Multi-walled tamper-proof container and method for enhancing tamper evidence
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United States of America Patent
Stats
-
Mar 28, 1989
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
May 20, 1987
filing date -
May 20, 1987
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
A tamper-resistant vessel which contains a liquid is provided with a non-adherent multi-walled construction having, in one embodiment, at least two adjacent non-adherent layers for providing a void in between to enable tamper indication by discoloration indicative of gross spoilage. In one embodiment, the container or vessel has an opaque inner wall and a closely spaced transparent outer wall, with a void in between. Puncture from the outside through the two walls provides seepage of the interiorly-carried liquid between the multiple walls to provide the look of spoilage. In a second embodiment, a multi-wall structure is utilized in which all walls are transparent or semi-transparent, and in which a hydrophilic and/or dissolvable intermediate wall is provided between the inner and outer walls, with the intermediate wall containing minute particles of a water-soluble dye, such that when the container is punctured from the outside, liquid from within the container penetrates and works either in a void between the walls or through the intermediate wall to activate the dye particles, thereby to provide the look of spoilage through dye solvation, color development, and consequent bleeding. The interior wall or walls of the container are made of either flexible or fragible material, which material does not come back to its original rest position vis a vis the outer heavier wall upon penetration of the container, which makes it difficult to gauge the distance at which sealing adhesive is to be applied, thereby to thwart effort to conceal the tampering. Labeling for the subject bottles is preferably transparent so that the spoilage or mottling effect can be easily viewed through the label.
First Claim
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- 15 United States
- 10 France
- 8 Japan
- 7 China
- 5 Korea
- 2 Other
Patent Owner(s)
| Patent Owner | Address | |
|---|---|---|
| MCNEILAB INC | SPRING HOUSE PA 19477 |
International Classification(s)
Inventor(s)
| Inventor Name | Address | # of filed Patents | Total Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrill, Richard E | Winnesquam, NH | 10 | 143 |
| Pickering, George E | Watertown, MA | 2 | 51 |
| Stillwell, E Joseph | Boxford, MA | 1 | 25 |
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Maintenance Fees
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee | due date |
|---|
| Fee | Large entity fee | small entity fee | micro entity fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable | $700.00 | $350.00 | $175.00 |
| Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional | $1,640.00 | $820.00 | $410.00 |
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