Method of assemblying bar code blocking package

ES 2 379 503 T3

DESCRIPTION

Mounting method of a barcode lock container

Background of the invention

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method of mounting a plurality of packages in a multipack device that allows the proper scanning of the barcode.

Description of the prior art

Conventional container holders are often used to collect a plurality of containers of similar sizes, such as cans, bottles, cups and boxes and / or similar containers. Flexible plastic ring holders are conventional container holders of this type.

Flexible plastic ring holders can be used to gather groups of four, six, eight, twelve or other suitable groups of containers into a convenient multipack. Typically, the packages within the multipack are individually encoded with a universal product code ("UPC") label, referred to herein as a "barcode," which enables a barcode scanner to read product information, such as as price. When placing such packages within a multipack, such as a "six-pack", difficulties may arise when the barcodes of the packages with individual package information are scanned instead of the barcodes of the package with the information relevant to the multi-pack or six-pack.

Traditional multi-packs, such as six-packs, include packages that are positioned in random rotational orientations within the holder. Each package generally includes an individual barcode that includes information, such as a price, related to the individual package. However, when the barcode for the single pack is scanned as the price of the multipack, problems may arise for the seller. Such problems primarily include a single package price that is charged for a multi-package package and the inventory control problems that can result.

As such, it is desirable to lock the barcodes of individual packages within a multipack with respect to the scanning process.

US-A-6880313 describes the provision of a film sleeve that is placed over two or more objects in order to bond the objects together. The sleeve contains at least one opaque section.

US-A-6050399 describes a holder for a plurality of objects, in which the holder includes a skirt hanging from a top wall, such that the skirt obscures UPC indicia on each of the objects.

WO96 / 11140 describes a multipack device for transporting a series of packages in a corresponding series of openings, the multipack device comprising:

a sheet formed of a generally transparent material, the sheet containing a series of openings;

a plurality of containers positioned in respective apertures of the series, each container of the plurality of containers including a barcode and each container being rotatably oriented such that the barcode is not generally readable by a barcode scanner bars.

Document EP 0 812 780 describes a container support and a package comprising a set of general packages.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of mounting a plurality of packages in a multipack device is provided, such that the barcodes on each package of the plurality of packages are not generally readable by a code reader. bars, comprising the method:

providing a support having a plurality of openings and an opaque section in engagement with the plurality of containers, wherein the opaque section extends in a strip through a central portion of the sheet and between the openings;

positioning the plurality of containers within the support; and orienting each package of the plurality of packages within the support so that a barcode from each

ES 2 379 503 T3 container is blocked by the opaque section of the holder.

Brief description of the drawings

The aforementioned and other features and objects of this invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of a package of containers assembled in a conventional manner with individual barcodes in random rotational orientations.

Figure 2 is a side view of a package of containers assembled with a method according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a top view of a flexible support used in the method according to this invention.

Figure 4 is a side view of a plurality of packages during orientation according to the method of the invention.

Figure 5 is a side view of a package assembled with the method according to the invention; Y

Figure 6 is a top schematic view of a package similar to the package shown in Figure 5.

Description of preferred embodiments

Figure 1 shows a six pack 60 assembled on a stand to form a multi pack device. As shown, an outer face of each container 60 includes a machine-readable universal product code ("UPC"), referred to herein as barcode 70, printed on top. The barcode 70 on each individual container 60 allows the container 60 to be scanned by a barcode reader or scanner (not shown). When the barcode 70 on the container 60 is scanned by the barcode reader, information, such as the price, on the individual container 60 is retrieved from a computer connected to the barcode reader. The lines on the barcode 70 are aligned in a generally horizontal orientation relative to the container 60.

As shown in FIG. 1, a package of individual packages 60 comprises a assembled group of packages 20 sold as a package. Assembled packages 60 are generally randomly oriented such that each package 60 is positioned in a different and / or random orientation within the holder. The package may have a separate barcode (not shown in Figure 1), which allows information about the package, such as the price of pack group 60, to be retrieved when the separate barcode is scanned by the code reader. of bars. This separate bar code from the "package" may be printed on the outside of the package or otherwise affixed to the package by suitable means, such as adhesive.

However, problems and erroneous scans can arise if the barcode reader scans the barcode 70 on the individual packages 60 instead of the separate barcode on the package. Such erroneous scans can result in an individual package 60 price being charged for a multi-package package.

Figure 2 shows the package 10 assembled with the method according to the invention. As shown, package 10 may include a plurality of containers 60, such as cans, where each barcode 70 has been oriented in a preferentially inward position relative to package 10. Although cans are shown in Figure 2, bottles or any other container gathered together in package 10 can be used. Containers 60 are preferably dimensioned equal, though not necessarily, within a single flexible support 10.

Figure 3 shows the holder 15. As described, the holder 15 is preferably a thermoplastic ring type holder, commonly referred to as a "six pack", which collects a plurality of packages 60 into a single pack 10.

Each support 15 preferably includes a sheet 20 having a width and a length defining there a plurality of receiving openings 25, each of which to receive an individual container 60. The plurality of container receiving openings 25 are arranged in longitudinal rows and longitudinal ranges to form a series of container receiving openings 25, such as two rows by three rows for a six-container multipack, two rows by six rows for a multipack of twelve packs, etc. The container receiving openings 25 are preferably elongated in a longitudinal direction of the support 10.

