Packaging with tamper-evident device

Abstract

Pre-cut sheet for producing a package with an anti-tamper device by folding comprising: - a set of hinged panels configured to form faces of said package, - a set of closing flaps to form closures of said package, - at least one anti-tamper device configured to irreversibly seal a first closure of said package, said at least one anti-tamper device comprising at least one foldable tab, said tab being configured to be inserted into a corresponding slot to irreversibly seal said first closure of said package by elastic return and blocking in said slot, - at least one reversible closing device with opening indicator to reversibly seal a second closure of said package. Without abstract figure

Description

Title of the invention: Packaging with anti-tampering device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to tamper-proof packaging. It relates in particular to packaging cases which offer the possibility of preserving the integrity of their contents or of being able to effectively attest to openings or attempted openings. Such packaging or packaging cases may also make it possible to authorize subsequent opening and closing operations.

[0002] The invention has applications in the cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical or other fields. Technological background

[0003] In a number of applications, packaging manufacturers must provide the ability to have a tamper-evident system to determine whether the packaging has been opened or tampered with since leaving the packaged product manufacturer's facility, so as to ensure the authenticity of the packaging contents.

[0004] There are different types of packaging with anti-tampering systems that allow you to know if a closed package has already been opened.

[0005] A first category of packaging includes cases sealed with bonding means such as chemical glue or an adhesive label. This type of packaging has the advantage of allowing a very wide variety of solutions for opening the cases. However, the anti-tampering system turns out to be very dependent on the bonding means used for the initial closure of the case. The use of quick-setting glue necessary for mass production can in certain cases allow the case to be opened without leaving any visible trace of tampering.

[0006] A second category of packaging includes cases that do not require the use of gluing means for initial closure. Document BE410524 discloses a box obtained by folding and provided with a locking member having S-shaped, expandable folding tabs cooperating with an opening provided at the bottom of a fold arranged inside the box. The folding tabs are passed through the opening and, once the opening is crossed, they deploy so that the locking member can no longer cross the opening again in the opposite direction. However, the manufacture of this box requires a large number of foldings and gluings. It is also not compatible with a reversible opening / closing system, which can remain useful once the anti-theft device has been legitimately opened and destroyed.Finally, the folding method of the folding legs requires great precision in folding because they must fold to the exact size of the opening, otherwise . to prevent the box from being closed or to cause it to be closed incorrectly, thus compromising the objective of tamper-evident seal. Mass production of this type of box is therefore not feasible.

[0007] A third category of packaging includes boxes using the elasticity of the cardboard to produce the locking member. In this type of packaging, the tab has a harpoon shape which deforms to enter an opening and to be blocked there once its initial shape is returned. Examples of this type of packaging are described in documents EP2036821A1, EP1820740A1, EP0519389A1, EP2239203A1, US2008308619A1, FR2847555A1, EP3406533A1 for example. In these examples, the fins of the tab are not foldable. Therefore, the closure of the packaging does not offer a guarantee of inviolability and it is sometimes possible to carry out manipulations or deformations at the level of the closing flaps and / or the closing panel to prevent the triggering of the anti-theft system.

[0008] None of the prior art packaging types offers a completely satisfactory solution.

[0009] There is therefore a need for packaging offering the possibility of preserving the integrity of its contents and of being able to effectively attest to openings or attempted openings, while allowing great flexibility in terms of the type of opening. In addition, there is also a need for packaging whose anti-tampering system does not impair subsequent opening and closing operations after initial opening by destroying it.

[0010] The present invention falls within this framework. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a pre-cut sheet for producing packaging with an anti-tamper device by folding comprising:

[0012] - a set of articulated panels configured to form, after folding, faces of said packaging,

[0013] - a set of closing shutters extending from said panels and configured to form, after folding, closures of said packaging,

[0014] - at least one anti-theft device configured to irreversibly seal a first closure of said packaging, said at least one anti-tamper device comprising at least one tab foldable along a first fold line, from which extends at least one fin foldable along a second fold line, said tab being configured to be inserted, after folding said first and second fold lines, into a corresponding slot to irreversibly seal said first closure of said packaging by elastic return of said fin along said second fold line and blocking in said slot,

[0015] - at least one reversible closing device with opening indicator for sealing reversibly a second closure of said packaging.

[0016] For example, said second fold line forms, from the first fold line, an angle less than 90 degrees.

[0017] According to embodiments, said tab has an insertion width less than or equal to a width of said slot when said at least one fin is folded along said second folding line.

[0018] For example, said second fold line forms, from the first fold line, an angle greater than 20 degrees.

[0019] For example, said first fold line comprises a zone of weakness causing said tab to be torn off beyond a force threshold applied to said zone.

[0020] According to embodiments, at least one closing flap from which a locking flap extends allows reversible locking of said packaging after breaking of said anti-tampering device.

[0021] For example, said slot is made at a fold line between a hinged panel of said assembly and a closing flap extending from said panel.

[0022] For example, said slot is made at a fold line between said flap and said flap.

[0023] According to embodiments, said fin extends beyond a tab body in a direction of insertion into said slot and forms a profiled insertion edge of said tab into said slot.

[0024] For example, a tab body extends beyond said fin in a direction of insertion into said slot and has a profiled insertion edge of said tab into said slot.

[0025] For example, said fin is located at a distance from said first line, in a direction of insertion of said tab into said slot, greater than a thickness of said sheet.

