WO2006064523A1

WO2006064523A1 - Tamper-proof box

Info

Publication number: WO2006064523A1
Application number: PCT/IT2004/000697
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe Fulco; Giovanni Leuti; Carmelo Lo Duca; Gianni Colombo; Roberto Garavaglia
Original assignee: Gi.Bi.Effe S.R.L.
Priority date: 2004-12-16
Filing date: 2004-12-16
Publication date: 2006-06-22

Abstract

A tamper-proof box (1) comprising a hollow body (3) and a lid (14a) movable between a closed position and an open position, characterised by comprising sensor means (19, 32) able to change their state on the basis of the opening or closure of the lid, and electric circuit (30) comprising the sensor means and powered by an electrical source (360), and communication means (36, 37) connected to the electric circuit, the change of state of the sensor means activating the electric circuit (30) such that it feeds to the communication means a signal indicating that the box has been opened.

Description

TAMPER-PROOF BOX

The present invention relates to a tamper-proof box in accordance with the introduction to the main claim. Such boxes are used to transport articles or bottles which may be of high monetary value, such as perfumes, creams and the like, medicinal or chemical substances, or electronic products.

It must therefore be possible to verify that the box has not been opened or tampered with since its closure, in order to ensure the originality of the transported product.

For this purpose boxes have been produced carrying seals. Such seals are generally of paper material provided in the box interior. When the box is opened these seals are torn, and any tampering of the contents and hence the integrity of the transported product can be verified. Known seal-carrying boxes have many drawbacks.

A first drawback is that they are not secure, in the sense that there is no absolute guarantee that the boxes have not in fact been opened, because with sufficient care the box can be opened while leaving the seal intact, for example by disengaging the mutually engaged parts of the seal with a blade. A second problem is that the integrity of the seal can only be verified while the box is actually being opened. In other words the box must be opened to verify whether the seal is intact or has been violated.

It is therefore not possible to verify the integrity of the seals without attempting to open the box and hence breaking the seals if intact. With known boxes it is not possible to know the time at which tampering took place, but only to identify possible tampering.

This is a serious problem as such boxes may pass through many distribution passages before reaching the final user.

A further drawback is that such seal-carrying boxes are constructionally very complex, as much folding is required to define the seals.

Such boxes are usually transported grouped together in large-dimension outer packing cases. These outer packing cases are closed and are very difficult to open in order to verify the integrity of each individual contained box. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a tamper-proof box which represents an improvement on the known art, by being secure and being able to effectively display the fact that opening has occurred.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a tamper-proof box which enables opening to be detected without having to open the box.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a box which is constructionally simple and easy to form.

These and other objects are attained by a tamper-proof box in accordance with the technical teachings of the accompanying claims. Advantageously according to a preferred embodiment, the integrity of the box can be verified without having to inspect it visually.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the ensuing description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the tamper-proof box, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a punched sheet which, when folded, forms a box of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a box of the present invention in its closed position; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the box of Figure 2 when in its open position;

Figure 4 is a view of a detail of the box of Figure 2, with the box closed; Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic view of a detail of a different embodiment of the box of the present invention, with the box closed; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a tab of the box of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a section through a detail of the box of Figure 5, when in its closed position;

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of some safety elements of the box of the present invention; Figures 9, 10 and 11 schematically show alternative forms of a detail of the invention; and

Figure 12 is a detailed representation of the electrical schematic for the embodiment shown in Figure 11. Said figures show a tamper-proof box indicated overall by 1. The box 1 is formed starting from a punched sheet 2, shown in Figure 1. The punched sheet 2 is cut in such a manner as to present an elongate central region 3 of rectangular shape, presenting at one end a narrower portion 4 and at its other end a fixing appendix 5.

The elongate central region 3 presents a plurality of first parallel folding lines 6 defining the sides of the box 1. Specifically, pairs of folding lines 6 define (starting from the right with reference to Figure 1) a right side wall 7, a rear wall 8, a left side wall 9 and a front wall 10. The right side wall 7 and the left side wall 9 each present two laterally projecting flaps 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b hinged about parallel folding lines 15.

The rear wall 8 presents a laterally projecting upper lid 14a and a laterally projecting lower lid 14b, which are also hinged to the rear wall about parallel folding lines 15. Each lid also presents a tab 16a, 16b hinged to this latter about folding lines 15.

A conductor element 19 is fixed onto each tab 16a, 16b by gluing. This element can also be formed directly on the box by conventional methods, for example silk screen printing, etc. The wall 10 presents a window 18, through which a communication element 37 forming part of an electric circuit 30, glued to the wall 10, is visible.

The electric circuit 30 comprises two pairs of insulated electrical conductors 33 connected to two poles 32. The poles are then fixed to the inner side of the wall 10. The poles and conductors are formed directly on the box, as in the case of the element 19.

