WO2007137306A2 - A touch indicator - Google Patents

A touch indicator Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007137306A2
WO2007137306A2 PCT/ZA2007/000030 ZA2007000030W WO2007137306A2 WO 2007137306 A2 WO2007137306 A2 WO 2007137306A2 ZA 2007000030 W ZA2007000030 W ZA 2007000030W WO 2007137306 A2 WO2007137306 A2 WO 2007137306A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
touch sensitive
sensitive layer
touched
touch
covering
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2007/000030
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2007137306A3 (en
Inventor
Daniel Adam Polakow
Original Assignee
Daniel Adam Polakow
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Daniel Adam Polakow filed Critical Daniel Adam Polakow
Publication of WO2007137306A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007137306A2/en
Publication of WO2007137306A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007137306A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/29—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using visual detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/26—Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
    • A61L2/28—Devices for testing the effectiveness or completeness of sterilisation, e.g. indicators which change colour

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a touch indicator.
  • the invention relates to a method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched, to a touch indicator, to a method of packaging an obj ect and to a packaged obj ect.
  • a method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched including covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer, the touch sensitive layer being arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, the touch sensitive layer can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch sensitive layer has changed visibly thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change its transmittance in response to being touched.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include adhesively securing the touch sensitive layer on the surface of the object.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the object entirely with a touch sensitive material.
  • Covering the object entirely with a touch sensitive material may include placing the object in a container formed of a touch sensitive material.
  • Placing the object in a container formed of a touch sensitive material may include placing the object in a bag formed of a touch sensitive material.
  • the method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched may further include covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with a touch sensitive layer.
  • Covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the object with a plastics cover.
  • Covering the object with a plastics cover may include covering the object with a transparent plastics cover.
  • Covering the object with a protective cover may include wrapping the object in a protective film. Wrapping the object in a protective film may include wrapping the object in a protective film of plastics material.
  • Wrapping the object in a protective film of plastics material may include wrapping the object in a protective film of transparent plastics material.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer, the touch sensitive layer being arranged to change visibly in response to being touched may include covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin may include covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to a chemical reaction with human skin when touched by human skin.
  • a touch indicator which includes a touch sensitive layer arranged to be positioned to cover a surface of an object and to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, when the touch sensitive layer has been positioned to cover the surface of the object, the touch sensitive layer can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch sensitive layer has change visibly thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched.
  • the touch sensitive layer may be arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
  • the touch sensitive layer may be arranged to change in transmittance in response to being touched.
  • the touch sensitive layer may be arranged to change in brightness in response to being touched.
  • the touch sensitive layer may be arranged to cover part of the surface of the object.
  • the touch indicator may include an adhesive surface arranged to enable the touch sensitive layer to be adhesively secured to a surface of an object.
  • the touch indicator may be arranged to cover the object entirely with a touch sensitive layer.
  • the touch indicator may be in the form of a container for containing the object, the touch sensitive layer being defined across an operatively outer surface of the container.
  • the container may be in the form of a bag in which the object can be positioned.
  • the touch indicator may be in the form of a strip of touch sensitive material arranged to change visibly in response to being touched.
  • the touch indicator may be in the form of a sheet of touch sensitive material arranged to change visibly in response to being touched.
  • the touch sensitive layer may be arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin.
  • the touch sensitive layer may be arranged to change visibly in response to a chemical reaction with human skin when touched by human skin.
  • the touch sensitive layer may have been formed by exposing a material to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
  • the touch sensitive layer may have been formed by exposing a reverse osmosis membrane defining a polyamide coating to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
  • a method of packaging an object including covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer, the touch sensitive layer being arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, the touch sensitive layer can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch sensitive layer has changed visibly, thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched, and covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with the touch sensitive layer.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in transmittance in response to being touched.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in brightness in response to being touched.
  • Covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with the touch sensitive layer may include covering the object with a protective cover in the form of a plastics cover.
  • Wrapping the object in a protective film may include wrapping the object in a protective film in the form of a plastics film.
  • Wrapping the object in a protective film may include wrapping the object in a protective film in the form of a transparent film.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin may include covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to a chemical reaction with human skin when touched by human skin.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer which has been formed by exposing a material to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
  • Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer which has been formed by exposing a reverse osmosis membrane defining a polyamide coating to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
