SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING TAMPER-RESISTANT CONTAINERS

Description

BACKGROUND

The disclosed inventive subject matter relates in general to a containers and packages used for food, perishable items, consumable liquids and other items, and more specifically to tamper-resistant containers for use with carry-out, pick-up, and delivery systems and services used for food, drinks, and other items.

Carry-out, pick-up, and delivery systems and services used for food and other items are commonplace in modern society. However, such systems and services necessarily involve multiple individuals handling, packaging, and in some circumstances delivering, the food or other items such as containers and cups used to hold liquids. Customers and consumers of such systems and services are often understandably concerned about the integrity of the packaging that the food or other items is stored in prior to pick-up or delivery and about the accuracy and contents of an order. A purchase receipt is often attached to or included with food packaging that is picked-up or delivered. However, this receipt may become lost, detached, or otherwise separated from the food packaging. Additionally, the food packaging may be opened, damaged, or otherwise tampered with prior to delivery, resulting in customer concern and/or dissatisfaction. Accordingly, a food and consumable liquid packaging system that utilizes or includes tamper-resistant features is highly desirable.

SUMMARY

The following provides a summary of certain example implementations of the disclosed technology. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical aspects or elements of the disclosed technology or to delineate its scope. However, it is to be understood that the use of indefinite articles in the language used to describe and claim the disclosed technology is not intended in any way to limit the described technology. Rather the use of “a” or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”.

A first embodiment of the disclosed tamper-resistant container sealing system comprises a container, wherein the container includes a closed lower portion and a closeable upper portion; and an adhesive deposited at predetermined locations on the upper portion of the container, wherein the adhesive is either a self-seal cohesive material or a pressure-seal cohesive material, and wherein the adhesive is positioned to adhere to itself when the upper portion of the container is closed, thereby forming a permanent seal that cannot be broken without damaging the container and creating visual evidence of tampering with the container.

The permanent seal is formed either by applying hand pressure to the self-seal cohesive material when the upper portion of the container is closed; or applying compressive mechanical pressure to the pressure-seal cohesive material when the upper portion of the container is closed. The compressive mechanical pressure may be provided by a mechanical embosser or the like. In one implementation, the container is a paper bag, wherein the closeable upper portion includes a flap extending above a top edge of the bag, and wherein the adhesive is deposited on an inner surface of the flap and an outer surface of the top edge. In another embodiment, the container is a paper bag, wherein the closeable upper portion is square or rectangular in shape and includes four corner regions, and wherein the adhesive is deposited on each of the four corner regions.

A second embodiment of the disclosed tamper-resistant container sealing system comprises a container, wherein the container includes a closure mechanism configured to close an open end of the container; a strip of adhesive-bearing material separate from the container configured to cooperate with the closure mechanism of the container, wherein the adhesive is deposited on only one side of the strip of material and positioned to bind to itself, and a permanent seal created by the cooperation of the closure mechanism of the container and the strip of adhesive-bearing material, wherein the permanent seal cannot be broken without damaging the container, the strip of adhesive-bearing material, or both, thereby creating visual evidence of tampering with the container.

In an alternate implementation, the strip of adhesive-bearing material is configured as a label having a front side and a back side opposite the front side, wherein a broken strip of adhesive has been deposited along the length of the label or receipt on the back side thereof, and wherein the adhesive is a self-seal cohesive material or a pressure-seal cohesive material. In various implementations the strip of adhesive-bearing material is configured as a handle for carrying the container.

In an alternate implementation, the container is a bag formed from paper or similar material, wherein the closure mechanism includes a foldable top edge and a slot formed in and through the bag below the top edge, wherein the slot is configured to receive the strip of adhesive-bearing material therein, wherein contacting the adhesive-bearing side of the strip of material with itself and applying pressure forms the permanent seal. The permanent seal is formed by applying hand pressure to the self-seal cohesive material, or wherein the permanent seal is formed by applying compressive mechanical pressure to the pressure-seal cohesive material.

In an alternate implementation, the container is a bag formed from paper or similar material, wherein the closure mechanism includes a foldable top edge and an aperture formed in and through the bag below the top edge, wherein the strip of adhesive-bearing material is looped over the aperture such that the adhesive sticks to itself through the aperture and the application of force to the strip of adhesive-bearing material through the aperture forms the permanent seal. The permanent seal is formed by applying hand pressure to the self-seal cohesive material, or wherein the permanent seal is formed by applying compressive mechanical pressure to the pressure-seal cohesive material.

