METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A CONTAINER, CONTAINER, PACKAGING AND USE OF IT

专利摘要:
container with a medal. The present invention relates to a container (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210) and a method for producing the container, which may include a wall and a medallion. (12, 112, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912, 1012, 1112, 1212) retained to the wall by the container material (36, 136, 234, 336, 436, 536, 736, 836, 936 , 1036, 1136, 1236) of the one-piece construction integral to the wall and extending over at least a portion of the medal. the medal and one or more container portions adjacent to the medal may have a unique shared appearance. a package may include a loose loop (1080) coupled between a closure (1042) and a container (1010) to which the closure is attached, and a medal (1012) coupled to the loose loop.
公开号:BR112015018497B1
申请号:R112015018497-9
申请日:2014-03-06
公开日:2021-06-29
发明作者:Douglas Laib；Jessica R. Bryant；Susan L. Smith；Roger P. Smith
申请人:Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to containers and methods for manufacturing containers and, more specifically, to attachments for the containers. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE
[0002] The document US2008/110774 (D1) discloses a method for producing a plastic container that includes the steps of providing a plastic preform, positioning the preform in a blow mold, positioning an RFID tag in the mold of blow molding, and blow molding the preform to form the plastic container with the RFID tag attached to an external surface thereof.
[0003] Document US2006/139928 (D2) discloses a container that produces a light signal when the container is opened, wherein removing a lid from the container ultimately activates a switch within a detector circuit to produce the sign, which illuminates the contents of the container through an LED.
[0004] The document US2004/004829 (D3) discloses a bottle that has a label with an opaque portion and transparent portions, and a bottle cap that has a side wall and a top. D3 reveals that when the lamp is activated, the light penetrates the contents of the bottle as well as a wall of the bottle.
[0005] Document FR2306840 (D4) reveals a postcard that has a design and carries a removable object that appears to be one of several design elements on the postcard. The object includes a jewel received in a depression on the postcard and is covered with a transparent film. A postcard container breaks the film to remove the jewelry, thus revealing an image of the jewelry against a background of depression.
[0006] US2004/206765 (D5) discloses a polymeric seal for a polymeric container having an upper rim portion. D5 also reveals that the seal includes a rigid mounting ring that snap-locks to the container rim, and a flexible center panel that has progressively larger diameter dimples and a center area that can be molded to flow upward through channels/openings. and letter-forming recesses of a rigid caption holder medallion attached to the center panel.
[0007] The document EP0757012 (D6) discloses a container having a body, a power supply unit, a chip and a membrane installed inside a medallion coupled to a side surface of the body with a mounting tape. D6 also discloses a transducer with a spring forced contact that has a dielectric plate between conductive plates and connected to a plug in the container and/or muzzle around the plug. D6 further reveals that removal of the plug and/or muzzle results in displacement of the dielectric plate and subsequent contact of the conductive plates to activate the transducer to produce sound.
[0008] Document US2006/138138 (D7) discloses a lid for sealingly engaging a container and having a frangible portion connected to the container by means of a tear-off strip to prevent disengagement of the lid from the container. The frangible portion is removable from the lid by pulling on the tear strip to allow the lid to be disengaged from the container. The tear strip can include two wires that connect the frangible portion to a connecting block that can be attached to the container by an adhesive.
[0009] A general purpose of the present disclosure, in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, is to provide a container with a medal retained thereto as an attractive marker for purposes of tracking, anti-counterfeiting, indicating tampering, and/or indicating use.
[0010] The present disclosure incorporates several aspects that can be deployed separately or in combination with each other.
[0011] A method of manufacturing a container in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of forming a wall of a container to include a medal retainer, and retaining a medal to the container by forming a medal retainer portion of the container wall over a corresponding portion of the medal.
[0012] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a container including a wall and a medal retained to the wall by the building container material integral with the wall and extending over at least a portion of the medal.
[0013] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a container includes a wall and a medal retained to the wall by a retainer of one-piece construction integral to the container and which includes a portion extending over the medal, wherein the medal and one or more portions of the container adjacent to the medal have a uniquely shared appearance.
[0014] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a package includes a container, a closure coupled to the container, a loose loop coupled between the closure and the container, and a medal coupled to the loose loop. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The disclosure, together with objectives, resources, advantages and additional aspects thereof, will be better understood from the description, the appended claims and the attached drawings below, in which:
[0016] Figure 1 is a fragmentary elevation view of a container fabricated to include a medal non-removably retained in the container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 1A is a rear view of the medal of Figure 1;
[0018] Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the container of Figure 1, taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1 and showing the medal non-removably retained in the container;
[0019] Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view similar to that of Figure 2, illustrating the medal applied to the container, but before the medal has been non-removably retained in the container;
[0020] Figure 4 is a fragmentary elevation view of a container fabricated to include a medal non-removably retained in the container according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the container of Figure 4, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4 and showing the medal non-removably retained in the container;
[0022] Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view similar to that of Figure 5, illustrating the medal applied to the container, but before the medal has been non-removably retained in the container;
[0023] Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container fabricated to include a medal non-removably retained in the container according to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the container of Figure 7, taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7 and showing the medal insert molded to the container to non-removably retain the medal to the container;
[0025] Figure 9 is a fragmentary elevation view of a package according to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating a medal non-removably retained in a container and covered by a closure coupled to the container;
[0026] Figure 10 is a perspective view, partially in section and fragmentary, of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating a medal held non-removably and in a first state of appearance;
[0027] Figure 11 is a perspective view, partially in section and fragmentary, of the package of Figure 10 and illustrating the medal in a second state of appearance;
[0028] Figure 12 is a perspective view, partially in section and fragmentary, of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating a medal non-removably retained in a container, and circuitry that includes an ultraviolet light source;
[0029] Figure 13 is a perspective view, partially in section and fragmentary, of a package according to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating a medal held non-removably to a container, and circuitry which includes an ultraviolet light source;
[0030] Figure 14 is a sectional, elevation and fragmentary view of a package according to yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating a medal that extends into a closure;
[0031] Figure 15 is a fragmentary elevation view of a package according to another additional illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating an electromagnetic medal and circuitry;
[0032] Figure 16 is a fragmentary side view of the package of Figure 15, illustrating the first and second members of the medal;
[0033] Figure 17 is a front view of the first member of Figure 16;
[0034] Figure 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of a package according to another additional illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating a medal non-removably retained to a container, and a closure coupled to the container and having a cam adapted for attachment to medal upon removal of closure from container;
[0035] Figure 19 is a fragmentary elevation view of a package according to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating a medal non-removably retained in a container, and a loose loop coupled to the medal and captured between the container and a closure attached thereto;
[0036] Figure 20 is a fragmentary elevation view of a package according to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrating a medal that has an axial end covered by a closure to prevent access thereto; and
[0037] Figure 21 is a fragmentary front view of a container which includes a medal non-removably retained thereto and which has an appearance shared with a portion of the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODALITIES
[0038] Figure 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of a container 10 (e.g., bottle, pot, jar, or the like) that includes a medallion or medal 12 separated and carried by any suitable portion of container 10. Medal 12 may be non-removably retained in container 10 and can be used as a unique code for container 10, as will be discussed in greater detail below herein. The terminology "non-removably retained" includes a form in which medal 12 is not, by design intent, intended to be removed from container 10 without visible damage to container 10. Container 10 can be produced according to the modalities illustrative of a container manufacturing process disclosed herein below.