  • a packaged object including an object, a touch indicator covering a surface of the object and arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, the touch indicator can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch indicator has changed visually thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched and a protective cover covering the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
  • the touch indicator may be arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
  • the touch indicator may be arranged to change in transmittance in response to being touched.
  • the touch indicator may be arranged to change in brightness in response to being touched.
  • the protective cover may be of a plastics material.
  • the protective cover may be transparent.
  • the protective cover may include a protective film wrapped over the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
  • the protective cover may include a protective plastics film wrapped over the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
  • the protective cover may include a transparent protective plastics film wrapped over the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
  • Figure IA to ID show schematic diagrams showing an object being packaged in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic side sectional view of part of a touch indicator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS 3 A and 3B show schematic diagrams showing an object being packaged in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a touch indicator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention being applied to an object.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a touch indicator which changes visibly in response to being touched, such as, by human skin, for example, and which can be inspected visually to determine whether or not an object to which the touch indicator is applied, has been touched.
  • the touch indicator can be arranged to change visibly by changing in colour, in brightness, in transmittance, or the like, for example.
  • the touch indicator can typically be arranged to perform an explicit chemical reaction in response to being touched by human skin thereby to change visibly.
  • the touch indicator can change colour, hi another embodiment, the touch indicator can change from a colour to generally transparent, or vice versa. In another embodiment, the touch indicator can change from opaque to translucent, or vice versa.
  • the touch indicator can change from opaque to transparent to a colour, or vice versa. In this way, it can readily be determined whether or not the object has been handled, touched, fingered, used, or the like, or generally whether or not the object has made contact with human skin.
  • the touch indicator can be used to determine whether or not the object has been touched in the field of security interests, safety concerns, hygiene or sanitary reasons, or for inquisitive appeal, or the like.
  • the touch indicator In the case where the touch indicator is arranged to change visibly by changing in transmittance, the touch indicator can change in degree of transparency, or opacity, or the like, for example.
  • the touch indicator can be applied to objects to determine whether or not such objects have been tampered with.
  • the touch indicator can be applied to courier parcels, food packages, cosmetic packages, medical packages, sterile packages, forensic evidence, sensitive documents, and the like.
  • the touch indicator can serve as a confirmation of non-contamination by human skin, for example, by skin-transmitted pathogens, or other skin transmitted chemicals, oils/fats (sebum), amino acids, reactants, and/or the like. Accordingly, the touch indicator can be arranged to react to any one, or more, of such substances upon contact so as to change visibly.
  • the touch indicator can be applied to laboratory equipment to determine whether or not such equipment has been touched previously.
  • the laboratory equipment can be packaged in its entirety in a touch indicator in the form of a container, such as a bag, or the like, of a touch sensitive material. Accordingly, should a purchaser buy the equipment and the bag has not discoloured, this can indicate to the purchaser that the equipment has not been touched since it was packaged. Only a part of the equipment can be touch-sensitive. In such a case, that part of the equipment can be wrapped in a touch-sensitive material. Instead, the part of the equipment can be contained by a touch indicator in the form of a bag, a strip, or the like.
  • the laboratory equipment can be contained in a container, or package, or the like, in a sterile condition, where appropriate.
  • the equipment can have one or more touch indicators secured thereto, or can be contained in a bag, or the like, of touch sensitive material, within an outer container, or package. Accordingly, when a purchaser buys the equipment, removes the equipment from its container, or package, and the touch indicator has not discoloured, this can indicate to the purchaser that the equipment has not been touched since it was packaged, and is still in a presumed sterile condition.
  • the equipment can have specific surfaces which should preferably not be touched, such as a lens surface of a microscope, for example.
  • the touch indicator can be arranged to be secured on the surface in any appropriate manner.
  • the touch indicator can be specifically shaped to conform to the surface of the object which it is intended to cover. For example, to cover a lens, the touch indicator can have a circular profile.
  • the touch indicator can then have a tab, or the like, arranged to enable the touch indicator to be removed from the surface without touching the surface.
  • the touch indicator can then have a non-adhesive layer underlying a touch sensitive layer, the non-adhesive layer being arranged to cling releasably to a surface, such as a surface of a lens, for example.
  • touch indicators can be provided for use by an end user.
  • bags of touch sensitive material, strips of touch sensitive material having layers for adhesively securing such strips to objects, or parts of equipment, or the like can be provided.
  • the end user has completed a task, or the like, with an item of equipment, and the equipment has been returned into a sterile condition
  • the equipment, or sterile part thereof can be covered with a touch indicator of the invention.
  • the touch indicator can be inspected to determine if it has changed colour. If not, the user can presume that the equipment has not been touched and is still in a sterile condition.
  • touch indicators provided to end users can be used for a variety of different purposes, such as, for example, to be positioned over security key pads, door handles, artwork, and the like, in homes, corporate offices, museums, and the like, for security purposes.
  • Such touch indicators can be used for investigative work, such as, to determine how perpetrators are gaining access to an area of interest.
  • Such touch indicators can be used in a research utility, prank utility, or the like.
  • touch indicators can be used in, for example, board games, to perform magical tricks, such as, card tricks, and the like.