In an alternate implementation, the container is a plastic bag having a closable end, wherein the closable end further includes handles that may be tied together to form a knot and a loop structure, wherein the knot and loop structure is configured to receive the strip of adhesive-bearing material therein, and wherein contacting the adhesive-bearing side of the strip of material with itself and applying pressure forms the permanent seal. The permanent seal is formed by applying hand pressure to the self-seal cohesive material, or wherein the permanent seal is formed by applying compressive mechanical pressure to the pressure-seal cohesive material.

In an alternate implementation, the container the container includes a detachable or separable handle component configured to securely hold or enclose a liquid-holding container and provide a carrying handle therefore, wherein the handle component further includes a foldable body having a centrally placed aperture configured to receive a cup, and first and second slots formed in opposing ends of the body, wherein when the body is folded, the slots cooperate to form a carrying handle configured to receive the strip of adhesive-bearing material therein, and wherein contacting the adhesive-bearing side of the strip of material with itself and applying pressure forms the permanent seal. The permanent seal is formed by applying hand pressure to the self-seal cohesive material, or wherein the permanent seal is formed by applying compressive mechanical pressure to the pressure-seal cohesive material.

In an alternate implementation, the strip of adhesive-bearing material is configured as a receipt having a front side and a back side opposite the front side, wherein a broken strip of a first type of adhesive has been deposited along the length of the receipt on a middle portion of the back side thereof, wherein two broken strips of a second type of adhesive have been deposited along the length of the receipt on the back side thereof on either side of the broken strip of the first type of adhesive, wherein the first type of adhesive is a repositionable adhesive or a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive, and wherein the second type of adhesive is a self-seal cohesive material or a pressure-seal cohesive material. The container may be a bag formed from paper or similar material, wherein the closure mechanism includes a foldable top edge and a slot formed in and through the bag below the top edge, wherein the slot is configured to receive the strip of adhesive-bearing material therein, wherein contacting the adhesive-bearing side of the strip of material with itself and applying pressure forms the permanent seal. Alternately, the container may be a bag formed from paper or similar material, wherein the closure mechanism includes a foldable top edge and an aperture formed in and through the bag below the top edge, wherein the strip of adhesive-bearing material is looped over the aperture such that the adhesive sticks to itself through the aperture and the application of force to the strip of adhesive-bearing material through the aperture forms the permanent seal. Alternately, the container may be a plastic bag having a closable end, wherein the closable end further includes handles that may be tied together to form a knot and a loop structure, wherein the knot and loop structure is configured to receive the strip of adhesive-bearing material therein, and wherein contacting the adhesive-bearing side of the strip of material with itself and applying pressure forms the permanent seal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate one or more example implementations of the disclosed technology and together with the general description given above and detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1D depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system, wherein strips of a predetermined type of cold seal adhesive have been deposited on both an upper flap portion of a paper bag and a top portion of the bag that is configured to receive the upper flap portion thereon; and wherein FIG. 1A depicts the bag in an open configuration with the adhesive portions being shown in their respective positions; FIG. 1B depicts front and back portions of the bag being brought together; FIG. 1C depicts the upper flap being folded down onto the adhesive-bearing top portion to close the bag; and FIG. 1D depicts a compression device being used to apply compressive pressure to the adhesive-bearing portions of the bag;

FIG. 2A depicts an example compression device, which in this implementation is a commercially available embosser; and FIG. 2B depicts an example pattern or logo that is created on the sealed portion of a bag by the embosser when the embosser is used to seal a bag as shown in FIG. 1D (above) and FIG. 3F (below);

FIGS. 3A-3F depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system wherein strips of a predetermined type of cold seal adhesive have been deposited on various inner surfaces of a paper bag near a closeable top portion thereof; and wherein FIG. 3A depicts the locations within the top portion of the bag where the adhesive has been deposited; FIG. 3B depicts the side portions of the bag being pushed outward; FIG. 3C depicts the side portions of the bag being further extended outward; FIG. 3D depicts the top edges of the bag being brought together to allow the strips of adhesive contact one another; FIG. 3E depicts the bag in a closed configuration; and FIG. 3F depicts an embosser being used to apply compressive pressure to the adhesive-bearing portions of the bag to seal the bag;

FIG. 4 depicts part of an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system that utilizes a piece of material separate from the container to seal the container, wherein the separate piece of material is a label having a front side and a back side, and wherein either a self-seal cohesive material is deposited in strips along the length of the back side of the label; or a pressure-seal cohesive material is deposited in strips along the length of the back side of the label;