The container 10 may have any suitable shape, and may include a jar, pot, bottle, other food or beverage container, or any other suitable container. The container 10 includes a longitudinal axis A, a base (not shown) at an axial end of the container 10 that is closed in an axial direction, a body 14 that extends in an axial direction from the axially closed base, a shoulder 16 extending axially and radially from body 14, and a neck 18 extending axially from shoulder 16 and including a finish 20 having an open mouth 22 at another axial end of container 10 opposite the base. As used herein, the term "axial" includes oriented along a longitudinal axis of container 10 and may include, without limitation, a direction that is strictly parallel to a central and longitudinal axis of container A. , the term "radial" includes oriented generally along a radial line with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container and may include, without limitation, a direction that is strictly perpendicular to the central and longitudinal axis of container A. Body 14 may have any suitable shape in cross-section to axis A as long as body 14 is circumferentially closed. For example, body 14 may have a cylindrical cross-sectional shape that is circumferentially closed. In other embodiments, body 14 may be generally oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. As used herein, the term "circumferentially" applies not only to circular cross-sectional shapes, but also to any closed cross-sectional shape.
[0040] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, medal 12 may be attached to body 14 of container 10, as illustrated, and/or may be attached to any other suitable portion of container 10, e.g. shoulder 16 or the neck 18 (Figure 1). Medal 12 may be composed of a rigid material, for example, at least one of metal, glass, or ceramic, or any other suitable rigid material, but preferably not plastic, or paper or other fibrous material. Medal 12 may include an outer surface 24 which may bear symbols 26 (Figure 1), which may include a brand name, logo, slogan, or any other suitable symbols. Container 10 may include a depression 28 in a body wall in which medal 12 may be carried. Medal 12 may also include an inner surface 30 which may carry an authentication code 32 (Figure 1A), which may include a serial number or the like. In another embodiment, code 32 may be carried on outer surface 24 and symbols 26 (Figure 1) may be carried on inner surface 30.
[0041] Medal 12 is non-removably retained to container 10 with the one-piece construction material integral to a wall of container 10. For example, container 10 may also include a retainer 35, which may include a column. , post, pin, or radially outwardly extending peg 34 that a flared head 36 that traps the medal 12 between the head 36 and the body container 14. The depression 28 and/or the peg 34 may be formed by corresponding features at a rough block mold and/or a blow mold. In one example, the head 36 may be formed by stamping, or forming the free end of the peg 34 appropriately. In another example, medal 12 may be insert molded to container 10, for example, by any sets of insert molding procedures suitable in a raw block or blow mold stage of container manufacturing. Although only one peg 34 is illustrated, any suitable number of pegs 34 can be used to secure medal 12 to container 10.
[0042] Referring to Figure 3, the container 10 is shown with its body 14' in a pre-stamped condition. Container 10 includes a radially outwardly extending peg 34' prior to stamping. Medal 12 includes a passage 38 therethrough between outer and inner surfaces 24, 30. Medal 12 is applied to container 10 over peg 34' so that peg 34' protrudes through medal passage 38, and so that the inner surface 30 of the medal 12' is positioned against an outer surface 40 of the container 10 within the depression 28. Then, the pin 34' can be stamped for the purpose of forming the head 36 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Depending on where in the manufacturing process the stamping is carried out, the stamping can be conducted with or without the application of additional heat to the pin 34'.
[0043] Figures 4 to 6 illustrate another illustrative embodiment of a container 110. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 and similar numerals between the embodiments generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout. several views of the Figures in the drawing. Consequently, the descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other. Additionally, the description of common matter may generally not be repeated here.
[0044] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a medal 112 may be non-removably retained to a body 114 of the container 110 as illustrated, and/or may be non-removably retained to any other suitable portion of the container 110 , for example, a shoulder 116 or neck 118 (Figure 4). Medal 112 may include an outer surface 124 which may bear any suitable symbols 126 (Figure 4). Medal 112 may also include an inner surface 130 which may carry an authentication code. Container 110 may include a pocket in a container body wall in which medal 112 may be carried. For example, container 110 may include a radially outwardly extending ring or ring 134 that has a stamped head 136 that traps medal 112 between head 136 and container body 114. Head 136 may be circumferentially continuous, as illustrated. , but may instead be circumferentially interrupted to include multiple flanges (not shown) that may be formed over corresponding portions of medal 112.