  • the touch indicator of the invention can be provided in a number of different forms. For example, strips of touch sensitive material can be provided. Such strips can then be applied to cover an object and the object can then be packaged in a protective cover, such as a transparent plastics layer, or housing, or the like. In such a case, the touch indicator need not have an adhesive layer, but can be formed entirely of a touch- sensitive material. Accordingly, an item of interest cannot be accessed without destroying the packaging and touching the touch indicator. Such strips can be used to overlay a quintessential opening, such as an opening flap of a sealed envelope, for example, which envelope is then contained in a transparent sleeve, or envelope, or the like.
  • a quintessential opening such as an opening flap of a sealed envelope, for example, which envelope is then contained in a transparent sleeve, or envelope, or the like.
  • Such strips can be used to overlay an actuation mechanism, or the like, such as a metal actuating device, or the like.
  • the actuation mechanism can then be shrouded in an appropriate cover.
  • the item of interest such as an article contained in the envelope, or the actuation mechanism, cannot be accessed without destroying the packaging and touching the touch indicator.
  • touch indicator arrangements can be used in food packaging, courier type packaging, packaging assumed to have been previously unopened, and the like, for example.
  • Touch indicators in the form of bands of touch sensitive material can be provided for applications for surrounding touch-sensitive components of laboratory equipment, for example.
  • Touch indicators in the form of sheets of touch sensitive material can be provided to wrap relatively large objects therein, such as, for example, art works in a museum, or the like.
  • Touch indicators can be provided in specific shapes corresponding to the surface which they are intended to cover.
  • touch indicators can be used as an indication of sterility, or non-handling, or the like.
  • medical equipment such as, a scalpel, or the like
  • medical retail products such as, a pregnancy test, seals across mouths of containers containing anti-biotic, or the like, or specific areas thereof, can be covered by a touch sensitive material before being packaged. Accordingly, an end user who opens the package can see that the product is still sterile, or has not been touched since it was packaged, or the like.
  • touch indicators can be provided to indicate non previous use.
  • a touch indicator can be secured over a trigger, or handle, or the like, of a firearm, or the like, and a protective casing, such as a transparent plastics cover, can be positioned over the touch indicator on the trigger, or handle, or the like.
  • a protective casing such as a transparent plastics cover
  • a touch indicator of the invention can be used in the packaging of hazardous material .
  • a touch indicator of the invention can be used in the packaging of materials, or specimens, where proof of sterility, and/or non-tampering, and/or noninterference, and/or the like, for example, can be important. Such can be the case in the fields of forensics, pathology, laboratory work, medical operations, surgery, and the like.
  • a product such as pills, vitamin supplements, cosmetics, moisturizers, and the like, for example, is often packaged in a container defining a mouth through which the product can be accessed.
  • the mouth is typically sealed with a plastics seal, or the like, so that to access the product in the container the seal has to be broken.
  • a touch indicator including a touch sensitive material of a generally circular shape can be positioned sealingly across a mouth of a container on the inside of a container cap, such as a bottle cap, pill bottle cap, cosmetic container cap, medicine bottle cap, and the like, for example.
  • such a touch indicator can be used instead of a breakable seal so as to indicate non-previous tampering since the product was packaged.
  • the touch indicator of the invention can be used in the packaging of gem stones, artwork, sculptures, and the like.
  • an object, or item, in the form of a scalpel 10 is packaged in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the scalpel 10 is typically in a sterile condition.
  • the scalpel 10 is then covered with a touch indicator 12 in accordance with the invention, as indicated in Figure IB.
  • the touch indicator 12 includes an outer touch sensitive layer 12.1 arranged to change visibly, for example, by changing colour, changing brightness, changing transmittance, or the like, in response to being touched by human skin, so that, in use, the touch sensitive layer 12.1 can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the scalpel 10 has been touched.
  • the touch indicator 12 is covered by a protective cover 14.
  • the protective cover 14 can be in the form of a transparent plastic film, or the like, wrapped around the touch indicator 12. Instead, as shown in Figure ID, the touch indicator 12 can be covered by a generally rigid protective cover 16.
  • the generally rigid protective cover 16 can be in the form of a rigid transparent plastics material.
  • the touch indicator 12 can include a layer 12.2 for securing the touch indicator 12 to a surface of an object.
  • the layer 12.2 can be an adhesive layer for adhesively securing the touch indicator to a surface of an object.
  • the layer 12.2 can be a layer arranged to cling to a surface of an object non-adhesively.
  • the layer 12.2 can be a plastics layer which functions cling-wrap fashion.
  • FIG. 3A of the drawings another object, such as an artwork 20, is packaged in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • the artwork 20 is covered with a touch indicator 22 in the form of a sheet of touch-sensitive material.
  • the artwork 20 can then be covered by a protective cover, such as by placing it in a bag 24, as indicated in Figure 3B of the drawings.
  • the touch indicator can be in the form of a container, such as a bag.
  • the bag is arranged to change colour in response to being touched, so that, in use, the bag can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the artwork 20 has been touched.
  • the bag containing the artwork 20 can then be covered by a protective layer, such as by placing it in another bag, or wrapping it with an appropriate film, or the like.
  • a touch indicator of the invention at 32, 34.
  • the trigger 30.1 and the handle 30.2 of the firearm 30 are covered by a touch indicator at 32, 34. Accordingly, should the firearm 30 then be placed in a container, such as a box, or the like, a purchaser of the weapon can examine the touch indicators at 32, 34 to determine if the firearm has been used since being packed in the box.
  • the touch sensitive layer 12.1 can be formed by preparing a ninhydrin and heptane (NH) solution. A reverse osmosis membrane can then be soaked in the ninhydrin and heptane solution.
  • a reverse osmosis membrane defining a polyamide coating can be used. The polyamide coating can be about 0.2 micron thick. The reverse osmosis membrane is then left to dry after being soaked in the ninhydrin and heptane solution.
  • Whatman filter paper can be soaked in a ninhydrin and heptane solution and then left to dry to provide the touch sensitive layer 12.1.
  • the touch sensitive layer 12.1 is relatively temperature insensitive, relatively pressure insensitive, relatively inexpensive to produce and provides a generally instant visual change upon being touched.
  • the touch sensitive layer 12.1 can be sprayed onto a surface. a case, an adhesive layer is typically not provided.

