package

专利摘要:
PRODUCT AND PACKAGE WITH AN EVIDENT PICTURE OF USE. The invention relates to a product that includes a container (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 612; 712; 812; 912; 1012; 1112; 1312; 1512; 1612; 1712; 1812; 1912), a photosensitive material contained by the container and responsive to ultraviolet light and a UV protector contained by the container to protect the photosensitive material from exposure to UV light.
公开号:BR112015010485B1
申请号:R112015010485-1
申请日:2013-11-05
公开日:2021-01-26
发明作者:Roger P. Smith；Scott Cooper；Oleg Feygenson；Jessica R. Bryant；Terence J. Clark；Chris D. Anderson；Anatoly Solunin
申请人:Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

[0001] The present invention relates to containers and, more particularly, to containers that have anti-counterfeiting and / or tamper evident features. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many containers are equipped with tamper-resistant devices to resist refilling the contents in the containers. For example, a beverage container may include a fitting that prevents the container from being refilled, in order to prevent efforts to refill the container with inferior products. US Patent 3,399,811 illustrates such a container.
[0003] A general objective of the present invention, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, is to provide a product that includes a container and a usage indicator contained by the container that indicates whether the container has been used and, therefore, will provide evidence of efforts to repack the container with counterfeit product.
[0004] The present invention incorporates numerous aspects that can be implanted separately from each other or in combination with each other.
[0005] A product according to one aspect of the invention includes a container, a photochromic material contained by the container and responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light in order to darken upon exposure to it and a UV protector over the photochromic material for protect photochromic material from exposure to UV light.
[0006] In accordance with an additional aspect of the invention, a method is provided to produce a package that includes applying a photochromic material to a container that is responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light in order to darken upon exposure to it, and to protect by least a portion of the photochromic material exposed to UV light before the initial opening of the package. The method also includes filling the container with an original fluidizable product, and applying a closure to the container.
[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a package is provided that includes a container that has an interior and a base, and a closure that removably closes the container, characterized by means of indicating that the package has been opened from from its original factory sealed condition by removing the container closure. The means includes a drop indicator operatively coupled to the container and constructed, at least in part, from photochromic material.
[0008] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a product is provided that includes a container, a photochromic material contained by the container and responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light in order to darken upon exposure to it, and a UV light source. contained by the container to illuminate the photochromic material.
[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a package is provided that includes a container, a first photosensitive material contained by the container and responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light so as to darken upon exposure to it to indicate the opening package, and a second photosensitive material contained by the container, responsive to UV light to form a latent image, and darkened by exposure to heat to indicate package violation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention, together with its objectives, resources, advantages and additional aspects of it, will be better understood from the following description, the attached claims and the attached drawings, in which:
[0011] Figure 1 is an elevated cross-sectional view of a package according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a container, a closure coupled to the container and a package opening indicator coupled to the closure and positioned within the container;
[0012] Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional perspective view of the closure and indicator of Figure 1;
[0013] Figure 3 is an elevated perspective view in cross section of the indicator of Figure 1 shown located at the bottom of the container of Figure 1;
[0014] Figure 4 is a fragmentary schematic view of a portion of the package of Figure 1 that illustrates the indicator in proximity to the circuitry contained by the container of Figure 1;
[0015] Figure 4A is a fragmentary schematic view of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a type of package opening indicator circuit;
[0016] Figure 4B is a fragmentary schematic view of a package according to an additional illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates another type of package opening indicator circuit;
[0017] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a package opening indicator according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a set of circuits that emits light;
[0018] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a package opening indicator according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, which includes a circuitry that emits light and a photosensitive material;
[0019] Figure 7 is an exploded elevated view of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a closure being removed from a container and a package opening indicator that falls into the container;
[0020] Figure 8 is an elevated view of the package of Figure 7 that illustrates the indicator contained in the bottom of the container;
[0021] Figure 9 is an exploded elevated view of a package according to an additional illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a container, a base coupled to attach to the bottom of the container, and a photosensitive element interposed between the base and the container ;
[0022] Figure 10 is an elevated view of the package of Figure 9 which illustrates a package opening indicator disposed on the bottom of the container and the photosensitive element in an exposed state;
[0023] Figure 11 is an elevated view of a photosensitive element being mounted in a container;
[0024] Figure 12 is an exploded elevated view of a package according to an additional illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a closure being removed from the container of Figure 11, the container containing the photosensitive element and a separate package opening indicator closing and floating in a product contained by the container;
[0025] Figure 13 is an elevated view of the container of Figure 12 that illustrates the photosensitive element in a partially exposed state that corresponds to the depletion of the product contained in the container;
[0026] Figure 14 is an elevated view of a package according to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a container with photosensitive materials in an unexposed state, and a closure coupled to the container;
[0027] Figure 15 is an elevated view of the package of Figure 14 that illustrates the closure removed from the container, and an indicator of the opening of the floating package in the product contained by the container and the photosensitive materials in an exposed state;
[0028] Figure 16 is an elevated view of a package according to still another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a container that includes photosensitive materials that are exposed, partially exposed and not exposed and a package opening indicator that floats in a product contained by the container;
[0029] Figure 17 is an exploded fragmentary elevated view of a package according to a further illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a photosensitive container, a closure coupled to the container and an ultraviolet (UV) light source contained by the container;
[0030] Figure 18 is an elevated view of the package of Figure 17 which illustrates the closure being removed from the container and the activation of the source of ultraviolet (UV) light responsive to removal of the closure;
[0031] Figure 19 is an elevated view of the container of Figure 17 in an exposed state;
[0032] Figure 20 is an exploded view of a packaging system according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a display base that includes one or more sources of ultraviolet (UV) light, and a package for receiving at the base display and which includes a container, a closure attached to the container and a package opening indicator attached to the closure;
[0033] Figure 21 is an assembly view of the packaging system of Figure 20 that illustrates the container with the closure removed and the indicator on a bottom of the container and shown in an exposed state;
[0034] Figure 22 is an elevated view of a package according to a further illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a container, a closure coupled to the container, a photosensitive material contained in the container and an ultraviolet (UV) light source. contained by the container to activate the photosensitive material corresponding to the opening of the package;
[0035] Figure 23 is an exploded elevated view of the package of Figure 22 that illustrates the closure removed from the container and the photosensitive material in an exposed state;
[0036] Figure 24 is an elevated view of a package according to a further illustrative embodiment of the present invention which illustrates a container, a closure coupled to the container, and a photosensitive material contained by the container;
[0037] Figure 25A is an elevated view of a package according to still another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a container, a closure coupled to the container and a plurality of photosensitive elements contained by the container;
[0038] Figure 25B is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the package of Figure 25A, taken from circle 25B of Figure 25A;
[0039] Figure 25C is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of a photosensitive material from the package of Figure 25A that illustrates a darkened portion, previously exposed to UV light;
[0040] Figure 25D is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of a photosensitive material in the package of Figure 25A illustrating a portion of latent image formed by prior exposure to UV light;
[0041] Figure 25E is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of a photosensitive material from the package of Figure 25A illustrating a portion of imaging established by the selective application of a UV protector;
[0042] Figure 26 is an elevated view of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a photosensitive container, a closure coupled to the container, and an ultraviolet protector contained by the container;
[0043] Figure 27 is an elevated view of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a photosensitive container, a closure attached to the container and an ultraviolet protector contained by the container and attached to the closure;
[0044] Figure 28 is a fragmented elevated cross-sectional view of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a container, a closure coupled to the container and a package opening indicator coupled to the closure and positioned within the container and containing photosensitive elements;
[0045] Figure 29 is a fragmented elevated cross-sectional view of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a container, a closure coupled to the container and a package opening indicator coupled to the closure and positioned within the container and being constructed of photosensitive portions;
[0046] Figure 30 is an elevated view of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a container, a closure coupled to the container and photosensitive elements contained by the container;
[0047] Figure 31 is a fragmented elevated cross-sectional view of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a container wall containing photosensitive elements;
[0048] Figure 32 is a fragmentary elevated cross-sectional view of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a container containing photosensitive elements via a base coupled to the deep container; and
[0049] Figures 33 to 34 are elevated views of packages according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention that illustrates containers, closures coupled to the containers, package opening indicators attached to the closure and positioned inside the container and photosensitive materials contained by the walls of the containers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERENTIAL MODALITIES
[0050] Figure 1 illustrates a package 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Package 10 is illustrated in its original condition or condition, as including a container 12, a closure 13 for container 12, and an authentic, genuine or original material or product P that fills container 12.
[0051] Additionally, package 10 may include a package opening indicator 14 contained by container 12. As used herein, the phrase "contained by container" includes contained in the container, contained over the container, coupled to the container and the like . As will be described in further detail below, indicator 14 is a drop-style indicator that falls into container 12 upon removal of the closure. As such, indicator 14 can facilitate evidence of efforts to violate package 10, providing visible evidence that package 10 was opened from its original factory sealed condition.
