) to thereby indicate an attempt has been made to open the carton.
2. The precursor (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region (19) is spaced apart from the first region (17) along the first edge (14) of the body panel such that a region of the first edge (14) extends between the second region (19) and first region (17); and the body panel (12) is foldable to form a boundary defining the carton with an opening (34), such that:
the primary lid portion (26) and secondary lid portion (28) are spaced apart from one another across the opening (34);
the primary lid portion (26) is foldable relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14) to close the opening (34); and the secondary lid portion (28) is foldable relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14) to be anchored in position by the engagement features (30a, 30b) relative to the primary lid portion (26) such that the secondary lid portion (28) at least in part covers the primary lid portion (26).
3. The precursor (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a third weakened region (70a) and a fourth weakened region (70b) extend from different sides of the cut region (37) and are aligned along the fold line (47), and the third weakened region (70a) and fourth weakened region (70b) are configured such that the amount of force required to disengage the engagement features (30a, 30b), and thus separate the secondary lid portion (28) from the primary lid portion (26), is greater than the amount offeree required to breach at least one of the third weakened region (70a) and fourth weakened region (70b) to thereby indicate an attempt has been made to open the carton.
4. The precursor (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end region (39) extends across over the fold line (47) for at least 30% of the length of the fold line (47), but no more than 90% of the fold line (47).
5. The precursor (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the primary lid portion (26) comprises :
a first end panel (40) which extends from the first edge of the body panel (12); a first end panel tab (42) which extends from an edge of the first end panel (40);
such that the body panel (12) is spaced apart from the first end panel tab (42) by the first end panel (40).
6. The precursor (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein :
the flap section (36) extends from the first edge (14) of the body panel (12) within the secondary lid portion (28).
7. The precursor (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second end panel tab (46) defines opposing edges which diverge from one another where they each extend from the edge of the second end panel (44) to a respective inflexion (48); and the edges extend from their respective inflexion (48) in a convergent direction towards one another, the inflexion thereby defining a re-entrant region between the second end panel tab (46) and edge of the second end panel (44).
8. The precursor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein there is further provided an aperture (52) along at least part of the slot (50), the aperture (52) being substantially wider than the slot (50).
9. The precursor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second end panel tab (46) and slot (50) are configured such that the widest section of the second end panel tab (46), defined between the inflexions (48), is sized such that the second end panel tab (46) may extend in a first direction through the slot (50) to draw the secondary lid portion (28) to a position where it at least in part covers the primary lid portion (26) and thereby anchors the secondary lid portion (28) relative to the primary lid portion (26); and such that the inflexions (48) pass through the slot (50), but are inhibited from being retracted from the slot (50); wherein the second end panel tab (46) is configured such the widest section of the second end panel tab (46) is greater than the length of the slot (50).
10. The precursor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the widest section of the second end panel tab (46) is about 1.5 mm greater than the length of the slot (50).
11. The precursor as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the aperture (52) is positioned to coincide with the end region (39) of the flap section (36) at the boundary between the second end panel (44) and second end panel tab (46).
12. The precursor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a fifth weakened region (60) is provided along the second region (19) of the first edge (14) of the body panel (12) such that the secondary lid portion (28) is removable from the body panel (12).
13. The precursor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein weakened regions are provided as perforations.
14. A tamper evident carton, suitable for use with pharmaceutical products, formed from the precursor claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13; wherein:
the body panel (12) is folded to provide the wall of the carton and define the opening (34);
the primary lid portion (26) is folded relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14) to close the opening (34);
the secondary lid portion (28) is folded relative to the body panel (12) along the first edge (14); and the second end panel tab (46) is folded along the fold line (47) and inserted in the slot (50) so as to fix the secondary lid portion (28) relative to the primary lid portion (26); and such that:
the secondary lid portion (28) at least in part covers the primary lid portion (26); and the end region (37) overhangs the wall defined by sub panel (18) of the carton.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1801597.4 Examiner: Mr Joe Cornfield
GB1801597.4A 2017-03-31 2018-01-31 Precursor of a tamper evident carton Withdrawn GB2561061A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1705180.6A GB201705180D0 (en) 2017-03-31 2017-03-31 Precursor of a tamper evident carton

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201801597D0 GB201801597D0 (en) 2018-03-14
GB2561061A true GB2561061A (en) 2018-10-03

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GBGB1705180.6A Ceased GB201705180D0 (en) 2017-03-31 2017-03-31 Precursor of a tamper evident carton
GB1801597.4A Withdrawn GB2561061A (en) 2017-03-31 2018-01-31 Precursor of a tamper evident carton

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB1705180.6A Ceased GB201705180D0 (en) 2017-03-31 2017-03-31 Precursor of a tamper evident carton

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (2) GB201705180D0 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201900000969A1 (en) * 2019-01-22 2020-07-22 Gi Bi Effe Srl Box reinforced with closing elements resistant to opening
US20240409284A1 (en) * 2021-09-30 2024-12-12 Nicoventures Trading Limited Tamper indicating package

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1014023B (en) * 1954-05-15 1957-08-14 Benedikt Barz Closing and tearing device on a folding box made from a blank
CN2427446Y (en) * 2000-06-02 2001-04-25 夏少林 Disposable anti-counterfeit package box
CN2492475Y (en) * 2001-06-18 2002-05-22 姚启文 Hidden self-destructive anti-fake paper box
JP2008174273A (en) * 2007-01-19 2008-07-31 Rengo Co Ltd Security sealing box
JP2010052775A (en) * 2008-08-29 2010-03-11 Taisho Insatsu Kk Packaging box
WO2015140704A1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2015-09-24 Gi.Bi.Effe S.R.L. Reclosable box with base resistant to opening and tamper- evident portion, breakable upon first opening of box
US20160214758A1 (en) * 2015-01-22 2016-07-28 Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. Packaging box

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1014023B (en) * 1954-05-15 1957-08-14 Benedikt Barz Closing and tearing device on a folding box made from a blank
CN2427446Y (en) * 2000-06-02 2001-04-25 夏少林 Disposable anti-counterfeit package box
CN2492475Y (en) * 2001-06-18 2002-05-22 姚启文 Hidden self-destructive anti-fake paper box
JP2008174273A (en) * 2007-01-19 2008-07-31 Rengo Co Ltd Security sealing box
JP2010052775A (en) * 2008-08-29 2010-03-11 Taisho Insatsu Kk Packaging box
WO2015140704A1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2015-09-24 Gi.Bi.Effe S.R.L. Reclosable box with base resistant to opening and tamper- evident portion, breakable upon first opening of box
US20160214758A1 (en) * 2015-01-22 2016-07-28 Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. Packaging box

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT201900000969A1 (en) * 2019-01-22 2020-07-22 Gi Bi Effe Srl Box reinforced with closing elements resistant to opening
US20240409284A1 (en) * 2021-09-30 2024-12-12 Nicoventures Trading Limited Tamper indicating package

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201801597D0 (en) 2018-03-14
GB201705180D0 (en) 2017-05-17

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