US20110083975A1 - Secure package edge - Google Patents
Secure package edge Download PDFInfo
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- US20110083975A1 US20110083975A1 US12/901,038 US90103810A US2011083975A1 US 20110083975 A1 US20110083975 A1 US 20110083975A1 US 90103810 A US90103810 A US 90103810A US 2011083975 A1 US2011083975 A1 US 2011083975A1
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- Prior art keywords
- panel
- package
- recited
- secure
- secure package
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/04—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks
- B65D75/20—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks in sheets or blanks doubled around contents and having their opposed free margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to secure packages having an improved edge for reducing undesired tampering.
- the invention is particularly apt for packaging utilized for point-of-sale (P-O-S) activated transaction cards to reduce incidents of fraud via unintended third-party access to packaged transaction cards prior to purchase.
- P-O-S point-of-sale
- P-O-S point-of-sale
- activation entails reading a machine-readable card activation marking on the transaction card and/or packaging therefor, correlating the read data with an account that corresponds with the card, and activating the card for use.
- third-party tampering with transaction cards and packaging therefor has presented continuing design challenges.
- third-parties obtain proprietary account data from transaction cards at a P-O-S location, which proprietary account data may then be fraudulently employed after purchase and activation of the cards to access account funds corresponding with the transaction cards.
- third-parties may gain access to an enclosed card through an edge portion of card packaging that is re-closeable in a manner that renders detection of such tampering problematic.
- a primary objective of the present invention is to provide an improved secure package and method for secure package production that reduces tampering with contents located in the secure package.
- a further objective of the present invention is to provide an improved secure package in a relatively simple to produce manner.
- Yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide an improved secure package that is particularly apt for utilization with transaction cards in a secure card package product.
- the present inventor has recognized the desirability of providing a secure package with an enclosed region having at least an edge portion that is defined in a manner so that any attempt to access the enclosed region through such edge portion will visibly alter the package in an unconcealable manner, thereby reducing incidents of tampering and/or purchases of packages that have been tampered with.
- the present inventor has further recognized the desirability of adjoining opposing first and second panels of a package in a manner that realizes the above-noted functionality.
- an improved secure package comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed in opposing relation to the first panel to define at least a portion of an enclosed region therebetween.
- the first panel and second panel may be impressed together to define at least a plurality of raised impressions adjoining the first and second panels along at least an edge portion of the enclosed region.
- the raised impressions yield an edge portion in which the first panel and second panel may not be separated (e.g., via use of a razor blade or the like) with causing readily discernable and non-concealable damage to the package.
- the edge portion may extend along one, a plurality of sides, or the entirety of the enclosed region.
- a transaction card may be disposed within the enclosed region of the package to yield a secure card package product.
- secure card packages may be displayed for purchase at a point of sale (P-O-S) location, wherein a given transaction card may be activated in conjunction with the purchase of a secure card package at a check-out station within the P-O-S.
- a card activation field e.g., a machine-readable marking
- a secure package may be provided in which the plurality of raised impressions may be located to extend along and adjacent to a first peripheral edge portion of the package. Additionally, the package may further include a separable portion for selectively accessing the enclosed region.
- the separable portion may comprise a perforated panel portion or a pull strip panel portion.
- a plurality of perforations formed in at least one of the first panel and second panel wherein the plurality of perforations define a separable portion in the at least one first panel and second panel.
- the separable portion may be provided to be manually manipulatable for separating in the at least one of the first panel and second panel to provide for selective access to the enclosed region, e.g. by a purchaser after purchase at a P-O-S location.
- the plurality of perforations may be formed along and adjacent to a first peripheral edge portion of the package with the plurality of raised impressions located therebetween.
- the plurality of perforations may include a first plurality of perforations formed in a first panel, and a second plurality of perforations formed in a second panel in opposing, aligned relation to the first plurality of perforations.
- the plurality of raised impressions may define an adjoinment region between the aligned first and second pluralities of perforations and the first peripheral edge portion of the package, wherein the adjoinment region may be selectively removed along the first and second pluralities of perforations to define an edge opening to access the enclosed region.
- a purchaser may simply grasp, or pinch, and pull the adjoinment region with one hand, while anchoring the balance of the package with another hand so as to tear open the packaging.
- first panel and second panel of a package may be integrally connected along a second peripheral edge portion of the package. That is, a single substrate may be folded to define the opposing first and second panels, wherein the folded edge portion defines an edge portion of the enclosed region that is inaccessible without severing the substrate in a readily detectible and non-concealable manner.
