Scooping device for container having an electromagnetic surveillance device

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DESCRIPTION

Collection device for a container having an electromagnetic monitoring device.

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to composite material containers, and more particularly relates to composite material containers incorporating an electronic article surveillance (EAS) or radio frequency identification (RFID) device. These EAS and RFID devices and other devices that operate on similar principles, such as electromagnetic (EM) surveillance devices, are referred to herein in a generic way.

It is becoming increasingly common for retail managers to attach EM surveillance devices to products to deter and detect shoplifting. Several different types of EAS tags and detector systems have been developed and are in use. In general, all EAS systems include a detection zone consisting of a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver are located at the exit of the retail establishment, so that consumers must pass through the detection zone to exit the establishment. The transmitter sends a magnetic or radio frequency signal (which, herein, are generically referred to as electromagnetic signals) at one or more predetermined frequencies to the receiver. When an active EAS tag enters the detection zone, the tag responds and creates a change or disturbance in the received signal, which is detected by the receiver.

A commonly used type of EAS system is the acoustic-magnetic system, which uses a tag that has a magnetostrictive metal band that changes in length in response to a changing magnetic field, and a polarizing magnet that polarizes the magnetic field in a way that never is null. The magnetostrictive metal band is excited to its predetermined resonant frequency by means of a radio frequency signal generated by the transmitter at the resonant frequency (typically about 58 kHz), and in response to its exciting magnetic field, the band resonates at that frequency. The transmitter sends the RF signal in pulses, and the tag continues to resonate for a short time after the end of each pulse. The receiver detects the signals emitted by the tag in response to the RF pulses. A microcomputer in the receiver checks the tag signals to ensure that they are at the correct frequency, are time-synchronized with the pulses, are at the proper level, and have the correct repetition rate. If all of these criteria are met, an alarm is sounded to alert store personnel that an item with a still active EAS tag has passed in close proximity to the transmitter and receiver. The tag can be deactivated by demagnetizing the polarizing magnet built into the tag.

Another type of EAS system is the electromagnetic system, which employs an adhesive tag that incorporates a metal thread or tape that has high magnetic permeability in proximity to a piece of semi-hard magnetic material. The transmitter emits a low frequency electromagnetic field (typically less than 1 kHz) that causes the metallic tape to become magnetically saturated twice each cycle, and the metallic tape emits an electromagnetic signal as a result. Saturation occurs suddenly and causes characteristic patterns in the signal emitted by the identifier, which are detected by the receiver. The identifier can be deactivated by magnetizing the semi-hard magnetic material, which saturates the metallic tape and puts it in an inactive state. The identifier can also be reactivated by magnetizing the semi-hard magnetic material.

In general, the tags used in EAS systems, as described above, are not "smart" in the sense that the tags do not store information; the tags simply emit a characteristic electromagnetic signal in response to a specific excitatory electromagnetic field, so that the presence of the tags in the detection zone can be detected. Instead, radio frequency identification (RFID) systems employ "smart" tags that can store information and that can be "read" remotely by a reader to extract that information. Radio frequency identification systems can be used to track items during manufacture, in inventory, in transportation, and the like. In general, an RFID device comprises a tag that includes an integrated circuit (IC) microprocessor-on-chip and a resonant circuit consisting of a coiled antenna and a capacitor. In a passive RFID system, a reader generates a magnetic field at a predetermined frequency. When an RFID device, which can normally be classified as either read-only or read / write, enters the magnetic field, a small electrical current is formed in the resonant circuit of the device. This circuit provides power to the device, which then modulates the magnetic field to transmit the information that is pre-programmed in the device back to the reader at a predetermined frequency, such as 125 kHz (low frequency) or 13.56 MHz (high frequency). . The reader then receives, demodulates, and decodes the transmission signal and then sends the data to a host computer associated with the system for further processing.

An active RFID system operates in much the same way, but in an active system, the RFID device includes its own battery, allowing the device to transmit data and information at the push of a button. For example, a garage door opener remote control typically uses an active RFID device that transmits a predetermined code to the receiver to raise and lower the garage door at the user's discretion.