[0026] For example, said tab comprises a trapezoidal portion with a first segment formed by said first fold line and a second parallel segment of length greater than said first side.

[0027] For example, at least one panel comprises a weak zone configured to be irreversibly perforated to allow the opening of said packaging, once the anti-tampering device is inserted into said slot.

[0028] For example, said tab extends from a closure flap of said set of closure flaps.

[0029] For example, said closing flap from which said tab extends comprises at least one weak zone allowing it to be torn off at least in part.

[0030] For example, said tab extends from a hinged panel of said set of hinged panels.

[0031] For example, said hinged panel from which said tab extends comprises a flexibility opening allowing said tab to be moved away from said hinged panel for insertion into said slot.

[0032] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a package with an anti-tamper device obtained by folding a sheet according to the first aspect.

[0033] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pre-cut sheet for producing packaging with an anti-tamper device by folding, comprising the following steps:

[0034] - cutting out a template comprising a set of panels to form faces of said packaging, a set of flaps for forming closures of said packaging, a tab and at least one fin for forming an anti-tampering device of said packaging for irreversibly sealing a first closure of said packaging, and at least one reversible closure device with opening indicator,

[0035] - production of folding lines between said panels to allow their arti culture,

[0036] - production of fold lines between said panels and said shutters to allow their closure,

[0037] - production of a first folding line of said tab and a second line folding said fin to allow the formation of said anti-theft device,

[0038] - production of an insertion slot configured to receive said anti-efficiency device fraction and allow irreversibly sealing a closure of said packaging by elastic return of said fin along said second fold line and blocking in said slot.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a package with an anti-tamper device by folding comprising the following steps:

[0040] - obtaining a sheet according to the first aspect,

[0041] - folding said panels along fold lines between said panels,

[0042] - folding said flaps along fold lines between said flaps and said panels,

[0043] - folding said at least one fin along the second folding line,

[0044] - folding said at least one tab along the first folding line,

[0045] - insertion of said tab into said slot. Brief description of the figures

[0046] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the present detailed description which follows, by way of non-limiting example, and the appended figures among which:

[0047] [Fig-1] illustrates the principle of elasticity used for the production of fins according to embodiments,

[0048] [Fig.2] illustrates an irreversible lock according to embodiments,

[0049] [Fig.3] illustrates a pre-cut sheet according to embodiments,

[0050] [Fig.4] illustrates a tab according to embodiments,

[0051] [Fig.5] illustrates a tab according to embodiments,

[0052] [Fig.6] illustrates a tab according to embodiments,

[0053] [Fig.7] illustrates a pre-cut sheet according to embodiments,

[0054] [Fig.8] illustrates a pre-cut sheet according to embodiments,

[0055] [Fig.9] illustrates a pre-cut sheet according to embodiments,

[0056] [Fig. 10] illustrates a pre-cut sheet according to embodiments,

[0057] [Fig. 11] illustrates a pre-cut sheet according to embodiments,

[0058] [Fig. 12] illustrates a method according to embodiments,

[0059] [Fig. 13] illustrates a method according to embodiments,

[0060] [Fig. 14] illustrates a pre-cut sheet according to embodiments,

[0061] [Fig. 15] illustrates a pre-cut sheet according to embodiments.

[0062] In the following, embodiments of a package with an opening indicator are described. This is for example a packaging case. According to these embodiments, these packages are obtained from a pre-cut sheet or pre-cut "blank". The package is then assembled by folding the sheet. The sheet comprises a system of panels and flaps. It further comprises a reversible closing device with an opening indicator. This means that when the package is opened for the first time by means of this reversible closing device, an opening indicator present on the package and visible from the outside makes it possible to attest to this. The closing device is reversible because it allows the box to be closed again on demand (after reclosing, the opening indicator makes it possible to determine that the package has already been opened).This reversible closure allows the packaging to be opened and reclosed legitimately because the opening indicator serves to attest to the first opening. The packaging also includes an anti-tamper device formed by tabs fitted with folding fins to ensure irreversible closure of the case. The destruction of the anti-tamper device during a first opening proves that it has been opened. Here, this closure is not reversible and does not include an opening indicator because it aims to prevent any unauthorized opening. i.e. other than that provided with an opening indicator. This closure prevents any fraudulent manipulation of the packaging to change the contents without triggering the opening indicator. Any opening of a closing flap containing the anti-tamper device results in its destruction, which makes the manipulation visible.

[0063] The packaging can therefore be opened in two ways. The first way is legitimate and expected. It is done by the first reversible closure which can be used for opening and closing. An opening indicator then attests to this first opening. The second way is not legitimate and is not expected. It is therefore not a normal opening of the packaging and is deterred by the fact that to implement it, the associated anti-tampering device must be destroyed. Irreversibly. Thus, any attempt to open the packaging in this way (to avoid doing it in the first way and therefore activating the opening indicator) is deterred because although the opening indicator is not activated, the opening of the packaging will still be detectable by the irreversible destruction of the anti-tampering device.Embodiments thus make it possible to use any type of opening (legitimate, with opening witness) possible for cases and without constraint on subsequent operations of opening and closing the case while guaranteeing the visibility of any discreet opening attempt. The anti-theft device is irreversible and prevents any reconstruction to mask a first opening other than the legitimate opening with opening witness.