- At least one of the first panel and second panel may have at least one and preferably first and second flaps integrally interconnected thereto, wherein said flap(s) may be folded over within the enclosed region.
- the folded flap(s) define(s) a corresponding edge portion(s) of the enclosed region that is inaccessible without severing the substrate in a readily detectible and non-concealable manner.
- the transaction card may be disposed in an enclosed region having a first edge portion integrally defined by a fold between a first panel and a second panel, opposing second and third edge portions integrally defined by a first flap and second flap, respectively, each integrally interconnected to one of the first panel and the second panel, and a fourth edge portion defined by said plurality of raised impressions.
- the transaction card may be located immediately adjacent to the panel integrally adjoined to the flap(s), wherein the flap(s) may be folded over the transaction card.
- one or more edge portions of an enclosed region of a package may be established by adhesively interconnecting opposing panel portions.
- an adhesive interconnection may be employed so that the opposing panel portions are not separable without damaging at least one of the panels in a readily discernable manner.
- an improved method for providing a secure package may include the steps of positioning a first panel and a second panel in opposing relation, and impressing a region of the first panel and a region of the second panel together to define a plurality of raised impressions adjoining the first panel and the second panel along at least a first edge portion of an enclosed region of the package within which an item of value may be disposed.
- the raised impressions yield an adjoinment region in which the first and second panels are not separable without damaging the panels in a manner that is readily discernable.
- first panel and the second panel may be integrally defined by a single substrate.
- positioning of the first panel and the second panel in opposing relation may entail folding the first panel and second panel into face-to-face relation, wherein a second edge portion of the enclosed region (e.g. opposing the first edge portion) may be integrally defined.
- a single substrate may integrally define at least a first end flap adjoined to one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the method may further include pivoting of the first end flap over at least a portion of the adjoined one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein another edge portion of the enclosed region may be integrally defined.
- the substrate may integrally define a second end flap adjoined to one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the method may further include the step of pivoting the second flap over at least a portion of the adjoined one of the first panel and second panel, wherein yet another edge portion of the enclosed region may be integrally defined.
- the impressing step may comprise the sub-steps of locating the first panel region and second panel region between opposing first and second impressing members, and advancing at least one of the first and second impressing members relative to the other so as to deform, or crimp, or emboss, the first panel region and second panel region therebetween to define the plurality of raised impressions.
- the first and second impressing members may include corresponding first and second surfaces, respectively, configured to matingly engage so as to define the plurality of raised impressions therebetween.
- the method may include the step of defining a separable portion of the package employable for selectively accessing the enclosed region.
- the method may include the step of perforating at least one of the first panel and the second panel to define a plurality of perforations.
- the plurality of perforations may define a separable portion in one of the first panel or the second panel, wherein the separable portion is manually manipulatable for separating such panel to access the enclosed region.
- both the first panel and the second panel may be perforated to define a first plurality perforations in the first panel and a second plurality of perforations in the second panel, respectively, wherein the first and second plurality of perforations are located in opposing aligned relation.
- the plurality of raised impressions may be located to define an adjoinment region between the aligned first and second plurality perforations and a first peripheral edge portion of the package.
- Such adjoinment region may be selectively removed by a user (e.g., a purchaser) along the first and second pluralities of perforations to define an edge opening to access the enclosed region.
- a user may grasp the adjoinment region and tear open the package along the first and second plurality of perforations.
- the method may be readily implemented to provide a secure card package.
- the method may include the further step of locating a transaction card between the first panel and the second panel within the enclosed region.
- a machine-readable marking may be located on an outward-facing surface of one of the first panel and second panel.
- the method may include the further step of reading the machine-readable marking at a P-O-S location of said secure card package so as to automatically activate the transaction card upon purchase.
- FIG. 1 illustrates one side of one embodiment of a secure package with a portion of a first panel removed to expose a corresponding portion of a second panel, a corresponding portion of an enclosed region, and a corresponding portion of a transaction card located within the enclosed region.
- FIG. 2 illustrates another side view of the secure card package embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an end view of an edge portion of the secure card package embodiment of FIG. 1 , showing a plurality of raised impressions.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of raised impressions shown in FIG. 3 , as taken along across cut line AA shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a secure card package during a step of construction thereof.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the secure card embodiment shown in FIG. 5 during another step of construction thereof.
- FIG. 7 illustrates the secure card embodiment of FIG. 5 during yet another step of construction thereof.
- FIG. 8 illustrates the secure card embodiment of FIG. 5 during an additional step of construction thereof.
- FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a secure package 1 that may implement various features of the present invention.
- the package 1 includes a first panel 10 and a second panel 20 disposed in opposing relation to the first panel 10 so as to define at least a portion of an enclosed region 50 therebetween.
- a portion of the first panel 10 has been cut away in FIG. 1 to expose a corresponding portion of the second panel 20 and enclosed region 50 .
- a transaction card 40 may be disposed within the enclosed region 50 to yield a secure card package.
- the package 1 may contain items of value other than a transaction card.
- first panel 10 and second panel 20 may be integrally defined by a single substrate (e.g. paperboard substrate) folded along a side edge portion 2 a .
- a single substrate e.g. paperboard substrate
- the integrally defined side edge portion 2 a cannot be severed or otherwise opened to access the enclosed region 50 without substantial damage to the package 1 that would be readily detectable.
- Adhesive regions 60 may be optionally provided between the first panel 10 and second panel 20 along a top edge portion 3 a and bottom edge portion 3 b .
- such adhesive regions 60 may employ an adhesive that bonds to the first panel 10 and second panel 20 in a manner that precludes separation without detectable damage to the panels.
- an adhesive region (not shown) may also be provided between the first panel 10 and second panel 20 at locations along a side edge portion 2 b.
- Side edge portion 2 b includes a plurality of raised impressions 30 .
- Such raised impressions 30 may be defined by a corresponding plurality of opposing first panel portions and second panel portions that are impressed, or embossed, or crimped, together.
- each of the raised impressions 30 may be defined to extend outwardly away from a surrounding, adjoined surface region of one of the first panel 10 and second panel 20 .
- successive, ones of the raised impressions 30 may project away from different one of outside exposed surfaces of the first panel 10 and/or second panel 20 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a length of the side edge portion 2 b of the secure package 1 .
- impressions 30 a extend away from, or are raised, relative to exposed, surrounding surface portions of the first panel 10
- impressions 30 b extend away from, or are raised, relative to exposed, surrounding surface portions of the second panel 20 .
- the raised impressions may project from a common, same side of a package panel.
- FIG. 4 One example of a raised impression 30 a is shown in FIG. 4 . As illustrated, opposing regions of the first panel 10 and second panel 20 have been impressed together into mating relation to define the impression 30 a . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the impressions 30 are each shown to be of a rounded, or dome-shaped configuration. Numerous other configurations may be impressed as well, including for example, alphabetic characters, numeric characters, logo configurations and any other simple or complex configuration.
- raised impressions 30 reduces fraudulent tampering risks since any unintended separation of the first panel 10 and second panel 20 along side edge portion 2 b will result in a readily detectable tampered package. Stated differently, any attempt to separate the first panel 10 and second panel 20 along the side edge portion 2 b will result in a degree of damage to the side edge portion 2 b that is readily noticeable by a potential purchaser and/or checkout personnel at a P-O-S location. In turn, any potential purchase and associated fraudulent activity may be averted.
- the first panel may include a separable portion 12 that is manipulable by a user to selectively access the enclosed region 50 .
- the separable portion 12 may comprise a perforation line extending across the first panel 10 , wherein the separable portion 12 may be manipulated by a user to open the secure card package 1 along the perforation line 12 .
- the separable portion 12 may be defined by a pull strip panel portion.
- the second panel 20 may also include a separable portion 22 comprising a perforation line extending across the second panel 20 in opposing relation to the separable portion 12 of the first panel 10 .
- a user may simply grasp the side edge portion 2 b (e.g. between two fingers of a user) to tear open the secure package 1 along the opposing perforation lines 12 and 22 .
- a card activation data field 70 may be provided on the secure card package 1 .
- the card activation data field 70 may be employed for card activation at a P-O-S location. For example, and as shown in FIG.
- an activation data field 70 in the form of a machine-readable marking may be presented on the outside surface of second panel 20 for automated reading and card activation by check-out personnel at a P-O-S location.
- the card activation data field 20 may be provided on the outside surface of first panel 10 .
- the card activation data field 70 may be located within a concealed region of the package 1 .
- numerous approaches may be utilized for defining a selectively accessible concealed region for access at the time of purchase and card activation at a P-O-S location.
- One or more human readable marking(s) may be provided on the secure card package 1 to alert purchasers and/or sales personnel that the enclosed region 50 should not have been accessed prior to sale.
- a human readable notice 80 may be provided on an outside surface on first panel 10 and/or second panel 20 (e.g., “DO NOT COMPLETE TRANSACTION IF PACKAGE PREVIOUSLY OPENED”).