[0045] Referring to Figure 6, container 110 is shown with its body 114' in a pre-stamped condition. Container 110 includes a radially outwardly extending cylindrical ring 134' prior to stamping. Medal 112 includes an outer edge 138, and medal 112 is applied to container 110 within rim 134' so that outer edge 138 is within rim 134', and so that inner surface 130 of medal 112 is positioned. against an outer surface 140 of container 110 within pocket or rim 134'. Then, the collar 134' can be stamped onto or onto the medal 112 for the purpose of forming the head 136 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. The medal 112 and the collar 134' may be circular in shape as illustrated, but they can, rather, be square, rectangular, star-shaped, pentagonal, or any other suitable shape.
[0046] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate another illustrative embodiment of a container 210. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6 and like numerals between the embodiments generally designate similar or corresponding elements through all the various views of the Figures in the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into each other. Additionally, the description of common matter may not be repeated here.
[0047] Referring to Figure 7, medal 112 may be non-removably retained to a base 213 of container 210, as illustrated, and/or may be non-removably retained to any other suitable portion of container 210. Medal 112 may include an outer surface 124 which may carry any suitable symbols 126. Referring to Figure 8, medal 112 may also include an inner surface 130 which may carry an authentication code. Container 210 may include a retainer 235 that retains medal 112 to container 210. For example, container 210 may include a pocket in a base wall in which medal 112 may be carried. For example, container 210 may also include an axially outwardly extending collar 234 that traps medal 112 between collar 234 and container base 213. More specifically, inner surface 130 of medal 112 may be positioned against a surface ex-suit 240 of container 210 inside rim 234.
[0048] Figure 9 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a container 310 that may include a medal 312 responsive to a change associated with a closure 342 with respect to the container 310. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8 and similar numerals between modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the Figures of the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into one another, and the description of the common matter may generally not be repeated here.
[0049] In Figure 9, a package 311 includes container 310, a medal 312 retained in container 310, and a closure 342 coupled to container 310 and sealably covering at least a portion of medal 312. Container 310 includes a body 314, a shoulder 316 that extends from the body, a neck 318 that extends from shoulder 316 and that includes a neck 320 finish, which may include one or more thread segments, or any other engagement features closures, for coupling closure 342 to container 310. Medal 312 may be non-removably retained to a container wall, e.g., container neck 318, e.g., by an integral retainer 335. 335 may include a flared pin head 336, or any other suitable portion(s) of container 310.
[0050] Medal 312 may include an air-reactive material that reacts with any one or more of the air constituents for the purpose of visibly altering the appearance of the material. For example, the material reactive to air may more particularly include a material reactive to oxygen or a material reactive to nitrogen. More specifically, the air-reactive material can include oxygen-reactive metals, polymers, or dyes. For example, the air-reactive material can include copper, iron, potassium, sodium, PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), or polycarbonate. Medal 312 may be composed of such air-reactive material, or may include a layer or coating of such material over any substrate suitable for medal 312. In addition, medal 312 may additionally include a protective material (not shown) on top of the material. air-reactive to protect the air-reactive material from premature exposure, and/or a recovery material to protect the air-reactive material from pre-mature exposure. These materials and configurations are disclosed and shown in conjunction with Figures 4 to 19 of Patent Application No. 13/832,589 (Attorney Dossier Number 19205 and entitled "CONTAINER HAVING A USE INDICATOR"), which was filed on the same date as the present application and is assigned to the assignee thereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The closure 342 may include a cap 344 that may be coupled to the container neck finish 320 in any suitable way, for example, by threading, friction fit, or in any other suitable way. The cap 344 may include a base wall 346, and an outer annular skirt 348 that extends axially from the base wall 346 and terminates in a lower edge 349.
[0052] In an implementation of the present embodiment, medal 312 may be completely covered in an axial direction by cap 344 when lower edge 349 of skirt 348 extends axially below medal 312. In addition, medal 312 may be hermetically sealed to container 310 wherein an inner surface of lower edge 349 of skirt 348 may be in complete circumferential sealing contact with container neck 318.
[0053] In another implementation, closure 342 may also include a cover 350 that may cover all or a portion of closure cap 344 and extends below at least a portion of medal 312 and over at least a portion of the container neck 318 in sealing contact with it. For example, cover 350 can be a heat-shrink liner, wax, or any other suitable cover that can provide an airtight seal. Consequently, medal 312 may also or instead be hermetically sealed to container 310 by cover 350. Closure 342 and cover 350 are shown as transparent, but may be opaque or translucent so that medal 312 can be visible to from the outside of the package.
[0054] In a further deployment, medal 312 may not be hermetically sealed to container 310 and instead may include a protective liner that can be removed when closure 342 is removed. For example, closure 342 may be adapted to scrape, pull, or peel off medal protection coating 312 when closure 342 is removed. More particularly, a portion of the cap 344, e.g., the lower edge 349 thereof, may be adapted to scrape, pull, or peel off the protective coating of medal 312, e.g., by means of a sharpened radially extending portion. into it. In the present embodiment, medal 312 may provide an indication of use of package 311 as described and shown in conjunction with Figures 1 to 3 of Patent Application No. US 13/832,589 (Attorney Dossier Number 19205 and entitled "CONTAINER HAVING A USE INDICATOR"), which was filed on the same date as the present application and is assigned to the assignee thereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0055] During product packaging, medal 312 may be mounted to container 310 in an inert environment in any suitable manner, and closure 342 may be sealably applied to container 310 to prevent oxidation of medal 312.
[0056] Upon initial packaging of package 311, medal 312 may exhibit an initial state, or first state, of a visual feature, e.g., a first color or other appearance. (Therefore, medal 312 and closure 342 can be mounted to container 310 in a vacuum, in an inert environment, or the like to prevent premature exposure of medal 312.) But when exposed to air, for example, after removal of the closure 342 when the original package 311 is initially opened, and in response to that opening, the medal 312 may display another, depending on the state of the visual feature, for example, a second color or other appearance. As used herein, the term "opening" includes the partial or complete opening of a container, for example, overturning or unscrewing a closure from the container or completely removing a closure. As used herein, the term "removal" may include partial or complete removal.
