초록 ▼

A reliable and low cost indicator to be associated with a receptacle filled with dosage forms (e.g. over-the-counter drugs) and a corresponding method by which to quickly and easily warn a consumer that an unauthorized tampering may have occurred to the receptacle and the contents thereof. The tampe

A reliable and low cost indicator to be associated with a receptacle filled with dosage forms (e.g. over-the-counter drugs) and a corresponding method by which to quickly and easily warn a consumer that an unauthorized tampering may have occurred to the receptacle and the contents thereof. The tampering indicator is preferably either attached to or integrally formed with a seal at the underside of a removable receptacle cap. The tampering indicator comprises a fluid filled reservoir, a tab having a chemically treated indicator strip thereat, and a fluid path by which fluid from the reservoir communicates with the indicator strip. The indicator is engaged by the rim of the receptacle when the cap is positioned thereover by the dosage form manufacturer. Accordingly, fluid is forced from the reservoir into the fluid path. However, the fluid path is initially blocked at the engagement thereof by the receptacle rim. The tab and the indicator strip thereof extend outwardly from beneath the cap of the receptacle for providing the consumer with a visual indication in the event of an unauthorized removal of the cap from the receptacle. That is, should the cap be removed from the receptacle and the fluid path be moved out of engagement with the receptacle rim prior to a purchase by a consumer, whereupon tampering with the contents of the receptacle might occur, fluid from the supply thereof is permitted to flow via the fluid path to the chemically treated strip, whereby to cause the strip to assume a characteristic color that is indicative of a possible tampering condition.

대표청구항 ▼

An indicator to provide a warning of tampering with a receptacle, said indicator to be positioned between a cap for closing said receptacle and a rim of said receptacle through which the contents of the receptacle are loaded, said cap being removably connected to said receptacle at the rim thereof,

An indicator to provide a warning of tampering with a receptacle, said indicator to be positioned between a cap for closing said receptacle and a rim of said receptacle through which the contents of the receptacle are loaded, said cap being removably connected to said receptacle at the rim thereof, and said tampering indicator comprising: fluid supply means, fluid indication means responsive to and providing an indication of the presence of a fluid thereat, and fluid path means interconnecting said fluid supply means with said fluid indication means, said fluid supply means and said fluid path means being moved into engagement with the rim of said receptacle when the cap is connected thereto, so as to force fluid from said supply means into said path means, said fluid path means being blocked from communication with said indication means at the engagement of said path means by said receptacle rim, said fluid path means becoming unblocked to permit fluid to be conveyed to said fluid indication means in the event that the cap is removed from said receptacle and said fluid path means is disengaged from said receptacle rim.