- a human readable notice marking may be provided on an inside surface of first panel 10 and/or second panel 20 .
- an aperture 90 may be provided through the first panel 10 and second panel 20 to facilitate removable placement on display a hook or hanger at a point of sale location.
- Additional optional features may include foil stamping and various printing features that make the secure card package 1 more attractive to prospective purchasers.
- FIGS. 5-8 illustrate another embodiment of a secure package 100 .
- the secure package 100 includes a first panel 110 , a second panel 120 and one or more flap portions 124 a , 124 b .
- the first panel 110 , second panel 120 and flap portions 124 a , 124 b may be integrally defined by a single substrate (e.g., a paperboard substrate) configured and foldable to yield a finished secure package 100 , as shown in FIG. 8 .
- a single substrate may be initially cut into a configuration such as that shown in FIG. 5 .
- cutout regions 118 and 128 may be defined in the first panel 110 and second panel 120 , respectively, and in a first flap portion 124 a .
- an aperture 190 may be defined for display hook placement upon folded construction of the secure card package 100 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 .
- the secure package 100 is particularly apt for containing a transaction card 140 therewithin, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- an optional raised panel portion 126 may be optionally defined in the second panel 120 for at least partial nested receipt of a transaction card 140 therewithin.
- the transaction card 140 may be selectively disposed in face-to-face relation to the second panel 120 .
- adhesive regions 162 may be provided on the second panel 120 for detachably securing the transaction card 140 to the second panel 120 .
- flap portions 124 a and 124 b may be folded over portions of the transaction card 140 along corresponding, integrally-defined, top and bottom edge portions 103 a and 103 b , respectively, to yield the configuration shown in FIG. 6 .
- access to the transaction card 140 along the top and bottom edge portions 103 a and 103 b is restricted by virtue of the presence of folded tab portions 124 a and 124 b , respectively.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrates the secure card package 100 after the first panel 110 has been folded along integrally-defined side edge portion 102 a into opposing relation with the second panel 120 , with flap portions 124 a and 124 b interposed therebetween.
- optional adhesive regions 160 may be provided on flap portions 124 a and 124 b for detachable interconnection of the first panel 110 to the second panel 120 .
- the first panel 110 and second panel 120 of the secure card package 100 may include separation portions 112 and 122 .
- the first panel 110 and 120 may be perforated along perforation lines 112 and 122 , respectively.
- a plurality of raised impressions 130 have been defined along side edge portion 102 b in opposing relation to integrally-defined side edge portion 102 a .
- an adjoinment portion 200 defined by impressions 130 may be grasped and pulled by a user to separate the first panel 110 and second panel 120 along perforation lines 112 and 122 to access transaction card 140 after purchase.
- a machine-readable marking 170 may be provided for selective card activation at the time of purchase at a P-O-S location.
- the marking 170 may comprise a magnetic stripe as shown, or alternatively a barcode.
- a human-readable activation data field may be employed.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/250,422, filed Oct. 9, 2009, entitled “SECURE PACKAGING EDGE”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to secure packages having an improved edge for reducing undesired tampering. The invention is particularly apt for packaging utilized for point-of-sale (P-O-S) activated transaction cards to reduce incidents of fraud via unintended third-party access to packaged transaction cards prior to purchase.
- The sale of debit cards, gift cards, telephone cards and other transaction cards at retail locations is widespread and increasing. Typically, such transaction cards are packaged, distributed and displayed at point-of-sale (P-O-S) locations in an inactive state. In turn, in conjunction with a purchase transaction, a corresponding transaction card is activated at a P-O-S location. Typically, activation entails reading a machine-readable card activation marking on the transaction card and/or packaging therefor, correlating the read data with an account that corresponds with the card, and activating the card for use.
- Unfortunately, third-party tampering with transaction cards and packaging therefor has presented continuing design challenges. In one tampering scheme, third-parties obtain proprietary account data from transaction cards at a P-O-S location, which proprietary account data may then be fraudulently employed after purchase and activation of the cards to access account funds corresponding with the transaction cards. By way of primary example, third-parties may gain access to an enclosed card through an edge portion of card packaging that is re-closeable in a manner that renders detection of such tampering problematic.
- As may be appreciated, such package tampering problem also exists with a variety of other situations in which an item of value is contained by a package at a P-O-S location.
- In view of the foregoing, a primary objective of the present invention is to provide an improved secure package and method for secure package production that reduces tampering with contents located in the secure package.