Abstract

The invention provides for a touch indicator 12. The touch indicator 12 includes a touch sensitive layer 12.1 arranged to be positioned to cover a surface of an object and to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, when the touch sensitive layer 12.1 has been positioned to cover the surface of the object, the touch sensitive layer 12.1 can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch sensitive layer 12.1 has changed visibly thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched. The invention extends to a method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched, to a method of packaging an object and to a packaged object.

Description

A touch indicator
Field of the invention: This invention relates to a touch indicator.
Background of the invention:
In particular, the invention relates to a method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched, to a touch indicator, to a method of packaging an obj ect and to a packaged obj ect.
Summary of the invention:
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched, the method including covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer, the touch sensitive layer being arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, the touch sensitive layer can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch sensitive layer has changed visibly thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change its transmittance in response to being touched.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change its brightness in response to being touched. Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering part of the surface of the object with a touch sensitive material.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include adhesively securing the touch sensitive layer on the surface of the object.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the object entirely with a touch sensitive material.
Covering the object entirely with a touch sensitive material may include placing the object in a container formed of a touch sensitive material.
Placing the object in a container formed of a touch sensitive material may include placing the object in a bag formed of a touch sensitive material.
The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched may further include covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with a touch sensitive layer.
Covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the object with a plastics cover.
Covering the object with a plastics cover may include covering the object with a transparent plastics cover.
Covering the object with a protective cover may include wrapping the object in a protective film. Wrapping the object in a protective film may include wrapping the object in a protective film of plastics material.
Wrapping the object in a protective film of plastics material may include wrapping the object in a protective film of transparent plastics material.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer, the touch sensitive layer being arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, may include covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin may include covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to a chemical reaction with human skin when touched by human skin.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a touch indicator which includes a touch sensitive layer arranged to be positioned to cover a surface of an object and to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, when the touch sensitive layer has been positioned to cover the surface of the object, the touch sensitive layer can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch sensitive layer has change visibly thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched.
The touch sensitive layer may be arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
The touch sensitive layer may be arranged to change in transmittance in response to being touched.
The touch sensitive layer may be arranged to change in brightness in response to being touched. The touch sensitive layer may be arranged to cover part of the surface of the object.
The touch indicator may include an adhesive surface arranged to enable the touch sensitive layer to be adhesively secured to a surface of an object.
The touch indicator may be arranged to cover the object entirely with a touch sensitive layer.
The touch indicator may be in the form of a container for containing the object, the touch sensitive layer being defined across an operatively outer surface of the container.
The container may be in the form of a bag in which the object can be positioned.
The touch indicator may be in the form of a strip of touch sensitive material arranged to change visibly in response to being touched.
The touch indicator may be in the form of a sheet of touch sensitive material arranged to change visibly in response to being touched.
The touch sensitive layer may be arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin.
The touch sensitive layer may be arranged to change visibly in response to a chemical reaction with human skin when touched by human skin.
The touch sensitive layer may have been formed by exposing a material to a ninhydrin in heptane solution. The touch sensitive layer may have been formed by exposing a reverse osmosis membrane defining a polyamide coating to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of packaging an object, the method including covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer, the touch sensitive layer being arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, the touch sensitive layer can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch sensitive layer has changed visibly, thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched, and covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with the touch sensitive layer.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in transmittance in response to being touched.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in brightness in response to being touched.
Covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with the touch sensitive layer may include covering the object with a protective cover in the form of a plastics cover.
Covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with the touch sensitive layer may include covering the object with a protective cover in the form of a transparent cover. Covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with the touch sensitive layer may include wrapping the object in a protective film.
Wrapping the object in a protective film may include wrapping the object in a protective film in the form of a plastics film.
Wrapping the object in a protective film may include wrapping the object in a protective film in the form of a transparent film.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin may include covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to a chemical reaction with human skin when touched by human skin.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer which has been formed by exposing a material to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
Covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer may include covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer which has been formed by exposing a reverse osmosis membrane defining a polyamide coating to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaged object including an object, a touch indicator covering a surface of the object and arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, the touch indicator can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch indicator has changed visually thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched and a protective cover covering the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
