IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,021,826
Granted Patent B2
US 7,021,826 · App. 10/182,022 · Granted Apr 4, 2006

Lockable container having tamper evident lock unit

Assignee: ITW Limited
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,021,826
App. No.
10/182,022
Granted
Apr 4, 2006
Kind
B2
Abstract

The application describes a closeable bag, pouch or container with an opening which can be closed by means of a lock unit which cooperates with a disposable locking member to close the bag, pouch or container. The opening has first and second opposing sides. The lock unit is on the first side of the opening and has first and second apertures. The second side has first and second apertures corresponding to those of the lock unit. The locking member has first and second protrusions for location in the apertures of the lock unit and the second side of the opening. The second side is clamped between the locking member and the lock unit. At least the second protrusion of the locking member has a configuration such that it locks into the second aperture of the lock unit. The locking member has a line of weakness running between the protrusions such that the first protrusion can be disengaged from the lock unit in a first step and the second protrusion can be disengaged from the lock unit in a second step.

Claims (13)

1. A closeable container having an opening, comprising:

a lock unit which is adapted for closing the opening; and

a disposable locking member cooperating with the lock unit to close the container, wherein:

i) the opening is closed by adjoining first and second opposing sides,

ii) the lock unit is on the first side and has first and second apertures,

iii) the second side has first and second apertures corresponding to those of the lock unit,

iv) the locking member has a body with first and second protrusions extending therefrom for location in the apertures of the lock unit and the second side, the second side being clamped between the locking member and the lock unit,

v) at least the second protrusion of the locking member has a configuration such that it locks into the second aperture of the lock unit, and

vi) the locking member has a line of weakness extending across the body and between the protrusions such that the first protrusion and a first part of the locking member is disengageable from the lock unit in a first instance, and the second protrusion and a second portion of the locking member is disengageable from the lock unit in a second instance which follows the first instance.

2. The closeable container according to claim 1 , wherein the second aperture of the lock unit is shaped to have a narrower portion, in which the second protrusion of the locking member positively engages, and has a wider portion having a width to allow a removal of the protrusion.

3. The closesable container according to claim 1 , wherein the apertures of the said second side are provided in a location plate in which the locking member is sealed.

4. The closeable container according to claim 1 , wherein the second protrusion of the locking member has an arrow-head configuration, and the first protrusion is a post.

5. The closeable container according to claim 1 , wherein the body is planar.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 15, 2004
From: ENVOPAK GROUP LIMITED
To: ITW LIMITED
Reel/Frame 015077/0997 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 20, 2003
From: BENJAMINS, ARTHUR MICHEL
To: ENVOPAK GROUP LIMITED
Reel/Frame 014697/0635 →
Priority Claims (1)
GB 0001218 · Jan 19, 2000 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20040117956A1 · Jun 24, 2004