[0052] In addition, package 10 includes a photosensitive material and, more particularly, a photochromic material that is responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light in order to darken upon exposure to it. The photochromic material can include a metal halide material, which can include silver, copper and / or cadmium with chloride, bromine and / or iodine halides. The photochromic material may include any suitable material selected from the group (s) consisting of the materials mentioned above, or from any (any) other photochromic material (s) ). Photochromic materials themselves and their application to glass are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, as illustrated by US Patent 3,325,299.
[0053] The photochromic material is contained, directly or indirectly, by container 10. In the mode illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the photochromic material is contained by container 12 by means of indicator 14. More specifically, indicator 14 includes the photochromic material. For example, the composition of indicator 14 itself may include photochromic material. In another example, a substrate of indicator 14 can be coated with a photochromic coating. In an additional example, indicator 14 may contain a separate photochromic component. Instead of, or in addition to, indicator 14, the photochromic material provides a counterfeiting deterrent that provides evidence that the original package 10 was used. More specifically, the photochromic material can indicate intended use for the design of package 10, as the first time or the initial opening after package 10 is sealed at the factory.
[0054] The photochromic material can be darkened by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and, more specifically, it can be darkened irreparably according to the design intent or common use of package 10, and not according to misuse or extraordinary conditions, for example, attempts to tamper with the package for counterfeiting or the like. The UV light used to irreversibly darken the photochromic material preferably includes UVA and all bands and sub-bands, near UV and all bands and sub-bands thereon, or, more particularly, UV light greater than about 360 nm, as will be discussed additionally in this document below.
[0055] Additionally, the package 10 includes a UV protector to protect the photochromic material from exposure to UV light, for example, before the initial opening of the package 10, for example, by a customer. In the modality illustrated in Figures 1-3, the UV protector is contained by the container 12, either directly or indirectly. The UV protector can include any UV-blocking, UV-absorbing and / or UV-retarding material or element of any kind. For example, the UV protection material may include vanadium, selenium, carbon, iron, other glass or colored glass and / or similar coloring materials. The UV protection material can be part of the container composition itself, a coating on the inner and / or outer surfaces of a substrate of the container 12, or the like. In an additional example, the UV protector can be contained by the container 12 via the indicator 14. In other words, the UV protector can be applied or integrated with the indicator 14, which is, of course, itself contained by the container 12 In another example, the UV protector may include a retractable sleeve (not shown) around the container that includes UV protection material and that can be translucent or transparent. In any case, the UV protector can be provided on, around or radially out of the photochromic material (s) to protect the material (s) from exposure to UV light coming from outside the package 10.
[0056] Container 12 may be of any suitable shape and may include a jug, jar, another container of food or drink, or any other suitable container. The container 12 can include a base 15 on which the container 12 can be supported, a body 16 that extends axially from the base 15, a shoulder 18 that extends radially and axially from the body 16 and a neck 20 that extends extends axially from shoulder 18. As used herein, the term axial includes oriented along a longitudinal geometric axis of the closure, container or package and may include, but is not limited to, a direction that is strictly parallel to a longitudinal central geometrical axis container A. The body 16 and the neck 20 can, in general, be cylindrical, as shown, or they can be tapered or of any other suitable shape. The neck 20 can include a flange or an outwardly facing end surface 22 and an inner surface 26. The neck 20 can also include a finish, which can include an outer surface 28, and one or more threads or threads 30 that protrude from the outer surface 28 or similar to attach to closure 13. As used herein, the term thread segment includes whole, partial, multiple and / or interrupted segment, thread segment and / or shoulder.
[0057] The container 12 can be a construction formed entirely of a piece, for example, of glass, plastic or any other suitable material. (The term "integrally formed construction" does not exclude glass constructions with integrally molded layers of a piece of the type disclosed, for example, in US Patent 4,740,401, or one-piece glass bottles to which another structure is added after operation bottle forming.) Container 12 may be manufactured in blow-press, blow-and-blow or manual blow manufacturing operations, or in a plastic injection and / or blow molding operation or in any suitable manner.
[0058] Closure 13 may include a lid, stopper, plug or any other suitable type of closure, and may be composed of plastic, metal, glass, ceramics or any other suitable material. The closure 13 may include a base wall 32, an annular outer skirt 34 which extends from the base wall 32 and which has one or more threads or threads 36 that project from an internal surface thereof to couple with the container 12 , and an annular inner skirt 38 extending radially from the base wall 32 into the outer skirt 34.
[0059] Indicator 14 may include any suitable materials, components or the like and may be contained in any (any) location (s) of container 12, internally and / or externally of container 12. One or more portions of indicator 14 may be non-removably attached to container 12 or contained by container 12 in any other suitable manner. The terminology "non-removably secured" includes a way in which the indicator 14 is not, by design intent, intended to be removed from the container 12 without damaging the container 12 and / or the indicator 14 or otherwise comprising , the structural and / or functional integrity of either or both.
[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, indicator 14 may be composed of plastic, metal, glass, ceramics and / or any other suitable material, may take the form of a medallion or pendant, and may include a body 40, a coupling portion closure 42 extending from body 40, and a resilient member 44 contained by body 40. Body 40, closure coupling portion 42 and resilient member 44 are illustrated as having cylindrical shapes but may have any other shape adequate. The resilient member 44 can be contained in a groove or annular relief 46 of the body 40, so that an internal diameter or dimension of the member 44 is smaller than an external diameter or dimension of the body 40 but greater than the diameter or dimension groove. Consequently, the member 44 can overlap radially and can be axially secured between shoulders axially facing the body 40 on either side of the groove 46. In one embodiment, the member 44 can serve to retain the indicator non-removably 14 in container 12. However, in other embodiments, indicator 14 and / or container 12 may include any other device or feature suitable for non-removably retaining indicator 14 in container 12.
[0061] The closing coupling portion 42 is illustrated as being detachably coupled to the closure 13 by a friction fit within the annular inner skirt 38 of the closure 13. However, the closing coupling portion 42 can be detachably coupled to closure 13 (or any other type of closure) by adhesive, integral frangible connectors, one or more magnets or detachable fasteners separately or in any other suitable manner.
[0062] The resilient member 44 is shown in a resting state, however when the indicator 14 is mounted on the container 12, the resilient member 44 is compressible in a radially inward direction in a compressed state to allow the indicator 14 to be inserted in the neck container 20. For example, the member 44 can be C-shaped or semi-circular, having circumferential ends 43, 45. The member 44 can be composed of metal, ceramic, polymeric material or any other suitable resilient material. In addition, member 44 may include an annular chamfer 47 to facilitate insertion of the indicator 14 into the neck container 20 under a force greater than that provided by the weight of the indicator 14 only. The member 44 can be expanded resiliently from the compressed state to the resting state when the member 44 axially releases or traverses an internal feature of the container 12. For example, the member 44 can axially release a gasket 19 from the neck 20 and shoulder 18, thereafter the member 44 resiliently expands back to its resting state and an edge or rear surface 48 of the member 44 can be engaged with the joint 19.
[0063] At that point, the indicator 14 becomes non-removably secured inside the container 12. When the lock 13 is moved in a direction away from the container 12, the rear edge 48 of the resilient member 44 engages axially in the joint 19 so that the continuous movement of the closure 13 out of the container 12 causes the indicator 14 to detach from the closure 13 and fall into the container 12. As used herein, the term "removal" may include partial or complete removal. Thereafter, indicator 14 will not pass through the neck container 20 due to the fact that the member 44 makes it too large to pass through it. Although the gasket 19 is illustrated as an example of the internal resource of the container, any other suitable internal resource can be used, for example, internal unevenness or embossing (not shown) of the container neck 20, separate components installed in the neck 20, or any (any) other appropriate resource (s) to retain indicator 14.
[0064] The photochromic material is responsive to a change in a state of the package 10 to change or modify a visual or optical characteristic visible on the outside of the container 12. In one embodiment, the change in state of the package 10 may include initial removal of the closure 13 of container 12 after package 10 is sealed at the factory. In other embodiments, the change in state of package 10 may include a reduction in product P contained in container 12. Consequently, the photochromic material may indicate intended use by the design of package 10 so that a buyer can see that package 10 has been " used "after the package 10 was originally packaged with the product P contained in the container 12 and with the closure 13 attached to it. For example, package 10 can be opened and then partially or completely emptied of its original fluidizable product P and, after that, if counterfeiters try to refill empty container 12 with counterfeit product and repackage package 10 with closure 13 (with or without closure seals or the like), the refilled or repackaged package 10 will include the changed status indicator 14 as evidence that the package 10 is not original and has instead been refilled and repacked. In other words, container 12 (or package 10) can be permanently or irreversibly labeled as a once-filled container (or package). Over time, buyers will become educated to find replenished counterfeit packages. Thus, counterfeiters will be deterred from offering counterfeit packages to such educated buyers.
[0065] Product P can be disposed of disposable within container 12 of package 10. For example, a product manufacturer can fill container 12 with authentic or original fluidizable product P in a packaging facility or factory and close the container. container 12 with lock 13, which can be attached to the neck 20 of container 12 in any suitable manner. Product P may include a fluidizable liquid or solid, for example, a beverage, for example, beer, wine, alcoholic beverage, soda or any other suitable beverage or liquid, or a fluidizable food of any kind. In an exemplary embodiment, the closure 13 can be sealed in the neck container 20 with wax, with a paper or plastic seal, with a portion of the closure itself 13, with a tamper evident band, or with any other suitable seal or similar (not shown separately). Consequently, package 10 leaves the packaging facility in an original factory sealed condition. After that, for example, after wholesale or retail distribution, the seal can be broken and the closure 13 removed to allow product P to be dispensed out of container 12 through neck 20.