The touch indicator may be arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
The touch indicator may be arranged to change in transmittance in response to being touched.
The touch indicator may be arranged to change in brightness in response to being touched.
The protective cover may be of a plastics material.
The protective cover may be transparent.
The protective cover may include a protective film wrapped over the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
The protective cover may include a protective plastics film wrapped over the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
The protective cover may include a transparent protective plastics film wrapped over the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
Brief Description of the drawings: Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:
Figure IA to ID show schematic diagrams showing an object being packaged in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a schematic side sectional view of part of a touch indicator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figures 3 A and 3B show schematic diagrams showing an object being packaged in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a touch indicator in accordance with an embodiment of the invention being applied to an object.
Detailed Description of preferred embodiments:
An object of the invention is to provide a touch indicator which changes visibly in response to being touched, such as, by human skin, for example, and which can be inspected visually to determine whether or not an object to which the touch indicator is applied, has been touched. The touch indicator can be arranged to change visibly by changing in colour, in brightness, in transmittance, or the like, for example. The touch indicator can typically be arranged to perform an explicit chemical reaction in response to being touched by human skin thereby to change visibly. In one embodiment, the touch indicator can change colour, hi another embodiment, the touch indicator can change from a colour to generally transparent, or vice versa. In another embodiment, the touch indicator can change from opaque to translucent, or vice versa. In yet another embodiment, the touch indicator can change from opaque to transparent to a colour, or vice versa. In this way, it can readily be determined whether or not the object has been handled, touched, fingered, used, or the like, or generally whether or not the object has made contact with human skin. The touch indicator can be used to determine whether or not the object has been touched in the field of security interests, safety concerns, hygiene or sanitary reasons, or for inquisitive appeal, or the like.
In the case where the touch indicator is arranged to change visibly by changing in transmittance, the touch indicator can change in degree of transparency, or opacity, or the like, for example.
The touch indicator can be applied to objects to determine whether or not such objects have been tampered with. For example, the touch indicator can be applied to courier parcels, food packages, cosmetic packages, medical packages, sterile packages, forensic evidence, sensitive documents, and the like. The touch indicator can serve as a confirmation of non-contamination by human skin, for example, by skin-transmitted pathogens, or other skin transmitted chemicals, oils/fats (sebum), amino acids, reactants, and/or the like. Accordingly, the touch indicator can be arranged to react to any one, or more, of such substances upon contact so as to change visibly.
The touch indicator can be applied to laboratory equipment to determine whether or not such equipment has been touched previously. For example, the laboratory equipment can be packaged in its entirety in a touch indicator in the form of a container, such as a bag, or the like, of a touch sensitive material. Accordingly, should a purchaser buy the equipment and the bag has not discoloured, this can indicate to the purchaser that the equipment has not been touched since it was packaged. Only a part of the equipment can be touch-sensitive. In such a case, that part of the equipment can be wrapped in a touch-sensitive material. Instead, the part of the equipment can be contained by a touch indicator in the form of a bag, a strip, or the like. The laboratory equipment can be contained in a container, or package, or the like, in a sterile condition, where appropriate. In such a case, the equipment can have one or more touch indicators secured thereto, or can be contained in a bag, or the like, of touch sensitive material, within an outer container, or package. Accordingly, when a purchaser buys the equipment, removes the equipment from its container, or package, and the touch indicator has not discoloured, this can indicate to the purchaser that the equipment has not been touched since it was packaged, and is still in a presumed sterile condition.
The equipment can have specific surfaces which should preferably not be touched, such as a lens surface of a microscope, for example. In such a case, the touch indicator can be arranged to be secured on the surface in any appropriate manner. The touch indicator can be specifically shaped to conform to the surface of the object which it is intended to cover. For example, to cover a lens, the touch indicator can have a circular profile. The touch indicator can then have a tab, or the like, arranged to enable the touch indicator to be removed from the surface without touching the surface. Advantageously, the touch indicator can then have a non-adhesive layer underlying a touch sensitive layer, the non-adhesive layer being arranged to cling releasably to a surface, such as a surface of a lens, for example.
In some cases it is required to maintain equipment, or parts of equipment, in a sterile condition. Such is often the case in laboratories, operating theatres, and the like, for example. In such a case, touch indicators can be provided for use by an end user. For example, bags of touch sensitive material, strips of touch sensitive material having layers for adhesively securing such strips to objects, or parts of equipment, or the like, can be provided. Accordingly, when the end user has completed a task, or the like, with an item of equipment, and the equipment has been returned into a sterile condition, the equipment, or sterile part thereof, can be covered with a touch indicator of the invention. Thereafter, when the item of equipment has to be used again, the touch indicator can be inspected to determine if it has changed colour. If not, the user can presume that the equipment has not been touched and is still in a sterile condition.
Such touch indicators provided to end users can be used for a variety of different purposes, such as, for example, to be positioned over security key pads, door handles, artwork, and the like, in homes, corporate offices, museums, and the like, for security purposes. Such touch indicators can be used for investigative work, such as, to determine how perpetrators are gaining access to an area of interest. Such touch indicators can be used in a research utility, prank utility, or the like. Such touch indicators can be used in, for example, board games, to perform magical tricks, such as, card tricks, and the like.