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Another technology that is related to RFID is known as Bistatix, which operates in much the same way as RFID devices except that the coil antenna and the capacitor of the RFID device are replaced by a carbon-based printed material. As a result, a Bistatix ​​device is extremely flat and relatively flexible, although these types of devices are currently limited to a frequency range of approximately 125 kHz. Also, the reading range of a Bistatix ​​device is size dependent, and for long reading distances a very large device may be required.

Document WO01 / 569021 describes a device for packaging and hanging objects for the display of said objects in shops, comprising a packaging means (3) made of heat-shrinkable plastic material integral with a suspension means (1) made of a non-material material. heat-shrinkable having at least one hooking hole (2) or a slot for hanging said device on a hanging member of a display. The suspension means or the heat-shrinkable packaging means may be provided with a theft protection device, such as a permanent magnetic system, an activatable / deactivatable magnetic system or a smart system comprising an electronic chip.

Document EP 1 422 168 describes a package for tobacco articles having a container and a marker housed within the container, the marker being detectable by means of a sensing device.

Document US 5 597 653 describes an anti-theft tag composed of a magnetic metal strip permanently applied to an electrically conductive non-magnetic metal member. The identifier is attached to an object to prevent the object from being stolen.

Document US 5 790 029 describes a process for packaging a product in a container, providing an anti-theft label on the inside of the container.

In the present application, the term "EM surveillance device" is used to encompass all the technologies described above.

Because the detection zone actually detects the EM surveillance device and not the article itself, the EAS system can be circumvented when starting the EM surveillance device from the article. Therefore, it is important to fix the EM surveillance devices to the articles in a way that prevents their unauthorized removal. Some known EM monitoring devices are configured to have a closed immobilized position in which the EM monitoring device cannot be started without specialized equipment. These EM surveillance devices are commonly found on textile merchandise. Other known EM surveillance devices are relatively small and thin with an adhesive backing. These EM surveillance devices are attached to a surface of the article or product, preferably in an area that hides their presence.

Certain articles have proven challenging in terms of EM surveillance device placement. For example, traditionally, it has been difficult to effectively position the EM monitoring device on items packaged within a composite container. Although composite containers often store inexpensive items that would not normally be a frequent theft item, some relatively high-cost items, such as powdered baby formula, are stored in composite containers, which makes These containers are a frequent theft item and would benefit greatly from the use of an EM surveillance device. Placing an adhesive backed device on the outside of the container is problematic because the device would be easily seen and torn off. The placement of the EM monitoring device on the wall of the container is disclosed in US Patent Application No. 11 / 048,829 assigned to the same assignee as the present application, the full contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, incorporating the Em monitoring device into the wall requires a capital intensive procedure for precision device placement and prevention of interference between the device and other manufacturing process operations. Placing the electromagnetic monitoring device between the wall and a printed layer closer to the end of the procedure can reduce the need for precision placement. But it would reduce the aesthetics of the container by causing a protrusion by the device, increase the likelihood of unauthorized removal of the device, and probably interfere with the typical procedure of complicated printed labeling of such containers.

Furthermore, until recently, the placement of an EM monitoring device within the container was problematic due to the aluminum foil-based coatings used on the container wall. Interference from aluminum foil-based coatings would make communication via electromagnetic signals problematic. However, composite containers without an aluminum foil layer are becoming more and more available, making it more practical to place EM surveillance devices within these containers. Even without foil-based liners, placing an EM monitoring device inside the container is not without its problems. For example, the inclusion of a loose EM surveillance device alone would be perceived as an undesirable foreign article or container.

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In view of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a container for storing articles in which the container includes an EM monitoring device. In particular, it would be advantageous if the placement of the electromagnetic monitoring device were cost-effective and difficult to detect.

Brief summary of the invention

The present invention addresses the above needs and achieves other advantages by providing a collection device with an integrated EM monitoring device for a container. The container defines an interior for storing a product. The collection device is for removing the product from the container. The electromagnetic surveillance device is configured to respond to an electromagnetic (EM) signal, such that the electromagnetic surveillance device is detectable as part of an anti-theft system and is attached to the collection device.

