Scooping device for container having an electromagnetic surveillance device

Description of the invention

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to composite containers, and more particularly, it relates to composite containers that have an electronic article surveillance device (EAS) or a radio frequency identification device (RFID). Such EAS and RFID assemblies, as well as other assemblies operating on a similar principle, are generally referred to herein as electromagnetic trip units (EM).

[0002] It is becoming more and more common for retail operators to attach EM surveillance devices to products to deter and detect product theft in stores. A number of different types of EAS tags and detection systems have been developed and are currently used. Essentially all such EAS systems include a detection zone formed by the transmitter and receiver. The transmitter and receiver are positioned at the exit of the retail facility such that consumers have to pass through the detection zone to exit the facility. The transmitter sends a magnetic signal or a radio frequency signal (which signals are generally referred to herein as electromagnetic signals) at one or more predetermined frequencies to the receiver. When an active EAS tag enters the detection zone, this tag responds and causes a change or disturbance in the received signal to occur, which is detected by the receiver.

[0003] One common type of EAS system is an acoustomagnetic system that uses a tag having a magnetostrictive metal strip that changes length in response to changes in the magnetic field, and a biasing magnet that causes the magnetic field to deviate, thereby it is never null. This magnetostrictive metal strip is energized at a predetermined resonant frequency for it by a radio frequency signal generated by a transmitter at a resonant frequency (typically around 58 kHz), while the strip resonates at this frequency with the corresponding change in magnetic field. 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. The microcomputer in the receiver checks the marker signals to make sure that they have the correct frequency, are timed with the pulses, are in response to

-2 of the same level and whether they occur with the correct repetition pattern. If all these criteria are met, an alarm sounds to alert store personnel that an article with an EAS tag still active has been carried out near the transmitter and receiver. This tag can be deactivated by demagnetizing the deflection magnet in the tag.

[0004] Another type of EAS is an electromagnetic system that uses a stick-on tag having a metal wire or ribbon that has a high magnetic permeability in the vicinity of a semi-hard magnetic material element. The transmitter generates a low frequency (typically less than 1 kHz) electromagnetic field which causes the metal ribbon to become magnetically saturated twice during each cycle, and the metal ribbon therefore emits an electromagnetic signal. The saturation occurs rapidly and causes specific characteristics of the signal generated by the tag which is detected by the receiver. Such a marker can be deactivated by magnetizing a semi-hard magnetic material, which saturates the metal ribbon and makes it inactive. The marker can also be reactivated by magnetizing a semi-hard magnetic material.

[0005] The tags used in EAS systems as described above are not substantially "intelligent" in the sense that the tags do not store information; such tags simply emit a characteristic electromagnetic signal in response to a specific driving electromagnetic field such that the presence of the tags in the detection zone can be detected. In contrast, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems employ "smart" tags that can store information and can be remotely "read" by a reader to obtain such information. Radio frequency identification systems can be used to trace data related to items during manufacturing, inventorying, transportation and the like. Basically, the RFID assembly includes a tag that has a microprocessor in an integrated circuit (IC) and a resonant circuit formed by a coil antenna and a capacitor. In a passive RFID system, the reader generates a field with a predetermined frequency. When an RFID unit, which can typically be determined to be read-only or read / write, enters a magnetic field, weak electric currents appear in the resonant circuit of the unit. This circuit provides power to the assembly, which then modulates the magnetic field, to send information that was pre-programmed into the assembly back to the reader at a predetermined frequency such as 125 kHz (low frequency) or 13.56 MHz (high frequency). frequency). The reader then receives, demodulates and decodes the transmitted signal and transmits the data to a host computer connected to the system for further processing.

[0006] The active RFID system works in a very similar way, but in the active system, the RFID unit includes its own battery, allowing the unit to send data at the push of a button. For example, typically in a remote garage opener

An active RFID unit is used which transmits a predetermined code to the receiver to raise or lower the garage door as desired by the user.

[0007] Another RFID technology known as Bistatix ​​works very much like RFID assemblies except that the coil antenna and RFID array capacitor have been replaced with graphite printed circuit boards. As a result, the Bistatix ​​band is extremely flat and relatively flexible, although currently such bands are limited to a frequency range of about 125 KHz. In addition, the read range of a Bistatix ​​unit is size dependent, so a very large unit may be required when reading over a long distance.