The touch indicator of the invention can be provided in a number of different forms. For example, strips of touch sensitive material can be provided. Such strips can then be applied to cover an object and the object can then be packaged in a protective cover, such as a transparent plastics layer, or housing, or the like. In such a case, the touch indicator need not have an adhesive layer, but can be formed entirely of a touch- sensitive material. Accordingly, an item of interest cannot be accessed without destroying the packaging and touching the touch indicator. Such strips can be used to overlay a quintessential opening, such as an opening flap of a sealed envelope, for example, which envelope is then contained in a transparent sleeve, or envelope, or the like. Such strips can be used to overlay an actuation mechanism, or the like, such as a metal actuating device, or the like. The actuation mechanism can then be shrouded in an appropriate cover. In each case, the item of interest, such as an article contained in the envelope, or the actuation mechanism, cannot be accessed without destroying the packaging and touching the touch indicator. Such touch indicator arrangements can be used in food packaging, courier type packaging, packaging assumed to have been previously unopened, and the like, for example.
Touch indicators in the form of bands of touch sensitive material can be provided for applications for surrounding touch-sensitive components of laboratory equipment, for example.
Touch indicators in the form of sheets of touch sensitive material can be provided to wrap relatively large objects therein, such as, for example, art works in a museum, or the like.
Touch indicators can be provided in specific shapes corresponding to the surface which they are intended to cover. For example, such touch indicators can be used as an indication of sterility, or non-handling, or the like. Accordingly, for example, medical equipment, such as, a scalpel, or the like, and medical retail products, such as, a pregnancy test, seals across mouths of containers containing anti-biotic, or the like, or specific areas thereof, can be covered by a touch sensitive material before being packaged. Accordingly, an end user who opens the package can see that the product is still sterile, or has not been touched since it was packaged, or the like.
Such touch indicators can be provided to indicate non previous use. For example, a touch indicator can be secured over a trigger, or handle, or the like, of a firearm, or the like, and a protective casing, such as a transparent plastics cover, can be positioned over the touch indicator on the trigger, or handle, or the like. In such a case, should the touch indicator not be discoloured, this can serve to indicate to a purchaser of the firearm that the firearm has not been previously used, or has not been used since it was packaged.
In a similar fashion, a touch indicator of the invention can be used in the packaging of hazardous material .
Furthermore, a touch indicator of the invention can be used in the packaging of materials, or specimens, where proof of sterility, and/or non-tampering, and/or noninterference, and/or the like, for example, can be important. Such can be the case in the fields of forensics, pathology, laboratory work, medical operations, surgery, and the like.
In some cases, a product, such as pills, vitamin supplements, cosmetics, moisturizers, and the like, for example, is often packaged in a container defining a mouth through which the product can be accessed. The mouth is typically sealed with a plastics seal, or the like, so that to access the product in the container the seal has to be broken. In another application of the invention, a touch indicator including a touch sensitive material of a generally circular shape can be positioned sealingly across a mouth of a container on the inside of a container cap, such as a bottle cap, pill bottle cap, cosmetic container cap, medicine bottle cap, and the like, for example. In such a case, such a touch indicator can be used instead of a breakable seal so as to indicate non-previous tampering since the product was packaged. As mentioned above, the touch indicator of the invention can be used in the packaging of gem stones, artwork, sculptures, and the like.
Referring to Figures IA to ID, an object, or item, in the form of a scalpel 10, is packaged in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The scalpel 10 is typically in a sterile condition. The scalpel 10 is then covered with a touch indicator 12 in accordance with the invention, as indicated in Figure IB. The touch indicator 12 includes an outer touch sensitive layer 12.1 arranged to change visibly, for example, by changing colour, changing brightness, changing transmittance, or the like, in response to being touched by human skin, so that, in use, the touch sensitive layer 12.1 can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the scalpel 10 has been touched. Thereafter, as indicated in Figure 1C, the touch indicator 12 is covered by a protective cover 14. The protective cover 14 can be in the form of a transparent plastic film, or the like, wrapped around the touch indicator 12. Instead, as shown in Figure ID, the touch indicator 12 can be covered by a generally rigid protective cover 16. The generally rigid protective cover 16 can be in the form of a rigid transparent plastics material.
Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, in one embodiment, the touch indicator 12 can include a layer 12.2 for securing the touch indicator 12 to a surface of an object. In one embodiment, the layer 12.2 can be an adhesive layer for adhesively securing the touch indicator to a surface of an object. In another embodiment, the layer 12.2 can be a layer arranged to cling to a surface of an object non-adhesively. In such an embodiment, the layer 12.2 can be a plastics layer which functions cling-wrap fashion.
Referring to Figure 3A of the drawings, another object, such as an artwork 20, is packaged in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In Figure 3A, the artwork 20 is covered with a touch indicator 22 in the form of a sheet of touch-sensitive material. The artwork 20 can then be covered by a protective cover, such as by placing it in a bag 24, as indicated in Figure 3B of the drawings. In another embodiment of the invention, the touch indicator can be in the form of a container, such as a bag. In such a case, the bag is arranged to change colour in response to being touched, so that, in use, the bag can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the artwork 20 has been touched. The bag containing the artwork 20 can then be covered by a protective layer, such as by placing it in another bag, or wrapping it with an appropriate film, or the like.
Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, in another embodiment of the invention, only a part of an object, or item, such as a firearm 30, is covered with a touch indicator of the invention at 32, 34. As shown, the trigger 30.1 and the handle 30.2 of the firearm 30 are covered by a touch indicator at 32, 34. Accordingly, should the firearm 30 then be placed in a container, such as a box, or the like, a purchaser of the weapon can examine the touch indicators at 32, 34 to determine if the firearm has been used since being packed in the box.
In one embodiment, the touch sensitive layer 12.1 can be formed by preparing a ninhydrin and heptane (NH) solution. A reverse osmosis membrane can then be soaked in the ninhydrin and heptane solution. Advantageously, a reverse osmosis membrane defining a polyamide coating can be used. The polyamide coating can be about 0.2 micron thick. The reverse osmosis membrane is then left to dry after being soaked in the ninhydrin and heptane solution.
In another embodiment, Whatman filter paper can be soaked in a ninhydrin and heptane solution and then left to dry to provide the touch sensitive layer 12.1.
Advantageously, a plastics material impregnated or covalently bonded with an appropriate bio-reactive compound or compound combination is used to provide the touch sensitive layer 12.1. Advantageously, the touch sensitive layer 12.1 is relatively temperature insensitive, relatively pressure insensitive, relatively inexpensive to produce and provides a generally instant visual change upon being touched. In one embodiment, the touch sensitive layer 12.1 can be sprayed onto a surface. a case, an adhesive layer is typically not provided.