[0057] The second state is different and irreversible to the initial state or first state. Consequently, the altered state badge 312 may indicate the use of the design intent of the package 311, such as opening the container for the first time or initial after the package 311 is sealed at the factory. "Irreversible" terminology includes a form in which the medal is, by design intent, modifiable in one direction, for example, transparent to opaque and not back to transparent, or in another example, opaque to transparent and not back to opaque.
[0058] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate another illustrative embodiment of a container 410 that may include a medal 412 responsive to a change associated with a closure 442 related to the container 410. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 9 and similar numerals between embodiments generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the Figures of the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into one another, and the description of the common matter may generally not be repeated here.
[0059] The container 410 may carry a medal 412, for example, in a container neck 418, or in any other suitable location. Medal 412 may be non-removably retained to container 410 by an integral retainer 435, which may include an enlarged head 436 of a pin 434 formed integrally with container 410, or by any suitable means, or in any other suitable manner. . Medal 412 can include a substrate 413 that can carry one or more reagents 452 that react to receiving electricity thereto from a power source. Reagents 452 may be carried in any well, pocket, enclosed hollow portion, or the like, of substrate 413.
[0060] Consequently, the container 410 may also carry a normally open electrical circuit, which may include a power source 454, which may include one or more batteries, quartz piezoelectric elements, capacitors, solar cells, or any other supply of electricity . Power source 454 may be carried by any suitable container wall and be electrically connectable to reagents 452 to electrify reagents 452 when the circuit is closed. Therefore, container 410 may additionally carry a sensor 456, which may include contacts or any other suitable configuration, and any suitable electrical conductor(s) 458 that couple(s) to the source of power 454 to sensor 456 and reagents 452. Sensor 456 may be carried by a neck finish 420. Sensor 456 may include a capacitive proximity sensor, magnetic sensor (e.g., reed switch), photoelectric sensor, inductive proximity sensor, or any other suitable switch or sensor. Conductor(s) 458 may include wiring, layouts, and/or similar. The circuit is shown as a schematic example, and any other configurations suitable for energizing an element upon closing removal are contemplated.
[0061] In addition, the container 410 may be part of a package 411 that includes a closure 442 coupled to the neck finish 420 of the container 410. The sensor 456 may be configured to be closed upon removal (partial or complete) of the closure. ment 442 of container 410. In one embodiment, closure 442 may be pivotally coupled to container neck finish 420, for example, by means of thread segments or any other suitable container engaging/closing elements. In this embodiment, a portion of closure 442 may displace one of the sensor contacts 456 into engagement with another of the sensor contacts to close the circuit and discharge electricity from battery 454 to reagents 452.
[0062] In a first implementation of the present embodiment, the reagent(s) 452 may include electrochemically reactive products. For example, the 452 reagents can include magnesium, zirconium, xenon, potassium chloride, or any other suitable materials that can inflate upon exposure to electricity and change appearance. Consequently, medal 412 and reagents 452 can be similar to an old photographic flash cube.
[0063] In a second implementation of the present embodiment, reagent 452 may include an electrochromic material. For example, reagent 452 can include an electrochromic polymer or any other suitable electrochromic material that can change at least one of its color or opacity upon exposure to electricity. Consequently, medal 412 may be an electrochromic (or electrochromatic) device, which may include mirrored glass or electrically switchable or variable glass that has switchable or variable light transmission properties depending on the voltage applied to it. For example, in one or more modalities, the electrochromic device may include "Smart Glass", "EGlass", "smart sunglass", or "smart window" light transmission technology.
[0064] In any of the aforementioned implantations, the medal 412 may exhibit a first visual characteristic, for example, a first color or other appearance before the reagent(s) 452 are electrified, as shown in Figure 10. But when exposed to electricity, for example, by removing closure 442, medal 412 may exhibit a second visual characteristic, for example, a second color or other appearance by electrifying reagents 452, as shown in Figure 11. In particular , the 452 reagents themselves can change the appearance from a light appearance to a dark appearance. Consequently, the altered state badge 412 may indicate the use of the design intent of the package 411, such as opening for the first time or initial after the package 411 is sealed at the factory.
[0065] In other related embodiments, the circuit, including closure 442, battery 454 and/or sensor 456, may be configured differently, for example, as described and shown in conjunction with Figures 10 to 15 of the Patent Application in US 13/683,475 (Attorney Dossier Number 19225 and entitled "CONTAINER HAVING A USE-EVIDENT DEVICE"), which was filed on November 21, 2012 and is assigned to the assignee therein and is incorporated herein as reference in its entirety.
[0066] Figure 12 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a container 510 that may include a medal 512 responsive to a change associated with a closure 542 related to container 510. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 11, and similar numerals between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the Figures of the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into one another, and the description of the common matter may generally not be repeated here.
[0067] Container 510 may be part of a package 511 that includes a closure 542 coupled to a container neck finish 520 of container 510, which may carry a medal 512, for example, in a container neck 518, or in any other suitable location. Medal 512 may be non-removably retained in container 510 by an integral retainer 535, which may include an enlarged head 536 of a pin 534 formed integrally with container 510, or by any other means, or in any other suitable manner. . Medal 512 can be or can include a photochromic material, for example, photochromic glass or the like which can be activated by ultraviolet light upon opening the package 511.
[0068] Consequently, the container 510 may also carry an electrical circuit, which may include a power source 554, an ultraviolet (UV) light source 560, and a sensor 556 and electrical conductor(s) 558 Power source 554 may include one or more batteries, quartz piezoelectric elements, capacitors, solar cells, or any other suitable supply of electricity. Power source 554 can be carried by any suitable container wall, and is electrically connectable to UV light source 560 to generate UV light when sensor 556 is closed. Sensor 556 may include a capacitive proximity sensor, magnetic sensor (e.g., reed switch), photoelectric sensor, inductive proximity sensor, or any other suitable switch or sensor and related wiring, dashes, and/or the like. In one of reed switch or similar embodiments, the closure 542 may carry a sensor activator 562, e.g., a magnet, a ferrous metal, or any other suitable sensor activating component. The UV light source 560 may include one or more UV light emitting diodes (LEDs), or any other suitable source(s) of UV light.