FIGS. 5A-5C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system referred to as “fold and seal” wherein the label of FIG. 4 is used to seal a paper bag in a tamper-resistant manner; and wherein FIG. 5A depicts a paper bag having a foldable upper portion, wherein a slot has been formed in and through the material of the bag just below the foldable upper portion; FIG. 5B depicts the label of FIG. 4 inserted through the slot such that the adhesive deposited on back side of the label contacts itself and seals the bag; and FIG. 5C depicts an embosser being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of the label that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal;

FIGS. 6A-6C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system referred to as “loop and seal” wherein the label of FIG. 4 is used to seal a paper bag in a tamper-resistant manner; and wherein FIG. 6A depicts a paper bag having a foldable upper portion, wherein a circular aperture has been formed in and through the material of the bag just below the foldable upper portion; FIG. 6B depicts the label of FIG. 4 looped over the aperture such that the adhesive deposited on back side of the label contacts itself and seals the bag; and FIG. 6C depicts an embosser being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of the label that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal;

FIGS. 7A-7G depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system wherein the label of FIG. 4 has been modified to act both as a device to seal the bag and as a handle to carry the bag; and wherein FIG. 7A depicts a label having two square apertures formed at opposite ends of the label and two strips of a predetermined type of cold seal adhesive deposited on either side of each aperture four a total of four parallel strips; FIG. 7B depicts a paper bag having a foldable upper portion and a slot formed in and through the material of the bag just below the foldable upper portion; FIG. 7C depicts the label/handle being inserted though the slot with the adhesive side facing upward; FIG. 7D depicts the label/handle being folded onto itself to bring the strips of adhesive into contact with one another; FIG. 7E depicts the application of hand pressure to the label/handle; FIG. 7F depicts an embosser being used to apply compressive pressure to the label/handle; and FIG. 7G depicts the bag being carried using the label/handle as a handle;

FIGS. 8A-8E depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system wherein the container is a plastic bag that includes two integrated handles formed from the material of the bag at the open end thereof; and wherein FIG. 8A depicts the handles being tied together to form a knot and two loops that also act as handles; FIG. 8B depicts the label of FIG. 4 being inserted through the loops; FIG. 8C depicts the adhesive-bearing side of the label being adhered to itself; FIG. 8D depicts the bag in a closed configuration with the label sealing the bag in a tamper-resistant manner; and FIG. 8E depicts an embosser being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of the label that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal;

FIGS. 9A-9C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system, wherein the container is a piece of material configured as a drink carrier; and wherein FIG. 9A depicts the drink carrier in an open configuration showing the location of adhesive-bearing handle portions and a centrally placed aperture for receiving a cup; FIG. 9B depicts the drink carrier in a closed position with a cup placed within the aperture; and FIG. 9C depicts the label of FIG. 4 inserted through the handle portions and adhered to itself to seal the drink carrier in a tamper-resistant manner;

FIG. 10 depicts part of an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system that utilizes a piece of material separate from the container to seal the container, wherein the separate piece of material is a receipt having a front side and a back side, and wherein a broken strip of a first type of adhesive has been deposited along the length of the receipt on a middle portion of the back side thereof, and wherein two broken strips of a second type of adhesive have been deposited along the length of the receipt on the back side thereof on either side of the broken strip of the first type of adhesive; and wherein the first type of adhesive is either a repositionable adhesive or a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive; and the second type of adhesive is either a self-seal cohesive material or a pressure-seal cohesive material;

FIGS. 11A-11C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system referred to as “fold and seal” wherein the receipt of FIG. 10 is used to seal a paper bag in a tamper-resistant manner; and wherein FIG. 11A depicts a paper bag having a foldable upper portion, wherein a slot has been formed in and through the material of the bag just below the foldable upper portion, and wherein the receipt is temporarily adhered to the front of the bag using the first type of adhesive; FIG. 11B depicts the receipt of FIG. 10 inserted through the slot such that the second type of adhesive deposited on back side of the receipt contacts itself and seals the bag; and FIG. 11C depicts an embosser being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of the receipt that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal;

FIGS. 12A-12C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system referred to as “loop and seal” wherein the receipt of FIG. 10 is used to seal a paper bag in a tamper-resistant manner; and wherein FIG. 12A depicts a paper bag having a foldable upper portion, wherein a circular aperture has been formed in and through the material of the bag just below the foldable upper portion; FIG. 12B depicts the receipt of FIG. 10 looped over the aperture such that the adhesive deposited on back side of the receipt contacts itself and seals the bag; and FIG. 12C depicts an embosser being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of the receipt that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal; and

FIGS. 13A-13C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system wherein the container is a plastic bag that includes two integrated handles formed from the material of the bag at the open end thereof; and wherein FIG. 13A depicts the receipt of FIG. 10 temporarily adhered to the front of the bag using the first type of adhesive; FIG. 13B depicts the handles of the bag being tied together to form a knot and two loops that also act as handles and the receipt inserted through the loops and adhered to itself to seal the bag; and FIG. 13C depicts an embosser being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of the receipt that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example implementations are now described with reference to the Figures. Reference numerals are used throughout the detailed description to refer to the various elements and structures. Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the disclosed technology. Accordingly, the following implementations are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed subject matter.

