Pilfer resistant software package

• US 4,635,797 A
• Filed: 12/26/1985
• Issued: 01/13/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 12/26/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bankier Companies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Bankier Companies, Inc.
• Inventors: Bankier, Jack D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Price, William
• Assistant Examiner(s): FIDEI, DAVID
• Application Number:
  US06/813,469
• Time in Patent Office: 383 Days
• Field of Search: 206/37, 206/216, 206/311, 206/312, 206/387, 206/425, 206/444, 206/450, 206/459, 206/472, 206/473, 206/474, 206/475, 206/486, 206/612, 206/621, 206/626, 206/807, 206/461 , 206/470, 220/334, 220/337, 220/339
• US Class Current: 206/472
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 23/02 Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/04 modified to store record carriers containers, storing means adapted for cooperation with the recording or reproducing apparatus G11B23/02

Abstract

A software package comprises a folded structure including a pair of molded, complemental sheets connected to a hinged base. The sheets have peripheral, complemental stair-step edges for closing the package with complemental, releasable latches. The software is sealed between one of the molded sheets and the base with access thereto being provided by way of a frangible flap, while the related information is either sealed behind the other molded sheet or is at least partially behind the other molded sheet and secured to the base. Both molded sheets are preferably constructed of a clear material for easy viewing by a perspective customer.

Claims

1. A software package comprising:

a base including a first section, a second section and a hinge between said first and second sections;

a software structure carried on said first section and software-related material carried on said second section;

first pocket means covering said software structure and including a peripheral flange sealed to said first section of said base to define a first storage section, and frangible access means for access to said software structure, said first pocket means further comprising a molded sheet including a pocket shaped to receive said software structure, and said frangible access means comprising a flap defined by frangible scores in said molded sheet and including a bubble in said molded sheet having an aperture therethrough;

second pocket means covering said software related material and including a peripheral flange sealed to said second section of said base to define a second storage section; and

first and second cooperable latch means carried by said first and second storage sections, respectively, for releasably latching said storage sections together with said first and second pocket means pivoted towards one another.

2. The software package of claim 1, wherein:

said hinge comprises a pair of parallel embossments in said base adjacent said sealed peripheral flanges.

3. The software package of claim 1, wherein:

said base comprises a radio frequency weldable material; and

said first and second pocket means comprise radio frequency weldable material welded to said base at their respective peripheral flanges.

4. The software package of claim 3, wherein:

said base comprises a polyvinylchloride coated paperboard; and

said first and second pocket means comprise polyvinylchloride material.

5. The software package of claim 1, wherein:

said first and second pocket means each comprise a shaped peripheral projection extending away from said base and complemental to one another for mating in the closed condition of said package.

6. The software package of claim 5, wherein:

each of said shaped peripheral projections comprises walls defining a stairstep structure.

7. The software package of claim 1, wherein:

said software related information comprises indicia on said base; and

said second pocket means comprises a transparent section for viewing said indicia.

8. The software package of claim 1, wherein:

said software-related material comprises a sheet of printed matter; and

said second pocket means comprises a transparent section for viewing said printed matter.

9. The software package of claim 1, wherein:

said software-related material comprises a booklet including a rear cover; and

said second pocket means comprises a slot for receiving at least a portion of said rear cover therethrough to engage said second section of said base.

10. The software package of claim 9, wherein:

said second storage section comprises glue attaching said rear cover to said first section of said base.

11. The software package of claim 1, wherein:

said first latch means comprises first hook means;

said second latch means comprises second hook means for releasably engaging said first hook means; and

at least one of said hook means comprises resilient material for yieldably bypassing of said first and second latch means.