Package closure device

Abstract

A convenient, effective closure device for use on packages such as those used to enclose games distributed on CDs, DVDs, or similar media. A preprinted edge label is selectively coated with adhesive and affixed to a package in such a manner that the package may not be opened without violating the edge label. To facilitate opening, a tear strip is at least in part defined by two rows of obtuse perforations. The obtuse perforations, or at least a subset of them, are formed to be of uniform size and shape of a pair of slits that intersect at their respective end points, forming the obtuse angle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present invention claims the priority of provisional patent application 60 / 498,119, filed on Aug. 26, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to tamper-resistant packaging for games that are distributed on media such as CDs or DVDs, and more specifically relates to a tamper-resistant package closure system uniquely configured to facilitate the opening of such a package in an intended manner with unnecessary tearing of the package or use of tools. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Computers, mobile phones, and other electronic devices are in widespread use today. Originally developed for business-related uses, the ubiquitousness of these devices provides nearly everyone with access to any number of package closure communications and electronic computing devices. The very popularity of these devices has, in turn, contributed to extensive efforts to make...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In some cases, the storage media will be unique to a particular type of device, meaning that the use of the game sold in such a manner is not interchangeable between different devices.

Making the media necessary for game play increases the probability that consumers will not simply purchase one game and install copies of it on various electronic devices, thereby reducing the total sales of the games.

Whatever media is used, however, modern storage media tends to be compact and easily transportable.

Unfortunately, this also means that the media could be easily purloined if displayed in an unsecure area of a retail outlet.

While these boxes or packages are typically not extremely large themselves, they are large enough to be noticeable should a user try to conceal one in the palm of his hand or pants pocket.

That is, when a package is referred to as tamper-resistant or tamper-proof, it is simply being described as relatively more difficult, or much more difficult to open, except in the intended fashion.

The plastic used in such packages will typically be strong enough that it may not be easily opened save for the intended fashion shown in FIG. 1.

Without some closure device, however, regardless of the strength of its construction the package 100 of FIG. 1 can still be opened easily by not only the purchasing consumer, but also by a potential thief while the product is still in the retail outlet.

While many retailers, in the name of good customer relations, are happy to oblige, providing the goods are in a condition for resale, a game stored media such as a CD presents a different problem.

While it is possible, in some cases, to design the software stored on the media in such a way as to reduce this possibility, another strategy is simply to not permit consumers to return opened merchandise for a refund.

In many cases, even if the label is intact, it will not be possible to replace it without a substantial alteration in its appearance so that it may be distinguished from a label that has not been removed.

In the context of theft prevention, however, holograms are useful precisely because they are more difficult to reproduce than ordinary images.

A person destroying the hologram that came with a particular label would therefore have a difficult time replacing the label with another one of like appearance.

There are still problems, however, associated with its application.

At times, the labels are fairly difficult for even legitimate purchasers to remove, and as such present an irritating inconvenience to the consumer.

In some ways, the more effective the label is at reducing the risk of theft, the more difficult it will be for the legitimate purchaser to remove.

While a knife or other sharp object is quite effective at slicing through the label, one is not always available and even when it is, there is the risk of injury resulting to a purchaser who is not careful.

This is especially a problem with games, which are always often purchased by young children who will frequently want to open the game as quickly as possible.

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