[0069] The sensor 556 can be configured to be closed by removing (partial or complete) the closure 542 from the container 510. In one embodiment, the closure 542 can be pivotally coupled to the container neck finish 520, by example, by means of threaded segments, or any other suitable container/closure engagement elements. In the illustrated embodiment, sensor activator 562 can pass sensor 556 to activate sensor 556 and thereby close the circuit and discharge electricity from battery 554 to UV light source 560. These circuits and components are disclosed and shown in US Patent Application No. 13/679,506 (Attorney Dossier Number 19254 and entitled "PRODUCT AND PACKAGE WITH A PHOTOSENSITIVE USE- EVIDENT FEATURE"), which was filed November 16, 2012 and is assigned to the assignee thereof and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0070] Medal 512 may exhibit a first visual characteristic, for example, a first color or other appearance before the UV light source 560 is energized. But when exposed to UV light, for example, by removing closure 542, medal 512 may exhibit a second visual characteristic, for example, a second color or other appearance upon energizing light source 560. altered state 512 may indicate the use of the package 511, such as the first or initial opening of the container, after the package 511 is sealed at the factory. As used herein, the term "use" may include use of the design intent, for example, unpacking, product dispensing, and/or the like, but may also include unwanted or unauthorized use, for example, removal of product, product dilution, addition of counterfeit product, and/or the like.
[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the UV light source 560 may be carried inside the container 510 on a wall thereof, which may be opposite that of the medal 512. Consequently, the light source 560 activated will darken the glass 552 after opening and dispensing certain UV P blocking products. In other embodiments, the UV light source 560 would be carried by the container 510 on a wall thereof at a location immediately adjacent to or behind the medallion 512. Consequently, the activated light source 560 will darken glass 552 by opening even if product P is a type of UV blocking product.
[0072] Container 510 may include a UV shield to protect Medal 512 from premature exposure to UV light. The UV protector can be carried by the 510 container, directly or directly. The UV shield can include any UV blocking, UV absorbing, and/or UV retardant material or element of any kind. For example, the UV protection material can include vanadium, selenium, carbon, iron, other staining glass or colored glass materials, and/or the like. The UV protection material may be part of the container composition itself, a coating on the inner and/or outer surfaces of a substrate of container 510 and/or medal 512, and/or the like. In another example, the UV shield may include a retractable sleeve (not shown) around the container 510 and medal 512 and which includes UV shielding material and which may be translucent or transparent. In any case, the UV shield can be provided over, around, or radially outward of the medal 512 to protect it from exposure to UV light from the outside of the 510 package.
[0073] Figure 13 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a package 611 that may include a medal 612 responsive to a change associated with a closure 542 related to container 510. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 12 and numerals Similars between the modalities generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the Figures in the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into one another, and the description of the common matter may generally not be repeated here.
The package 611 is substantially similar to the package 511 of Figure 12 which includes the container 510 and the closure 542, but includes a different medal 612. The medal 612 may include a substrate 613 that includes a UV shield and a synthetic layer - lined with photochromic glass 652, which can be applied to a rear surface (facing the container) of substrate 613. Substrate 613 can be composed of a UV protective material and/or can be coated with the same. In another implementation, photochromic glass 652 may instead be applied to a portion of container 510 corresponding in external profile to medal 612.
[0075] In any event, photochromic glass 652 may include any suitable metal halide material, which may include silver, copper, and/or cadmium with chlorine halide, bromine halide, and/or iodine halide. The photochromic material may include any suitable material selected from the group(s) consisting of the aforementioned materials, or from any other photochromic material(s). The layer can be produced and applied by selectively applied ceramic label (ACL) or similarly to ACL, techniques which - per se - are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a metal halide containing glass can be produced, sprayed onto fine glass particles, and combined with organic binders, lubricants, flow agent, and the like to produce a compound that can be heated and fluid in container 510 and/ or on medal substrate 613 using screen printing or any other suitable techniques. Thereafter, the container 510 and/or medal substrate 612 with the sintered layer thereon can be heat treated, for example, through a decorative lehr oven to sinter the glass particles in the container 510 and/or substrate 613. Photochromic glass 652 can be activated by ultraviolet light by opening package 511. Photochromic glass 652 is protected by premature exposure to ambient UV light impinging on the outside of package 611 by the medal-protection substrate of UV 613. Similarly, photochromic glass 652 is protected from ambient UV light shining through vessel 510 by fluid product P in vessel 510. For example, some spirits, eg brandy, Scotch whiskey, whiskey, and/ or the like absorb much of the UV spectrum and can be used as a UV protectant for 652 photochromic glass.
[0076] Again, container 510 can carry the electrical circuit, with power source 554, UV light source 560, and sensor 556 and conductor(s) 558. And again, sensor 556 can be configured to be closed by removing (partially or completely) closure 542 from container 510 for the purpose of discharging electricity from battery 554 to UV light source 560. UV light will impinge on photochromic glass 652 to darken it.
[0077] Therefore, medal 612 may exhibit a first visual characteristic, for example, a first color or other appearance before the UV light source 560 is energized. But when exposed to UV light, for example, by removing closure 542, medal 612, or at least photochromic glass 652, can exhibit the second visual characteristic, for example, second color or other appearance by energizing the source. of light 560. Consequently, altered state medal 612, or photochromic glass 652, may indicate use of the design intent of package 611, such as first-time or initial opening of container after package 611 is sealed at the factory.
[0078] Figure 14 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a container 710 that may include a medal 712 responsive to a change associated with a closure 742 related to container 710. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 13 and numerals similar between the modalities designate, in general, similar or corresponding elements throughout all the several views of the Figures of the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into one another, and the description of the common matter may generally not be repeated here.
[0079] Container 710 may be part of a package 711 that includes a closure 742 coupled to a neck finish 720 of a neck 718 of container 710. The closure 742 may include a base wall 746, and an outer skirt 748 that extends axially from base wall 746. Closure 742 may be coupled to container 710 in any suitable way, for example, by means of thread segments or any other suitable cooperative engagement elements on container 710 and closure 742.