[0066] Referring to Figure 4, the highlighted indicator 14 can be solid or otherwise not floating and, therefore, is shown retracted towards the inner bottom of the container 12. The base 15 of the container 12 may contain a lighting circuit 50. The lighting circuit 50 can be contained by a separate container 52, which can include a plate, a plug, a housing, a circuit board or the like and can be composed of glass, plastic or any other suitable material. Container 52 can be separately attached to container base 15 in a non-removable manner. For example, container 52 and circuit 50 can be located in an upward push or recess 54 of the base of the container 15 and secured to it with an epoxy, ceramic adhesive, pressure fitting compound or the like.
[0067] The lighting circuit 50 may include a power supply 56, a sensor 58 and at least one source of ultraviolet (UV) light 60 coupled switably to the power supply 56 by the sensor 58. The power supply 56 may include one or more batteries, piezoelectric quartz, capacitors, solar cells or any other suitable electricity supply. The UV light source 60 may include one or more UV light emitting diodes (LEDs), or any (any) other UV light source (s). In one embodiment, a light source can emit light with a wavelength between 360 and 390 nm and all sub-bands between them and, more particularly, wavelengths between 365 and 385 nm and all sub-bands between them or any other suitable wavelength. In other embodiments, the same light source or a second light source can emit light with a wavelength between 280 and 320 nm and all sub-bands between them and, more particularly, a wavelength between 300 and 312 nm. Sensor 58 may include a capacitive proximity sensor, magnetic sensor (for example, slide switch), photoelectric sensor, inductive proximity sensor, or any other suitable sensor or switch. Of course, different portions of the sensor 58 can be contained in different portions of the package 10.
[0068] The light source 60 can be activated in any suitable way. In one example, the light source 60 can be activated by detaching the lock indicator 14 (not shown in Figure 4). More specifically, a portion of the magnetic sensor can be contained by the indicator 14 and another portion can be contained by the closure (not shown in Figure 4), where the separation of indicator 14 from closure 13 can close or trigger the sensor 58 to activate the light source 60. In another example, the light source 60 can be activated, for example, by proximity of the drop indicator 14 to sensor 58, the proximity of which can close or otherwise trigger sensor 58 to activate the source of light. light 60. In turn, the light emitted from the light source 60 falls on the photochromic material of the indicator 14 in order to darken the indicator 14. A darkening indicator would signal to a consumer that the container 12 has been opened from its condition sealed from original factory.
[0069] Indicator 14 may include a contrast portion 62 that can be selectively previously exposed to UV, selectively protected from UV or defined by a selectively applied ceramic label (ACL) process or the like. Portion 62 may include a decorative feature, for example, a trademark reinforcement symbol, logo, name, slogan or the like, or a latent warning commercial symbol as will be described below in accordance with other modalities. Consequently, before other portions have darkened, the contrast portion 62 can be darkened by previous exposure to UV, or when other portions of indicator 14 darken upon exposure to UV light, the contrast portion 62 can be protected against darkening to highlight in contrast.
[0070] Figure 4A illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a 10 'package. This modality is similar in many respects to the modality of Figures 1 to 4 and similar numbers between the modalities designate, in general, similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[0071] In this embodiment, the light source 60 can be activated by removing the closure 13 from the container 12. For example, a package opening indicator 51 may include a set of circuits that can be contained by the container 12 between the light source. 60 and the lock 13 in order to activate the sensor 58 when the lock 13 is removed from the container 12. Any suitable circuit set can be used including a capacitive proximity sensor, magnetic sensor (for example, slide switch), photoelectric sensor , inductive proximity sensor or any other suitable sensor or switch and related wiring, dashes, power supply and / or the like. In addition, package 10 'may include a package opening drop style indicator 14', for example, a hollow version of indicator 14 of Figure 1.
[0072] Figure 4B illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a 10 '' package. This modality is similar in many respects to the modalities of Figures 1 to 4A and similar numbers between the modalities designate, in general, similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[0073] In this embodiment, the lighting circuit 50 can be contained by the neck container 20 and can include the light source 60 (Figure 4A) that can be activated by removing the lock 13 from the container 12. For example, as revealed above , the lighting circuit 50 can include any suitable circuitry which, in this embodiment, can be contained by the container 12 between the closure 13 and the neck container 20 in order to activate the sensor 58 (Figure 4A) when the closure 13 is removed from the container. In addition, the package 10 '' may include the indicator 14 'which may be hollow or otherwise float in the product contained by the container 12.
[0074] Figure 5 illustrates another illustrative modality of a package opening indicator 114. This modality is similar in many respects to the modality of Figures 1B to 4B and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements. along the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator 114 includes a lighting circuit 150 and can be a construction of multiple parts including, for example, two housing portions 114a, 114b that can be assembled together and can establish a hollow interior I. In in other embodiments, the indicator 114 may include a one-piece housing molded or otherwise formed around the lighting circuit 150 and may or may not include a hollow interior. Indicator 114 may be fluctuating, either by virtue of its hollow interior or by its composition of material and / or construction. In other embodiments, indicator 114 may be submersible. In any case, the lighting circuit 150 may be substantially the same as that disclosed above, but it may also include a visible light source 64. The visible light source 64 may include a light-emitting diode, or any other suitable element that emit visible light to the human eye. The portions 114a, 114b can be coupled together in any suitable manner in order to seal the circuit 150 therein.
[0076] In this modality, one or more portions of indicator 114 may include photochromic material. For example, the material of which indicator 114 is composed may include photochromic material. In another example, an interior surface of indicator 114 can be coated with photochromic material. In this example, the UV protector may include a UV protective coating applied to the outer surface of indicator 114. In the illustrated example, detaching indicator 114 from a closure may close or fire sensor 58 to activate the source (s) ( s) light 60. In turn, the light emitted from the light source 60 falls on the photochromic material of the indicator 114 in order to darken the indicator 114. A darkening indicator would signal to a consumer that the package 10 has been opened from its original factory sealed condition at some point.
[0077] Figure 6 illustrates another illustrative modality of a package opening indicator 214. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1 to 5 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements along the way. of the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[0078] Indicator 214 can be a construction of multiple parts including, for example, two housing portions 214a, 214b that can be assembled together and can establish a hollow interior I. In any case, indicator 214 includes the lighting circuit 50, for example, contained within the hollow interior I of portions 214a, 214b. In addition, in this modality, indicator 214 includes and separately contains a separate photochromic element 66, which can be composed at least partially of and / or coated with the photochromic material. The portions 214a, 214b can be coupled together in any suitable manner in order to seal the circuit 50 and the photochromic element 66 therein. In this example, the UV protector may include a UV protection coating applied to the exterior and / or interior surface of indicator 214. In the illustrated example, detaching indicator 214 from a closure may close or trigger sensor 58 to activate the source. light 60. In turn, the light emitted from the light source 60 falls on the photochromic element 66 in order to darken the photochromic element 66. The darkened element 66 within the indicator 214 would signal to a consumer that the package 10 has been opened to from its original factory sealed condition.
[0079] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate another illustrative modality of a package 110. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1 to 6 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[0080] In this modality, the package 110 includes a package opening indicator 314 that has a brand reinforcement format, for example, in the shape of a brand logo, brand package or the like. Figure 7 illustrates a closure 113 being removed from a corresponding container 112 and indicator 314 having been detached from closure 113 and falling into product P in container 112. Indicator 314 may include a lighting circuit 250, which may be one of the previously disclosed circuits 50, 150. Figure 8 illustrates indicator 314 immersed in the bottom of container 112 and darkened by exposure to UV light.
[0081] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate another illustrative modality of a package 210. This modality is similar in many respects to the modalities of Figures 1 to 8 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[0082] Referring to Figure 9, package 210 includes a container 212, a closure 213 attached to container 212, a separate container base 268 attached to container 212, the previously described lighting circuit 150 and a photochromic material 266 contained base 268. Package 210 also includes a UV light source that can be part of a lighting circuit (not shown separately), which can be contained by base 268. Container 212 can include its own integral base or end of closed bottom to which the attached base 268 can be attached, or the container 212 can include an open bottom end to which the attached base 268 can be attached. In any case, the coupled base 268 can be non-removably coupled to the container 212, for example, by means of an epoxy, ceramic adhesive, glass or solder welding, or the like, or in any other suitable manner.
[0083] In one embodiment, the photochromic material 266 can be part of a separate photochromic element that can be executed by base 268. In other embodiments, base 268 can include photochromic material 266, for example, a photochromic coating on a surface internal base 268 or the photochromic material in the material composition of base 268 itself.
[0084] In any case, the base 268 may contain a UV protector, for example, a UV protection coating on an external surface of the base 268, or the UV protection material in the material composition of the base 268 itself. The UV protector can also include a separate element, for example, a separate piece of UV protected glass (not shown) contained internally by the base 268 on the photochromic material. The separate piece of glass can include a UV protection coating or it can be composed of a UV protection material. In this example, container 212 itself, separate from base 268, would not require a UV protector.
