Tamper-evident device

Abstract

A device adapted to provide evidence of tampering. The device comprises a sleeve and an insert that is positioned within the sleeve. The insert comprises a flap that is movable between a closed position and an open position. In particular, the flap is adapted to move from a closed position to an open position when the position of the sleeve relative to the insert is changed a predetermined amount to try to open the container. As a result, an open position of the flap would readily indicate tampering to a user. A system comprising a tray adapted to receive at least one said device is also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device adapted to provide evidence of tampering with a container, said device comprising:
 a sleeve; and   an insert positioned within said sleeve, said insert comprising a body and a flap;   wherein a position of said sleeve relative to said insert is adapted to be changed a predetermined amount to try to open a container such that said sleeve is adapted to engage said flap and cause said flap to move from a closed position to an open position;   wherein an open position of said flap is adapted to indicate tampering.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein:
 said sleeve comprises a first end and a second end; 
 said first end defines a first opening in which said insert is positioned; and 
 said second end comprises a wall that extends inwardly from an outside of said sleeve to define a second opening, said second opening configured to allow said device to be positioned over an opening of a container. 
 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein an interior of said sleeve defines at least one ledge that is adapted to engage said flap to facilitate indication of tampering. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein said at least one ledge extends completely around said interior of said sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3  wherein said at least one ledge extends only partially around said interior of said sleeve. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 3  wherein said interior of said sleeve defines a first said ledge and a second said ledge. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein said first said ledge is adapted to engage said flap to facilitate indication of tampering. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6  wherein:
 said second ledge is adapted to allow a sufficient amount of movement of said sleeve relative to said insert in order to allow for activation of evidence of tampering; and 
 said second said ledge is adapted to engage said insert to retain said insert in said sleeve during operation of said device. 
 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein:
 said body of said insert defines an opening that is adapted to be positioned over an opening of a container. 
 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9  wherein said flap is rotatably connected to said body. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9  wherein said body further comprises at least one prong that is adapted to facilitate positioning and retention of said insert in said sleeve. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said at least one prong is adapted to flex inwardly toward a portion of said body that defines said opening in order to facilitate positioning of said insert in said sleeve. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said at least one prong has a beveled surface that facilitates positioning and retention of said insert in said sleeve. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  wherein a proximal portion of said beveled surface protrudes outward to facilitate resistance against said insert backing out of said sleeve. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a trap associated with said body, said trap adapted to receive and retain a portion said flap to facilitate additional evidence of tampering. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15  wherein:
 said trap is adapted to receive said portion of said flap when said flap is in said closed position; and 
 said trap is adapted to retain said portion of said flap when said flap moves to said open position; 
 wherein retention of said portion of said flap in said trap is additional evidence of tampering. 
 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15  wherein trap is slidably positioned in said body. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 15  wherein:
 an upper surface of said body defines a track; and 
 said trap comprises at least one flange that retains said trap in said track during operation of said device. 
 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 15  wherein:
 said trap comprises at least one prong that forms an opening; and 
 said at least one prong facilitates reception and retention of said portion of said flap in said opening of said trap. 
 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19  wherein:
 said at least prong comprises a beveled surface that extends downwardly from a top portion of said at least one prong; 
 said beveled surface is adapted to allow said portion of said flap to slide into said opening of said trap for said flap to be in said closed position; and 
 a downward angle of said beveled surface facilitates retention of said portion of said flap in said opening of said trap when said flap is moved to said open position. 
 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 15  wherein said portion of said flap is a protrusion that is mushroom-shaped. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 15  wherein said trap is an integral portion of said body.