An Anti-tampering container

Abstract

A tamper-evident container (100) comprising: a container (102) for containing an article; a housing (104) for locking and sealing the container (102) in a closed state to prevent access to the article contained in the container (102); and a detection module (106) comprising a tamper-evident device for detecting tampering with the container (102) in the closed state and providing a notification that tampering has been detected.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tamper-evident container, in particular, but not exclusively, to a tamper-evident bag. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the transportation of items, particularly items or documents containing sensitive information or secrets, these items can be sealed and protected by a secure storage / carrying container. For example, a secure container can include a one-time physical seal or an electronic seal installed at the container lid lock. In this way, the items can be securely locked and sealed in the container before the physical seal is removed or unlocked.

[0003] However, the container lid lock or seal cannot prevent the container from being damaged at a location other than the container lid lock portion. In this case, the items inside the secure container are exposed maliciously, and the recipient of the items can only know that the items have been tampered with after receiving the items and the damaged container. SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a tamper-evident container comprising: a container for containing items; a housing for locking and sealing the container in a closed state to prevent access to the items contained in the container; and a detection module comprising a tamper-evident device for detecting tampering of the container in the closed state and providing a notification of detecting the occurrence of tampering.

[0005] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the tamper-evident device comprises a circuit connected to the detection module.

[0006] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the tamper-evident device comprises an electrical switch connected to the circuit, the electrical switch being actuated by the housing.

[0007] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detection module is configured to detect tampering in the closed state by detecting a change in state of the electrical switch.

[0008] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the housing comprises a closable flap connected to the container, the closable flap depressing the electrical switch when the container is in the closed state.

[0009] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the housing further comprises a securing device for securing the position of the closable flap when the container is in the closed state.

[0010] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the securing device comprises at least one locking pin.

[0011] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the tamper-evident device comprises an electrically conductive member disposed on a major portion of the body of the container.

[0012] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the electrically conductive member is used to at least partially form the electrical circuit.

[0013] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detection module is configured to detect the tampering in the closed state by detecting a change in a state of the electrically conductive member.

[0014] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the change in the state of the electrically conductive member comprises a change in an electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive member.

[0015] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the change in the state of the electrically conductive member comprises a change in an electrical parameter of the electrically conductive member.

[0016] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the electrically conductive member comprises at least one wire embedded or attached to the body of the container.

[0017] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one wire is used to form at least one electrically conductive path connectable to the detection module.

[0018] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detection module is configured to connect to separate electrically conductive paths defined by a plurality of wires.

[0019] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the tamper-evident device comprises a first wire defining a first set of parallel portions disposed along a first direction, the first set of parallel portions covering at least one surface defined on the body of the container.

[0020] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the tamper-evident device comprises a second wire defining a second set of parallel portions disposed along a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction, the second set of parallel portions covering the at least one surface defined on the body of the container.

[0021] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first set of parallel portions at least partially intersects the second set of parallel portions.

[0022] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first set of parallel portions and the second set of parallel portions combine to define a cross-hatched pattern.

[0023] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first set of parallel portions is electrically isolated from the second set of parallel portions at intersections defined by the first wire and the second wire.

[0024] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first wire and the second wire are electrically connected in series.

[0025] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detection module is electrically connected to a plurality of terminals of the at least one electrical wire.

[0026] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the container comprises at least one sheet of material defining a body of the container.

[0027] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one sheet of material defines at least a front face and a back face of the body of the container.

[0028] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the container comprises a first sheet of fabric wrapped around two opposite sides of the body of the container and a second sheet of fabric wrapped around a bottom of the body of the container.

[0029] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the container further comprises an insulating layer sandwiched between the first sheet of fabric and the second sheet of fabric.

[0030] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the housing is configured to close an opening defined by a top of the body of the container to seal the container.

[0031] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the container is a bag.

[0032] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detection module is fixedly connected to the housing.

[0033] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the detection module comprises a communication module configured to provide a notification of the detection of the occurrence of the tampering.

[0034] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the communication module comprises a Bluetooth communication module.

[0035] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the communication module comprises a BLE beacon.