[0085] Referring to Figure 10, package 210 may include a package opening indicator, for example, indicator 114 in Figure 5. Indicator 114 can be used to darken photochromic material 266 from base 268 to indicate that package 210 was opened from its original factory sealed condition. As shown, photochromic material 266 can have a contrast portion 262, which can be masked and previously exposed to UV light or covered with a UV protector. This can be done, for example, to create a brand-reinforcing image, for example, a logo, a brand name, a slogan or the like, and / or to provide an additional security measure.
[0086] Figures 11 to 13 illustrate another illustrative modality of a 310 package. This modality is similar in many respects to the modalities of Figures 1 to 10 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[0087] Figure 11 illustrates the package 310 which includes a container 312 in which a flexible and rolled photochromic material 366 is being inserted. Photochromic material 366 may be a sheet of material, which may include a photochromic coating on a substrate or may include the sheet itself being composed, at least in part, of a photochromic material. The element 366 can be of any size or shape that fits the container 312. The element 366 can be of such size that, when unrolled in the container 312, the element 366 conforms to an inner surface of the container 312, for example, the surface inside of a body 316 of the container 312. In other embodiments, the element 366 can rest against the bottom of the container 312. The element 366 can include a contrast portion 362, as discussed previously. The element 366 can include flexible glass.
[0088] Figure 12 illustrates package 310 which includes a closure 313 being removed from container 312, and a package opening indicator, for example, indicator 114 in Figure 5, which fell from closure 313 in container 312, floating in product P contained in it and emitting UV light.
[0089] Figure 13 illustrates package 310 in which a portion of product P has been dispensed from container 312 so that the level of product P is below a top edge of photochromic material 366. Likewise, indicator 114 has lowered below the top edge of the photochromic material 366 where the UV light emitted from the indicator 114 fell on an upper portion of the photochromic material 366. Consequently, the UV light can be emitted in such a way that the photochromic material 366 is exposed and partially darkened as the level of product P decreases to indicate that at least part of the original product P has been dispensed. Photochromic material 366 therefore provides an indication of the use of the 310 package. As used in this document, the term "use" may include the intended use of a project, for example, package opening, product dispensing and / or the like, however it may also include unintended or unauthorized use, for example, product removal, product dilution, addition of counterfeit product and / or the like.
[0090] Figures 14 to 15 illustrate another illustrative modality of a 410 package. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1 to 13 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[0091] Figure 14 illustrates package 410 which includes a closure 413 coupled to a container 412, which includes one or more photochromic materials 466a, 466b. In one embodiment, photochromic materials 466a, b can be integral with container 412, for example, convex or concave embossing internal or external to container 412. In other embodiments, photochromic materials 466a, b can be part of elements separate or non-removably secured emblems to an inner surface or an outer surface of container 412 in any suitable manner. Photochromic materials 466a, b may be in the form of a brand reinforcement image, for example, a logo, a brand name, a slogan or the like. In addition, or instead of, materials 466a, b can include contrast portions 462, as discussed previously.
[0092] Figure 15 illustrates package 410 which includes a package opening indicator, for example, with indicator 114 in Figure 5, falling from the now removed seal (not shown) in container 412, floats in the product P contained on it and emits UV light. In addition, a portion of product P has been dispensed from container 412 so that the level of product P is below the top edges of photochromic materials 466a, 466b. Likewise, indicator 114 is reduced below the top edges of photochromic materials 466a, b where the UV light emitted from indicator 114 fell on photochromic materials 466a, b. Consequently, UV light can be emitted in such a way that photochromic materials are exposed and gradually darkened as the level of product P decreases to indicate that at least part of the original product P has been dispensed.
[0093] Figure 16 illustrates another illustrative modality of a 510 package. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1-15 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawings figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[0094] Figure 16 illustrates package 510 which includes a closure 513 coupled to a container 512, which includes one or more photochromic materials 566a, 566b, 566c, and a package opening indicator, for example, indicator 114 of Figure 5. Photochromic materials 566a, b, c can be integral with container 512, for example, internal or external convex or concave embossing of container 512 itself, or they can be part of separate elements attached non-removably to a inner surface or outer surface of container 512 in any suitable manner or may be coatings of photochromic material which may be applied with stencils or masks or in any other suitable manner. In modes in which materials 566a, b, c are applied or integrated into the exterior of container 512, container 512 may include a UV protective coating on photochromic materials 566a, b, c.
[0095] In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 16, photochromic materials 566a, b, c can be vertically separated and can be in the form of brand reinforcement images, for example, a logo, as shown. Indicator 114 has already fallen from closure 513 in container 512 and is floating in product P contained therein and emitting UV light. In addition, a portion of product P has been dispensed from container 512 so that the level of product P is entirely below a top level of photochromic materials 566a and almost completely below an intermediate level of photochromic materials 566b. Likewise, indicator 114 has been reduced below the top photochromic material 566a where the UV light emitted from indicator 114 has completely darkened the top element 566a, and is in the process of darkening an intermediate element of the materials 566b. Consequently, UV light can be emitted in such a way that photochromic materials 566a, b, c are exposed and gradually darkened as the level of the product decreases to indicate that at least part of the original product P has been dispensed. The photochromic material (s) 566 therefore provide an indication of the use of the 510 package.
[0096] Figures 17 to 19 illustrate another illustrative modality of a 610 package. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1-16 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[0097] Figure 17 illustrates package 610 which includes a container 612 containing a photochromic material, a closure 613 coupled to container 612, a UV light source 660 and any suitable circuitry to indicate package opening, for example, the package opening indicator previously described 51. The container 612 itself may be at least partially composed of the photochromic material. In one embodiment, container 612 may have an internal and / or external photochromic coating. In other embodiments, container 612 may be at least partially composed of a photochromic material. Likewise, container 612 can include any suitable UV protection coating and / or composition. For example, container 612 can be manufactured from separate glass mouths, for example, a photochromic glass mouth and a UV protection glass mouth, so that the inside of the 612 container is a photochromic layer and the outside of the container is a frame or UV protection layer. In this example, container 612 can be manually blown from separate nozzles or even automatically blown from them.
[0098] In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the light source 660 is contained by a base 615 of the container 612, however, in other embodiments, the light source 660 can be contained by any (any) other portion (s) ( s) suitable container (s) 612 and / or an indicator, for example, any of the drop indicators disclosed in this document. In any event, the light source 660 can be part of a lighting circuit 650, for example, like the lighting circuit of Figure 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 660 can be contained in a recess or fountain 654 of the container base 615. For example, light source 660 can be coupled to a container 652, which in turn is contained directly by container base 615. For example, container 652 can be attached non-removably to the container base being attached to it with an epoxy, ceramic adhesive, glass welding or soldering, or the like. Referring to Figure 18, light source 660 can be activated using the previously revealed package opening indicator 51, when closure 613 is removed from container 612. As shown in Figure 19, the entire container 612 can be darkened by exposure to UV light, with the exception of a contrast portion protected by UV 662, or the contrast portion 662 may be an applied ceramic label (ACL) to provide contrast.
[0099] In other modalities, the light source 660 can be replaced by an immersion or fluctuation indicator, for example, the indicator 114 in Figure 5 which has the light source 660 in it. In the float indicator mode, UV light can be emitted from the indicator 114 in such a way that the photochromic container 612 is exposed and partially darkened as the level of product P decreases to indicate that at least part of the original product P was dismissed.
[00100] Figures 20 to 21 illustrate another illustrative modality of a 710 package. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1 to 19 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00101] Package 710 includes a container 712, a closure 713 removably attached to container 712 and an opening indicator 714 detachably attached to closure 713 and contained in container 712. Package 710 may also include a protective cover against UV 770 contained around at least a portion of a neck 720 of container 712 in order to protect indicator 714. Package 710 may be part of a system that also includes a UV 772 delivery device or lighting base in which the 710 package can be contained. The lighting base 772 can include one or more UV light sources 760, which can be part of a lighting circuit, for example, the lighting circuit of Figure 5. Base 772 can include a bottom wall 774, side walls 776 extending from the bottom wall 774 and a container base support wall 778 disposed facing into the side walls 776 and on which the container base 715 can be seated. The base 772 may also include an extension wall 780 that extends in a direction away from the support wall 778 to surround a lower portion of the container 712. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension wall 780 may contain the light sources 760, which can be distributed in an annular arrangement. In other embodiments, the support wall 778 may also, or instead of, contain light sources 760.
[00102] As shown in Figure 21, closure 713 can be removed from container 712 where indicator 714 detaches from closure 713 and falls on the inner bottom of container 712. Thereafter, container 712, with or without reapplied closure 713 at the same time, it can be placed on the lighting base 772. When the container 712 is contained in the lighting base 772, the light sources 760 can be activated through any suitable circuitry, which may include a weight sensor, proximity sensor, a manual switch or can be activated in any other suitable way. Consequently, the UV-responsive indicator 714 darkens upon exposure to UV light emitted from UV light sources 760. In the illustrated embodiment, indicator 714 includes a bottom surface that is not UV sensitive, and a cylindrical outer surface that is UV sensitive. For example, the outer surface of indicator 714 can be coated with a photochromic material.