[0008] WO 01/569021 describes an assembly for packing and suspending items for displaying said items in stores, comprising packaging elements (3) made of heat-shrinkable plastic material integrated with suspension elements (1) made of them. - heat-shrinkable material having at least a gripping hole (2) or a plate for suspending said assembly on the suspension member of the display frame. The suspending elements or heat-shrinkable packaging elements may be provided with an anti-theft device such as a permanent magnetic system, an actuated / disabled magnetic system, or an intelligent system containing an electronic chip.

[0009] EP 1 422 168 describes a packet for smoking articles having a container and a tag disposed within the container, the tag being detectable by a detection device.

[0010] US 5 597 653 describes an anti-theft tag consisting of a magnetic metal strip permanently applied to an electrically conductive non-magnetic metal member. This tag is attached to the item to prevent it from being stolen.

[0011] US 5 790 029 describes a method of packing a product into a container using an anti-theft tag inside the container.

[0012] In the present application, the term EM surveillance device is used to encompass all of the technologies described above.

[0013] Since the EM surveillance unit may in fact be detected in the detection zone and not the goods themselves, the EAS system may be "cheated" by removing the EM surveillance unit from the goods. That is why it is so important to secure the EM safety assemblies to the goods in such a way as to prevent their unauthorized removal. Some known EM safety devices are configured in such a way that they have a closed locked position in which such an EM safety device cannot be removed without the use of special equipment. Such EM security devices are commonly used in the garment trade. Other known EM security devices are relatively small and thin with an adhesive bottom. The security ones

The EM assemblies are fixed to the surface of the good or product, preferably in an area that masks their presence.

[0014] Certain goods have proved to be a challenge in terms of being able to accommodate an FM safety device. For example, it has traditionally been difficult to place an EM surveillance device on goods packaged within a composite container. While composite containers are often used to store inexpensive goods that would not typically be the subject of frequent theft, some relatively expensive goods, such as powdered baby formulas, are stored in composite containers, making these containers highly likely to be stolen and therefore highly advantageous. would be to use an EM safety band. Positioning the taped assembly on the outside of the container is problematic as the assembly would be easily spotted and removed. The placement of an EM surveillance device within a container is disclosed in US Patent Application 11 / 048,829 to the same assignee as the present application, the entire content of said application being hereby incorporated by reference. However, the use of an EM safety assembly within the wall involves a capital-intensive process to position the assembly precisely and to prevent interference from occurring between the assembly and other operations in the manufacturing process. Placing the electromagnetic surveillance device between the wall and the print layer at the end of the process can reduce the need for precise placement. But it lowers the aesthetic value of the container by causing the assembly to bulge, increases the likelihood of unauthorized removal of the assembly, and is also likely to interfere with the typical complex label printing process for such containers.

[0015] Moreover, until recently the placement of an EM surveillance device inside a container has been problematic due to the use of foil based liners inside the container wall. Interference from such foil based liners would make communication via electromagnetic signals problematic. Nevertheless, composite containers without a foil layer are becoming more and more available, making them more practical for placing EM security assemblies inside these containers. Even without foil-based liners, the placement of the EM security device inside the container is not entirely problem-free. For example, the inclusion of a bulk EM safety assembly would be viewed as an undesirable foreign article or limitation.

[0016] In view of the above, it would be preferable to provide a container for storing goods, the container comprising an EM surveillance device. More specifically, it would be advantageous if the placement of such an electromagnetic surveillance device would be cost effective and difficult to see.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[0017] The present invention satisfies the above needs and achieves other advantages by providing a scooping device with an integrated EM safety assembly for a container. The container defines an interior for storing a product. The scooping device is designed to remove 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 within an anti-theft system portion, and is attached to the scooping device.

[0018] Various aspects of the present invention are defined in the independent claims. Some preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.