[0036] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the tamper-evident container further comprises an external BLE reader configured to monitor a status of the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,

[0038] Figure 1 is a front view of a tamper-evident container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figures 2A and 2B are respectively a front view and a side view of a tamper-evident container of Figure 1

[0040] ​Figures 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of a first fabric sheet and a second fabric sheet, respectively, both of which are embedded with electrical wires, wherein the two fabric sheets combine to define Figure 1 a body of a container body of a tamper-evident container; and

[0041] Figure 3C a schematic illustration of a container body produced by combining the two fabric sheets in Figures 3A and 3B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Referring to Figure 1 , there is provided a tamper-evident container 100 comprising: a container 102 for containing an item; a housing 104 for locking and sealing the container 102 in a closed state to prevent access to the item contained in the container 102; and a detection module 106 comprising a tamper-evident device for detecting tampering of the container 102 in the closed state and providing a notification of the occurrence of tampering being detected.

[0043] In this example, the tamper-evident container 100 essentially comprises two main parts, including a bag 102 and a closable flap 104. The closable flap 104 can be used to selectively close the opening of the bag 102. In addition, by providing a tamper-evident device in either or both of the bag 102 and the closable flap 104, the integrity of the contents enclosed within the container 102 can be maintained.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1 , the bag 102 is made of a fabric material, wherein the fabric material is a flexible material. The bag 102 can contain one or more items of various shapes. The edges of the fabric material on different faces, such as the front and back or surfaces, can be seamlessly joined together with a tacking, such that the items enclosed in the bag 102 cannot be accessed through these edges. Alternatively, other fastening devices, such as pins or adhesives, can be applied to join the materials on different surfaces at the edges.

[0045] The edges on the opposite side portions and the bottom portion combine and seal to form the bag 102, wherein an opening is defined at the top portion and the opening can be selectively closed and sealed by the housing 104 attached to the bag 102. In this embodiment, the housing 104 comprises a panel. The panel sandwiches the opening of the bag 102 at the top portion so as to close the opening of the bag 102. In addition, the housing 104 is also provided with a detection module 106, which can detect and / or monitor the status of the housing 104 and / or the integrity of the bag 102.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments, the body of the bag or container can be made of other flexible materials, such as, but not limited to, paper and flexible polymers, or the container can be provided as a box made of a relatively rigid material, such as wood or plastic. The material used to manufacture the body of the container is preferably an electrically insulating material.

[0047] By providing a detection module for detecting the closed state of the bag 102, the detection module 106 can actively and immediately notify the owner or recipient of the contents enclosed within the tamper-evident bag 100 upon detecting one or more tampering conditions, such as the unauthorized opening of the closure 104 and / or physical damage to the closure 104 or bag 102.

[0048] The detection module 106 can include the necessary electrical and / or electronic components, such as sensors and communication modules, to perform the detection and communication functions as described above, and is preferably housed within a cavity defined within the interior of the housing, as explained in further detail below.

[0049] Referring also to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the detection module 106 is fixedly connected to the housing 104 such that the detection module 106 can monitor the configuration of the housing 104 and the container 102 attached to the housing 104, and by utilizing the tamper-evident arrangement provided in the tamper-evident bag / container 100, can prevent unauthorized access to the contents stored within the container 102 when the container 102 is locked in the closed state. Preferably, the tamper-evident device includes an electrical circuit connected to the detection module 106.

[0050] In this example, the housing 104 includes a closable flap 104 connected to the container 102. The flap 104 includes an electrical switch 108 provided in the inner surface of the flap 104. The electrical switch 108 is actuatable by the housing 104 when the flap 104 is moved to the closed position as shown in FIG. 2B. For example, by a protrusion 110 positioned opposite the switch 108 fixed on the flap 104, the electrical switch 108 is depressed by the closing flap 104 when the flap 104 is closed, and released and not actuated when the flap 104 is opened. By detecting the change in state of the electrical switch 108, the detection module 106 can monitor the open / closed state of the flap 104, as well as any tampering in the closed state.

