Bag with tamper evidencing closure

Abstract

A closure has at least one channel portion adapted to receive an interlocking profile portion. The channel has at least one window permitting visual inspection of a profile interlocked therein. At least one profile is disposed for interlocking with the channel and includes a stem joined to the closure and one or more latching projections formed by a frangible connection to the stem, wherein one or more projections are adapted to cooperatively interlock with the channel portion of the closure, thereby sealing the closure. In one closure, a tamper evident structure is included in the form of a slider having a shaver to engage in shaving contact with interlocking closure members when passed along the closure in a direction opposite to the closing direction. The various closure members can include different colors. The closures can be used on bag structures.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 685,229, filed May 26, 2005, which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The invention pertains to a closure for a flexible package. More particularly, the invention pertains to a closure having tamper-inhibiting features which include indication that attempts have been made to open the closure putting a viewer on notice of potential unauthorized access of the contents of a package to which the closure is attached. REPORTED DEVELOPMENTS [0003] Security bags, for example, those used to transport instruments of value, for example, currency, comprise a method of sealing the bag which inhibits unauthorized opening of the bag and unauthorized access to the contents of the bag. Such security bags are described in each of U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,243 to Hanning, U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,068 to Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,25...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a closure with an interlocking profile portion that can be sealed to a package, such as a bag. The closure has a channel that receives the interlocking profile portion, and the profile has latching projections that interlock with the channel to seal the closure. The latching projections are connected to a stem, and the stem is joined to the package. The interlocking profile is segmented, and the frangible connection between the latching projections and the stem is designed to fail at a low applied force to disengage the interlocking profile and the closure. The closure can be used with a flexible package, such as a bag, and the interlocking profile can penetrate registered openings in the package. The technical effects of the invention include improved sealing and secure closure of flexible packages."

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, these chemical / mechanical systems can be defeated, for example, by the application of environmental conditions not typically experienced within their in-use environment, for example, exposure to extremes of heat or cold.

Moreover, prior mechanical systems, for example selectively die-cut interlayers, are subject to being defeated by mechanical manipulation and / or do not leave readily apparent evidence of tampering.

When defeated, these systems do not provide ready confirmation of unauthorized opening or attempted opening of the security package.

Accordingly, previous security bag closures do not provide the desired level of tamper-deterrence.

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