The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as required for any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices, systems or methods unless specifically designated as such. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific Figure. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel.

The disclosed systems, devices, and methods are used to seal containers in a manner that provides visual evidence of tampering. One general embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a paper bag, portions of which include an adhesive deposited thereon, that is sealable by applying pressure to the adhesive after the portions of the bag that include the adhesive are brought together. Any attempt to unseal or otherwise open the bag will tear the material of the bag, thereby providing visual evidence of tampering with the container. Another general embodiment of the disclosed technology includes containers that are sealed using either labels or receipts that include one or more types of adhesive deposited on one side thereof. These labels or receipts are applied using one of the disclosed methods. Any attempt to remove the labels or receipts will significantly damage or completely destroy the labels and receipts, thereby providing visual proof of tampering with the container. The containers that may be used with the disclosed systems and methods include paper and plastic bags, paper and plastic foldable drink holders, and many other types of containers that are used to store and transport food and other items. In general, the disclosed labels and receipts are used in an example process that includes the following steps: (1) an item is ordered; (2) a label or receipt having the materials and adhesive characteristics described herein is generated at the point of purchase; (3) the label or receipt is temporarily stuck to the exterior of the bag (in certain implementations); (4) the bag is filled and the contents are verified using information appearing on the label or receipt; (5) the bag is closed using one of the disclosed methods; (6) the label or receipt is used to further close and seal the bag; and (7) either hand pressure or a “force multiplying” compression device such as an embosser is used to close or “lock” the receipt or label in a manner that applies consistent and non-variable pressure to the adhesive on the label or receipt. Following compression, the fibers of the paper material of the disclosed labels and receipts will tear in a visible manner if an attempt is made to remove the “locked” label or receipt.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1D, a example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system includes a container such as, for example, a paper bag of the type used to store and transport fast food items and the like. Bag 100 includes closed bottom portion 102 and closeable top portion 104. Closeable top portion 104 includes flap of material 106 that may be folded over onto one side of the bag to close the top portion. Strip of adhesive 108 is deposited on an inner surface of flap 106 and strip of adhesive 110 is deposited on a portion of the bag onto which the flap is folded. In one implementation, the adhesive is a self-seal cohesive material that forms a bond between flap 106 and the portion of bag 100 onto which flap 106 is folded using normal or hand pressure. Once this bond is formed, the top portion of the bag cannot be reopened without damaging the paper of the bag itself. Therefore, disrupting this bond provides visual evidence of tampering with the bag or the contents thereof. Examples of suitable self-seal cohesive materials include rubber latex adhesives having no residual tack. In another implementation, the adhesive is a pressure-seal cohesive material that forms a bond between flap 106 and the portion of the bag onto which flap 106 is folded using increased or enhanced force such as the type of force provided by an embossing tool (200) or similar device. Once this bond is formed, the top portion of the bag cannot be reopened without damaging the paper of the bag itself. Therefore, disrupting this bond provides visual evidence of tampering with the bag or the contents thereof. Examples of suitable pressure-seal cohesive materials include rubber latex adhesives that are not shear sensitive and non-rubber latex (e.g. acrylic and vinyl acetate) adhesives. FIGS. 1A-1D depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system, wherein strips of a predetermined type of adhesive have been deposited on both an upper flap portion (106) of a paper bag (100) and a top portion of the bag that is configured to receive the upper flap portion (106) thereon. FIG. 1A depicts bag 100 in an open configuration with the adhesive portions being shown in their respective positions; FIG. 1B depicts front and back portions of bag 100 being brought together; FIG. 1C depicts upper flap 106 being folded down onto the adhesive-bearing top portion of bag 100 to close the bag; and FIG. 1D depicts a compression device (200) being used to apply compressive pressure to the adhesive-bearing portions of bag 100.