[0051] Alternatively or further, the housing 104 also includes a securing device for securing the position of the closable flap 104 when the container 102 is in the closed state. For example, referring to FIG. 2A, four locking pins 112 protruding through the opposite outer surfaces of the closable flap 104 are used to secure the position of the flap 104 to prevent accidental opening of the flap 104. See Figure 1These pins can pass through corresponding apertures 114 defined on the closable flap 104 and / or the bag 102.

[0052] Alternatively or optionally, a different number of locking pins or other securing devices (e.g., buttons, clips, or magnets) can be used to provide the desired securing functionality instead of or in addition to the locking pins.

[0053] Preferably, the tamper-evident device can further include an electrically conductive member disposed on a major portion of the body of the container 102 to allow the detection module 106 to determine Figure 1 whether the container or fabric bag 102 has been tampered with. This can indicate that the item originally sealed in the container 102 has been exposed.

[0054] For example, the electrically conductive member includes an electrical wire 116 embedded or connected to the body of the container 102, such as the fabric material forming the body of the bag 102. Referring to FIG. 2A, the electrical wire 116 can pass through the entire (inner) surface of the bag 102 in a manner similar to an electric blanket, where multiple parallel portions cover successive portions of the surface. The terminals of the electrical wire 116 can be connected to the detection module 106 such that the integrity of the body of the container 102 can be monitored according to the state of the electrically conductive path formed by the electrical wire 116.

[0055] Preferably, the electrical circuit allowing the use of the electrical switch 108 to monitor the open / closed state of the flap 104 can be logically similar to the use of the electrical wire 116 to monitor tampering of the body of the container 102, where both require the monitoring of an open or closed in the form of an electrical circuit through the switch 108 or the electrical wire 116, respectively. In one example operation, a change in the electrical connectivity of the electrical wire 116 (e.g., from electrically conductive to open) can indicate that the body of the bag 102 can be damaged.

[0056] Similar to the sensing of the flap 104 being opened or closed, the detection module 106 can detect tampering in the closed state by detecting a change in the state of an electrically conductive member associated with the fabric material or the container body. Alternatively, the detection module 106 can employ other sensing methods to determine tampering of the bag 102, including determining other electrical parameters of an electrically conductive member disposed on / in or integrated with the fabric. For example, other parameters such as resistance, capacitance, and inductance can be obtained to determine the integrity of the body of the bag 102 based on a change in any of these values that can be detected by the detection module 106.

[0057] Preferably, the electrical wire 116 can be routed to cover more than one face or surface defined by the container body. For example, a single wire 116 can be arranged to pass through the back surface and the front surface such that the integrity of the front and back of the bag 102 can be monitored. Alternatively, multiple separate electrical wires can be employed to form separate electrical circuits connected to the detector module individually.

[0058] In yet another preferred embodiment, the single conductive path can be defined by connecting the plurality of wires in series, such that when any portion of the conductive path defined by the plurality of wires is damaged, the detection module 106 can determine a tampering in the closed state.

[0059] Referring to Figures 3A to 3C, the container or bag 102 is made of two pieces of material, preferably two pieces of fabric. Each piece of fabric is provided with an electrical wire 116 that is woven to cover a major portion of the fabric material. In this example, the bag 102 is defined by a first piece of fabric 102A and a second piece of fabric 102B. The first piece of fabric 102A, as shown in Figure 3A, is wrapped around two opposite sides of the main body of the container 102. The second piece of fabric 102B, as shown in Figure 3B, is wrapped around the bottom of the main body of the container 102. The two pieces of fabric combine to form the container 102. As shown, an opening is formed at the top of the main body of the container 102. Figure 3C

[0060] Preferably, the tamper-evident device comprises a first electrical wire 116A. The first electrical wire 116A defines a first set of parallel portions arranged in a first direction defined on the first piece of fabric 102A. When the piece of fabric is folded in half, the electrical wire passes through the front and back portions. In this way, the integrity of the front, back, as well as the left and right sides / edges of the bag 102 are protected from tampering.