[0064] In the following embodiments, the irreversible locking of the packaging is achieved by using the elasticity of the material forming it. This is generally cardboard. For example, it is a “Folding boxboard” type parton in English terminology, of the “GC” or “UC” type according to the DIN 19303 standard. As illustrated in [Fig.l], when two parts 101 and 102 of a sheet 100, for example made of cardboard, are folded 180 degrees (arrow 104) along a folding (or creasing) line 103 (i.e. one on top of the other) and without damaging the fold, the cardboard immediately reopens by an angle a which may depend on the time during which the pressure was exerted (steps 1, 2 and 3 in [Fig.l]). The opening angle a is generally immediately around thirty degrees and tends to increase over time without ever returning to the initial angle of 180 degrees.

[0065] This property can be used to achieve an irreversible lock illustrated by [Fig. 2]. A tab 200 is made of a material allowing elastic return as described previously. The tab comprises a tab body 201 from which one or more fins 202, 203 extend. The fins are foldable along respective fold lines, which allows them to be folded down onto the tab body as illustrated by the arrows in [Fig. 2] (step 1). Thus, the The width of the tab can be temporarily reduced to allow it to be inserted into a slot 204 of smaller width (step 2). The width is measured here in the direction orthogonal to the direction of insertion (arrow 206) of the tab 200 into the slot 204. The slot 204 is formed in the body 205 of the package. For example, in the illustration of [Fig. 2], the slot is made in a fold line between a panel 207 and a closing flap 208. Once the folded fins have passed the panel 207 following the insertion of the tab 200 into the slot 204, they deploy (step 3). Once the tab is inserted, the fins thus abut against the panel 207 in the event of an attempt to remove the tab from the slot, which allows an irreversible closure to be achieved. In fact, only destruction of the anti-theft device thus formed allows the packaging to be opened.It is therefore possible to determine whether an opening of the box has been carried out or attempted.

[0066] The anti-tampering device may be arranged at various positions of the package as illustrated in the following embodiments.

[0067] [Fig. 3] illustrates a pre-cut sheet 300 according to embodiments. sheet 300 (or "blank") comprises a first set of hinged panels 301, 302, 303, 304. The panels can be hinged together along respective fold lines. A fold line separates panel 301 from panel 302. A fold line separates panel 302 from panel 303. A fold line separates panel 303 from panel 304. A bonding strip 305 extends from panel 301 from a fold line which also allows it to be hinged relative to it. The hinged panels, once folded along the respective fold lines, form the walls of the package. The sheet further comprises a second set of closure flaps 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311. The closure flaps extend from a respective hinged panel from a fold line.The flaps 307 and 311 extend on each side of the panel 302 (the sides not shared with an adjacent panel) from respective fold lines while the flaps 309 and 308 extend on each side of the panel 304 (the sides not shared with an adjacent panel) from respective fold lines. The flap 306 extends from one side of the panel 301 (the side opposite the tab 315), from a fold line while the flap 310 extends from one side of the panel 303 (the side opposite the tab 314), from a fold line. The closure flaps, once folded along the fold lines, form closures of the package. The flaps 306, 307 and 308 form a first closure, on one side of the package. Flaps 311, 310 and 309 form a second closure, on the other side of the packaging. Once the packaging is made by folding the panels and flaps, it has the shape of a parallelepiped.In addition to folding the panels and flaps, the gluing strip 305 is glued to the panel 304.

[0068] To allow reversible opening and closing, the flaps 306 and 310 are provided with respective locking flaps 312 and 313. These flaps extend from the flaps from fold lines which allow them to be inserted against the opposite panels and thus close the package while cooperating with the other flaps of the adjacent panels. The flap 312 is inserted against the panel 303 and cooperates with the flaps 307, 308 while the flap 313 is inserted against the panel 301 and cooperates with the flaps 309, 311. Each flap has at each of its ends a cutout 316, 317 which allows it to be located, at these ends, at a distance from the flap from which it extends. Each flap thus has two extreme cutouts, which give it a harpoon shape and facilitate the locking of the flap, once the packaging is assembled. These cutouts cooperate with the adjacent closing flaps which do not have a flap.Thus the cutouts 316 cooperate with the flaps 308 and 307 while the cutouts 317 cooperate with the flaps 309, 311.

[0069] In this embodiment, a tab 314 extends from the panel 303. Another tab 315 extends from the panel 301. These tabs have a shape as described above with reference to [Fig. 2], with each having fins extending on either side of a tab body to form anti-theft devices. Each of the devices cooperates with a respective slot. A slot 318 is made in the fold line between the flap 312 and the flap 306. The tab 314, once the fins are folded, can be inserted therein. A slot 319 is further made in the fold line between the flap 313 and the flap 310. The tab 315, once the fins are folded, can be inserted therein.

[0070] In order to provide flexibility to each tab and facilitate the closing of the anti-theft device by a user, flexibility openings may be created on the panel from which the tab extends. The flexibility opening may take different shapes (rectangular, trapezoidal or other). Thus, for example, the tab 315 extends from the panel 301 from a fold line 320. The flexibility opening 321 is in the example of [Fig. 3] formed on the panel 301 and has a rectangular shape. The opening 321 is delimited by a line 322 parallel to the line 320 and two other perpendicular lines 323 connecting the line 320 to the parallel line 322. These perpendicular lines 323 are pre-cut, which allows a user to move the tab away from the slot 319 and insert it therein.This spreading movement is facilitated by the fact that line 322 is a line of least resistance which can be broken to allow the box to be opened while leaving an opening indicator.