[00103] Figures 22 to 23 illustrate another illustrative modality of an 810 package. This modality is similar in many respects to the modalities of Figures 1 to 21 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00104] Referring to Figure 22, package 810 includes a container 812, a closure 813 coupled to container 812, a UV light source 860 contained by container 812, a photochromic material 866 contained by container 812 and a type of circuit of package opening indicator contained by container 812. For example, the light source 860 can be activated using the previous package opening indicator contained in container 812. For example, light source 860 can be activated with use of the previously revealed package opening indicator 51 when the closure 813 is removed from the container 812.
[00105] The light source 860 can be part of a lighting circuit, for example, the lighting circuit of Figure 4, and can be contained by the base of container 815, for example, in a recess or fountain 854 thereof. The light source 860 and / or the lighting circuit can be attached non-removably to the container 812, for example, using epoxy, pressure fitting compound or any other suitable material, or in any other suitable way.
[00106] In one embodiment, a photochromic material 866 may be a portion of the 812 container itself. In other embodiments, the photochromic material 866 may be part of a separate element, for example, a photochromic piece of glass borosilicate that is finished. treated at a temperature below its softening point to cure the glass. In the illustrated embodiment, a mask or stencil can be applied to the photochromic material 866 and a contrast portion 862 of it can be exposed to UV light to darken the exposed areas to produce a previously exposed contrast portion, for example, a brand name, logo, slogan or similar.
[00107] A UV protector 867 can be applied over photochromic material 866. For example, a UV protective coating can be applied over the exterior of container 812, excluding a portion of the base 815 that corresponds to the light source 860 per example, the recess 854.
[00108] Referring to Figure 23, closure 813 can be removed from container 812 for the first time after being sealed by the factory. Removing the lock 813 can activate the light source 860. The UV light emitted from the light source 860 falls on a back side of material 866 so that all photochromic material 866 is darkened to indicate to a consumer that the package 810 was opened from its original factory sealed condition.
[00109] Figure 24 illustrates another illustrative modality of a 910 package. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1 to 23 and similar numbers between the modalities designate, in general, similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawings figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00110] Package 910 includes a container 912, a closure 913 coupled to container 912 and a photochromic material 966 contained in container 912. The photochromic material 966 can form part of an elongated element, taking the form of a rod that has an end base 982 supported by a base of container 912. For example, the base end of the stem can be welded to an inner surface of container base 915, for example, while one or both containers 912 are hot enough to fully connect corresponding surfaces of the same. In other examples, the base end 982 of the stem may be adhered to, fixed or otherwise coupled to the base 915 of the container 912. The stem may include one or more brand reinforcement elements 966a, 966b, 966c, 966d, for example , logos, initials or similar.
[00111] In front of the base end 982, the stem may include a finishing end 984. In one embodiment, the finishing end 984 can be coupled to, or an integral portion of, an anti-fill dispensing fitting 986 or the like. Such fittings are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and any suitable fitting can be used. The socket 986 can be non-removably attached to the container 912 by means of the element 966 and / or by any suitable non-removable connection between the socket 986 and the neck container 920. In other embodiments, the finishing end 984 can be attached to or it can include an element that can be expanded, for example, like that of Figure 1, to support the rod.
[00112] In one embodiment, the stem portions can be masked and previously exposed to UV light, for example, to better define the brand reinforcement elements. In other embodiments, the stem portions can be covered with a UV protector, for example, to provide or better define a security measure against anti-counterfeiting. For example, a mask or stencil can be applied to the stem, after which UV light can be applied to the stem to darken exposed portions of the stem, or a UV protective coating can be applied to the exposed portions.
[00113] The product P contained in container 912 may be of a type that tends to absorb UV light. Some volatile parts of substances to be subjected to distillation, for example, cognac, Scotch whiskey and the like, absorb a lot of the UV spectrum and can be used as the UV protector for the 966 photochromic material. Consequently, as shown in Figure 24, a upper portion of the stem above the t-level of product P is shown darkened by exposure to UV light that travels through container 912, but other portions (excluding previously exposed portions) of the stem below the level of product P are not yet darkened due to the fact that product P protects the stem from UV exposure. Photochromic materials 966 thus provide an indication of the use of the 910 package.
[00114] In other modalities, despite not being illustrated in Figure 24, the package can include a UV light source that can be used to activate the photochromic material. For example, a light source can be contained by the neck 920 and can be activated by removing the closure, for example, as discussed above in relation to Figure 4B. In another example, a light source can be contained by a flotation device like the one described above in relation to Figure 5.
[00115] Figures 25A to 25E illustrate another illustrative modality of a 1010 package. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1 to 24 and the similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements along the lines. various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00116] With reference to Figure 25A, package 1010 includes a container 1012, a closure 1013 coupled to container 1012 and a photosensitive material 1066, which may include a continuous strip or a plurality of discrete and separate portions or elements 1066a-e on an outer surface of the container 1012 axially along the container 1012. As used herein, the term "photosensitive" includes, by design intent, the properties of visible darkening or imaging after exposure to UV light.
[00117] In one embodiment, photosensitive materials 1066a-e can be contained in a smaller circumferential portion of container 1012, in other words, less than half the circumference of container 1012. For example, photosensitive materials 1066a-e can be contained on a circumferential side of a multi-sided container or on a portion of a cylindrical container less than 180 degrees around the container 1012 and, more particularly, about 90 degrees of the container 1012. In other embodiments, the photosensitive materials 1066a -e can be contained circumferentially completely around the container 1012, for example, in which each of the materials 1066a-e is selectively protected against UV, for example, with selective UV protection coatings.
[00118] The product P contained in container 1012 may be of a type that tends to absorb UV light, for example, brandy, Scotch whiskey or the like. Consequently, as shown in Figure 25A, a superior material among materials 1066a above the level of product P is shown darkened by exposure to UV light that travels through container 1012, a second material among materials 1066b is partially darkened and the others 1066c-e elements below the level of product P are not yet darkened due to the fact that product P protects those portions from UV exposure. The 1066 photosensitive materials thus provide an indication of the use of the 1010 package.
[00119] Referring now to Figure 25B, each of the materials 1066a-e can include a plurality of layers. For example, a first layer 1090 of a first photosensitive material can be contained on an outer surface 1017a of a wall 1017 of the container glass 1012, and a second layer 1092 of a second photosensitive material, which may be different from the first photosensitive material. , can be contained by the first layer 1090. The first layer 1090 can be a layer of evidence of forgery or tampering, and the second layer 1092 can be a layer of indication of use or opening. The first and second layers 1090, 1092 can have different activation modes. For example, the first 1090 layer can be photothermochromic, while the second 1090 layer can be photochromic.
[00120] In the first instance, the exposure of the first layer 1090 to UV light can produce a latent image that is not visible until heated to a point where the first layer 1090 becomes irreversibly darkened and, therefore, visible. In other words, the material of the first 1090 layer can be responsive to exposure to UV light in order to form a latent image that can be darkened or otherwise made visible after exposure to heat, for example, at elevated temperatures below temperature softening of the glass to which the photothermochromic material is applied and, preferably, below a readjustment temperature of the photochromic material. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such temperatures are application specific and will vary widely depending on the particular photosensitive materials selected and the particular glass substrate on which the materials are applied. In one example, exposing the entire first layer 1090 to UV light can produce a latent dark surface on the first layer 1090 until the first layer 1090 is heated. In another example, when the first 1090 layer includes latent commercial warning symbols, exposing the first 1090 layer to UV light will produce a latent alert image until the first 1090 layer is heated. Consequently, as used in this document, the term "photothermochromic" includes, by design intent, the property of visible darkening after exposure to UV light and subsequent exposure to heat.
[00121] In contrast, exposing the second layer 1092 to UV light can darken the layer 1092 irreversibly under common conditions, either from a UV light source (not shown) contained by container 1012 or a base (not shown), therefore, or by ambient UV light. However, the first 1090 layer would remain translucent or transparent under such conditions. However, if a counterfeiter violates container 1012 under extraordinary conditions, for example, melting a socket or otherwise applying heat to container 1012, then the first layer 1090 would react by irreversibly darkening to provide evidence of such misuse or extraordinary conditions. Consequently, as used in this document, the term "photochromic" includes, by design intent, the property of visible darkening after exposure to UV light, in which subsequent exposure to heat is not necessary. In addition, as used herein, the term "visible" includes visible to the human eye from a distance in indirect sunlight.