- A further objective of the present invention is to provide an improved secure package in a relatively simple to produce manner.
- Yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide an improved secure package that is particularly apt for utilization with transaction cards in a secure card package product.
- In addressing the above-noted objectives, the present inventor has recognized the desirability of providing a secure package with an enclosed region having at least an edge portion that is defined in a manner so that any attempt to access the enclosed region through such edge portion will visibly alter the package in an unconcealable manner, thereby reducing incidents of tampering and/or purchases of packages that have been tampered with. In this regard, the present inventor has further recognized the desirability of adjoining opposing first and second panels of a package in a manner that realizes the above-noted functionality.
- In one approach, an improved secure package comprises a first panel and a second panel disposed in opposing relation to the first panel to define at least a portion of an enclosed region therebetween. Of note, the first panel and second panel may be impressed together to define at least a plurality of raised impressions adjoining the first and second panels along at least an edge portion of the enclosed region. The raised impressions yield an edge portion in which the first panel and second panel may not be separated (e.g., via use of a razor blade or the like) with causing readily discernable and non-concealable damage to the package. The edge portion may extend along one, a plurality of sides, or the entirety of the enclosed region.
- In one non-limiting implementation, a transaction card may be disposed within the enclosed region of the package to yield a secure card package product. By way of example, such secure card packages may be displayed for purchase at a point of sale (P-O-S) location, wherein a given transaction card may be activated in conjunction with the purchase of a secure card package at a check-out station within the P-O-S. In such implementations, a card activation field (e.g., a machine-readable marking) may be provided on an outside surface of the package for reading input at a check-out station.
- In one aspect, a secure package may be provided in which the plurality of raised impressions may be located to extend along and adjacent to a first peripheral edge portion of the package. Additionally, the package may further include a separable portion for selectively accessing the enclosed region. By way of example, the separable portion may comprise a perforated panel portion or a pull strip panel portion.
- In one approach, a plurality of perforations formed in at least one of the first panel and second panel, wherein the plurality of perforations define a separable portion in the at least one first panel and second panel. The separable portion may be provided to be manually manipulatable for separating in the at least one of the first panel and second panel to provide for selective access to the enclosed region, e.g. by a purchaser after purchase at a P-O-S location.
- In one embodiment, the plurality of perforations may be formed along and adjacent to a first peripheral edge portion of the package with the plurality of raised impressions located therebetween. In conjunction with such embodiment, the plurality of perforations may include a first plurality of perforations formed in a first panel, and a second plurality of perforations formed in a second panel in opposing, aligned relation to the first plurality of perforations. In this regard, the plurality of raised impressions may define an adjoinment region between the aligned first and second pluralities of perforations and the first peripheral edge portion of the package, wherein the adjoinment region may be selectively removed along the first and second pluralities of perforations to define an edge opening to access the enclosed region. By way of example, a purchaser may simply grasp, or pinch, and pull the adjoinment region with one hand, while anchoring the balance of the package with another hand so as to tear open the packaging.
- In another aspect, the first panel and second panel of a package may be integrally connected along a second peripheral edge portion of the package. That is, a single substrate may be folded to define the opposing first and second panels, wherein the folded edge portion defines an edge portion of the enclosed region that is inaccessible without severing the substrate in a readily detectible and non-concealable manner.
- In yet another aspect, at least one of the first panel and second panel may have at least one and preferably first and second flaps integrally interconnected thereto, wherein said flap(s) may be folded over within the enclosed region. In turn, the folded flap(s) define(s) a corresponding edge portion(s) of the enclosed region that is inaccessible without severing the substrate in a readily detectible and non-concealable manner.
- Such an arrangement is particularly apt for a secure card package comprising a transaction card. In this regard, the transaction card may be disposed in an enclosed region having a first edge portion integrally defined by a fold between a first panel and a second panel, opposing second and third edge portions integrally defined by a first flap and second flap, respectively, each integrally interconnected to one of the first panel and the second panel, and a fourth edge portion defined by said plurality of raised impressions. In that arrangement, the transaction card may be located immediately adjacent to the panel integrally adjoined to the flap(s), wherein the flap(s) may be folded over the transaction card.
- In other arrangements, one or more edge portions of an enclosed region of a package, other than the edge portion having raised impressions, may be established by adhesively interconnecting opposing panel portions. For example, an adhesive interconnection may be employed so that the opposing panel portions are not separable without damaging at least one of the panels in a readily discernable manner.
