Tamper evident packaging

Abstract

A security packaging that provides a multi-panel packaging structure that displays a visual indication if package tampering has occurred.

1 . A method for forming a tamper evident packaging comprising:
 providing a first panel having an opening therein, the panel including a first surface and an opposing second surface;   locating a first stretch film layer onto the first surface of the first panel so that at least a portion of the first stretch film layer lies in direct planar contact with the first surface and at least a portion of the first stretch film layer covers the opening;   locating an item within the opening and onto the first stretch film layer so that at least a portion of the item lies in direct planar contact with the first stretch film layer;   locating a second stretch film layer onto the item so that at least a portion of the second stretch film layer has in direct planar contact with the item and at least a portion of the second stretch film layer lies in direct planar contact with the first stretch film layer;   locating a second panel onto the second stretch film layer such that the second panel is in direct opposing relationship with the first panel but is not in direct contact with the first panel;   applying heat to the packaging to shrink and seal the first and second stretch film layers about the item.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  including applying an adhesive layer located between one or more panels and the first or second stretch film layer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , including forming an opening in the second panel so that the item can be viewed within the packaging. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein after heating, the first and second stretch film layers do not extend beyond any edge of the first and second panel. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the item cannot be removed from an assembled packaging without rupturing a surface of the first or second stretch film layer. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  including forming a third panel in the packaging. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  including applying a magnetic stripe onto the second surface of the first panel. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  including applying a magnetic stripe onto the second surface of the second panel. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  including applying a magnetic stripe onto the second surface of the third panel. 
     
     
         10 . A packaging comprising:
 a first panel having an opening therein, the panel including a first surface and an opposing second surface;   a first stretch film layer applied onto the first surface of the first panel so that at least a portion of the first stretch film layer lies in direct planar contact with the first surface and at least a portion of the first stretch film layer covers the opening;   an item located within the opening and onto the first stretch film layer so that at least a portion of the item lies in direct planar contact with the first stretch film layer;   a second stretch film layer applied onto the item so that at least a portion of the second stretch film layer lies in direct planar contact with the item and at least a portion of the second stretch film layer lies in direct planar contact with the first stretch film layer;   a second panel located onto the second stretch film layer such that the second panel is in direct opposing relationship with the first panel but is not in direct contact with the first panel.   
     
     
         11 . The packaging of  claim 10 , wherein an adhesive layer is located between one or more panels and the first or second stretch film layer. 
     
     
         12 . The packaging of  claim 10 , wherein an opening is formed in the second panel so that the item can be viewed within the packaging. 
     
     
         13 . The packaging of  claim 10 , wherein after heating, the first and second stretch film layers do not extend beyond any edge of the first and second panel. 
     
     
         14 . The packaging of  claim 10 , wherein the item cannot be removed from an assembled packaging without rupturing a surface of the first or second stretch film layer. 
     
     
         15 . The packaging of  claim 10 , wherein a third panel is included in the packaging. 
     
     
         16 . A method for forming a tamper evident packaging composing:
 die-cutting a first inner layer of a first panel of a packaging, wherein a second outer layer of the first panel remains uncut;   die-cutting a first inner layer of a second panel of a packaging, wherein a second outer layer of the second panel remains uncut;   locating an item onto one of the first panel or second panel;   adhering the first panel and second panel to one another so that the item is located in between the first panel and second panel.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the die-cutting of the first inner layers forms a plurality of patterned cuts into the first inner layers. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the die-cutting of the first inner layers forms a plurality of patterned cuts that extend to one or more terminal edges of the first layers. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first panel and second panel are adhered to on another by an adhesive located along one or more terminal edges of the first panel, the second panel, or both. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein upon opening an adhered packaging, an imprint of the die-cutting of the first inner layers is visible upon one or more of the second outer layer.