[00122] Referring to Figures 25C, 25D and 25E, in some embodiments, materials 1066a-e may include portions of contrast. For example, 1066a-e materials can be selectively previously exposed to UV light, selectively covered with ACL material and / or can be selectively covered with a UV protector. For example, a branding image can be defined, for example, a logo, brand name, slogan or the like. In another example, latent business symbols can be established, for example, latent warning symbols. In a first example, with reference to Figure 25C, a mask or stencil can be applied to materials 1066a-e (for example, the second layers 1092 of them) and, after that, UV light can be applied to materials 1066a-e to darken unmasked or exposed parts of each of the 1066a-e materials to produce a brand reinforcement image. In this example, when package 1010 is opened and material 1066a is exposed to UV light, portions of material 1066a that have not been previously exposed darken, thereby causing the brand reinforcement image to disappear. In a second example, with reference to Figure 25D, materials 1066a-e (for example, second layers 1092 thereof) can be selectively covered by a UV protector, to create latent warning symbols, for example, "WARNING: The Container Has Been Opened ", any other appropriate text, symbol or the like. The alert statement is latent due to the fact that it is not visible until the second 1092 layer is exposed to UV light. In a third example, with reference to Figure 25E, a UV protection coating can be selectively applied to materials 1066a-e (for example, the first 1090 layers thereof) for UV protection portions of materials 1066a-e to or provide a latent enhancement image or to provide latent warning symbols. More particularly, the first 1090 layer may have a contrast portion that does not darken by darkening other portions of the first 1090 layer. For example, the contrast portion may include latent warning symbols, for example, "WARNING: The Container Violated "or any other appropriate text, symbol, or the like. The latent warning symbols are latent due to the fact that they are not visible until the first 1090 layer is exposed to high temperatures that cause the portions not protected against UV to darken. The selective application of the contrast material may include the use of masks, stencils, screens, spray nozzles, spray heads or the like. The portion previously exposed to or UV protected from the contrast portion may be adjacent to (for example surrounded by, or vice versa) an unexposed or uncovered portion to provide contrast.
[00123] In other modalities, the alert symbols or other latent or other symbols can be established by the shape or outline of the materials 1066. In other words, the layer (s), the emblems and the like can be conformed as any appropriate symbol or similar, so that masking and the like is not necessary.
[00124] The first layer 1090 may include a first glass containing metal halide, and the second layer 1092 may include a second glass containing metal halide which may be different from the first glass containing metal halide. For example, the photothermochromic material of the first layer 1090 may include a metal halide material, which may include silver and / or gold with chlorine, bromine and / or iodine halides. The photothermochromic material may include any suitable material selected from the group (s) consisting of the materials mentioned above, or from any (any) other suitable material (s) ) photothermochromic (s). Photothermochromic materials, themselves, and their application to glass, are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, as illustrated by US Patents 2,515,936 and 2,515,937. In addition, the photosensitive material of the second layer 1092 may include any other suitable metal halide material, which may include silver, copper and / or cadmium with chlorine halide, bromine halide and / or iodine halide. The photochromic material may include any suitable material selected from the group (s) consisting of the materials mentioned above or from any other suitable photochromic material (s) ( s).
[00125] Layers 1090, 1092 can be produced and applied by ACL or in a similar way to ACL, whose sets of procedures - the ones themselves - are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a glass containing metal halide can be produced, sprayed onto fine glass particles and combined with lubricants, fluidizing agents, organic binders, and the like to produce a compound that can be heated and flowed out of the 1012 container with use of screen printing or any other suitable procedure set. Thereafter, container 1012 with layers 1090, 1092 in it can be heat treated, for example, through a decorative Lehr oven to sinter the glass particles of layers 1090, 1092 in container 1012. Layers 1090, 1092 they can be produced and applied in any other appropriate manner using any (any) other set (s) of appropriate procedures (s).
[00126] In one embodiment, the entire exterior of container 1012 may contain a UV protector, for example, a liner, a sleeve or the like. In this modality, although not shown in Figure 25A or 25B, the 1012 package can include a UV light source that can be used to activate the photosensitive material (s), as in any of the mentioned modalities previously. In other embodiments, a UV protector may include a UV protective coating or the like selectively applied to the exterior of container 1012 over individual elements 1066a-b, and may also include a whiskey, cognac or other UV-absorbing product contained by the 1012 container to provide additional UV protection.
[00127] For example, as shown in Figure 25B, the UV protector may include a third layer 1094 contained by the second layer 1092. The third layer 1094 may include a translucent or transparent UV protection coating that can be sprayed, printed on canvas or similar in container 1012 on the second layer 1092. Or the third layer 1094 may include glass containing vanadium which is sprayed and applied over the other two layers 1090, 1092 by printing on canvas or the like, and then synergized with the two other layers 1090, 1092. Or the third layer 1094 may include a curable dark-colored ink that inhibits UV transmission.
[00128] Referring to Figure 25A, in an additional modality, the UV protection coating or similar can be selectively applied to the outside of the 1012 container only on the one side (or angular degree portion circumferentially less than 180) of the container 1012 on which the individual elements 1066a-b are arranged. In any of these modalities, whiskey, cognac or other UV-absorbing products would prevent UV light from reaching 1066 materials until the level of the product falls below the location of 1066 photosensitive materials. At that time, ambient UV light can penetrate the non-UV protected walls of the 1012 container and focus on the back of the 1066a-e photosensitive materials and thereby darken those portions.
[00129] In any case, the UV protector can be used to protect the photothermochromic material (in addition to the photochromic material) from exposure to UV light.
[00130] Figure 26 illustrates another illustrative modality of a package 1110. This modality is similar in many aspects to the modalities of Figures 1 to 25E and similar numbers between the modalities designate, in general, similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawings figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00131] Package 1110 includes a container 1112, a closure 1113 coupled to container 1112 and a UV protector 1170, which can be a protective cover against UV or opaque or an application applied to an outer surface of container 1112 and which can include a UV protection material that has at least one portion that is removable from the 1112 container. The 1170 protector may include a product label. In the illustrated embodiment, the application can include a first portion 1188 that can be adhered or otherwise attached to the container, and a second portion 1190 that can be removably attached to the container via the first portion 1188. For example, the second portion portion 1190 can be removably attached to the first portion 1188. The first portion 1188 may have an opening 1192 on which the second portion 1190 can be seated. Removing the second portion 1190 exposes aperture 1192 to allow the previously unexposed portion of container 1112 to be exposed to UV light.
[00132] In one embodiment, the inside of the 1112 container contains a UV protector and the outside of the 1112 container contains a photochromic material. For example, a UV protective coating can be applied to the inner side of container 1112 and a photochromic coating can be applied to the outer side of container 1112. In another example, the inner portion of container 1112 is partially composed of a protective material against UV, and the outer portion of container 1112 is partially composed of a photochromic material. In addition, according to this modality, the UV protector 1170 is applied to the outside of the container 1112, and the rest of the outside of the container 1112 is exposed to UV light to darken the outer container. The portion of the container 1112 covered by the UV protector 1170 remains not darkened. Container 1112 can be filled with product and delivered to a consumer. In other embodiments, a whiskey, cognac or other UV-absorbing product can be contained in container 1112 to provide additional UV protection. Before the consumer opens the 1110 package, the consumer can peel the 1170 UV protector to expose the previously unexposed portion of the 1112 container to UV light. The UV light can be ambient UV light or it can be UV light provided by an external device, for example, as shown in relation to Figures 20 and 21.
[00133] Figure 27 illustrates another illustrative modality of a 1210 package. This modality is similar in many respects to the modalities of Figures 1 to 26 and similar numbers between the modalities generally mean similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00134] Package 1210 is substantially similar to that revealed above in relation to Figure 26, including container 1112 of Figure 26. However, package 1210 includes a closure 1213 and a UV protector 1214 that covers at least a portion of a neck 1220 from the container 1112 and attached to the closure 1213 in such a way that removal of the closure 1213 causes the removal of the UV protector 1214. Consequently, when a customer opens the package 1210, the displacement of the closure 1213 in relation to the container 1112 will peel the protector against UV 1214 to expose the previously unexposed underlying portion of container 1112 to UV light. If the underlying portion of container 1112 is already darkened, then the consumer will know that the product is counterfeit. Otherwise, the consumer will be guaranteed that the product is genuine and original.
[00135] Figure 28 illustrates another illustrative modality of a 1310 package. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1-27 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawings figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00136] Package 1310 includes a container 1312, a closure 1313 is container 1312, and a product fills container 1312. Package 1310 can also include a drop-style indicator of package opening 1314 contained by container 1312. As will be discussed in further detail below, indicator 1314 contains multiple photosensitive materials 1366a, 1366b, for example, a first photosensitive material 1366a and a second photosensitive material 1366b. the first 1366a photosensitive material can be photothermochromic and the second 1366b photosensitive material can be photochromic. In addition, at least one of container 1312 or indicator 1314 contains a UV protector to protect 1366a photosensitive materials, b from exposure to external UV light, for example, prior to consumer use of the 1310 package.
[00137] Container 1312 may include a neck 1320 that includes a rim 1322 and an inner surface 1326, a finish that may include an outer surface 1328 and one or more threads or threads of thread 1330 protruding from the outer surface 1328, or similar to attach to lock 1313.
[00138] Closure 1313 may include a base wall 1332, an annular outer skirt 1334 extending from base wall 1332 and having one or more internal threads or threads 1336 protruding from an internal surface of the same for coupling to container 1312, and an indicator coupler 1338 that extends axially from the base wall 1332 radially towards the outer skirt 1334. Coupler 1338 may include a floating shape for retaining indicator 1314 at closing 1313 at least in resistance to the weight of indicator 1314.