Various aspects of the present invention are defined in the independent claims. Some preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the collection device includes a body and the electromagnetic monitoring device. The body forms a handle portion and a receptacle main portion for collecting the product from the container. The electromagnetic monitoring device is attached to the body. The device is attached to the body in a variety of ways: by embedding the device in the body, or by retaining the device in a cavity formed in the body. The electromagnetic surveillance device may be a FAS, Bistatix, PFID, or other electromagnetic surveillance tag or identifier that is configured to respond to an electromagnetic signal so that the presence of the electromagnetic surveillance device is detectable.

The container includes the collection device with the electromagnetic monitoring device for inclusion in the container together with the product. Exemplary, the container further includes a container body having a top edge and a removable lid attached to that top edge. More specifically, according to the present embodiment, the container body has a bottom wall and a side wall that extends upward from the bottom wall and ends at the top edge. However, the container can vary. For example, the container includes a tubular side wall and a bottom cap. The tubular side wall defines a lower opening, an upper opening, and an interior for storing the product and the lower cap seals the lower opening.

The present invention further includes a method for packaging a product in a container having an anti-theft feature. The procedure includes providing the container, fixing the electromagnetic monitoring device in a plastic insert, filling the inside of the container with a predetermined amount of product, and placing the plastic insert with the electromagnetic monitoring device after filling with the product, or simultaneously with it, and then seal the opening with a removable lid. In one embodiment, the plastic insert is configured as the collection device.

The present invention has several advantages. Integrating the EM surveillance device into the collection device hides the presence of the surveillance device or at least makes it less visible or objectionable to the consumer. Furthermore, the placement of the EM surveillance device inside the container makes it difficult to circumvent the anti-theft system by means of unauthorized removal or deactivation of the surveillance device. Furthermore, the procedure of preparing and packaging the container is more efficient and allows placement of the EM monitoring device to occur near the end of the procedure to avoid interference with other steps in the manufacturing procedure.

Brief description of the various views of the drawing (s)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container for storing product according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view of the container shown in Figure 1 taken along line 2-2 illustrating a collection device within the container along with stored product;

Figure 3a is a perspective view of the collection device shown in Figure 2, in which the electromagnetic monitoring device is embedded in the handle portion;

Figure 3b is a side view of the collection device shown in Figure 3a;

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a collection device according to an example in which the electromagnetic monitoring device is attached to the handle portion; and Figure 4b is a side view of the collection device shown in Figure 4a.

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Detailed description of the invention

The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. In fact, the present invention can be implemented in many different ways and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments defined herein; rather, these embodiments are provided such that the present embodiment satisfies applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like items throughout.

In general, the present invention provides a collection device 30 with an integrated electromagnetic (EM) monitoring device 50 for a container 10. Figures 1 and 2 show a container 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Container 10 is configured to store a product or products 12, for example dry baby formula. In particular, container 10 includes a container body 14 having one or more walls or closures. For example, and as illustrated, container 10 has a tubular side wall 18 that defines an interior 22 with a lower opening and an upper opening. An end or closure 16 of the bottom wall seals the bottom opening. Side wall 18 extends from lower wall 16 to an upper edge 20, which defines the upper opening. Container 10 may also include a removable lid 24 attached to upper edge 20 to close the upper opening. Container 10 may be formed by helically wrapping one or more layers on itself.

One consideration that must be taken into account due to the use of the EM surveillance device 50 is that the presence of metal in the environment of the surveillance device 50 can interfere with the proper operation of the surveillance device 50. Therefore, although the container body 32 can be formed of a variety of materials including synthetic or biological polymers, the use of layers based on aluminum foil or other metallic layers should be limited. For example, according to the container 10 of Figures 1 and 2, the side wall 18 excludes any layer based on foil or other metallic layer. However, it has been found acceptable to employ foil or metallic layers as part of the lower end 16 and / or the upper cap 24, provided that the monitoring device 50 is positioned at a distance, typically 9.525 mm, from the aluminum foil or metal.

Although illustrated as a tubular structure, the general shape of container 10 can vary. For example, container 10 may have a generally rectangular shape. In addition, instead of relying on a separate top cap 24 to seal the top opening, the side wall 18 of the container may be configured to fold back on itself to close the opening, similar to a conventional milk carton.