[0019] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the scooping device includes a body and an electromagnetic surveillance device. The body forms a gripping portion and a main scooping portion for scooping a product from the container. The electromagnetic lock assembly is attached to the body. The assembly attaches to the body in a variety of ways: seat the assembly within the body or holding the assembly in a cavity formed in the body. The electromagnetic surveillance device may be a FAS, Bistatix, PFID device, or other electromagnetic security tag or tag configured to respond to an electromagnetic signal such that the presence of the electromagnetic surveillance device can be detected.

[0020] The container comprises a scooping device with an electromagnetic surveillance device for insertion into the container with the product. For example, the container further comprises a container body having an upper edge and a removable closure affixed to the upper edge. More specifically, according to this embodiment, the container body has a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and ending at the top edge. Nevertheless, the container may vary. For example, the container comprises a tubular side wall and a bottom closure. The tubular sidewall defines the bottom opening, the top opening and an interior for storing the product, and the bottom closure seals the bottom opening.

The present invention further comprises a method of packaging a product into a container having an anti-theft feature. The method includes feeding the container, attaching the electromagnetic surveillance device to the plastic insert, filling the interior of the container with a predetermined amount of product, and placing the plastic insert with the electromagnetic safety device after or during product filling, and then sealing the opening. with a removable closure. In one embodiment, the plastic insert is configured as a scooping device.

The present invention has several advantages. Integration of the EM safety unit with the scooping device masks the presence of the safety unit, or at least makes it less visible or objectionable.

-6 consumer pages. Moreover, the inclusion of an EM security device inside the container makes it difficult to "fool" the anti-theft system by unauthorized removal or deactivation of the security device. Also, the process of preparing and packaging the container is cost-effective and allows the EM surveillance device to be placed at the end of the process to avoid disruptions to other steps in the manufacturing process.

A brief description of some of the views shown in the figure

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which do not always have the correct proportions and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a product storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view of the container shown in Figure 1, taken along line 22, illustrating the scooping device within the container, including the stored product;

Figure 3a is a perspective view of the scooping device shown in Figure 2 where the electromagnetic surveillance device is mounted to the handle portion;

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

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a scooping device according to one example, wherein the electromagnetic surveillance device is glued to the handle portion; and

Figure 4b is a side view of the scooping device shown in Figure 4a.

Detailed description of the invention

[0024] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. In fact, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; meanwhile, these embodiments have been provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable law. Similar numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0025] Basically, the present invention relates to a scooping device 30 with an integrated electromagnetic (EM) surveillance device 50 for a container 10. Figures 1 and 2 show a container 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The container 10 is configured to store a product or products 12, e.g., dry infant formula. More specifically, this container 10 comprises a container body 14 having one or more walls or closures. For example, and as illustrated herein, the container 10 has

A 7-tubular side wall 18 defining an interior 22 with a lower opening and an upper opening. The bottom wall, end or closure 16 seal the bottom opening tightly. Side wall 18 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 16 to the top edge 20 which defines the top opening. The container 10 may also include a removable closure 24 affixed to the top edge 20 to close the top opening. The container 10 may be formed by helically rolling one or more layers together.

[0026] One of the issues that must be considered with the use of an EM surveillance unit 50 is that the presence of metal in the vicinity of the safety unit 50 may interfere with the proper operation of the safety unit 50. Therefore, while the container body 32 may be formed from a variety of materials, including synthetic or biological polymers, the use of foil-based or other metallic layers should be restricted. For example, in the case of the container 10 of Figures 1 and 2, the sidewall 18 precludes the use of any foil-based or metallic layers. However, it has been found that the use of metallic foil or layers as part of the bottom end 16 and / or the top closure 24 is acceptable as long as the EM surveillance device 50 is positioned at a distance, typically 3/8 (9.525 mm), from the foil. or metal.

[0027] While the overall shape of the container 10 is illustrated herein as a tubular structure, it may be different. For example, the container 10 may be substantially rectangular in shape. Moreover, instead of using a separate top closure 24 to seal the top opening, the sidewall 18 of the container 10 may be configured to be folded over itself to close the opening, similar to a conventional milk carton.