With the exception of the poles, the electric circuit is covered by the narrow portion 4, which is folded about itself and fixed by a glue strip 22 to the wall 10.

The punched sheet 2 when folded and glued at 23 in totally conventional manner forms the box 1. Hereinafter the box parts are indicated by the same reference numerals already used to indicate the punched sheet parts prior to folding. Specifically, the box presents a hollow body 3 with an aperture 8 closable by the lid 14a. In reality, the hollow body presents two apertures and two lids, but for simplicity of description reference will be made only to the top of the box, as shown in Figure 3, the bottom being exactly identical. The electric circuit 30 is shown in detail in Figure 8, in one of its possible configurations.

In this first configuration the electrical conductors 33 are connected to a microchip 35 or microprocessor, powered by its own electrical source, in this case a battery 360. The microchip 35 is also connected to communication means, and in particular to a transponder 36 and a display element 37, comprising a heat sensitive element 38 in heat transfer contact with a resistance element 39 powered by the microchip 35. The display element faces the window 21 , with the heat sensitive element facing outwards. In the illustrated example common thermal paper is used as the heat sensitive element.

The electric circuit 30 also comprises a temperature sensor 40 for measuring temperature variations undergone by the box, this element interfacing with the microchip 35.

The present invention operates in the following manner: the box 3 is filled with a product to be transported, the flaps 12a, 13a are folded over and the lid

14a is closed. Given the position of the conductor element 19 this becomes perfectly superposed on the poles 32, to connect them together electrically (see

Figure 4).

The combination of the poles 32 and conductor element 19 forms a sensor element for sensing the opening of the box, in this case this latter element being substantially a switch which is closed when the box itself is closed.

When the box is opened, the tab 19 withdraws from the wall 10, hence the sensor element changes its state, with the poles 32 no longer being electrically connected together.

This change of state is detected by the microchip 35 which in a manner conventional to the expert of the art changes the state of a memory present in the transponder 36. The microchip 35 also discharges the current generated by the battery 36 across the resistance element 39. The resistance element then heats the heat sensitive element 38 which permanently changes colour. Its colour change is displayed through the window 21.

This enables the final user to directly verify if the box has been opened at any moment after its formation.

Moreover by reading the data contained in the memory of the transponder 36 in conventional manner, for example by a reading probe 60 connected to a processor 61 , the state of the boxes can be verified, even if for example they are packaged in packing cases together with other boxes of a similar or different type. The logistic distribution chain can hence be monitored, so testing the integrity of the boxes at each passage.

Advantageously, by using such a system a control network integrated with the distribution chain can be set up. This can be achieved by arranging the verification equipment at the entry and exit of each storage point, and connecting this equipment to a central network (for example via internet), so that all passages are monitored. The manufacturer can hence monitor the box integrity during all distribution and sales stages, to identify the point at which tampering takes place, and intervene in consequence.

In addition, the ambient temperature to which the box is exposed is monitored by the microchip 35 via the thermometer 40. The maximum and minimum temperatures are memorized in usual manner in the transponder memory, and can be read and hence monitored centrally.

This is essential for those products which have to be preserved above or below a certain temperature. The microchip 35 can also be programmed such that if a preset temperature is exceeded, the battery discharges across the resistance element, with permanent colour change of the heat sensitive element.

A different embodiment of the box is shown in Figure 5. Similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals and will not be further described. In this embodiment, when the box is closed the poles 32 are in a higher position than the conductor element 19 and are separated from it. Hence when the box is closed they are not connected together. Box opening is hence sensed by closure of the poles, rather than by their opening as in the preceding case. In this respect, on pulling the lid the tab 16a together with the contact element 19 is made to slide onto the poles 32.

Contact closure is sensed by the microchip 35, which acts as in the preceding embodiment to activate the resistance element 39 and change the state of the memory of the transponder 36.

It should be noted that the microchip 35 operates in accordance with a particular logic. It is in fact programmed to react (i.e. to signal box opening by discharging the battery across the resistance element or by changing the state of a memory of the transponder 36) only on box opening, and not on initial closure.

Consequently the initial contact between the poles, i.e. that on box closure, is ignored, while subsequent contact generates said discharge and/or the change in the memory of the transponder 36. In a different embodiment, shown in Figures 6, 7 and 11 , the microchip

35 is replaced by a pair of transistors 50. Essentially, on sensing the very short pulse given by the closure of the poles 32 as the conductor element 19 passes over them, these transistors 50 connect the battery to the resistance element for the entire time required to discharge it and for the colour of the heat sensitive element 38 to change.

In particular, Figure 12 shows in detail the electrical connections between the battery 360, resistance element 71 , sensitive element 19, 32, transistors 50 and display element 37. These connections are of usual type to the expert of the art and essentially show a circuit in which a very short activation signal across the contacts 32 is sufficient to trigger total discharge of the battery 360.

