Tamper-evident paper container

The paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism using cohesive varnish and adhesive sealing material addresses the need for irreversible opening traces and resealability, ensuring security and convenience.

JP7790077B2Active Publication Date: 2025-12-23TOPPAN HOLDINGS INC
View PDF 6 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021166814
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-10-11
Publication Date
2025-12-23
Estimated Expiration
2041-10-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing paper containers lack a tamper-proof mechanism that leaves irreversible traces of opening and can be resealed, making them unsuitable for applications where resealing is desired.

Method used

A paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism featuring an opening guide line coated with cohesive varnish and a sealing material with an adhesive layer, where cohesive failure leaves visible traces upon opening and allows resealing.

Benefits of technology

The mechanism provides irreversible traces of opening, preventing tampering while allowing resealing, enhancing security and convenience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007790077000001
    Figure 0007790077000001
  • Figure 0007790077000002
    Figure 0007790077000002
  • Figure 0007790077000003
    Figure 0007790077000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a paper container with a falsification prevention mechanism which has a mechanism for leaving a trace of opening in opening a paper container and can be resealed.SOLUTION: A paper container assembled from paper base material consisting of paper or a paper-based composite has an opening guide line for opening the paper container to form an opening section on a part of a paper container body, and the outside of a periphery of the opening guide line of the paper container body is provided with an aggregation varnish layer applied in a pattern on a surface of the paper base material, and includes an area surrounded by the opening guide line and an area coated with an aggregation varnish outside the periphery of the opening guide line. The paper container with the falsification prevention mechanism is characterized in that sealing material having an adhesive layer with a plastic film as base material on a surface is stuck to via the adhesive layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper container, and more particularly to a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism that leaves irreversible evidence of opening when the container is opened, whether intentionally or unintentionally. [Background technology]

[0002] Packaging containers have been used to carry, transport, and protect contents. They have a long history, and glass bottles, metal, or ceramic containers have been used, but in recent years, paper containers have been used for a wide range of purposes in various fields, including food and household goods, and are now crowded with product shelves in supermarkets and convenience stores.

[0003] The reasons behind the widespread use of paper containers include the following features and conveniences: -It is relatively inexpensive because it is made from paper. -Lightweight and foldable, reducing storage and transportation costs. -Various types of printing are possible on the surface, improving design and making it easy to display information about the contents. It has a certain degree of shock resistance and is easy to carry. - Made from plant or wood-derived materials, they are environmentally friendly, with excellent volume reduction and incineration properties when disposed of.

[0004] On the other hand, the quality requirements for paper containers vary widely depending on the contents and use, and the following functions are also required. -Excellent protection and sealing against microorganisms. -Has light-blocking and gas-barrier properties to improve shelf life. - It has rigidity and toughness to protect the contents from external forces. -Liquid can be stored in the contents. -Features to prevent unintentional opening and tampering. And so on.

[0005] Regarding the tamper-proof function, Patent Document 1 proposes a packaging box with a tamper-proof mechanism, but the structure is such that a flap is inserted into a slit to lock it, and when the box is opened, the locking part breaks and the box is opened. Although this is expected to have a certain degree of effect in preventing tampering, it is difficult to reseal the box.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes a tamper-proof box, but the box is opened by tearing the perforations, which is destructive and therefore unsuitable for applications where resealing is desired.

[0007] Regarding tamper prevention mechanisms, in addition to those described in patent documents, methods have been adopted such as perforating, gluing, and covering the exterior with shrink film in order to prevent vandalism, crime, and unintentional opening. However, all of these methods involve destructive opening, making them difficult to use in applications where resealing is desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3210436 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4234853 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and its objective is to provide a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism that has a mechanism that leaves traces of opening when the paper container is opened and that can be resealed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As a means for solving the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is: A paper container constructed from a paper substrate made of paper or a paper-based composite material, The paper container has an opening guide line on a part of the body for opening to form an opening, The outer periphery of the opening guide line of the paper container body is provided by coating a cohesive varnish layer in a pattern on the surface of the paper base material, This paper container has a tamper-proof mechanism, and is characterized in that it includes an area surrounded by an opening guide line and an area coated with cohesive varnish outside the periphery of the opening guide line, and a sealing material having a plastic film as a base material and an adhesive layer on its surface is attached via the adhesive layer.