Claims

Claims:
1. A method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched, the method including: covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer, the touch sensitive layer being arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, the touch sensitive layer can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch sensitive layer has changed visibly thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched.
2. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 1, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
3. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 1, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in transmittance in response to being touched.
4. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 1, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in brightness in response to being touched.
5. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering part of the surface of the object with a touch sensitive material.
6. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes adhesively securing the touch sensitive layer on the surface of the object.
7. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 inclusive, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering the object entirely with a touch sensitive material.
8. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 7, in which covering the object entirely with a touch sensitive material includes placing the object in a container formed of a touch sensitive material.
9. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 8, in which placing the object in a container formed of a touch sensitive material includes placing the object in a bag formed of a touch sensitive material.
10. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 inclusive, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes spraying a touch sensitive layer onto the surface of the object.
11. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which further includes covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with a touch sensitive layer.
12. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 11, in which covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with a touch sensitive layer includes covering the object with a plastics cover.
13. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 12, in which covering the object with a plastics cover includes covering the object with a transparent plastics cover.
14. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 11, in which covering the object with a protective cover includes wrapping the object in a protective film.
15. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 14, in which wrapping the object in a protective film includes wrapping the object in a protective film of plastics material.
16. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 15, in which wrapping the object in a protective film of plastics material includes wrapping the object in a protective film of transparent plastics material.
17. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer, the touch sensitive layer being arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, includes covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin.
18. The method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched as claimed in claim 17, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin includes covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to a chemical reaction with human skin when touched by human skin.
19. A touch indicator, which includes: a touch sensitive layer arranged to be positioned to cover a surface of an object and to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, when the touch sensitive layer has been positioned to cover the surface of the object, the touch sensitive layer can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch sensitive layer has change visibly thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched.
20. The touch indicator as claimed in claim 19, in which the touch sensitive layer is arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
21. The touch indicator as claimed in claim 19, in which the touch sensitive layer is arranged to change in transmittance in response to being touched.
22. The touch indicator as claimed in claim 19, in which the touch sensitive layer is arranged to change in brightness in response to being touched.
23. The touch indicator as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 inclusive, in which the touch sensitive layer is arranged to cover part of the surface of the object.
24. The touch indicator as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23 inclusive, in which the touch indicator includes an adhesive surface arranged to enable the touch sensitive layer to be adhesively secured to a surface of an object.
25. The touch indicator as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 inclusive, in which the touch indicator is arranged to cover the object entirely with a touch sensitive layer.
26. The touch indicator as claimed in claim 25, in which the touch indicator is in the form of a container for containing the object, the touch sensitive layer being defined across an operatively outer surface of the container.
27. The touch indicator as claimed in claim 26, in which the container is in the form of a bag in which the object can be positioned.
28. The touch indicator as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25 inclusive, in which the touch indicator is in the form of a strip of touch sensitive material arranged to change visibly in response to being touched.
29. The touch indicator as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25 inclusive, in which the touch indicator is in the form of a sheet of touch sensitive material arranged to change visibly in response to being touched.
30. The touch indicator as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 29 inclusive, in which the touch sensitive layer is arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin.
31. The touch indicator as claimed in claim 30, in which the touch sensitive layer is arranged to change visibly in response to a chemical reaction with human skin when touched by human skin.
32. The touch indicator as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31 inclusive, in which the touch sensitive layer has been formed by exposing a material to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
33. The touch indicator as claimed in claim 32, in which the touch sensitive layer has been formed by exposing a reverse osmosis membrane defining a polyamide coating to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
34. A method of packaging an object, the method including: covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer, the touch sensitive layer being arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, the touch sensitive layer can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch sensitive layer has changed visibly, thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched; and covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with the touch sensitive layer.
35. The method of packaging an object as claimed in claim 34, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
36. The method of packaging an object as claimed in claim 34, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in transmittance in response to being touched.
37. The method of packaging an object as claimed in claim 34, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change in brightness in response to being touched.
38. The method of packaging an object as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 37 inclusive, in which covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with the touch sensitive layer includes covering the object with a protective cover in the form of a plastics cover.
39. The method of packaging an object as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 38 inclusive, in which covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with the touch sensitive layer includes covering the object with a protective cover in the form of a transparent cover.
40. The method of packaging an object as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 37 inclusive, in which covering the object with a protective cover after the surface of the object has been covered with the touch sensitive layer includes wrapping the object in a protective film.
41. The method of packaging an object as claimed in claim 40, in which wrapping the object in a protective film includes wrapping the object in a protective film in the form of a plastics film.
42. The method of packaging an object as claimed in claim 40 or claim 41, in which wrapping the object in a protective film includes wrapping the object in a protective film in the form of a transparent film.
43. The method of packaging an object as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 42 inclusive, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin.
44. The method of packaging an object as claimed in claim 43, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to being touched by human skin includes covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer arranged to change visibly in response to a chemical reaction with human skin when touched by human skin.
45. The method of packaging an object as claimed in claim 43 or claim 44, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer which has been formed by exposing a material to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
46. The method of packaging an object as claimed in claim 45, in which covering a surface of an object with a touch sensitive layer includes covering the surface of the object with a touch sensitive layer which has been formed by exposing a reverse osmosis membrane defining a polyamide coating to a ninhydrin in heptane solution.
47. A packaged object including: an object; a touch indicator covering a surface of the object and arranged to change visibly in response to being touched, so that, in use, the touch indicator can be visually inspected to determine whether or not the touch indicator has changed visually thereby to determine whether or not the object has been touched; and a protective cover covering the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
48. The packaged object as claimed in claim 47, in which the touch indicator is arranged to change in colour in response to being touched.
49. The packaged object as claimed in claim 47, in which the touch indicator is arranged to change in transmittance in response to being touched.
50. The packaged object as claimed in claim 47, in which the touch indicator is arranged to change in brightness in response to being touched.
51. The packaged object as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 50 inclusive, in which the protective cover is of a plastics material.
52. The packaged object as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 51 inclusive, in which the protective cover is transparent.
53. The packaged object as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 50 inclusive, in which the protective cover includes a protective film wrapped over the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
54. The packaged object as claimed in claim 53, in which the protective cover includes a protective plastics film wrapped over the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
55. The packaged object as claimed in claim 54, in which the protective cover includes a transparent protective plastics film wrapped over the surface of the object covered by the touch indicator.
56. A method of enabling a determination of whether or not an object has been touched substantially as herein described.
57. A touch indicator substantially as herein described and illustrated.
58. A method of packaging an object substantially as herein described.
59. A packaged object substantially as herein described and illustrated.
PCT/ZA2007/000030 2006-05-24 2007-05-24 A touch indicator WO2007137306A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA200604162 2006-05-24
ZA2006/4162 2006-05-24