FIG. 2A depicts example compression device 200, which in this implementation is a commercially available embosser; and FIG. 2B depicts example pattern or logo 250 that is created on the sealed portion of a bag by the embosser when the embosser is used to seal the bag. The embosser applies greater, more consistent, and more uniform pressure to the adhesive labels and receipts, thereby creating an effective and reliable closure. The embosser may be configured to create various embossed patterns that may include warnings such as “do not tamper” or “tamper proof label”. The patterns created by the embosser may include corporate logos, advertisements, or other graphics or subject matter.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3F, a second embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system includes a container such as, for example, a paper bag of the type used to store and transport fast food items and the like. Bag 300 includes closed bottom portion 302 and closeable top portion 304. Strips of adhesive 306, 308, 310, 312 are deposited on the inside surfaces of the bag near closeable top portion 304. Bag 300 is sealed by pushing the sides of the bag outward (see FIG. 3C) such that the strips of adhesive contact one another and form a bond along the top portion of the bag. In one implementation, the adhesive is a self-seal cohesive material that forms a bond between the adhesive strips using normal or hand pressure. Once this bond is formed, the top portion of the bag cannot be reopened without damaging the paper of the bag itself. Therefore, disrupting this bond provides visual evidence of tampering. Examples of suitable self-seal cohesive materials include rubber latex adhesives having no residual tack. In another implementation, the adhesive is a pressure-seal cohesive material that forms a bond between the adhesive strips using increased or enhanced force such as the type of force provided by an embossing tool or similar device. Once this bond is formed, the top portion of the bag cannot be reopened without damaging the paper of the bag itself. Therefore, disrupting this bond provides visual evidence of tampering with the bag or the contents thereof. Examples of suitable pressure-seal cohesive materials include rubber latex adhesives that are not shear sensitive and non-rubber latex (e.g. acrylic and vinyl acetate) adhesives. FIGS. 3A-3F depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system wherein strips of a predetermined type of adhesive (306, 308, 310, 312) have been deposited on various inner surfaces of a paper bag (300) near a closeable top portion thereof (304). FIG. 3A depicts the locations within top portion 304 where adhesive has been deposited; FIG. 3B depicts the side portions of bag 300 being pushed outward; FIG. 3C depicts the side portions of the bag being further extended outward; FIG. 3D depicts the top edges of bag 300 being brought together to allow the strips of adhesive contact one another; FIG. 3E depicts bag 300 in a closed configuration; and FIG. 3F depicts an embosser (200) being used to apply compressive pressure to the adhesive-bearing portions of bag 300 to seal the bag.

With reference to FIG. 4, embodiments of the disclosed container sealing system include a label (e.g., linerless, regular paper, thermal paper, etc.) having a front side and a back side wherein (i) a self-seal cohesive material is deposited in strips along the length of the back side of the label; or (ii) a pressure-seal cohesive material deposited in strips along the length of the back side of the label. The strips of adhesive are typically oriented parallel to one another and perpendicular to the length of the label material. This label, the front side of which is configured to include information about the items purchased in a particular transaction, may be printed at the point of sale for food and other items and may then be used to seal bags or other containers in a tamper-resistant manner. FIG. 4 depicts label 400 having a front side and a back side, wherein a self-seal cohesive material is deposited in strips 402 along the length of the back side of label 400 or a pressure-seal cohesive material is deposited in strips 402 along the length of the back side of label 400.

In another example embodiment (see FIGS. 5A-5C), the container is paper bag 500 that includes slot 502 formed through the top, closeable portion 504 of the bag. The top of bag 500 is folded over onto itself as shown in the Figures, and label 400 is inserted through slot 502 such that the adhesive deposited on back side of the label contacts itself (i.e., two portions of the back side of the label contact each other) and seals bag 500. When hand pressure is applied to the implementation of label 400 that includes the self-seal cohesive material, a bond is formed between the two portions of the label that are in contact with one another. Attempting to separate the joined portions of the label causes the fiber of label 400 to tear, thereby providing visual evidence of tampering. When embossing tool 200 or similar device is used to apply force to the implementation of label 400 that includes the pressure-seal cohesive material, a bond is formed between the two portions of the label that are in contact with one another. Attempting to separate the joined portions of the label causes the fiber of the label to tear, thereby providing visual evidence of tampering. FIGS. 5A-5C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system referred to as “fold and seal” wherein label 400 (see FIG. 4) is used to seal paper bag 500 in a tamper-resistant manner. FIG. 5A depicts paper bag 500 having foldable upper portion 504, wherein slot 502 has been formed in and through the material of bag 500 just below foldable upper portion 504; FIG. 5B depicts label 400 inserted through slot 502 such that the adhesive deposited on back side of label 400 contacts itself and seals the bag; and FIG. 5C depicts embosser 200 being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of label 400 that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal.