[00139] Indicator 1314 may include a body 1340, a locking coupling portion 1342 extending from body 1340 for coupling to locking coupler 1338 and a resilient member 1344 contained by body 1340 for fixing and receiving non-removably within of container 1312 as previously described above in relation to one or more other embodiments. The locking coupling portion 1342 is illustrated as being detachably coupled to the lock 1313 by a floating fit with the floating shape coupler 1338 of the lock 1313, but can be removably coupled to it in any other suitable manner. The body 1340 can be a construction of multiple parts that have portions adhered, welded or otherwise coupled together to allow assembly around materials 1366a, b, or body 1340 can be unitary and formed around materials 1366a, b .
[00140] In any case, the indicator 1314 may contain the lighting circuit 50 previously discussed above, or any other suitable lighting circuit and that includes the light source 60. The highlight of the indicator 1314 of the lock 1313, or the proximity of the indicator 1314 the other portion of container 1312, activates light source 60, for example, as previously discussed above. In turn, the light emitted from the light source 60 falls on the photosensitive material 1366b in order to darken the photosensitive material 1366b to signal to a consumer that the package 1310 has been opened from its original factory sealed condition.
[00141] Photosensitive materials can include the first photosensitive material 1366a contained in indicator 1314, and the second photosensitive material 1366b contained in indicator 1314 and different from the first photosensitive material. The first material 1366a can be an element of evidence of forgery or tampering and the second material 1366b can be an element of indication of use or openness.
[00142] The first and second materials 1366a, 1366b can have different activation modes. For example, exposing the first material 1366a to UV light can produce a latent image that is not visible until it is heated to a point where the first material 1366a becomes irreversibly darkened and therefore visible. The second material 1366b can, upon exposure to UV light, darken irreversibly under common conditions, from a source of UV light contained by the container or a base for it, while the first material 1366a would remain translucent or transparent. However, if a counterfeiter violated container 1312, for example, trying to fuse or otherwise heat container 1312, then the first material 1366a would react by darkening irreversibly to provide evidence of such misuse or extraordinary conditions. The first material 1366a may include a first metal halide, and the second material 1366b may include a second metal halide, which may be different from the first metal halide. The halides can be coatings applied to the elements or they can be part of the composition of the elements themselves.
[00143] One or both the first and the second materials 1366a, 1366b may have a contrast portion, for example, masked or previously exposed to UV light or covered with a UV protector to create a brand reinforcement image, for example , a logo, a brand name, a slogan or similar, or the latent warning symbols, as previously described above.
[00144] Figure 29 illustrates another illustrative modality of a 1410 package. This modality is similar in many respects to the modalities of Figures 1-28 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawings figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00145] Package 1410 is similar to package 1310 of Figure 28, with the exception that an indicator 1414 includes a multi-piece body 1440 constructed of multiple photosensitive materials different from one another. Body 1440 includes a first portion 1466a, and a second portion 1466b adhered, welded or otherwise coupled to the first portion 1466a and which contains an illumination circuit, for example, the illumination circuit 50 discussed above above and which includes the source of light 60.
[00146] The first and second portions 1466a, 1466b may be composed of or may contain photosensitive materials that have different modes of activation. For example, exposing the first material of the first portion 1466a to UV light can produce a latent image that is not visible until it is heated to a point where the material becomes irreversibly darkened and, therefore, visible. The second material of the second portion 1466b can, upon exposure to UV light, darken irreversibly under ordinary conditions, from a source of UV light contained in the container or a base for it, while the first material 1466a remains translucent or transparent. The first portion 1466a may include a first material metal halide and the second portion 1466b may include a second material metal halide other than the first.
[00147] One or both the first and second portions 1466a, 1466b may have a contrast portion, for example, masked and previously exposed to UV light or covered with a UV protector to create a brand reinforcement image, for example , a logo, brand name, slogan or similar, or latent warning symbols, as previously described above.
[00148] Figure 30 illustrates another illustrative modality of a 1510 package. This modality is similar in many respects to the modalities of Figures 1 to 29 and similar numbers between the modalities designate, in general, similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawings figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00149] Package 1510 includes a closure 1513 coupled to a container 1512 and containing one or more photosensitive materials 1566a, 1566b. In one embodiment, the photosensitive materials 1566a, b can be integral with the container 1512, for example, internal or external convex or concave embossing of the container itself 1512. In other embodiments, the photosensitive materials 1566a, b can be part of elements separate or badges non-removably attached to an inner surface or an outer surface of the 1512 container in any suitable manner. In this embodiment, materials 1566a, 1566b can be separated from each other in an axial and / or circumferential direction in container 1512.
[00150] The first and second materials 1566a, 1566b can be composed of photosensitive materials or they can contain the same ones that have different activation modes. For example, exposing the first material 1566a to UV light can produce a latent image that is not visible until the 1566a material is heated to a point where the latent image becomes irreversibly darkened and, therefore, visible to the human eye. The second material 1566b can darken irreversibly to produce an image under common conditions, by exposing material 1566b to UV light from a source of UV light contained in the container or a base for it, or from ambient UV light that penetrates the non-UV-protected portions of the container. In that case, the first material 1566a would remain translucent or transparent until such time that the latent image becomes visible upon heating. The first material 1566a can include a first metal halide and the second material 1566b can include a second metal halide other than the first.
[00151] The first material 1566a can have a contrast portion, for example, a portion that is masked and previously exposed to UV light to create a latent image or a portion that is partially covered with a UV protector by means of that a latent image is created by exposing the material to UV light and by subsequently heating the material, the latent image transforms into an image that is visible to the human eye. The image may include latent warning symbols, as revealed elsewhere in this document.
[00152] The second material 1566b may have a contrast portion, for example, a portion that is masked and previously exposed to UV light to create an image or a portion that is partially covered with a UV protector whereby an image it is created by exposing the material to UV light, for example, using the package. The image may include a branding image, for example, a logo, a brand name, a slogan or the like, or latent warning symbols, or another visible image.
[00153] Figure 31 illustrates another illustrative modality of a 1610 package. This modality is similar in many respects to the modalities of Figures 1 to 30 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawings figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00154] The 1610 package includes a 1612 container that contains one or more photosensitive materials 1666a, 1666b. For example, container 1612 may include a wall 1617 with a radially inward depression in which materials 1666a, b can be contained. In one embodiment, photosensitive materials 1666a, b can be applied to container 1612 by ACL or any (any) other suitable set (s) of procedures. In other embodiments, the photosensitive materials 1666a, b may form part of separate elements or emblems contained non-removably by the container 1612 in any suitable manner. In this embodiment, materials 1666a, 1666b can be arranged on top of each other in a radial direction in container 1612 with respect to geometric axis UM.
[00155] The first and second materials 1666a, 1666b can have different activation modes. For example, exposure of the first material 1666a to UV light can produce a latent image that is not visible until it is heated to a point where the material becomes irreversibly darkened and, therefore, visible. The second material 1666b can, upon exposure to UV light, darken irreversibly under common conditions, from a source of UV light contained in the container or a base for it (or from ambient UV light), at the same time as the first material 1666a would remain translucent or transparent.
[00156] For example, a first material among materials 1666a may include a first metal halide material and may be contained in direct contact with the container wall 1617. In addition, a second material among materials 1666b may include a second halide metal, which can be different from the first metal halide and can be contained in direct contact with and on the first material 1666a and can also come in contact with the container.
[00157] One or both the first and the second materials 1666a, 1666b may have a contrast portion, for example, masked and previously exposed to UV light or covered with a UV protector to create a brand reinforcement image, for example , a logo, brand name, slogan or similar, or latent warning symbols, as previously described above.
[00158] Figure 32 illustrates another illustrative modality of a 1710 package. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1 to 31 and similar numbers between the modalities generally mean similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawing figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00159] Package 1710 includes a container 1712, a closure (not shown) attached to container 1712, a separate container base 1768 attached to container 1712, the previously described lighting circuit 50 that includes light source 60, any circuitry suitable for indicating package opening, for example, the package opening indicator previously described 51 and multiple photosensitive materials 1766a, b contained by the base 1768. Materials 1766a, b can be included on discs, rods or any other element shaped and contained by them that can generally extend transversely in relation to the geo-metric axis package A. Container 1712 may include its own integral base or closed bottom end 1715 to which the coupled base 1768 can be coupled or may include an open bottom end (not shown) to which the base 1768 can be attached. In any case, the coupled base 1768 can be non-removably coupled to the container 1712, for example, by means of an epoxy, ceramic adhesive, glass welding or soldering, or the like.
[00160] The light source 60 can be activated after removing the closure, for example, as previously discussed above in relation to one or more modalities. In turn, the light emitted from the light source 60 falls on the photosensitive material 1766b in order to darken the photosensitive material 1766b to signal a consumer that the package 1710 has been opened from its original factory sealed condition.
[00161] Photosensitive materials may include a first photosensitive material 1766a contained between base 1768 (and light source 60) and bottom 1715 of container 1712 and, a second photosensitive material 1766b contained between first material 1766a and the base 1768 (and the light source 60) and can be different from the first photosensitive material. The first material 1766a may be an element of evidence of forgery or tampering which includes a suitable metal halide, and the second material 1766b may be an indication of use or opening which includes another different metal halide.