[0011] The invention described in claim 2 is as follows: 2. The paper container with a tamper-evident mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the opening guide line is formed by a perforation or a through mark.

[0012] The invention described in claim 3 is as follows: The paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism according to claim 1 or claim 2 is characterized in that the sealing material having the adhesive layer on its surface has a tab on part of the periphery for starting to open the container.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 is as follows: The paper container with a tamper-evident mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is characterized in that the adhesive strength of the sealing material having the adhesive layer on its surface is 8 N / 10 mm or less when measured in accordance with JIS Z 0237. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism that has a mechanism that leaves traces of opening when the paper container is opened and that is also resealable.

[0015] A part of the paper container body has an opening guide line for opening to form an opening, and this opening guide line makes it easy to open the container and also allows the opening to be formed in the intended shape.

[0016] The outer periphery of the opening guide line on the paper container body is provided by coating the surface of the paper base with a layer of cohesive varnish in a pattern, and a sealing material having a plastic film base and an adhesive layer on its surface is attached via the adhesive layer, including the area surrounded by the opening guide line and the area coated with cohesive varnish outside the periphery of the opening guide line.When an attempt is made to pull up the sealing material to open the paper container, opening due to destruction of the opening guide line and cohesive failure within the cohesive varnish layer occur simultaneously and irreversibly, so that traces of opening remain in the area coated with the cohesive varnish, and unintentional opening, as well as intentional or malicious opening, remain visible.

[0017] That is, when the package is opened, cohesive failure occurs within the layer of cohesive varnish, and the part that remains on the paper substrate and the part that adheres to the sealant are separated. The cohesively failed surface becomes rough and white, becoming visible. At the time of resealing, this part loses adhesive strength and becomes separated and visible. In this way, this tampering leaves irreversible traces, making it possible to visualize even unintentional tampering, and is effective in preventing intentional, prank, or malicious tampering or alteration.

[0018] Furthermore, since the sealing material has an adhesive layer on its surface, resealing after opening is possible at the exposed adhesive portion, making it possible to produce a paper container with excellent convenience, and even after resealing, visible traces of opening remain in the coagulating varnish portion, as described above. Furthermore, this resealing can be done repeatedly.

[0019] In the present invention, the traces of opening remain visible, which serves as a tamper-proof mechanism, making it possible to prevent intentional opening, mischief, or malicious opening or tampering.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 2 in particular, the opening guide line is formed by a perforation or a through wound, which makes this part vulnerable to external forces, so that opening using the sealing material can be done easily and stably in the intended part and in the intended shape.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 3 in particular, the sealing material having an adhesive layer on its surface has a tab on part of its edge for starting to open it, so that the paper container can be opened easily and stably by pinching the tab with the fingers and using this part as a trigger to open it.

[0022] If an adhesive is provided on the tab, the adhesive layer can be peeled off and the seal material can be pulled up to open the package, and if no adhesive is provided on the tab, the package can be opened more easily by simply pulling it up.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 4 in particular, the adhesive strength of the sealing material having an adhesive layer on its surface is in the range of 8 N / 10 mm or less when measured in accordance with JIS Z 0237, thereby ensuring reliable opening and more stable resealing using the sealing material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view seen from the top for explaining one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view illustrating one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-evident mechanism according to the present invention, before a sealant is attached near the opening. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention, with a sealant attached near the opening. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention, in which the seal material near the opening has been peeled off to open the container and form an opening. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the opening process for explaining one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the resealing process for explaining one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-evident mechanism according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. The present invention is not limited to the examples set forth herein, but is defined by the claims.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention.

[0027] The present invention is a paper container (100) with a tamper-proof mechanism, which is assembled from a paper base material made of paper or a paper-based composite material. A part of the paper container body has an opening guide line (2) for opening to form an opening (1).

[0028] The paper substrate may be made of paper alone or may be a composite material in which paper accounts for 50% or more by weight, such as polyolefin resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, or polyamide resin.

[0029] The composite material can be a laminate, for example, by laminating materials that have been formed into a film using an adhesive, or by laminating resin layers that have been melted by heat using an extruder.