One aspect of the present invention is the collection device 30. As can be seen in Figures 2-4b, the collection device 30 includes a body 32 and the EM monitoring device 50. In general, body 32 forms a main receptacle portion 34 configured to collect or capture product 12 from interior 22. According to one embodiment, and as shown in Figures 2-3b, the main receptacle portion 34 includes a bottom surface 36 and a side surface 38 that rises or extends from at least a portion of the outer periphery of the surface. bottom 38 and forming a general structure of a basket. However, the main receptacle portion 34 can vary. For example, Figures 4a-4b illustrate another embodiment in which the main receptacle portion 34 forms a general structure of a blade with a tapered front end. The main receptacle portion 34 may also be configured to measure a quantity of product 12 by having a measuring line or other markings to indicate the quantity.

The body 32 may also form a handle portion 40 for a consumer or operator to grasp and control the picking device 30. The handle portion 40 may be a protrusion around the main receptacle portion 34 or an elongated member, as illustrated in the figures.

The EM surveillance device 50 is attached to the body 32. The EM surveillance device 50 may be an EAS, Bistatix, RFID, or other EM tag or identifier that is configured to respond to an electromagnetic signal, such that the presence is detectable. of the electromagnetic surveillance device 50. Preferably, the EM surveillance device 50 is secured in such a way as to conceal the presence of the surveillance device 50 from the consumer or a potential thief. For example, and as shown in Figures 3a-3b, the EM monitoring device 50 may be embedded in the handle portion 40 so that it is not visible. Integration of the EM monitoring device 50 can be accomplished by molding the EM monitoring device 50 into the body 32 during construction of the collection device 30. Alternatively, a cavity 42 may be formed in the body 32 during construction of the collection device 30 and then the EM monitoring device 50 can be placed in the cavity and held in place by means of a stopper or an adhesive. . In an example that is not within the scope of the invention, the EM monitoring device 50 may be adhered to the collection device 30 by means of an adhesive, preferably in a less visible area, such as under the handle portion 40. , as shown in Figures 4a-4b.

A primary consideration of the placement of the EM monitoring device 50 in or on the collection device 30 is to conceal the presence of the monitoring device 50 from the consumer to minimize the discomfort of the placement of the monitoring device 50 in the container 10 and improve the reliability. anti-theft feature of the container 10.

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Other considerations include the location of the collection device 30 within the interior 22 of the container 10. As mentioned above, the EM surveillance device 50 should not be near metal. Therefore, in an embodiment having metal ends or closures, the EM monitoring device 50 should preferably be located at the portion furthest from either end 16, 24. Typically, the furthest portion is the main receptacle portion 34 because it is more practical for the consumer to have the handle portion 40 near the top opening.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging the product 12 in the container 10 with the anti-theft feature. The procedure includes providing container 10, filling container 10 with product 12, and placing a plastic insert in container 10, either after filling container 10 or at the same time as container 10 is being filled, with the device. 50 EM surveillance set.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic insert is configured as the collection device 30. However, the plastic insert is not limited to a collection device 50. One of the aspects of the present invention is the placement of the EM monitoring device 50 in the container 10, so that it is unnoticed, or at least not objectionable to the consumer. Preferably, this is done by integrating the monitoring device 50 into the collection device 30 because consumers have become accustomed to having the collection device 50 in the container 10. However, depending on the product 12 and the container 10, other elements are standard and could be used to conceal the surveillance device 50. For example, promotional items such as plastic toys could be used.

The present invention has several advantages. As mentioned above, the integration of the EM surveillance device 50 into the collection device 30 hides the presence of the surveillance device 50 or at least makes it less visible or objectionable to the consumer. Furthermore, the placement of the EM surveillance device 50 within the container 10 makes it difficult to circumvent the anti-theft system by means of unauthorized removal or deactivation of the surveillance device 50. In addition, the process of preparing and packaging the container 10 is cost effective and allows placement of the EM monitoring device 50 near the end of the process to avoid interference with other steps in the manufacturing process.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention defined herein that are concerned with the present invention will occur to one skilled in the art that have the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific disclosed embodiments and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.