[0071] In order to allow the first opening of the device, with an opening indicator, the line 322 can in fact be broken and thus prevent the opening from being blocked by the tab. Once this is broken, the tab can be torn off of panel 301 and the anti-theft device no longer blocks the opening of the closing flap (flap 310 for tab 315 and flap 306 for tab 314). The package can still, however, be opened and closed on demand by means of the locking flap 312 or 313. Line 320 also has a weakness to prevent any attempt to remove the tab and thus also acts as an anti-theft device. It also allows easy removal of the elements of the anti-theft system that have become useless after the first opening by breaking line 322.

[0072] The packaging thus has a first reversible closure (the flap 310 with its flap 313 or the flap 306 and its flap 312) the first opening of which is evidenced by the perforation of the opening 321 by breaking the line 322 (or the corresponding opening and line for the flap 306). It also has a second irreversible closure (the insertion of the tab 315 into the slot 319 or of the tab 314 into the slot 318). This closure is irreversible because any opening thereof (without passing through the perforation of the opening and therefore the activation of the opening indicator) requires the breaking of the line 320 (or the corresponding line for the tab 314) and this break is not repairable.

[0073] [Fig. 4] illustrates in more detail a tab according to embodiments. The tab 400 comprises a tab body 401 and one or two fins 402, 403. Two fins may be preferred but a single fin may be sufficient to ensure the locking of the panels and flaps. A single fin may for example be used for small packages requiring a small tab. The lines ab and dc are folding (or crease) lines which allow the fins 402 and 403 to be folded onto the tab body. The angles a and p are the angles formed between, on the one hand, the folding lines of the fins relative to the tab body and, on the other hand, the folding line e of the tab relative to the panel or flap from which it extends. These angles are strictly less than 90 degrees. They may for example be greater than 20 degrees. Angles a and p may or may not be the same.The width of the folded fins does not exceed the base of the tab to allow their deployment. The line bc can be straight, concave, curved or any other shape. The line e that connects the tab to the adjacent panel or flap is a line with a weakness. It can, for example, be a pre-cut line or a dotted line. If an attempt is made to remove the tab, the force exerted on the weak zone causes it to break, so that any attempt to fraudulently open the case will be reported. The distance g between the fins and the fold line of the tab in relation to the adjacent panel or flap is adjusted according to the thickness of the material used to manufacture the case so as to minimize the clearance between the wall and the tab after deployment of the fins. The distance f . between the fins, on the side of the base of the tab is for example the width of the corresponding slot plus or minus 5 mm and is adjusted according to the size of the tab and the shape of the slot. Preferably but not strictly necessary, the distance f is 0.4 to 0.5 mm greater than the width of the slot.

[0074] The fins and the tongue body may take different shapes. In particular, they may have profiled insertion edges to facilitate insertion into the slot when locking the anti-theft device. When the tongue body is intended to be inserted first, it may have a profiled shape facilitating insertion of the fins. When the fins are intended to be inserted first, they may have a profiled shape facilitating insertion of the tongue body.

[0075] [Fig.5] illustrates a tongue shape according to embodiments. tab 500 comprises a tab body 501 and two fins 502 and 503. The tab extends from a panel or closure flap of a package (not shown) from a fold line e. The fin 502 extends from the tab body 501 from a fold line ab. The fin 503 extends from the tab body 501 from a fold line cd. The configuration of the fin is similar to that described with reference to [Fig.4]. Thus, the fold line ab forms an angle a of less than 90 degrees with the fold line e. The fold line cd forms an angle p of less than 90 degrees with the fold line e. The fins 502 and 503 are located at a distance g from the line e in the direction of insertion of the tab (the direction perpendicular to the folding line e). The line ad separating the fins 502 and 503, parallel to the line ea, has a width f greater than that of the line e itself.Thus, the tongue body 501 is attached to the fold line e by a trapezoidal-shaped portion 504.

[0076] In the embodiment of [Fig. 5], the fins 502, 503 extend in the direction of insertion of the tab (perpendicular to the line e) beyond the tab body 501. Thus, in [Fig. 5], the tab body 501 can be seen delimited by the line bc in the direction of insertion. The fins can also be seen extending beyond the line bc in the direction of insertion. The angles a and p are chosen so that, even once folded onto the lines ab and cd, the fins 502 and 503 still extend beyond the tab body 501, i.e. here the line bc, and without extending beyond the folding line e. The fins 502 and 503 have a profile in the direction of insertion which facilitates insertion into the slot provided for this purpose. In the present example, the fins have a generally oblong shape in a direction parallel to their respective fold line. The end portion of the fins, in the insertion direction, has an acute angle.All this makes it easier to insert the tab into the corresponding slot and facilitates the manufacture of the sheet and the packaging. Since insertion is facilitated, in particular by the angles a and p less than 90 degrees, the risks of bad . closure are minimized.

[0077] The tabs of the embodiment of [Fig.5] may be used, for example, when the corresponding insertion slot for locking the anti-theft device is located between a closing flap and a flap, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0078] Other configurations of the tab are possible. Another embodiment is described with reference to [Fig. 6]. The tab 600 comprises a tab body 601 and two fins 602 and 603. The tab extends from a panel or closure flap of a package (not shown) from a fold line e. The fin 602 extends from the tab body 601 from a fold line ab. The fin 603 extends from the tab body 601 from a fold line cd. The configuration of the fin is similar to that described with reference to [Fig. 4]. Thus, the fold line ab forms an angle a of less than 90 degrees with the fold line e. The fold line cd forms an angle p of less than 90 degrees with the fold line e. The fins 602 and 603 are located at a distance g from the line e in the direction of insertion of the tab (the direction perpendicular to the fold line e).The line ad separating the fins 602 and 603, parallel to the line ea, has a width f greater than that of the line e itself. Thus, the tongue body 601 is attached to the folding line e by a trapezoidal-shaped portion 604.