[0030] In addition, the example of the paper container (100) with a tamper-proof mechanism shown in FIG. 1 has a hexahedral outer shape with a rectangular opening (1) on a rectangular top surface (3).

[0031] The outer periphery of the opening guide line (2) on the paper container body is formed by applying a layer of coagulating varnish in a pattern to the surface, and in Figure 1, diamond-shaped areas of the coagulating varnish are shown on the left and right of the area where the opening (1) is planned to be.

[0032] However, in the unopened state shown in FIG. 1, the coated portion of the coagulating varnish is invisible or difficult to see, and at least is not clearly visible from the outside of the sealing material (10).

[0033] This is because a layer of coagulating varnish is applied in a pattern to the surface of the paper container body, and a sealing material (10) having an adhesive layer on its surface is attached via the adhesive layer to the area including the area surrounded by the opening guide line (2) and the area coated with coagulating varnish outside the periphery of the opening guide line (2), so that the coated area of ​​the coagulating varnish is buried in the adhesive layer and is difficult to see from outside the sealing material (10).

[0034] A tab (4) that can be used as a trigger to start opening can be provided on a part of the edge of the sealing material (10) having an adhesive layer on the surface. In the example of the paper container (100) with a tamper-proof mechanism shown in Figure 1, the tab (4) is provided extending from the top surface (3) along the front body part (5). The paper container can be opened by, for example, pinching the tab (4) with fingers and pulling it upward.

[0035] If the tab (4) has adhesive, the paper container can be opened by peeling the adhesive layer off the paper base material and pinching it with the fingers to pull up the sealing material. If the tab (4) does not have adhesive, the paper container can be opened more easily by pinching it with the fingers and pulling up the sealing material (10).

[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view seen from the top to explain one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention.

[0037] In the example of the tamper-proof paper container (100) shown in FIG. 2, the paper container is a hexahedron. The top surface (3) is rectangular, and an opening guide line (2) is provided in the center to form an opening (1), which is also rectangular.

[0038] The outer periphery of the opening guide line (2) on the paper container body is coated with a coagulating varnish in a pattern on the surface, and in Figure 2, diamond-shaped coagulating varnish coating areas (11) are shown on the left and right of the area intended for the opening (1).

[0039] However, in the unopened state of the paper container shown in Figure 2, although it is shown, the coated portion of the coagulating varnish (11) is underneath the sealing material (10) having an adhesive layer on its surface, and is therefore invisible or difficult to see, or at least not clearly visible from the outside of the sealing material (10).

[0040] This is because the surface of the paper container body is coated with a pattern of coagulating varnish, and a sealing material (10) having an adhesive layer on its surface is attached via the adhesive layer to the area surrounded by the opening guide line (2) and the coagulating varnish coated portion (11) outside the periphery of the opening guide line (2).As a result, the coagulating varnish coated portion (11) is in close contact with the adhesive layer and is, so to speak, buried in the adhesive layer, making it difficult to see from outside the sealing material (10).

[0041] The sealing material (10) having an adhesive layer on its surface can have a tab (4) on part of its edge that serves as a trigger for opening the container. The paper container can be opened by pulling this tab (4) toward the front of the figure.

[0042] In the present invention, the opening guide line (2) can be formed by a perforation or a through scratch. That is, the opening guide line (2) is provided as a weakened portion of the paper substrate, and upon opening, the paper substrate of the opening (1) is pulled up together with the sealing material (10) by pulling up the sealing material (10). As a result, the paper substrate is torn along the opening guide line (2), and the opening (1) can be formed into the intended rectangular shape.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-evident mechanism according to the present invention, before a sealant is attached near the opening.

[0044] In the paper container (100) with a tamper-evident mechanism according to the present invention, the sealing material (10) is constructed with a plastic film (13) as a base material and an adhesive layer (12) on the surface. This allows the container to be resealed after opening at the exposed portion of the adhesive layer (12), making it a highly convenient paper container. This resealing can be repeated.

[0045] On the other hand, a paper substrate (7) constituting the paper container body has a pattern of a coating (11) of coagulating varnish applied to the surface outside the periphery of the opening guide line (2).