Sheet 20 and thus backing 15 are preferably substantially transparent and are made of a suitable plastic material, preferably formed into extrusion molded sheets, such as low to medium density polyethylene. As shown in Figure 3, the support 15 includes an opaque section 30. The opaque section 30 preferably comprises a material and / or treatment that results in a sheet portion 20

ES 2 379 503 T3 that absorbs or reflects light beams emitted from the barcode reader, so that the barcode reader cannot read barcodes 70 on containers 60 that are at least partially covered or obscured, by bracket 15. When used herein "opaque section" is defined as a portion of support 15 that has a treatment, ingredient, characteristic and / or quality that does not allow light beams from a barcode reader to pass through support 15 and , therefore, through the scanning barcode 70.

As described, sheet 20 is formed of a generally transparent material and includes a series of container receiving openings 25. An opaque section 30 preferably extends through sheet 20 to encompass support 15. As shown in Figure 3, opaque section 30 extends through a center of support 15, or over the top, on the bottom or between the sheet 20. As such, the opaque section 30 can be adhered in sections or strips to the sheet 20, such as with an adhesive; opaque section 30 can be applied to sheet 20, such as with a hot stamp, ink, or paint; and / or opaque section 30 can be made from sheet 20, such as in a co-extrusion process.

In accordance with a preferred method of manufacture, an ink is laminated along the sheet 20 or a hot stamp 20 is applied prior to the formation or stamping of apertures 25. As such, the opaque section 30 may be formed along of a generally central area of ​​the support 15 and between transversely adjacent openings 25.

As shown in Figure 3, an opaque section 30 extends in a strip through a central portion of the sheet 20 and generally between fixed apertures 25. The support 15 includes an opaque section 30 that extends parallel and surrounds over two sides by transparent sections 40 of sheet 20. As such, rows of apertures 25 are positioned outside of opaque section 30. The opaque section 30 extends less than 180 degrees or midway around each opening 25. As a result, the opaque section is not formed along the outer portions or transverse ends of the sheet 20.

According to Figure 4, the plurality of containers are rotatably oriented in the corresponding series of openings, such that each barcode 70 is positioned so that a barcode reader cannot scan each barcode. 70. Each barcode 70 is rotatably positioned inward toward the opaque section 30 and toward the center of the resulting package 10. However, the opaque section 30 may be intermittently applied and / or may be positioned across the holder 15 based on a desired location of the barcode 70 on oriented packages 60. In any desirable configuration, each container 60 within holder 15 is rotatably oriented within holder 15 such that barcode 70 is obstructed by an adjacent container 60 and / or by an opaque section 30.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the barcodes 70 are preferably oriented inwardly such that the barcode 70 on each container 60 faces a barcode 70 on each transversely adjacent container 60. As such, adjacent packages 60 may be oriented such that the barcode reader cannot scan the barcode 70. Additionally, or alternatively, the opaque section 30 may prevent any light from the code scanner, either directly or reflectively, from contacting and reading the barcode 70 on individual packages 60. In part, the opaque section 30 preferably visually obstructs the barcode 70 on each container 60.

As shown in Figure 2, support 15 is preferably applied around a side wall of each respective container 60. As such, the opaque section 30 preferably overlaps directly with at least one line of each barcode 70 on each container 60.

A second barcode 80 (or "multipack code" may be positioned on the handle 90, as shown in Figure 2, or on another portion of the package 10. The second barcode 80 may include information related to the multi-package including new pricing and quantity information. The opaque section 30 thus provides a double bar code blocking paper 70 in individual packages 60 and to support the second bar code for multi-pack labeling.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the orientation of individual packages 60. The individual containers 60 can be rotated, either manually or mechanically, in a preferred orientation, before, during and / after engagement of the holder 15 with individual containers 60. The randomly oriented packages are oriented prior to application of the holder 15 to individual packages 60. Rotation of the containers 60 once engaged within the holder 15 can destroy the integrity of the holder 15 through excessive torque applied to the respective thermoplastic rings within the holder 15. Alternatively, the rotation of the containers 15 may be impossible once packages 60 are sealed within other packages known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Several desirable methods of orientation of individual packages 60 are taught by Arends et al. in United States Patent US 6,484,478; Arends et al. in United States Patent US 6,688,465; and Arends et al. in United States Patent US 6,868,652.

In accordance with a preferred method of the present invention, the support 15, having a plurality of openings

ES 2 379 503 T3 for receiving containers and an opaque section 30, is provided for coupling with a plurality of containers 60. The containers 60 are then positioned within the support 15 and are oriented so that the barcode 70 of each container 60 is blocked by adjacent containers 60 and / or by the opaque section 30 of the holder

fifteen. Container 60 may be oriented before it is positioned within holder 15; after container 60 has been positioned within holder 15 or some combination of container orientation 60 before and after engagement with holder 15.

In accordance with a desired aspect of this invention, each container 60 is oriented, prior to engagement with the holder 15, such that each barcode 70 faces the corresponding barcode 70 on a transversely adjacent container 60. Support 15 is then applied to a desired set of packages 60 resulting in a assembled package 10.

In addition, the opaque section 30, while desirable to be applied prior to engagement of the holder 15 with the containers 60, may be applied after the application of the holder 15 to the containers 60. As described in more detail above, the opaque section 30 can be adhered as a strip to the support 15; can be marked on a strip along the support 15; or it may be otherwise inserted on or in a holder 15 before, during or after application of the holder 15 to containers 60.

Although this invention has been described in the foregoing specification in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been shown for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the package is capable of various forms of packaging. additional embodiments and that some of the details described herein can be varied to a considerable extent without departing from the basic principles of the invention, as defined in the claims.