One aspect of the present invention is a scooping device 30. As can be seen in Figures 2-4b, the scooping device 30 includes a body 32 and an EM surveillance unit 50. Generally, the body 32 defines a main scooping portion 34 configured for scooping or scooping respectively. grabbing the product 12 from inside 22. In accordance with one embodiment, and as shown in Figures 2 3b, the main scooping portion 34 includes a bottom surface 36 and a side surface 38 rising or extending from at least a portion of the periphery of the bottom surface 38 and substantially forming a basket structure. However, the main take-up portion 34 may be different. For example, Figures 4a-4b illustrate another embodiment in which the main scooping portion 34 generally forms a shovel structure with a tapered front end. The main scooping portion 34 may also be configured to meter a quantity of product 12 by means of a measuring line or other quantity indicating indicia provided thereon.

[0029] The body 32 may also define a gripping portion 40 for grasping and controlling the scooping device 30 by a consumer or operator. The gripping portion 40 may be a collar around the main scooping portion 34 or an elongated member as shown in the figures.

[0030] An EM surveillance unit 50 is attached to the body 32. The EM surveillance unit 50 may be an EAS, Bistatix, RFID or other EM tag or tag configured to respond to the electromagnetic signal in such a manner as that the presence of this electromagnetic surveillance device 50 can be detected. Preferably, EM surveillance device 50 is attached in such a way as to mask the presence of the EM device 50 from a consumer or potential shoplifter. For example, and as shown in Figures 3-3b, the EM surveillance device 50 may be embedded in the handle portion 40 in such a way that it is not visible. Seating of the EM surveillance unit 50 may be accomplished by molding the EM surveillance unit 50 into the body 32 during construction of the scooping device 30. Alternatively, the recess 42 may be formed in the body 32 during the construction of the scooping device 30, and thereafter EM 50 surveillance unit 50 may be placed therein. cavity and held in place by a stopper or adhesive. In an example which does not fall within the scope of this invention, an EM surveillance device 50 may be adhered to the scooping 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.

[0031] The main factor to consider when placing the EM 50 surveillance unit 50 inside or on the scooping device 30 is to mask the presence of the safety device 50 from the consumer and to minimize his objection to the method of inserting the EM device 50 into the container 10 as well as to improve the properties of the consumer. protection against theft of this container 10. Other considerations include the positioning of the scooping device 30 within the interior 22 of the container 10. As mentioned above, the EM surveillance unit 50 should not be adjacent to the metal. Therefore, in an embodiment having metal ends or closures, EM surveillance device 50 preferably should be positioned farthest from each of the ends 16, 24. Typically, the farthest portion is the main take-up portion 34 as it is most convenient for the consumer to have the gripping portion 40 close to the top opening.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention is a method of packaging product 12 in a container 10 having anti-theft properties. The method includes feeding the container 10, filling the container 10 with product 12, and either after filling the container 10 or while filling the container 10, placing a plastic liner with the EM 50 safety device attached to the interior of the container 10.

[0033] According to another preferred embodiment, the plastic insert is configured as a scooping device 30. However, the plastic insert is not limited to the scooping device 50. One aspect of the present invention is to place an EM surveillance device 50 within the container 10. in such a way that it is unnoticeable or at least does not raise objections from the consumer. Preferably, this is done by integrating the safety assembly 50 into the scooping device 30, as consumers are accustomed to having the scooping device 50 in the container 10. Nevertheless,

Depending on the product 12 and the container 10, other elements are standard and may be used to mask the security assembly 50. For example, promotional items such as plastic toys may be used.

[0034] The present invention has several advantages. As mentioned above, integrating the EM surveillance unit 50 with the scooping device 30 masks the presence of the surveillance unit 50 or at least makes it less visible or objectionable to a consumer. Moreover, the placement of the EM device 50 within the container 10 makes it difficult to defeat the anti-theft system by the unauthorized removal or deactivation of the security device 50. Also, the process of preparing and packing the container 10 is cost effective and allows the EM 50 security device to be placed at the end of the process. to avoid disruption to other steps in the production process.

[0035] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein will occur to those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs, from the disclosure set forth in the above-given descriptions and accompanying drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

She prepared and verified

Jolanta Gór czak

Patent Attorney