[0080] The container 710 may carry a medal 712, for example, over the container neck 718, or at any other suitable location. Medal 712 may be non-removably retained in container 710 by an integral retainer 735, which may include an enlarged head 736 of a pin 734 formed integrally with container 710, or by any other suitable means, or otherwise. proper. Medal 712 may include a body portion 764 trapped between head 736 and container 710, and an extension portion 766 that extends axially toward closure 742. Extension portion 766 may be radially separated from container 710 and may extend axially into closure 742. Medal 712 would be completely intact between body and extension portions 764, 766 after initial packaging of package 711, thus indicating an authentic product.
[0081] However, upon partial or complete removal of closure 742, medal 712 would be breached by closure 742. For example, closure skirt 748 may include a cutter 768 that may extend radially inward from a lower portion of skirt 748. Cutter 768 may extend partially or completely circumferentially around skirt 748, and may include a separate component or may include a sharp radially inwardly extending integral portion of closure 742 itself. 768 can be exposed only by applying axial pressure downward from closure 742 towards container 710.
[0082] Upon removal of the closure 742, the cutter 748 cuts the medal 712 between the extension portion 766 and the body portion 764. The torn medal 712 provides an indication that the package 711 has been opened from its state as authentic packaged. Medal 712 may be relatively thin and relatively soft in composition, eg copper, or it may be plastic and overmolded to closure 742.
[0083] Figures 15 to 17 illustrate another illustrative embodiment of a package 811 that may include a medal 812 responsive to a change associated with a closure 842 related to a container 810. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 14, and like numerals between embodiments generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the Figures of the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into one another, and the description of the common matter may generally not be repeated here.
[0084] Referring to Figure 15, package 811 includes a container 810 that includes an electromagnetic medal 812 non-removably retained to container 810 by means of an integral portion of container 810, for example, by means of an integral retainer 835 which may include an enlarged head 836 of container 810. Package 811 may also include an electrical circuit, which may include the aforementioned components of the various electrical circuits described herein, including a power source 854, a sensor 856, and one or plus 858 electrical conductors coupled to the 812 medal.
[0085] Referring to Figure 16, medal 812 may include a first member 870 that can be secured and positioned adjacent to container 810, and a second member 872 that can be movably coupled relative to container 810 and disposed radially to outside the first member 870, so that the first member 870 is positioned between the second member 872 and the container 810. The first member 870 includes a first magnetic element 871 and the second member 872 includes a second magnetic element 873 for cooperation with the first magnetic element 871. Magnetic elements 871, 873 may be attached or integral to corresponding members 870, 872.
[0086] Referring to Figure 17, the first member 870 (Figure 16) may include one or more first portions 874 and one or more second portions 875 different in appearance from the first portions 874. For example, the first portions 874 may have a light appearance, eg white, and the second portions 875 may have a dark appearance, eg black. In other examples, portions 874, 875 may be of different colors, may display different symbols, or may display any other different appearance. Portions 874, 875 may include 90 degree quadrants or any other suitable configuration and shape.
[0087] Referring again to Figure 15, the second member 872 may include one or more windows 876, e.g., passageways, to provide visible access to one or more portions of the first member 870 (Figure 16). The windows 876 may include two diametrically opposed 90 degree quadrants or may be of any other suitable configuration and shape. In any case, windows 876 may correspond to portions 874 of first member 870 (Figure 16) to provide visible access thereto. In an as-packaged state, windows 876 may be oriented to expose or provide visible access to first portions 874 of first member 870 (Figure 16), for example, to provide an indication that package 811 is authentic and has not been opened.
[0088] Upon partial or complete removal of closure 842, however, windows 876 can be oriented to expose second portions 875 of first member 870 (Figure 16). For example, upon removal of closure 842 the first magnetic element 871 can be energized via the circuit. More specifically, the electrical circuit may include first magnetic element 871, which can be coupled to power source 854 to energize first magnetic element 871 by removing closure 842. Energizing magnetic element 871 causes attraction of second magnetic element 873, thus causing the rotation of the second member 872. This rotation may continue until the magnetic elements 871, 873 contact each other, and the windows 876 are oriented in order to expose the second portions 875 of the first member, for example , to provide an indication that package 811 has been opened.
[0089] Those individuals of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the second member 872 may be pivotally coupled to the container 810, for example, around the integral container pin 834, and that the first member 870 (Figure 16) may be secured to container 810 against rotation by being frictionally engaged with pin 834, or in any other suitable manner. But ordinary skill technicians will also recognize that the second member 872 could be fixed and the first member 870 (Figure 16) could be swivel. Ordinary skill technicians would also recognize that the 812 Electromagnetic Medal could include linearly moving first and second members instead of the illustrated pivoting members.
[0090] In any deployment, the second member 872 is not movable relative to the first member 870 (Figure 16) with the absence of energizing the magnetic element. For example, a protective cover (now shown) may be non-removably attached to container 810 over members 870, 872, or any suitable electrical functionality may be used to hold member 872 immobile. In addition, rack features could be provided between 870, 872 members to prevent or provide an indication of tampering with the 812 medal.
[0091] Figure 18 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a package 911 that may include a medal 912 responsive to a change associated with a closure 942 related to a container 910. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 17, and similar numerals between embodiments generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the Figures of the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into one another, and the description of the common matter may generally not be repeated here.
Package 911 includes a container 910 and a closure 942 coupled to a container neck 918 and, more particularly, to a neck finish (not shown separately) of container 910. Package 911 also includes a medal 912 retained of shape non-removable to container neck 918 at a location axially adjacent to closure 942. Although the illustrated embodiment includes an enlarged head 936 of an integral retainer 935 consistent with the embodiments disclosed earlier herein, those individuals of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that medal 912 may be non-removably held by two or more such integral retainers, a pocket retainer feature similar to Figures 4 and 7, or in any other suitable manner.