In another example embodiment (see FIGS. 6A-6C), aperture 602 is formed in container or bag 600 near closeable portion 604, and label 400 is looped over closeable portion 604 such that the adhesive deposited on the rear side of label 400 contacts itself through aperture 602, thereby sealing bag 600. FIGS. 6A-6C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system referred to as “loop and seal” wherein label 400 (see FIG. 4) is used to seal paper bag 600 in a tamper-resistant manner. FIG. 6A depicts paper bag 600, having a foldable upper portion 604, wherein circular aperture 602 has been formed in and through the material of bag 600 just below foldable upper portion 604; FIG. 6B depicts the label 400 “looped” over aperture 602 such that the adhesive deposited on back side of label 400 contacts itself and seals bag 600; and FIG. 6C depicts embosser 200 being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of label 400 that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal.

In another example embodiment (see FIGS. 7A-7G), the label component of the system is modified to act both as a device to seal the bag and as a handle to carry the bag. FIGS. 7A-7G depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system wherein label 452 seals the bag in a tamper-resistant manner and provides a carrying handle bag. FIG. 7A depicts a label (452) having two square apertures 452, 454 formed at opposite ends of the label and two strips of a predetermined type of adhesive deposited on either side of each aperture four a total of four parallel strips 460, 462, 464, 466; FIG. 7B depicts paper bag 700 having foldable upper portion 704 and slot 702 formed in and through the material of the bag just below foldable upper portion 704; FIG. 7C depicts label/handle 450 being inserted though slot 702 with the adhesive side facing upward; FIG. 7D depicts label/handle 450 being folded onto itself to bring the strips of adhesive into contact with one another; FIG. 7E depicts the application of hand pressure to label/handle 450; FIG. 7F depicts embosser 200 being used to apply compressive pressure to the label/handle 450; and FIG. 7G depicts bag 700 being carried using label/handle 450 a carrying handle. In various embodiments and implementations, handle 450 includes a thick paper (e.g., from Convertible Solutions: https://convertiblesolutions.com/) or a sheet of biodegradable film (e.g., from https://www.orangebio.com/).

In another example embodiment (see FIGS. 8A-8E), the container is a plastic bag (800) that includes two integrated handles formed from the material of the bag at an open end thereof. The handles are tied together to form a knot (802) and two loops that also act as handles (804, 806). Label 400 is looped through the two looped handles (804, 806) such that the adhesive deposited on back side of the label contacts itself and seals the bag by making it impossible to untie the knot without destroying label 400. When hand pressure is applied to the implementation that includes the self-seal cohesive material, a bond is formed between the two portions of label 400 that are in contact with one another. Attempting to separate the joined portions of label 400 causes the fiber of the label to tear, thereby providing visual evidence of tampering. When embossing tool 200 or similar device is used to apply force to the implementation that includes the pressure-seal cohesive material, a bond is formed between the two portions of label 400 that are in contact with one another. Attempting to separate the joined portions of label 400 causes the fiber of the label to tear, thereby providing visual evidence of tampering. In an alternate variation of this implementation, the plastic bag (800) is a clear material through which the contents of the bag are visible. The information appearing on the label can be used to verify the contents of the bag after bag 800 has been sealed. The plastic bags used in this implementation may be regular or common plastic bags, biodegradable plastic bags, or compostable plastic bags. FIGS. 8A-8E depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system wherein container 800 is a plastic bag that includes two integrated handles formed from the material of the bag at the open end thereof. FIG. 8A depicts the handles being tied together to form knot 802 and two loops that also act as handles (804, 806); FIG. 8B depicts label 400 (see FIG. 4) being inserted through loops 804 and 806; FIG. 8C depicts the adhesive-bearing side of label 400 being adhered to itself; FIG. 8D depicts bag 800 in a closed configuration with label 400 sealing the bag in a tamper-resistant manner; and FIG. 8E depicts embosser 200 being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of label 400 that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal.