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007137306A2 true WO2007137306A2 (en) 2007-11-29
WO2007137306A3 WO2007137306A3 (en) 2008-01-17

Family

ID=38566841

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/ZA2007/000030 WO2007137306A2 (en) 2006-05-24 2007-05-24 A touch indicator

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2007137306A2 (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5813992A (en) * 1997-05-20 1998-09-29 Henwood; Peter S. W. Single use indicator for stethoscopes
US5855896A (en) * 1995-10-02 1999-01-05 Lim; Min H. Color changing composition and method for coating said composition on acupuncture needles, hypodermic syringes and other needles used in medical applications
WO2000004355A1 (en) * 1998-07-20 2000-01-27 Kroll, Michael, I. Single use indicator for medical thermometers
US6333093B1 (en) * 1997-03-17 2001-12-25 Westaim Biomedical Corp. Anti-microbial coatings having indicator properties and wound dressings
US20050079093A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-04-14 Allegiance Corporation Sterilization wraps and methods for sterilizing articles
WO2005120855A1 (en) * 2004-06-10 2005-12-22 De La Rue International Limited Improvements in security devices
US20060054525A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Jennifer Dean Medical article and method of making and using the same

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5855896A (en) * 1995-10-02 1999-01-05 Lim; Min H. Color changing composition and method for coating said composition on acupuncture needles, hypodermic syringes and other needles used in medical applications
US6333093B1 (en) * 1997-03-17 2001-12-25 Westaim Biomedical Corp. Anti-microbial coatings having indicator properties and wound dressings
US5813992A (en) * 1997-05-20 1998-09-29 Henwood; Peter S. W. Single use indicator for stethoscopes
WO2000004355A1 (en) * 1998-07-20 2000-01-27 Kroll, Michael, I. Single use indicator for medical thermometers
US20050079093A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-04-14 Allegiance Corporation Sterilization wraps and methods for sterilizing articles
WO2005120855A1 (en) * 2004-06-10 2005-12-22 De La Rue International Limited Improvements in security devices
US20060054525A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Jennifer Dean Medical article and method of making and using the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2007137306A3 (en) 2008-01-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5882116A (en) Tamper indication device
US4813541A (en) Tamperproof package and method
CN100418860C (en) Bubble-seal apparatus for easily opening a sealed package
CN203638402U (en) Package
EP0368456B1 (en) Tamper or damage-indicating members
EP2999643B1 (en) Child-resistant package
AU776486B2 (en) Packaging with incorporated temperature sensitive label
JP3916705B2 (en) Transparent laminated plastic material structure and packaging container using the structure
CN101437737A (en) Peelable pouch containing a single film dosage and process of making same
EP1191317A1 (en) Packaging with incorporated temperature sensitive label
US20130118134A1 (en) Package with unique opening device and method for opening package
NZ554121A (en) Non-reclosable packaging for products that are hazardous to health, and method for the production thereof
JPH10262727A (en) Product sampler
JP2001301807A (en) Package and package using label for open/close lid
US6698285B1 (en) Measurement device for absorbent/adsorbent objects
US20090188831A1 (en) Clamshell blister packaging
WO2007137306A2 (en) A touch indicator
JP2020016576A (en) Ultraviolet indicator, packing material, and indicator label
US20100254637A1 (en) Handheld packet for one-handed operation
CA2493089A1 (en) Container comprising a transparent cylindrical container wall
Shete et al. Changing scenario of packaging in pharmaceutical industry
EP1841664A1 (en) Bend and peel packaging with pivot
EP3003559A2 (en) Container for transporting a biological sample, kit therewith, blank therefor and method for manufacturing such a kit
CN214730980U (en) Light-proof infusion apparatus packaging bag and light-proof infusion apparatus with packaging bag
US20040228990A1 (en) Protective packaging system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07800138

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07800138

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2