[0079] In the embodiment of [Fig. 6], the tongue body 601 comprises a portion 604 which extends beyond the fins 602, 603 in the direction of insertion of the tongue (perpendicular to the line e). Thus, in [Fig. 6], the tongue body 601 can be seen extending beyond the line bc in the direction of insertion. The portion extending beyond this line is a portion 605 profiled so as to facilitate the insertion of the tongue into the corresponding slot. This portion 605 comprises on either side cutouts 606 over a width h in the direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion. These cutouts 606 allow the fins 602, 603 to be folded correctly along the fold lines ab and cd. The fins 602 and 603 have a rounded profile in the direction perpendicular to their fold line. All this makes it easier to insert the tab into the corresponding slot and facilitates the manufacture of the sheet and the packaging.Since insertion is facilitated, particularly by angles a and p less than 90 degrees, the risks of poor closure are minimized.

[0080] The tabs of the embodiment of [Fig.6] can be used, for example, when the corresponding insertion slot for locking the anti-theft device is located between a closing flap and a panel. Such an embodiment is illustrated by [Fig.7].

[0081] In this embodiment, the tabs extend from closing flaps which are themselves hinged on panels of the packaging. The sheet (or "blank") pre cut-out 700 comprises a first set of articulated panels 701, 702, 703, 704. The panels can be articulated together along respective fold lines. A fold line separates panel 701 from panel 702. A fold line separates panel 702 from panel 703. A fold line separates panel 703 from panel 704. A bonding strip 705 extends from panel 701 from a fold line which also allows it to be hinged relative thereto. The hinged panels, once folded along the respective fold lines, form the walls of the package. The sheet further comprises a second set of closure flaps 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711. The closure flaps extend from a respective hinged panel from a fold line. Flaps 707 and 711 extend on either side of panel 702 (the sides not shared with an adjacent panel) from respective fold lines, while flaps 709 and 708 extend on either side of panel 704 (the sides not shared with an adjacent panel) from respective fold lines.The flaps 706 and 710 extend on each side of the panel 703 (the sides not shared with an adjacent panel) from respective fold lines. The closure flaps, once folded along the fold lines, form closures of the package. Additional closure flaps 724, 725 extend on each side of the panel 701 (the sides not shared with an adjacent panel or glue strip) from respective fold lines. Each flap 724, 725 carries a respective tab 714, 715. The flaps 706, 707, 724, and 708 form a first closure on one side of the package. The flaps 711, 710, 725, and 709 form a second closure on another side of the package. Once the packaging is made by folding the panels and flaps, it has a parallelepiped shape. In addition to folding the panels and flaps, the gluing strip 705 is glued to the panel 704.

[0082] After a first legitimate opening and to allow reversible opening and closing, the flaps 706 and 710 are provided with respective locking flaps 712 and 713. These flaps extend from the flaps from fold lines which allow them to be inserted against the opposite panels and thus close the package while cooperating with the other flaps of the adjacent panels. The flap 712 is inserted against the panel 701 and cooperates with the flaps 707, 708 while the flap 713 is also inserted against the panel 701 but on the other side of the package and cooperates with the flaps 709, 711. Each flap has at each of its ends a cutout 716, 717 which allows it to be located, on these ends, at a distance from the flap from which it extends. Each flap has two extreme cutouts, which give it a harpoon shape and make it easier to lock the flap once the packaging is assembled.These cutouts cooperate with the adjacent closing flaps that do not have a flap. Thus, the cutouts 716 cooperate with the flaps 707 and 708 while the cutouts 717 cooperate with the flaps 709, 711.

[0083] In this embodiment, a tab 714 extends from the flap 724. Another tab 715 extends from the flap 725. These tabs have a shape as described above with reference to [Fig. 6], with each having fins extending on either side of a tab body to form anti-theft devices. Each of the devices cooperates with a respective slot. A slot 718 is made in the fold line between the flap 706 and the panel 703. The tab 714, once the fins are folded, can be inserted therein. A slot 719 is further made in the fold line between the flap 710 and the panel 703. The tab 715, once the fins are folded, can be inserted therein.

[0084] In this embodiment, the fold line 723 between the flap 725 and the panel 701 comprises a weak zone. For example, a dotted pre-cut. The flap 725 is therefore removable. This allows the first legitimate opening of the packaging with an opening indicator. For the first opening of the packaging, the panel 701 comprises a weak zone 721. This zone is for example delimited by the line 723 and a dotted pre-cut line 722. A user can thus perforate the zone 721 and tear off the flap 725 by breaking the line 723 and release the flap 710 for opening / closing on demand. Any (illegitimate) attempt to open the shutter 725 is made impossible by the presence of the anti-theft device formed by the tab 715. To remove the shutter 725 other than by perforating the area 712, it is necessary to tear off the tab at the level of the line 720.The pre-cut line 722 may have various shapes (semi-circular, rectangular, trapezoidal or other). The fold line 720 between the tab 715 and the flap 725 has a weakness to prevent any attempt to remove the tab. Such an attempt would cause the tab to tear off due to the presence of the weakness. This weakness also allows the flap 725 to be removed once the package is opened.