Another example embodiment (see FIGS. 9A-9C), includes a detachable or separable handle component configured to securely hold or enclose a liquid-holding container and provide a carrying handle. Handle component 900 further includes foldable body 902 having a centrally placed aperture 904 configured to receive cup 920, and first and second slots (906, 908) formed in opposing ends of body 902, wherein when body 902 is folded, slots 906 and 908 cooperate with one another to form carrying handle 912. Label 400 is looped through slots 906 and 908 such that the adhesive deposited on back side of label 400 contacts itself (i.e., two portions of the back side of the label contact each other) and seals carrying handle 912 in a closed configuration. When hand pressure is applied to the implementation that includes the self-seal cohesive material, a bond is formed between the two portions of label 400 that are in contact with one another. Attempting to separate the joined portions of label 400 causes the fiber of the label to tear, thereby providing visual evidence of tampering. When embossing tool 200 or similar device is used to apply force to the implementation that includes the pressure-seal cohesive material, a bond is formed between the two portions of label 400 that are in contact with one another. Attempting to separate the joined portions of label 400 causes the fiber of the label to tear, thereby providing visual evidence of tampering. FIGS. 9A-9C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system, wherein the container is a piece of material configured as a drink carrier. FIG. 9A depicts drink carrier 900 in an open configuration showing the location of adhesive-bearing handle portions (905, 907) and centrally placed aperture 904 for receiving cup 920; FIG. 9B depicts drink carrier 900 in a closed position with cup 920 placed within aperture 904; and FIG. 9C depicts label 400 inserted through handle portions 905 and 907 and adhered to itself to seal drink carrier 900 in a tamper-resistant manner.

With reference to FIG. 10, embodiments of the disclosed container sealing system include receipt 1000 (e.g., linerless, regular paper, thermal paper, etc.) having a front side and a back side, wherein a broken strip of a first type of adhesive 1010 has been deposited along the length of the receipt on a middle portion of the back side thereof, and wherein two broken strips of a second type of adhesive (1020, 1030) have been deposited along the length of the receipt on the back side thereof on either side of the broken strip of the first type of adhesive. The first type of adhesive is either a repositionable adhesive or a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive; and the second type of adhesive is either a self-seal cohesive material or a pressure-seal cohesive material. This receipt, the front side of which is configured to include information about a particular transaction, may be printed at the point of sale for food and other items. Information about the contents of a bag or container may be printed on the receipt and the receipt may be temporarily attached to the front of a bag or container while the bag or container is being filled. Once the contents of the bag or container have been verified using the information printed on the receipt, the receipt may be used to seal the bag or containers in a tamper-resistant manner. FIG. 10 depicts receipt 1000 having a front side and a back side, wherein a broken strip of a first type of adhesive 1010 has been deposited along the length of receipt 1000 on a middle portion of the back side thereof; wherein two broken strips of a second type of adhesive (1020, 1030) have been deposited along the length of receipt 1000 on the back side thereof on either side of the broken strip of the first type of adhesive (1010); and wherein the first type of adhesive is either a repositionable adhesive or a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive and the second type of adhesive is either a self-seal cohesive material or a pressure-seal cohesive material. Some implementations of this receipt are referred to as a “dual-functionality sticky thermal receipt”.

In another example embodiment (see FIGS. 11A-11C), the container is paper bag 1100 that includes slot 1102 formed through the top, closeable portion of the bag (1104). The top of the bag is folded over onto itself as shown in the Figures, and receipt 1000 is inserted through the slot such that the adhesive deposited on back side of receipt 1000 contacts itself (i.e., two portions of the back side of the receipt contact each other) and seals bag 1100. When hand pressure is applied to the implementation that includes the self-seal cohesive material, a bond is formed between the two portions of receipt 1000 that are in contact with one another. Attempting to separate the joined portions of receipt 1000 causes the fiber of the receipt to tear, thereby providing visual evidence of tampering. When embossing tool 200 or similar device is used to apply force to the implementation that includes the pressure-seal cohesive material, a bond is formed between the two portions of receipt 1000 that are in contact with one another. Attempting to separate the joined portions of receipt 1000 causes the fiber of the receipt to tear, thereby providing visual evidence of tampering. FIGS. 11A-11C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system referred to as “fold and seal” wherein receipt 1000 is used to seal a paper bag in a tamper-resistant manner. FIG. 11A depicts paper bag 1100 having foldable upper portion 1104, wherein slot 1102 has been formed in and through the material of the bag just below foldable upper portion 1104, and wherein receipt 1000 is temporarily adhered to the front of the bag using the first type of adhesive; FIG. 11B depicts receipt 1000 inserted through slot 1102 such that the second type of adhesive deposited on back side of receipt 1000 contacts itself and seals bag 1100; and FIG. 11C depicts embosser 200 being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of receipt 1000 that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal.