[0046] The application of the coagulating varnish can be carried out, for example, by a printing method. There are no particular limitations on the type of printing, and it can be carried out by, for example, intaglio printing, flexographic printing, silk screen printing, etc. In particular, when silk screen printing is used, it is suitable and desirable for providing a thick layer of the coagulating varnish.

[0047] There are no particular restrictions on the composition of the coagulating varnish, and as long as it is suitable as a tamper-proof mechanism, it can be appropriately selected from, for example, rubber-based, urethane-based, or acrylic-based colorless transparent inks.

[0048] As a result of intensive research conducted in the process of devising the present invention, we have found that a thickness of the coating portion (11) of the coagulating varnish in the range of 0.1 μm to 20 μm is the tamper-proof mechanism that is the subject of the present invention. This tamper-proof mechanism will be further explained in more detail in the following figures, starting with Figure 4.

[0049] In the paper container (100) with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention, in the example shown in Figures 1 to 7, an opening guide line (2) for forming the opening (1) is provided on the top surface (3) of the paper container. This opening guide line (2) can be formed by a perforation or a through cut.

[0050] In the paper container (100) with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention, a sealing material (10) having a plastic film (13) as a base material and an adhesive layer (12) on its surface is attached via the adhesive layer (12) to the area of ​​the paper container body surrounded by the opening guide line (2) and the coagulating varnish coated area (11) outside the periphery of the opening guide line (2), thereby forming a tamper-proof mechanism.

[0051] The plastic film (13) is a film made of a polymer resin composition, such as polyolefin (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, etc.), polyamide (nylon-6, nylon-66, etc.), or polyimide, and can be selected appropriately depending on the contents and application. In particular, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate are preferred for the plastic film (13) in terms of film strength and cost. These materials can also be combined in a cloth-like form.

[0052] In the paper container (100) with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention, the flexibility and mechanical strength against pulling, which are characteristics of the plastic film (13), make it suitable for opening by pulling up the paper base material of the opening (1) together with the sealing material (10).

[0053] Furthermore, since the plastic film (13) is transparent, even if the cohesive varnish coating (11) undergoes cohesive failure when the paper container is opened, it is possible to visually recognize the opening traces from the plastic film (13) side, which is advantageous as a function to prevent tampering.

[0054] The cohesive failure of the cohesive varnish coated portion (11) when the paper container body is opened will be further explained in the explanation of the example shown in FIG.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention, with a sealant attached near the opening.

[0056] In this state, the sealing material (10) includes an area surrounded by an opening guide line (2) provided on the paper container body that will become an opening (1) after opening, and a coated portion (11) of coagulating varnish outside the periphery of the opening guide line (2), and is in close contact with the top surface (3) of the paper container via the adhesive layer (12).

[0057] In this state, the coagulating varnish coating portion (11) and the adhesive layer (12) of the sealing material (10) are also in close contact with each other, and the coagulating varnish coating portion (11) is difficult to see from the outside of the sealing material (10), i.e., the plastic film (13) side.

[0058] This is because the sealing material (10) having an adhesive layer on its surface is attached via the adhesive layer (12), so that the coated portion of the coagulating varnish (11) adheres closely to the adhesive layer (12) and is, so to speak, buried in the adhesive layer (12), making it difficult to see from outside the sealing material (10).

[0059] The opening guide line (2) can be formed by a perforation or a through cut in the paper base material, which allows the opening of the paper container body with the sealing material (10) to be easily and stably performed, since the opening (1) can be formed in a predetermined location and in a predetermined shape.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-evident mechanism according to the present invention, in which the seal material near the opening has been peeled off to open the container and form an opening.

[0061] The state shown in Figure 5 is the state in which the paper base material (7) has been torn along the opening guide line (2) and the paper container has been opened. That is, the paper base material (7) at the opening (1) is pulled up together with the sealing material (10) to form the opening (1), and the cohesive varnish coating (11) has undergone cohesive failure within the layer, separating it into the sealing material (10) side and the paper base material (7) side.

[0062] The cohesive varnish layer is prone to cohesive failure within the layer, and the boundary surface between the layers is rough. Therefore, the boundary surface where the cohesive failure occurs scatters reflected light and appears white, making it clearly visible as a trace of peeling of the sealing material (10). This trace can be seen from both the front and back of the sealing material (1).