- As may be appreciated, an improved method for providing a secure package may include the steps of positioning a first panel and a second panel in opposing relation, and impressing a region of the first panel and a region of the second panel together to define a plurality of raised impressions adjoining the first panel and the second panel along at least a first edge portion of an enclosed region of the package within which an item of value may be disposed. As previously noted, the raised impressions yield an adjoinment region in which the first and second panels are not separable without damaging the panels in a manner that is readily discernable.
- In one aspect, the first panel and the second panel may be integrally defined by a single substrate. In turn, positioning of the first panel and the second panel in opposing relation may entail folding the first panel and second panel into face-to-face relation, wherein a second edge portion of the enclosed region (e.g. opposing the first edge portion) may be integrally defined.
- In another aspect, a single substrate may integrally define at least a first end flap adjoined to one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the method may further include pivoting of the first end flap over at least a portion of the adjoined one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein another edge portion of the enclosed region may be integrally defined. Further, the substrate may integrally define a second end flap adjoined to one of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the method may further include the step of pivoting the second flap over at least a portion of the adjoined one of the first panel and second panel, wherein yet another edge portion of the enclosed region may be integrally defined.
- In one approach, the impressing step may comprise the sub-steps of locating the first panel region and second panel region between opposing first and second impressing members, and advancing at least one of the first and second impressing members relative to the other so as to deform, or crimp, or emboss, the first panel region and second panel region therebetween to define the plurality of raised impressions. In this regard, the first and second impressing members may include corresponding first and second surfaces, respectively, configured to matingly engage so as to define the plurality of raised impressions therebetween.
- In a further aspect, the method may include the step of defining a separable portion of the package employable for selectively accessing the enclosed region. For example, the method may include the step of perforating at least one of the first panel and the second panel to define a plurality of perforations. The plurality of perforations may define a separable portion in one of the first panel or the second panel, wherein the separable portion is manually manipulatable for separating such panel to access the enclosed region.
- In one approach, both the first panel and the second panel may be perforated to define a first plurality perforations in the first panel and a second plurality of perforations in the second panel, respectively, wherein the first and second plurality of perforations are located in opposing aligned relation. In turn, the plurality of raised impressions may be located to define an adjoinment region between the aligned first and second plurality perforations and a first peripheral edge portion of the package. Such adjoinment region may be selectively removed by a user (e.g., a purchaser) along the first and second pluralities of perforations to define an edge opening to access the enclosed region. By way of example, a user may grasp the adjoinment region and tear open the package along the first and second plurality of perforations.
- As may be appreciated, the method may be readily implemented to provide a secure card package. In this regard, the method may include the further step of locating a transaction card between the first panel and the second panel within the enclosed region. In such an arrangement, a machine-readable marking may be located on an outward-facing surface of one of the first panel and second panel. In turn, the method may include the further step of reading the machine-readable marking at a P-O-S location of said secure card package so as to automatically activate the transaction card upon purchase.
- Numerous additional aspects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the further description that follows.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates one side of one embodiment of a secure package with a portion of a first panel removed to expose a corresponding portion of a second panel, a corresponding portion of an enclosed region, and a corresponding portion of a transaction card located within the enclosed region. -
FIG. 2 illustrates another side view of the secure card package embodiment shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an end view of an edge portion of the secure card package embodiment ofFIG. 1 , showing a plurality of raised impressions. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of raised impressions shown inFIG. 3 , as taken along across cut line AA shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a secure card package during a step of construction thereof. -
FIG. 6 illustrates the secure card embodiment shown inFIG. 5 during another step of construction thereof. -
FIG. 7 illustrates the secure card embodiment ofFIG. 5 during yet another step of construction thereof. -
FIG. 8 illustrates the secure card embodiment ofFIG. 5 during an additional step of construction thereof. -