[0093] The closure 942 may include a base wall 946, an outer annular skirt 948 extending axially from the base wall 946 and terminating in an axial end surface 949, and a cam 978 carried by the skirt 948, for example, between axial end surface 949 and base wall 946. Skirt 948 may have an outer surface, and cam 978 may extend radially outwardly relative to outer surface 948 of the skirt. For example, cam 978 may include a leading edge 979 circumferentially adjacent a cylindrical outer surface of skirt 948, and a cam shoulder 981 extending radially outward and extending circumferentially around a portion of skirt 948.
[0094] During the manufacture of package 911, closure 942 can be applied and tightened to container 910 in any suitable way, and then medal 912 can be attached to container 910 with a rear surface facing container 910. medal 912 is coupled to container 910 such that a portion of medal 912 axially overlaps closure 942. More specifically, portion of medal 912 may axially overlap axial end surface 949 of skirt 948 and at least a portion of cam 978 such that when the lock 942 is rotated, the overlapping portion of the medal 912 overlaps at least a portion of the cam 978.
[0095] In use, and from the as-packaged state of package 911, closure 942 can be rotated relative to container 910 for the purpose of forcing cam 978 into engagement with medal 912, for example, with the surface rear of it. The rotation of the continuous closure 942 with respect to the container 910 causes increasingly larger portions of the shoulder 981 of the cam 978 to engage the medal 912 and thus apply greater force to the medal 912. In turn, the force on the medal 912 is directed towards the integral retainer feature 935, which eventually breaks under applied force before closure 942 is completely removed from container 910. Consequently, a portion of container may be broken to release medal 912 from container 910 for keeping as a promotional or promotional item. collector.
[0096] Figure 19 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a package 1011 that may include a medal 1012 responsive to a change associated with a closure 1042 related to a container 1010. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 18, and similar numerals between embodiments generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the Figures of the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into one another, and the description of the common matter may generally not be repeated here.
[0097] Package 1011 includes a container 1010, a closure 1042 coupled to the container 1010, a medal 1012 carried by the container 1010, and a loose loop 1080 coupled to the medal 1012 and having a portion carried between the closure 1042 and the container 1010. The closure 1042 may be coupled to the neck finish 1020 of the container 1010 by means of cooperating thread segments, or any other suitable engaging elements, or in any other suitable manner. Loose loop 1080 may include a chain, as illustrated, a rope, cable, or any other suitable loose loop, and may be worn as a necklace or for any other suitable purpose. Loop 1080 may extend over neck finish 1020 in any suitable way that allows for the application and removal of closure 1042. For example, loop 1080 may extend through axially extending interruptions in threaded segments thereof to allow that the closure 1042 be threaded to the neck finish 1020 over the loop 1080. Additionally, the loop 1080 may extend over the open mouth of the container 1010 as illustrated, and/or may surround the neck finish 1020.
[0098] From the as-packaged state, closure 1042 may be removed from container 1010 to allow loop 1080 and pinned medal 1012 to be removed from package 1011, in at least one mode. In another embodiment, as illustrated, medal 1012 may be non-removably retained to container 1010 by means of an integral retainer 1035, e.g., a flared head 1036 of a pin. Consequently, a user may pry the 1012 medal to break the 1035 retainer and release the 1012 medal.
[0099] In any modality, the Medal 1012 and/or Bow Tie 1080 can be used as a promotional or collector's item. The lack of such item(s) of a package is an indication that the package is not authentic or is counterfeit. As in any of the presently disclosed embodiments, closure 1042 may be coupled to container 1010 with an anti-tamper strip (not shown separately), foil wrapped seal, or any other accessories.
[00100] Figure 20 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a package 1111 that may include a medal 1112 responsive to a change associated with a closure 1142 related to a container 1110. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 19, and similar numerals between embodiments generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the Figures of the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into one another, and the description of the common matter may generally not be repeated here.
The package 1111 includes a container 1110, a closure 1142 coupled to the container 1110, and a medal 1112 carried by the container 1110 and retained thereto with an integral retainer 1135 of the container 1110. The integral retainer 1135 may be similar to that shown and described with reference to Figures 4 to 7 except that, in one example, portion 1135 has an axial open end 1137 from which medal 1112 may protrude axially.
The closure 1142 includes a base wall 1146, an outer annular skirt 1148 that extends axially from the base wall 1146 and terminates in an axial end 1149. Those individuals of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the end 1149 may be part of a tamper indication strip (not shown separately) of closure 1142 or a main body portion of closure 1142.
[00103] Medal 1112 may include a body 1164 carried on integral retainer 1135 and have an axial end 1166 which may be carried between container 1110 and closure 1142, closure 1142 covering a portion of medallion 1112. , a portion of medal 1164 may axially overlap a corresponding portion of closure 1142 to block access to axial end 1166 of medal 1112.
[00104] During the manufacture of package 1111, medal 1112 can be coupled to container 1110 by means of integral retainer 1135 by sliding medal 1112 into a pocket defined radially between retainer 1135 and an outer surface of the neck of container 1118, or retainer 1135 being formed over medallion 1112, for example, at edges 1136, or in any suitable way. Thereafter, closure 1142 may be non-removably retained in container 1110 so that axial edge 1149 of skirt 1148 extends below axial end 1166 of medal 1112.
[00105] In use, closure 1142 may be completely removed from container 1110 to expose and allow access to axial end 1166 of medal 1112. At this point, a user may remove medal 1112 by holding end 1166 of medal 1112, and sliding it out of the 1135 retainer or breaking it loose from the 1135 retainer, or in any other suitable way.
[00106] Figure 21 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a container 1210. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 20 and similar numerals between the embodiments generally designate similar or corresponding elements throughout the various views of the Figures in the drawing. Consequently, descriptions of the modalities are incorporated into one another, and the description of the common matter may generally not be repeated here.