[0085] In this embodiment, opening / closing of the packaging is only possible on one side of the packaging. Indeed, the fold line between the flap 724 which carries the tab 714 and the panel 701 does not have a weak zone. It is therefore not possible to tear off the flap 724. According to embodiments, it is possible to produce a flap 724 identical to the flap 725.

[0086] The packaging thus has a first reversible closure (the flap 710 with its flap 713) whose first opening is attested by the perforation of the opening 721 by breaking the line 722. It also has a second irreversible closure (the insertion of the tab 715 into the slot 719 or of the tab 714 into the slot 718). This closure is irreversible because any opening thereof (without passing through the perforation of the opening and therefore the activation of the opening indicator) requires the breaking of the line 720 (or the corresponding line for the tab 714) and this break is not repairable.

[0087] Depending on the embodiments, the number of tabs varies, for example, depending on the size of the packaging. For example, for packaging with a wide closing flap, it is possible to provide several tabs on the same closing flap or on the same hinged panel.

[0088] Many variations of the embodiments described above are possible. Some of these variations are briefly described below.

[0089] The embodiment illustrated by [Fig.8] is similar to that described with reference to [Fig.3]. In addition to the dimensions of the panels and flaps which differ, this sheet 800 comprises two tabs 801, 802 which extend on either side of the same flap 803

[0090] The embodiment illustrated by [Fig.9] is similar to that described with reference to [Fig.7]. In addition to the dimensions of the panels and flaps which differ, as well as the shape of the flaps, this sheet 900 comprises two tabs 901, 902 which extend from flaps 903, 904 which themselves extend from different panels 905, 906. Furthermore, this time, the flap 903 is removable by the presence of a tear strip 907 which forms the junction between the flap and the panel 905. This strip is delimited by two lines of weakness. One line of weakness is carried by the fold line between the panel 905 and the flap 903. The other line of weakness is present on the flap 903, in a manner parallel to the other line of weakness.

[0091] The embodiment illustrated by [Fig. 10] is similar to that described with reference to [Fig. 9]. In addition to the dimensions of the panels and flaps which differ, as well as the shape and position of the flaps, this sheet 1000 comprises a tab 1001 which extends from a flap 1003 which itself extends from a panel 1005. Furthermore, this time, the flap 1003 is partially removable by the presence of a tear strip 1007 arranged in a substantially central position in the flap. This strip is delimited by two lines of weakness parallel to the fold line between the flap 1003 and the panel 1005. When the strip 1007 is torn off, only a portion 1009 of the flap remains attached to the panel 1005.The line of weakness adjacent to the portion 1009 of the flap has a tab 1008 which projects from the portion 1009 towards the tab and which serves as an insertion point into a recess 1004 made in a flap 1006 which extends from the panel 1002 and which faces the flap 1003 when the package is shown by folding the sheet 1000. The recess 1004 is a cutout in the flap 1006. For example, the recess has a rectangular shape or any other shape whose dimensions allow insertion of the tab 1008. Thus, the portion 1009 of the flap 1003 with the tab 1008 and the flap 1006 with the recess 1004 form a system for opening and closing on demand of the package, once the anti-tampering device has been destroyed by tearing off the strip 1007.

[0092] The embodiment illustrated by [Fig. 11] is similar to that described with reference to [Fig.9]. In addition to the dimensions of the panels and flaps which differ, this sheet 1100 comprises two tabs 1101, 1102 which extend from the same flap 1103. In addition, two tabs 1104, 1105 which extend from the same flap 1106. For closing the packaging, slots are arranged opposite each tab. This embodiment makes it possible to properly close the packaging despite the width of the panels carrying the closing flaps.

[0093] A method for producing a pre-cut sheet according to embodiments is briefly described with reference to [Fig. 12]. In a first step 1201, a sheet template is cut from the material forming the sheet and the future packaging. In certain embodiments, this is cardboard or any other material relevant to the field of use of this packaging as already described above. Then, fold lines are produced 1202, at the joints of the panels in order to allow their articulation. The production of the fold lines can be done by pressure. In a step 1203, the fold lines at the joints between the closing flaps and the panels from which they extend are produced. These fold lines can also be produced by pressure. In a step 1204, the fold lines at the tongue and the fin are produced.The fold line of the tab is made at the joint between the tab and either the hinged panel or the closing flap depending on the embodiment of the sheet envisaged. Finally, during a step 1205, the slot into which the tab must be inserted is made at the corresponding location, for example between a closing flap and a hinged panel, or between a closing flap and a locking flap depending on the embodiment envisaged. Other steps (not shown) can also be carried out, such as the production of the areas or lines of weakness to produce the areas or lines of weakness depending on the embodiment envisaged.

[0094] Finally, a method for producing a package according to embodiments is briefly described with reference to [Fig. 13]. In a step 1301, a pre-cut sheet according to embodiments is obtained. The hinged panels are then folded in a step 1302 to form the body of the package. Gluing can also be carried out to close the package body, for example by means of a gluing strip as already described. The closing flaps are then in turn folded in a step 1303. The tab and the fin are then in turn folded to form the anti-tampering device in steps 1304 and 1305. The device thus formed is then inserted into the corresponding slot in step 1306 to seal the package. The folding of the closing flaps can also include the folding of the locking flaps when these are present, as described above.