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a secure package 1 that may implement various features of the present invention. The package 1 includes afirst panel 10 and asecond panel 20 disposed in opposing relation to thefirst panel 10 so as to define at least a portion of anenclosed region 50 therebetween. For purposes of illustration, a portion of thefirst panel 10 has been cut away inFIG. 1 to expose a corresponding portion of thesecond panel 20 andenclosed region 50. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , in one implementation atransaction card 40 may be disposed within theenclosed region 50 to yield a secure card package. In other implementations, the package 1 may contain items of value other than a transaction card. - In one embodiment, the
first panel 10 andsecond panel 20 may be integrally defined by a single substrate (e.g. paperboard substrate) folded along a side edge portion 2 a. As may be appreciated, the integrally defined side edge portion 2 a cannot be severed or otherwise opened to access theenclosed region 50 without substantial damage to the package 1 that would be readily detectable. -
Adhesive regions 60 may be optionally provided between thefirst panel 10 andsecond panel 20 along a top edge portion 3 a andbottom edge portion 3 b. In certain embodiments, suchadhesive regions 60 may employ an adhesive that bonds to thefirst panel 10 andsecond panel 20 in a manner that precludes separation without detectable damage to the panels. Optionally, an adhesive region (not shown) may also be provided between thefirst panel 10 andsecond panel 20 at locations along a side edge portion 2 b. - Side edge portion 2 b includes a plurality of raised
impressions 30. Such raisedimpressions 30 may be defined by a corresponding plurality of opposing first panel portions and second panel portions that are impressed, or embossed, or crimped, together. In this regard, each of the raisedimpressions 30 may be defined to extend outwardly away from a surrounding, adjoined surface region of one of thefirst panel 10 andsecond panel 20. - By way of example, in the secure card package 1 shown in
FIGS. 1-4 , successive, ones of the raisedimpressions 30 may project away from different one of outside exposed surfaces of thefirst panel 10 and/orsecond panel 20. In this regard, reference is made toFIG. 3 which illustrates a side view of a length of the side edge portion 2 b of the secure package 1. As shown,impressions 30 a extend away from, or are raised, relative to exposed, surrounding surface portions of thefirst panel 10, and impressions 30 b extend away from, or are raised, relative to exposed, surrounding surface portions of thesecond panel 20. In other embodiments, the raised impressions may project from a common, same side of a package panel. - One example of a raised
impression 30 a is shown inFIG. 4 . As illustrated, opposing regions of thefirst panel 10 andsecond panel 20 have been impressed together into mating relation to define theimpression 30 a. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4 , theimpressions 30 are each shown to be of a rounded, or dome-shaped configuration. Numerous other configurations may be impressed as well, including for example, alphabetic characters, numeric characters, logo configurations and any other simple or complex configuration. - The utilization of raised
impressions 30 reduces fraudulent tampering risks since any unintended separation of thefirst panel 10 andsecond panel 20 along side edge portion 2 b will result in a readily detectable tampered package. Stated differently, any attempt to separate thefirst panel 10 andsecond panel 20 along the side edge portion 2 b will result in a degree of damage to the side edge portion 2 b that is readily noticeable by a potential purchaser and/or checkout personnel at a P-O-S location. In turn, any potential purchase and associated fraudulent activity may be averted. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the first panel may include aseparable portion 12 that is manipulable by a user to selectively access theenclosed region 50. By way of example, theseparable portion 12 may comprise a perforation line extending across thefirst panel 10, wherein theseparable portion 12 may be manipulated by a user to open the secure card package 1 along theperforation line 12. In other embodiments, theseparable portion 12 may be defined by a pull strip panel portion. - In the illustrated embodiment, and as shown in
FIG. 2 , thesecond panel 20 may also include aseparable portion 22 comprising a perforation line extending across thesecond panel 20 in opposing relation to theseparable portion 12 of thefirst panel 10. In this regard, a user may simply grasp the side edge portion 2 b (e.g. between two fingers of a user) to tear open the secure package 1 along the opposingperforation lines FIG. 2 , in secure card package implementations a card activation data field 70 may be provided on the secure card package 1. In turn, the card activation data field 70 may be employed for card activation at a P-O-S location. For example, and as shown inFIG. 2 , anactivation data field 70 in the form of a machine-readable marking (e.g. a bar code or magnetic stripe) may be presented on the outside surface ofsecond panel 20 for automated reading and card activation by check-out personnel at a P-O-S location. In other embodiments, the card activation data field 20 may be provided on the outside surface offirst panel 10. - In yet other embodiments, the card activation data field 70 may be located within a concealed region of the package 1. In this regard, numerous approaches may be utilized for defining a selectively accessible concealed region for access at the time of purchase and card activation at a P-O-S location.