In this embodiment, during the initial closure of the box the contact element 19 must not come into contact with the poles 32.

Consequently on the box wall 10 there is provided a strip of paper 51 with one end fixed just above the poles 32, and with the free end above the poles.

In the tab 16a there is also provided a window 52 into which this strip 51 penetrates when the box is closed. Hence while closing the box the conductor element 18 slides on the strip 51 above the poles, without putting them into electrical contact. When the tab 16a reaches the closure position the strip penetrates into the window and lies as in Figure 7. Box opening results in contact between the poles 32 and the contact element 19, this contact causing the battery 360 to discharge across the resistance element 39.

In a different embodiment, shown in Figure 9, the transponder is not present, the opening being displayed only by colour change of the thermal paper.

In another different embodiment shown in Figure 10, neither the thermal paper nor the resistance element is present.

In this case the box is totally similar to a traditional box with no window present in the walls. Any opening is indicated only via the transponder 36. In alternative embodiments the heat sensitive element can comprise resins or mixtures sensitive to the passage of electrical current or voltage, such as liquid crystals.

Hence the box can be of any form.

The present invention also relates to a method for detecting the opening of a box, comprising a stage of sensing that the box has been opened by sensor means 19, 32, a stage of generating an alarm signal by the circuit 30 and in particular by the microchip, and a stage of memorizing this alarm signal either in the memory of the transponder or graphically on the heat sensitive paper. This method also comprises a stage of reading the memorized signal by a probe at the request of the processor 61 , and of transmitting (for example by Internet) this read signal to a network for monitoring box opening.

Claims

1. A tamper-proof box (1) comprising a hollow body (3) and a lid (14a) movable between a closed position and an open position, characterised by comprising sensor means (19, 32) able to change their state on the basis of the opening or closure of the lid, an electric circuit (30) comprising the sensor means and powered by an electrical source (360), and communication means (36, 37) connected to the electric circuit, the change of state of the sensor means activating the electric circuit (30) such that it feeds to the communication means a signal indicating that the box has been opened.

2. A box as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that the electric circuit (30) comprises a microchip (35) or microprocessor.

3. A box as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that the electric circuit (30) comprises at least two transistors (50).

4. A box as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensor means (19, 32) are contactor circuits, comprising a pair of poles (32) and an electrically conductive contact element (19), the contact element being movable between a position of contact with said poles and a position of non-contact.

5. A box as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the poles (32) are fixed to the box wall (10), the contact element (19) being fixed to a tab (16a) which extends from the lid (14a).

6. A box as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that when the box is closed, said poles (32) are connected together, the contact element (19) being superposed on them.

7. A box as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that when the box is closed, said poles (32) are not connected together, said contact element (19) sliding onto the poles (32) during the opening of the box, to connect them together.

8. A box as claimed in claim 7, characterised by comprising an insulating element (51) cooperating with the poles in such a manner as to prevent closure of contact between the poles during the initial closure of the box.

9. A box as claimed in claims 5 and 8, characterised in that the insulating element is a strip (51) of electrically insulating material presenting a first end fixed to the box wall (10) in such a manner as to cover the poles (32), and a free second end, said second end becoming inserted, when the box is closed, into a window (52) provided in the tab (16a) of the lid (14a) above the contact element.

10. A box as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the communication means (37) comprise a heat sensitive element (38) able to permanently change its colour if heated above a threshold temperature, said heat sensitive element (38) being in heat transfer contact with a resistance element (39) forming part of the electric circuit, the signal generated by the circuit being a current pulse able to heat said resistance element above the threshold temperature, such that the colour of the heat sensitive element undergoes permanent change.

11. A box as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the communication means comprise a transponder (36), the signal generated by the circuit comprising a plurality of pulses able to modify the state of a memory of the transponder.

12. A box as claimed in claim 2, characterised by presenting a temperature sensor (40) connected to the microchip (35) or microprocessor.

13. A box as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that the microchip (35) presents means for measuring the minimum and maximum temperatures, and for writing them into a memory of the transponder (36).

14. A box as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the microchip (35) does not react on a first change of state of the sensor means (19, 32) caused by initial closure of the lid (14a), but reacts on a second change of state of said sensor means (19, 32) caused by the first opening of the lid (14a).

15. A box as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the sensor means (19, 32) and/or at least part of the electric circuit (30) are formed directly on a punched sheet from which the box (1) is made.

16. A method for detecting the opening of a box, comprising a stage of sensing that a box lid has been opened, a stage of generating an alarm signal, and a stage of memorizing this alarm signal.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, characterised by comprising a stage of reading the memorized alarm signal at the request of an external device.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising a stage of transmitting the read alarm signal to a network for monitoring box opening.