In another example embodiment (see FIGS. 12A-12C), aperture 1202 is formed in container or bag 1200 near the closeable end thereof, and receipt 1000 is “looped’ over the top portion of bag 1200 such that the adhesive deposited on the rear side of receipt 1000 contacts itself through aperture 1202 thereby sealing bag 1200. FIGS. 12A-12C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system referred to as “loop and seal” wherein receipt 1000 is used to seal a paper bag (1200) in a tamper-resistant manner. FIG. 12A depicts paper bag 1200 having foldable upper portion 1204, wherein circular aperture 1202 has been formed in and through the material of bag 1200 just below foldable upper portion 1204; FIG. 12B depicts receipt 1000 looped over aperture 1202 such that the adhesive deposited on back side of the receipt contacts itself and seals the bag; and FIG. 12C depicts embosser 200 being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of receipt 1000 that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal.

In another example embodiment (see FIGS. 13A-13C), the container is plastic bag 1300 that includes two integrated handles formed from the material of the bag at the open end thereof. The handles are tied together to form knot 1302 and two loops that act as handles (1304, 1306). Receipt 1000 is looped through the two looped handles (1304, 1306) such that the adhesive deposited on back side of receipt 1000 contacts itself and seals bag 1300 by making it impossible to untie the knot without destroying receipt 1000. FIGS. 13A-13C depict an example embodiment of the disclosed container sealing system wherein the container is the described plastic bag. FIG. 13A depicts receipt 1000 (see FIG. 10) temporarily adhered to the front of bag 1300 using the first type of adhesive; FIG. 13B depicts the handles of the bag being tied together to form knot 1302 and two loops (1304, 1306) that also act as handles and receipt 1000 inserted through the loops and adhered to itself to seal the bag; and FIG. 13C depicts embosser 200 being used to apply compressive pressure to the portion of receipt 1000 that has been adhered to itself for the purpose of creating a permanent, tamper-resistant seal.

In various embodiments and implementations, the label is either coated, matte, or offset paper. In various embodiments and implementations, the receipt is regular paper or thermal paper. Suitable self-seal cohesive and pressure-seal cohesive materials may be obtained from A1 Chemicals (https://alchemicalsllc.com/), including AlBond 15-701, which is a self-seal natural rubber latex adhesive; AlPrime 11-446, which is a pressure seal adhesive natural rubber latex; and AlBond 15-321, which is a pressure seal, non-rubber latex pressure seal adhesive that includes Vinnapas 920 (99%) as a primary ingredient. A suitable repositionable adhesive is CraigStik 3991B1 (acylic microsphere at an average of 25 to 35 micron) from H. B. Fuller: https://www.hbfuller.com/en, which requires a release coat (e.g., Omnova: https://www.omnova.com/) and a primer such as Craigcoat 3991PMR (H. B. Fuller: https://www.hbfuller.com/en). Natural rubbers with acrylic are suitable for some implementations.

The following patent applications are relevant to the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein and are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes: U.S. application Ser. Nos. 17/073,969; 17/199,054; 17/495,918; 17/825,115; 17/825,341; 17/941,138; 17/947,086; 17/947,089; and Ser. No. 18/142,239.

All literature and similar material cited in this application, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, treatises, and web pages, regardless of the format of such literature and similar materials, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. Should one or more of the incorporated references and similar materials differ from or contradict this application, including but not limited to defined terms, term usage, described techniques, or the like, this application controls.

As previously stated and as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” refer to both the singular as well as plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. Although many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used, particular suitable methods and materials are described herein. Unless context indicates otherwise, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range. Furthermore, references to “one implementation” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, implementations “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements whether or not they have that property.

The terms “substantially” and “about”, if or when used throughout this specification describe and account for small fluctuations, such as due to variations in processing. For example, these terms can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%, and/or 0%.

Underlined and/or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the disclosed subject matter, and are not referred to in connection with the interpretation of the description of the disclosed subject matter. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various implementations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the disclosed subject matter. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

There may be many alternate ways to implement the disclosed technology. Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology. Generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations. Different numbers of a given module or unit may be employed, a different type or types of a given module or unit may be employed, a given module or unit may be added, or a given module or unit may be omitted.

Regarding this disclosure, the term “a plurality of” refers to two or more than two. Unless otherwise clearly defined, orientation or positional relations indicated by terms such as “upper” and “lower” are based on the orientation or positional relations as shown in the Figures, only for facilitating description of the disclosed technology and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the referred devices or elements must be in a particular orientation or constructed or operated in the particular orientation, and therefore they should not be construed as limiting the disclosed technology. The terms “connected”, “mounted”, “fixed”, etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, “connected” may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For one of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the disclosed technology may be understood according to specific circumstances.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail herein (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the disclosed technology. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the technology disclosed herein. While the disclosed technology has been illustrated by the description of example implementations, and while the example implementations have been described in certain detail, there is no intention to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosed technology in its broader aspects is not limited to any of the specific details, representative devices and methods, and/or illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.