- One or more human readable marking(s) may be provided on the secure card package 1 to alert purchasers and/or sales personnel that the
enclosed region 50 should not have been accessed prior to sale. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , a humanreadable notice 80 may be provided on an outside surface onfirst panel 10 and/or second panel 20 (e.g., “DO NOT COMPLETE TRANSACTION IF PACKAGE PREVIOUSLY OPENED”). Alternatively or additionally, a human readable notice marking may be provided on an inside surface offirst panel 10 and/orsecond panel 20. - Numerous additional features may be included in the
secure card package 10. For example, anaperture 90 may be provided through thefirst panel 10 andsecond panel 20 to facilitate removable placement on display a hook or hanger at a point of sale location. Additional optional features may include foil stamping and various printing features that make the secure card package 1 more attractive to prospective purchasers. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 5-8 which illustrate another embodiment of asecure package 100. Thesecure package 100 includes afirst panel 110, asecond panel 120 and one ormore flap portions 124 a, 124 b. In the approach illustrated inFIGS. 5-8 , thefirst panel 110,second panel 120 andflap portions 124 a, 124 b may be integrally defined by a single substrate (e.g., a paperboard substrate) configured and foldable to yield a finishedsecure package 100, as shown inFIG. 8 . - In this regard, a single substrate may be initially cut into a configuration such as that shown in
FIG. 5 . Optionally,cutout regions first panel 110 andsecond panel 120, respectively, and in afirst flap portion 124 a. In turn, anaperture 190 may be defined for display hook placement upon folded construction of thesecure card package 100 as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 . - As may be appreciated, the
secure package 100 is particularly apt for containing atransaction card 140 therewithin, as shown inFIG. 6 . In such a secure card package arrangement, and as shown inFIG. 5 , an optional raised panel portion 126 may be optionally defined in thesecond panel 120 for at least partial nested receipt of atransaction card 140 therewithin. In this regard, thetransaction card 140 may be selectively disposed in face-to-face relation to thesecond panel 120. Optionally, adhesive regions 162 may be provided on thesecond panel 120 for detachably securing thetransaction card 140 to thesecond panel 120. - As shown in
FIG. 6 ,flap portions 124 a and 124 b may be folded over portions of thetransaction card 140 along corresponding, integrally-defined, top and bottom edge portions 103 a and 103 b, respectively, to yield the configuration shown inFIG. 6 . As may be appreciated, by virtue of utilizing a single substrate that is folded in the described manner, access to thetransaction card 140 along the top and bottom edge portions 103 a and 103 b is restricted by virtue of the presence of foldedtab portions 124 a and 124 b, respectively. - Reference is now made to
FIGS. 7 and 8 which illustrates thesecure card package 100 after thefirst panel 110 has been folded along integrally-definedside edge portion 102 a into opposing relation with thesecond panel 120, withflap portions 124 a and 124 b interposed therebetween. In this regard, and as illustrated inFIG. 6 , optionaladhesive regions 160 may be provided onflap portions 124 a and 124 b for detachable interconnection of thefirst panel 110 to thesecond panel 120. - In
FIGS. 7 and 8 , thefirst panel 110 andsecond panel 120 of thesecure card package 100 may include separation portions 112 and 122. For example, thefirst panel - As shown in
FIG. 8 a plurality of raisedimpressions 130 have been defined along side edge portion 102 b in opposing relation to integrally-definedside edge portion 102 a. As may be appreciated, anadjoinment portion 200 defined byimpressions 130 may be grasped and pulled by a user to separate thefirst panel 110 andsecond panel 120 along perforation lines 112 and 122 to accesstransaction card 140 after purchase. - As further shown in
FIG. 8 , a machine-readable marking 170 may be provided for selective card activation at the time of purchase at a P-O-S location. The marking 170 may comprise a magnetic stripe as shown, or alternatively a barcode. In other embodiments, a human-readable activation data field may be employed. - The embodiment descriptions provide hereinabove are for purposes of illustration. various additional embodiments and extensions of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the claims which follow.
Claims (25)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/901,038 US20110083975A1 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2010-10-08 | Secure package edge |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US25042209P | 2009-10-09 | 2009-10-09 | |
US12/901,038 US20110083975A1 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2010-10-08 | Secure package edge |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110083975A1 true US20110083975A1 (en) | 2011-04-14 |
Family
ID=43853970
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/901,038 Abandoned US20110083975A1 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2010-10-08 | Secure package edge |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20110083975A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
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US20180148241A1 (en) * | 2015-08-18 | 2018-05-31 | William P Gulas | Microprocessor-Controlled Tamper Detection System |
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US11286091B2 (en) | 2020-01-22 | 2022-03-29 | Robert J. Borse | Tamper evident container |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CPI CARD GROUP, INC., COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MCGRANE, RUSSELL;REEL/FRAME:025115/0529 Effective date: 20100714 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:CPI CARD GROUP - COLORADO, INC.;REEL/FRAME:027009/0042 Effective date: 20110930 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CPI CARD GROUP-COLORADO, INC., COLORADO Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, AS AGENT;REEL/FRAME:036342/0228 Effective date: 20150817 |