[0095] The method may further comprise steps of bonding certain elements of the pre-cut sheet. The use of adhesive when closing the packaging can be useful, for example for aesthetic reasons or to maintain the structure of the packaging after opening. This bonding of panels or flaps is not incompatible with the anti-tampering mechanisms described above. Indeed, even in the event that it would be possible to peel off the panels and / or flaps, the integrity of the packaging will not be compromised because it will not be possible to access the interior without triggering one of the packaging's anti-tampering systems. The use of adhesive can also be useful when, for example, you want the panel or flap to remain in place in order to keep important information present on the panel / flap. This type of information is, for example, a batch number, an expiry date or other. For example, in the example in [Fig.7], it is possible to glue the flaps 725 and 710 together to keep the flap 725 which is on the outside attached to the packaging, even after destruction of the anti-theft device by breaking the line 723.

[0096] The embodiments of the invention can be adapted to many types of packaging. [Fig. 14] is another illustration. The pre-cut sheet of this variant is similar to that of [Fig. 7] but with a “cigarette pack” type opening. The sheet 1400 comprises panels 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404 as well as a bonding strip 1405. These panels and the bonding strip are hinged together along fold lines. The sheet also comprises flaps hinged to the panels 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409, 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413. As already described, some flaps carry locking flaps 1414, 1415 while others carry tabs 1416, 1417 according to arrangements already described above and for the same functionalities. For this purpose, the sheet has necessary slots and openings as already described. In the variant illustrated by [Fig.14], the sheet further comprises two reinforcing panels 1418, 1419 for reinforcing the structure of the packaging and ensuring the on-demand closing / opening mechanism. This “cigarette pack” type mechanism is based on an opening passing through the panels 1401, 1402, 1403, and a fold line on the flap 1404. The fold line 1420 on the flap 1404 is located on an upper part of the packaging relative to the opening line 1421 which is located in a slightly lower position on the panel 1402. The upper part of the sheet is that on the opening side (at the bottom of [Fig. 14]). Opening lines 1422 and 1423 connect lines 1419 and 1420 on each of the panels 1401 and 1403. Once the package is formed from the sheet 1400, opening is done by breaking the opening lines 1422, 1421, 1423. The cover thus formed by the upper part of the package pivots on the folding line 1420.To facilitate opening, a tab 1425 is present on line 1421. As is also the case with the other embodiments described, opening . the packaging by means other than breaking the opening lines is made impossible without an irreversible witness thanks to the tabs 1417 and 1416. Any attempt to remove the flaps 1409 and 1411 results in the tabs being torn off. To facilitate the reversible closing of the packaging, a slot 1424 is made on the panel 1418 in correspondence with the nail 1425. Thus, to close (in a visible and therefore non-fraudulent manner) the packaging, it is possible to insert the tab 1425 into the slot 1424.

[0097] The packaging thus has a first reversible closure (the upper part partially detachable along lines 1422, 1412, 1423 and foldable on line 1420) whose first opening is evidenced by the detachment of tab 1425. It also has a second irreversible closure (the insertion of tab 1417 into slot 1426 or tab 1416 into slot 1407). This closure is irreversible because any opening thereof (without detaching the tab to open the upper part of the packaging and therefore activating the opening indicator) requires the breaking of line 1427 (or line 1428 for tab 1416) and this breakage is not repairable.

[0098] [Fig. 15] is an illustration of another variant. The pre-cut sheet of this variant is similar to that of [Fig. 7] but with an opening along the length of the package rather than on one of its ends. The sheet 1500 comprises panels 1501, 1502, 1503, 1504. These panels and the bonding strip are hinged together along fold lines. The sheet also comprises flaps hinged to the panels 1506, 1507, 1508, 1509, 1510, 1511, 1512, 1513. Some flaps carry tabs 1514, 1515 according to arrangements already described above and for the same functionalities. For this purpose, the sheet comprises necessary slots and openings as already described. In the variant illustrated by [Fig. 15], sheet 1500 does not have a locking flap on any of the closing flaps. Indeed, legitimate opening (without destroying the anti-theft device) does not take place at this level.This opening is made at the level of the panels of the sheet. Indeed, in this variant, no gluing strip is provided, but instead, a closing panel 1505, hinged to the panel 1504 along a fold line. This closing panel 1505 carries a locking tab 1516 with which it is hinged. This locking tab is able to cooperate with the panel 1501, at a break line 1518 of an opening zone 1517. When assembling the packaging, the flaps 1509 and 1513 are glued together in order to maintain the structure of the packaging once the first (legitimate) opening has been carried out. Furthermore, to close the box, the panel 1505 is glued to the panel 1501, at the level of an area 1517 delimited by the breaking line 1518. The first legitimate opening is thus done in a first movement by tearing off the area 1517 by lifting the panel 1505. In a second movement, panel 1504 is detached from flaps 1509 and 1513. This detachment is done by breaking the fold lines 1520 and 1519 which have weaknesses for this purpose. Panels 1509 and 1513 being glued to the other flaps, these are still held in place. Any (fraudulent) attempt to open the packaging by detachment is made impossible by the presence of tabs 1515 and 1514 which would then be torn off. The box is reclosed after legitimate opening by pivoting panels 1504 and 1505 along the fold lines between flaps 1503 and 1504 and the fold line between flaps 1504 and 1505. Tab 1516 is then inserted into the packaging at line 1518 of panel 1501.