[0063] Furthermore, in the course of our intensive research into the paper container (100) with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention, we have made the following findings regarding the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer (12) used in the sealing material (10) to the surface of the paper container.

[0064] That is, the adhesive strength of the sealing material (10) having the adhesive layer (12) on the surface thereof is JIS Z 0237, the strength can be 8 N / 10 mm or less. By being in this range, the tamper-proof paper container (100) can be reliably opened using the sealing material (10) and resealed more stably.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the opening process for explaining one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention.

[0066] The paper container (100) with a tamper-proof mechanism can be opened by peeling off the sealing material (10). If the sealing material (10) has a tab (4), it becomes easier to pinch the tab (4) with your fingers and pull up the sealing material (10) in the direction of the arrow in Figure 6 to peel it off.

[0067] As shown in the example of Figure 6, the sealing material (10) includes the area surrounded by the opening guide line (2) on the paper container body and the coagulating varnish coated area (11) outside the periphery of the opening guide line (2), and the sealing material (10) has a plastic film (13) as a base material and an adhesive layer (12) on its surface, and is attached to the paper base material of the top surface (3) via the adhesive layer (12).Therefore, in the center of the sealing material (10), the paper base material of the opening (1) is pulled up together with the paper base material (7) to form the intended opening (1).

[0068] On the other hand, outside the periphery of the opening guide line (2), cohesive failure of the cohesive varnish coating (11) occurs, resulting in separation into the sealing material (10) side and the paper substrate (7) side, forming a rough surface on the separated surface and irreversibly leaving traces of the peeling of the sealing material (10).

[0069] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the resealing process for explaining one embodiment of a paper container with a tamper-evident mechanism according to the present invention.

[0070] The paper container (100) with a tamper-evident mechanism according to the present invention is highly convenient as a packaging container because the opening (1) can be resealed after the paper container body is opened. That is, the sealing material (10) is attached to the opening (1) of the paper container and its peripheral edge via the adhesive layer (12), and even after peeling it off and opening the paper container body, the adhesive strength of the peripheral edge is maintained, allowing for repeated resealing.

[0071] However, even if the sealant (10) is resealed, the cohesive failure of the cohesive varnish coating (11) remains, leaving irreversible traces of peeling, and the broken interface is visible, and is also visible from the plastic film (13) side of the sealant (10).

[0072] In other words, in the paper container (100) with a tamper-proof mechanism according to the present invention, traces of opening remain irreversibly and the container can be resealed, so it is possible to provide a paper container (100) with a tamper-proof mechanism that has a mechanism that leaves traces of opening when the paper container is opened and that can be resealed, which is the object of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Opening 2. Opening guide line 3. Top 4 Tab 5. Front body 7...Paper base material 10. Sealing material 11. Coagulation varnish coating section 12. Adhesive layer 13. Plastic film 100... Paper container with tamper-evident mechanism

Claims

1. A paper container constructed from a paper substrate made of paper or a paper-based composite, The paper container has an opening guide line on a part of the body for opening to form an opening, A cohesive varnish layer is coated in a pattern on the surface of the paper base material at a distance from the opening guide line on the outer periphery of the paper container body, A paper container with a tamper-proof mechanism, characterized in that the container includes an area surrounded by the opening guide line and an area coated with cohesive varnish outside the periphery of the opening guide line, and a sealing material having a plastic film as a base material and an adhesive layer on its surface is attached via the adhesive layer.

2. 2. The paper container with a tamper-evident mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the opening guide line is formed by a perforation or a through-mark.

3. 3. The paper container with a tamper-evident mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the sealing material having the adhesive layer on its surface is provided with a tab on a part of the periphery for starting to open the container.

4. The paper container with a tamper-evident mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adhesive strength of the sealing material having the adhesive layer on its surface is 8 N / 10 mm or less as measured in accordance with JIS Z 0237.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Easy-to-open bag in carton

    JP1995251831A

  • Container

    JP2001010634A

  • Resealable package

    JP2014184971A

  • Tamper-evident packaging boxes

    JP3210436U

  • Tamper-proof box

    JP4234853B2