[0061] Additionally, the tamper-evident device comprises a second electrical wire 116B. The second electrical wire 116B defines a second set of parallel portions arranged in a second direction different from the first direction, and the electrical wire 116B is provided on the second piece of fabric 102B. Preferably, when the two pieces of fabric overlap each other, the first set of parallel portions at least partially intersects the second set of parallel portions. More preferably, the two sets of portions combine to define a cross pattern to further enhance the tamper-evident function of the bag 102 by protecting against cuts in all possible directions.

[0062] Furthermore, when the piece of fabric is folded in half, the electrical wire 116B embedded in the second piece of fabric 102B passes through the front and back pieces, protecting the integrity of the front, back, as well as the bottom of the bag 102 from tampering.

[0063] Optionally, the container 102 further comprises one or more insulating layers 118 sandwiched between the first piece of fabric 102A and the second piece of fabric 102B, in order to electrically isolate the two wires. Alternatively, the wires can be protected by insulating sleeves, so that the insulating layers are not necessary.

[0064] Referring to Figure 3C , the detection module 106 is electrically connected to a plurality of terminals of the electrical wires on the pieces of fabric around the top or opening of the bag 102. Preferably, the series connection can be arranged as follows:

[0065] ​(1) the first terminal C1 of the detection module 106 is directly connected to the first terminal C2 of the second fabric sheet 102B;

[0066] (2) the first terminal C2 of the second fabric sheet 102B is connected to the second terminal D2 of the second fabric sheet 102B via the second electric wire 116B embedded in the fabric;

[0067] (3) the second terminal D2 of the second fabric sheet 102B is directly connected to the first terminal D3 of the first fabric sheet 102A;

[0068] (4) the first terminal D3 of the first fabric sheet 102A is connected to the second terminal E3 of the first fabric sheet 102A via the first electric wire 116A embedded in the fabric; and

[0069] (5) the second terminal E3 of the first fabric sheet 102A is directly or indirectly connected to the second terminal E1 of the detection module 106 through the third terminal E2 on the second fabric sheet 102B.

[0070] As understood by those skilled in the art, the wire routing, the position of the terminals and the series connection arrangement can be modified if necessary.

[0071] In addition, the detection module 106 can further include a communication module (not shown) configured to provide a notification of the detected tampering. For example, a notification of the tampering can be provided to the owner / recipient or the courier / security service provider using a mobile or web application accessible by a computing device such as a smartphone or a mobile terminal. Preferably, a Bluetooth communication module such as a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) beacon can be provided in the detection module 106, and the BLE beacon can communicate with an external BLE reader. The external BLE reader is used to monitor the status of the container as necessary.

[0072] To use the tamper-evident container 100, an item can be placed inside the tamper-evident bag 100. The tamper-evident bag 100 can be locked by the BLE locking plate 104 and secured by the locking pin 112. The safety of the item is ensured since the cutting of the airbag 102 and the opening of the BLE locking plate 104 are sensed by the BLE beacon 106. Upon tampering, the BLE beacon 106 will send an alert data via BLE communication which is read by a BLE reader (not shown), and a notification of the tampering can be provided accordingly.

[0073] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reusable but secure safety bag to store an item, which is securely locked by a locking plate. The open / close status of the locking plate is sensed by a BLE beacon and monitored by a nearby BLE reader. The BLE-locked safety bag can overcome the shortcomings of ordinary safety protection through a simple container covering / sealing solution.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes and / or modifications can be made to the disclosure as shown in the particular embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as broadly described. The embodiments of the disclosure are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0075] Unless otherwise indicated, any references to prior art contained in this specification are not to be construed as an admission that such prior art is commonly known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

1. A tamper-proof container, characterized in that, include: A container, used to hold items; A housing for locking and sealing the container in a closed state to prevent access to the items contained within the container; as well as A detection module is disposed in the housing. The detection module includes an anti-tampering device, which is used to detect tampering of the container in the closed state and provide a notification that tampering has been detected. The anti-theft device includes a circuit connected to the detection module; The anti-theft device includes a conductive component disposed on the main part of the container body; The conductive component includes at least one wire embedded in or attached to the body of the container; The container includes at least a first material sheet and a second material sheet that together define the body of the container; and The at least one wire includes a first wire defined on the first material sheet with a first set of parallel portions arranged in a first direction, and a second wire defined on the second material sheet with a second set of parallel portions arranged in a second direction; when the two material sheets overlap each other, the first set of parallel portions at least partially intersects with the second set of parallel portions; The detection module is configured to detect unauthorized opening in a closed state via an electrical switch actuated by the housing; The detection module is also configured to detect unauthorized opening of the container body by means of multiple terminals of at least one wire electrically connected to the top of the container surrounding the first and second material sheets.

2. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The anti-theft device includes an electrical switch connected to the circuit.

3. The tamper-evident container according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The detection module is used to detect unauthorized opening in the closed state by detecting changes in the state of the electrical switch.

4. The tamper-evident container according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The housing includes a closable flap connected to the container, which presses down the electrical switch when the container is closed.

5. The anti-tamper container according to claim 4, characterized in that, in, The housing also includes a fixing device for fixing the position of the closable wing when the container is in a closed state.

6. The anti-tamper container according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The fixing device includes at least one locking pin.

7. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The conductive component is used to at least partially form the circuit.

8. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The detection module is used to detect unauthorized opening in the closed state by detecting changes in the state of the conductive component.

9. The tamper-evident container according to claim 8, characterized in that, in, The state change of the conductive component includes the change in the conductivity of the conductive component.

10. The tamper-evident container according to claim 8, characterized in that, in, The state changes of the conductive component include changes in the electrical parameters of the conductive component.

11. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The at least one wire is used to form at least one conductive path that can be connected to the detection module.

12. The tamper-evident container according to claim 11, characterized in that, in, The detection module is used to connect to a single conductive path defined by multiple wires.

13. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first set of parallel portions covers at least one surface defined on the body of the container.

14. The tamper-evident container according to claim 13, characterized in that, in, The second direction is different from the first direction, and the second set of parallel portions covers at least one surface defined on the body of the container.

15. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first group of parallel parts and the second group of parallel parts combine to define the intersecting pattern.

16. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first set of parallel portions is electrically isolated from the second set of parallel portions at the intersection defined by the first wire and the second wire.

17. The tamper-evident container according to claim 16, characterized in that, in, The first wire and the second wire are connected in series.

18. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The plurality of terminals include a first terminal and a second terminal of a first material sheet, and a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal of a second material sheet.

19. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first and second material sheets at least define the front and rear of the body of the container.

20. The tamper-evident container according to claim 19, characterized in that, in, The first material sheet is a first fabric sheet, and the second material sheet is a second fabric sheet; and the container includes a first fabric sheet wound around two opposite sides of the body of the container and a second fabric sheet wound around the bottom of the body of the container.

21. The tamper-evident container according to claim 20, characterized in that, Also includes: An insulating layer sandwiched between the first fabric sheet and the second fabric sheet.

22. The tamper-evident container according to claim 20, characterized in that, in, The housing is used to close the opening defined by the top of the body of the container to seal the container.

23. The tamper-evident container according to claim 20, characterized in that, in, The container is a bag.

24. The tamper-evident container according to claim 23, characterized in that, in, The detection module is fixedly connected to the housing.

25. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The detection module includes a communication module, which is used to provide a notification when unauthorized opening is detected.

26. The tamper-evident container according to claim 25, characterized in that, in, The communication module includes a Bluetooth communication module.

27. The tamper-evident container according to claim 26, characterized in that, in, The communication module includes a BLE beacon.

28. The tamper-evident container according to claim 27, characterized in that, Also includes: An external BLE reader is used to monitor the status of the container.

29. The tamper-evident container according to claim 18, characterized in that, in, The first terminal (C2) of the second material sheet is connected to the first terminal (C1) of the detection module. The first terminal (C2) of the second material sheet is connected to the second terminal (D2) of the second material sheet via a second wire. The second terminal (D2) of the second material sheet is connected to the first terminal (D3) of the first material sheet. The first terminal (D3) of the first material sheet is connected to the second terminal (E3) of the first material sheet via a first wire. The second terminal (E3) of the first material sheet is connected to the second terminal (E1) of the detection module via the third terminal (E2) of the second material sheet.

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