[0099] The packaging thus has a first reversible closure (the panel 1505 with its flap 1516) whose first opening is evidenced by the removal of the part 1517. It also has a second irreversible closure (the insertion of the tab 1515 into the slot 1521 or of the tab 1514 into the slot 1522). This closure is irreversible because any opening thereof (without removing the part 1517 and therefore activating the opening indicator) requires the breaking of the line 1524 (or the line 1523 for the tab 1515) and this break is not repairable.

[0100] The present invention has been described and illustrated in the present detailed description with reference to the attached figures. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. Other variants, embodiments and combinations of characteristics can be deduced and implemented by those skilled in the art upon reading the present description and the attached figures.

[0101] To meet specific needs, a person skilled in the field of the invention may apply modifications or adaptations.

[0102] In the claims, the term “comprise” does not exclude other elements or other steps. The different features presented and / or claimed can be advantageously combined. Their presence in the description or in different dependent claims does not in fact exclude the possibility of combining them. The reference signs cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Pre-cut sheet (300) for producing a package with an anti-tamper device by folding comprising: - a set of hinged panels (301, 302, 303, 304) configured to form, after folding, faces of said package, - a set of closing flaps (306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311) extending from said panels and configured to form, after folding, closures of said package, - at least one anti-tamper device (315, 319) configured to irreversibly seal a first closure of said package, said at least one anti-tamper device comprising at least one tab (314, 315) foldable along a first fold line (ad), from which extends at least one fin (202, 203) foldable along a second fold line (ab), said tab being configured to be inserted, after folding said first and second folding lines, into a corresponding slot (318,319) to irreversibly seal said first closure of said packaging by elastic return of said fin along said second fold line and blocking in said slot, - at least one reversible closing device (310, 313) with opening indicator (322) to reversibly seal a second closure of said packaging.,

2. Sheet according to claim 1, wherein said second fold line forms, from the first fold line, an angle less than 90 degrees.

3. A sheet according to any preceding claim, wherein said tab has an insertion width (f) less than or equal to a width of said slot when said at least one fin is folded along said second fold line.

4. Sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second fold line forms, from the first fold line, an angle greater than 20 degrees.

5. Sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said first fold line comprises a zone of weakness causing the tearing of said tab beyond a threshold of force applied to said zone.

6. A sheet according to any preceding claim, in which at least one closing flap (306, 310) from which extends a locking flap (312, 313) allows reversible locking of said packaging after breaking of said anti-tampering device.

7. A sheet according to any preceding claim, wherein said slit (718, 719) is provided at a fold line between a hinged panel of said assembly and a closure flap extending from said panel.

8. Sheet according to claim 6, wherein said slit (318, 319) is made at a fold line between said flap and said flap.

9. A sheet according to any preceding claim, wherein said fin (502, 503) extends beyond a tab body (501) in a direction of insertion into said slot and forms a profiled insertion edge of said tab into said slot.

10. A sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a tab body (601) extends beyond said fin (602, 603) in a direction of insertion into said slot and has a profiled insertion edge (605) of said tab into said slot.

11. Sheet according to one of the preceding claims, in which said fin is located at a distance (g) from said first line, in a direction of insertion of said tab into said slot, greater than a thickness of said sheet.

12. Sheet according to one of the preceding claims, in which said tab comprises a trapezoidal portion (504) with a first segment formed by said first fold line and a second parallel segment of length greater than said first side.

13. Sheet according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one panel comprises a zone of weakness (721) configured to be irreversibly perforated to allow the opening of said packaging, once the anti-tampering device is inserted into said slot.

14. A sheet according to any preceding claim, wherein said tab (714, 715) extends from a closure flap (724, 725) of said set of closure flaps.

15. Sheet according to the preceding claim, in which said closing flap (903, 1003) from which said tab (901, 1001) extends comprises at least one weak zone (907, 1007) allowing it to be torn off at least in part.

16. A sheet according to any preceding claim, wherein said tab (314) extends from a hinged panel (303) of said assembly. of hinged panels.

17. Sheet according to the preceding claim, in which said hinged panel from which said tab extends comprises a flexibility opening (321) allowing a spacing of said tab relative to said hinged panel for its insertion into said slot.

18. Packaging with an anti-tamper device obtained by folding a sheet according to one of the preceding claims.

19. Method for manufacturing a pre-cut sheet for producing a packaging with an anti-tamper device by folding comprising the following steps: - cutting (1201) a template comprising a set of panels to form faces of said packaging, a set of flaps to form closures of said packaging, a tab and at least one fin to form an anti-tamper device of said packaging to irreversibly seal a first closure of said packaging, and at least one reversible closure device with an opening indicator, - producing (1202) fold lines between said panels to allow their articulation, - producing (1203) fold lines between said panels and said flaps to allow their closure, - producing (1204) a first fold line of said tab and a second fold line of said fin to allow the formation of said anti-tamper device,- production (1205) of an insertion slot configured to receive said anti-tampering device and to allow irreversibly sealing a closure of said packaging by elastic return of said fin along said second fold line and blocking in said slot.,

20. A method of manufacturing a package with an anti-tamper device by folding comprising the following steps: - obtaining (1301) a sheet according to one of claims 1 to 17, - folding (1302) said panels along fold lines between said panels, - folding (1303) said flaps along fold lines between said flaps and said panels, - folding (1304) said at least one fin along the second fold line, - folding (1305) said at least one tab along the first fold line folding, - insertion (1306) of said tab into said slot.

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