[00162] The first and second materials 1766a, 1766b can be composed of photosensitive materials or they can contain the same ones that have different activation modes. For example, exposure of the first material 1766a to UV light can produce a latent image that is not visible until it is heated to a point where the material becomes irreversibly darkened and, therefore, visible. The second material 1766b can, upon exposure to UV light, darken irreversibly under common conditions, from a source of UV light contained by the container or a base for it, while the first material 1766a would remain translucent or transparent.
[00163] One or both the first and the second materials 1766a, 1766b may have a contrast portion, for example, masked or previously exposed to UV light or covered with a UV protector to create a brand reinforcement image, for example , a logo, brand name, slogan or similar, or latent warning symbols, as previously described above.
[00164] In addition, the 1768 base may contain a UV protector, for example, a UV protection coating on an external and / or internal surface of the 1768 base, or the UV protection material in the material composition itself base 1768. Likewise, the 1712 container can contain a UV protector for example, a UV protection coating on an external and / or internal surface of the same or the UV protection material in the material composition of the same .
[00165] Figure 33 illustrates another illustrative modality of an 1810 package. This modality is similar in many respects to the modalities of Figures 1 to 32 and similar numbers between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawings figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00166] Package 1810 includes a container 1812, a closure 1813 for container 1812 and a product (not shown) that fills container 1812. Package 1810 also includes a drop-down style indicator of package 1814 contained by container 1812 and which contains a lighting circuit, for example, the lighting circuit 50 and the light source 60 previously described.
[00167] Container 1812 contains multiple photosensitive materials. For example, a first photosensitive material 1866a can be contained on an interior or exterior surface of container 1812. In another example, container 1812 contains a second photosensitive material 1866b, by means of indicator 1814. The first and second materials 1866a, 1866b may be composed of photosensitive materials or may contain those that have different modes of activation. For example, exposing the first material 1866a to UV light can produce a latent image that is not visible until it is heated to a point where the material becomes irreversibly darkened and, therefore, visible. The second material 1866b can, upon exposure to UV light, darken irreversibly under common conditions, from a source of UV light contained by the container or a base for it, while the first material 1866a would remain translucent or transparent.
[00168] One or both the first and the second materials 1866a, 1866b may have a contrast portion, for example, masked and previously to UV light or covered with a UV protector to create a brand reinforcement image, for example, a logo, brand name, slogan or similar, or latent warning symbols, as previously described above.
[00169] In addition, at least one of the 1812 container or the 1814 indicator contains a UV protector to protect one or both of the 1866a photosensitive materials, b from exposure to external UV light, for example, before the initial opening of the 1810 package In this embodiment, the first photosensitive material 1866a may include a separate element composed of or coated with a first photosensitive material.
[00170] Figure 34 illustrates another illustrative modality of a 1910 package. This modality is similar in many ways to the modalities of Figures 1 to 33 and similar numbers between the modalities designate, in general, similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the drawings figures. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other and the description of the matter common to the modalities may, in general, not be repeated here.
[00171] The 1910 package includes a 1912 container and a 1913 closure attached to it and is largely similar to the 1810 package in Figure 33. However, in this embodiment, the 1912 container includes a first photosensitive material 1966a in the form of a sinter layer - use of material that can be produced and applied as already described above in relation to one or more other modalities. A second photosensitive material 1966b can be contained by a drop indicator 1914 in any suitable manner.
[00172] The first and second materials 1966a, 1966b can be composed of photosensitive materials or can contain the same ones that have different modes of activation. For example, exposure of the first material 1966a to UV light can produce a latent image that is not visible until it is heated to a point where the material becomes irreversibly darkened and, therefore, visible. The second 1966b material can, upon exposure to UV light, darken irreversibly under common conditions, from a source of UV light contained in the container or a base for it, while the first 1966a material would remain translucent or transparent.
[00173] One or both the first and the second materials 1966a, 1966b may have a contrast portion, for example, masked and previously exposed to UV light or covered with a UV protector to create a brand reinforcement image, for example , a logo, brand name, slogan or similar, or latent warning symbols, as previously described above.
[00174] In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, methods of producing and using a package are provided. The method for producing a package includes applying a photosensitive material to a container that is responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light in order to darken upon exposure, protecting at least a portion of the photosensitive material from exposure to UV light prior to the initial opening of the package. pack, fill the container with an original fluidizable product and apply a closure to the container. The method may also include attaching a package opening indicator to the closure before the closure is applied to the container, where the indicator is detachable from the closure by removing the closure from the container. The application step can include at least one of coating one or more surfaces of the container with a photosensitive material or composing at least a portion of the container of the photosensitive material. The protection step may include at least one of coating one or more surfaces of the container with UV protection material or composing at least a portion of the container of UV protection material. The protection step may include applying an application to an outer surface of the container that includes UV protection material and may additionally include attaching the application to the closure so that removal of the closure causes removal of the application.
[00175] The method of using the package produced by the above method may include removing the closure from the container and dispensing the fluidizable product out of the container, in which at least a portion of the photosensitive material is exposed to UV light by removing the closure. .
[00176] Therefore, a container, a product, a package and a method have been revealed that completely satisfy all the objectives and targets previously presented. The invention has been presented in conjunction with several illustrative modalities, and further modifications and variations have been discussed. Other modifications and variations will readily arise for individuals of ordinary skill in the art in view of the previous discussion. For example, the subject of each of the modalities is incorporated by reference to each of the other modalities, for the purpose of convenience.

权利要求:
Claims (22)
[0001]
1. Package that includes: a container (12; 112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 712: 1312; 1812; 1912) having an interior and a base (268), and a removable closure to close the container, including means for indicating that the package has been opened from its original factory condition, removing the closure from the container, whereby the means includes a drop indicator (14, 14 ', 114, 214, 314, 714, 1314, 1414, 18I4 1914 ) comprising a closure coupling portion that can be detachable to the closure and operationally coupled to the container so that it is designed for the container after removal of the closure characterized by the fact that the drop indicator is constructed at least in part of photochromic material.
[0002]
2. Package according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the means include: the drop indicator being attached to the closure to separate the closure when the closure is removed from the container, so that the fall indicator falls into the container and the drop indicator being constructed at least in part of the photochromic material to alter the appearance after exposure to ultraviolet light.
[0003]
3. Package according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that it includes a source of ultraviolet light to expose the drop indicator.
[0004]
4. Package according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the source of ultraviolet light is contained in the drop indicator.
[0005]
5. Package according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the fact that the source of ultraviolet light is inside the base.
[0006]
6. Package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that it includes a section of the photochromic material around an interior of the container.
[0007]
7. Package according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that it includes elements of the photochromic material on an internal or external surface of the container.
[0008]
8. Package according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the container is of photochromic construction.
[0009]
A package according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it includes a label on the container, the label having a removable portion.
[0010]
10. Package according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that the photochromic material is responsive to ultraviolet (UV) light, so as to darken with exposure to it; the package also comprising a source of UV light (60; 660; 860) carried by the container to illuminate the photochromic material.
[0011]
11. Package according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the UV light source is transported directly by the container.
[0012]
12. Package according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the UV light source is carried by a base of the container.
[0013]
13. Package according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the UV light source is contained in a recess in the base of the container.
[0014]
14. Package according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the source of UV light is transported indirectly by the container through a separate base coupled to the container.
[0015]
15. Package according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the UV light source is transported indirectly by the container by means of an opening indicator carried by the container and coupled to a closure that is coupled to the container and that is releasable from it after opening the package.
[0016]
16. Package according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises a photosensitive material carried by the container, which responds to UV light to form a latent image and darkens after exposure to heat to indicate tampering with the package.
[0017]
17. Package according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the photochromic material and the photosensitive material are supplied in several layers transported on an external surface of the container and have different modes of activation.
[0018]
18. Package according to claim 17, characterized in that the multiple layers include a first layer that includes a first metal halide containing glass carried directly by the container and a second layer that includes a second, different metal halide containing glass on the first layer.
[0019]
19. Package, according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that it includes a UV protector on the second layer.
[0020]
20. Package according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized by the fact that it includes materials spaced at least one axially or circumferentially apart.
[0021]
21. Package according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the photochromic material includes a metal halide which includes a metal selected from the group consisting of silver, copper and cadmium and which also includes a halide logenide selected from the group consisting of chromium, bromine and iodine, and the photosensitive material includes a photothermochromic material different from the photochromic material and including a different metal halide that includes a metal selected from the group consisting of silver and gold and which also includes a halide selected from the group consisting of chromium, bromine and iodine.
[0022]
22. Package according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that the UV protector is transported by the container to also protect the photothermochromic material from exposure to UV light.

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法律状态:
2018-11-21| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-11-05| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2020-12-08| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-01-26| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 05/11/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US13/679,506|US9365314B2|2012-11-16|2012-11-16|Product and package with a photosensitive use-evident feature|

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US13/679,506|2012-11-16|

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PCT/US2013/068472|WO2014078128A1|2012-11-16|2013-11-05|Product and package with a photosensitive use-evident feature|

---