Container 1210 may include a medal 1212 non-removably retained on an outer surface thereof consistent with previously disclosed embodiments. For example, medal 1212 may be retained in container 1210 with integral retainers 1235 of container 1210 itself. In the illustrated embodiment, retainers 1235 may include enlarged heads 1236 of integral container pins (not shown separately) to secure edges of medal 1212 to container 1210. Of course, any other suitable configuration may be used including retainers extending through passages (not shown) through medal 1212, or a retaining frame on the periphery of outer medal 1212, such as that of Figures 4 and 7 or similar.
[00108] Medal 1212 and the portions of container 1210 adjacent to medal 1212 surrounding it may have a shared singular appearance. An exemplary shared singular appearance is schematically indicated for a common continuous pattern, for example, a wavy line pattern, either over medallion 1212 or over at least a portion of container 1210. In another example of a shared singular appearance, common continuous symbols (such as text or numbers) can extend either over container 1210 or medallion 1212. Symbols can include a serial number, phrase, or any suitable symbol.
[00109] Medal 1212 can be removed from container 1210 by using a wrench or other implement to pry medal 1212 and fracture the integral 1235 retainers. However, once medal 1212 is removed from container 1210, the it cannot easily be replaced with a replacement medal due to the fact that its appearance would not be shared with the original recipient. Consequently, the 1212 affixed medal and the appearance shared with the 1210 container provide an anti-counterfeiting measure.
[00110] In general, the containers described above can be produced in any suitable way. Containers can be composed of glass, plastic or metal and can be of an integrally formed one-piece construction. (The term "integral formed construction" does not exclude one-piece integral molded layer constructions of the type disclosed, for example, in US Patent No. 4,740,401, or one-piece containers to which another structure is added after the forming operation. container.) In a glass modality, containers can be manufactured in a press and blow, narrow neck press and blow, or blow and blow container manufacturing operation. In a plastic embodiment, the containers can be produced in an injection, compression and/or blow molding operation. In a metal embodiment, the containers can be manufactured in a roll forming and welding operation, or in any other suitable way. Below, an exemplary glass container manufacturing process is described. However many of the principles described below are applicable to plastic container and metal container manufacturing processes.
[00111] For example, a typical glass container manufacturing process includes a "hot end" and a "cold end." The hot end can include one or more glass melting furnaces for producing a glass melt, one or more forming machines for forming the glass melts into containers, and one or more applicators for applying a hot end coating to the containers. The "hot end" may also include a lehr annealing oven, or at least a starting portion of the lehr annealing oven, for annealing the containers therein. Through the lehr oven, the temperature can be gradually reduced to a downstream portion, cool end or exit of the lehr oven. The "cold end" may include an end portion of the lehr annealing furnace, applicators to apply one or more cold end coating to containers downstream of the lehr annealing furnace, inspection equipment to inspect the containers, and packaging machines to pack the containers.
[00112] In conjunction with the above description, containers can be produced through the following container manufacturing process, which may or may not include all of the disclosed steps, or be sequentially processed or processed in the particular sequence discussed, and the manufacturing process and the presently disclosed marking methods encompass any sequencing, overlapping or parallel processing of such steps.
[00113] First, a batch of glass-forming materials can be melted. For example, a melting furnace may include a tank with melters for melting soda-lime-silica to produce molten glass. The molten glass can then flow from the tank, through a throat, and to a refiner at the downstream end of the furnace where the molten glass can be conditioned. From the furnace, the molten glass can be directed towards a downstream front hearth which can include a cooling zone, a conditioning zone and a downstream end in communication with a mass feeder. The feeder can measure glass masses and deliver them to a container forming operation.
[00114] Then, the glass masses can be formed into containers, for example, through forming machines, which may include individual section press and blow and blow and blow machines, or any other suitable forming equipment. Raw block molds can receive the glass masses from the feeder and form preforms or raw blocks, which can be at a temperature in the order of 900 to 1,100 degrees Celsius. The blow molds can receive the raw blocks from the raw block mold and shape the raw blocks into containers, which can be at a temperature in the order of 700 to 900 degrees Celsius. Material handling equipment can remove containers from forming machines and place containers on conveyors or the like.
[00115] Furthermore, the formed containers can be annealed, for example, by a lehr annealing oven. At an inlet, a hot end or a portion upstream of the lehr annealing furnace, the temperature therein can be, for example, in the order of 500 to 700 degrees Celsius. Through the lehr oven, the temperature can be gradually reduced to a downstream portion, a cool end or an outlet of the lehr oven, for example, to a temperature therein in the order of 100 degrees Celsius.
[00116] At any suitable point(s) in the manufacturing process, containers are labeled with medals. The tagging step includes applying medals to the raw containers or blocks to mark the raw containers or blocks.
[00117] In one example, medals can be applied to the blank blocks in the blank block molds or to the containers in the blow molds, for example, insert molding the medals into the bases of the blank blocks or containers as the themselves are conformed. For example, a robotic arm or pick-and-place unit can be used to pick up a medal and place it in a recess or a holder in a mold. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a forming step may include substeps of forming a blank block and then forming the container from the blank block, wherein the medal is insert molded into the blank during the block forming step. gross. In another embodiment, the forming step may include substeps of forming a blank block and then forming the container from the blank block, wherein the medal is molded by inserting into the container during the container forming step.
[00118] In another example, medals can be applied to containers downstream of the blow molds. For example, the container portions can be stamped to hold the medals to the containers between the forming and annealing steps, with the use of any stamping and material handling equipment. The stamping equipment can include heaters to heat the container projections before and/or during stamping and can include stamping heads to contact the container projections and deform them onto the medals. For example, heaters can include torches, induction coils, lasers or any other suitable heating device, and stamping heads can include rotary, reciprocating, vibrational or other types of stamping heads. As used herein, the term "stamping" includes cold or hot stamping, stationary or rotary stamping, or any other suitable process of forming container material with respect to medals to secure the medals to containers.
[00119] The container forming step may include forming a radially outwardly extending peg integrally with a wall of the container. In addition, the container forming step may include forming a depression in the container wall around the pin. In another embodiment, the container forming step may include shaping a radially outwardly extending rim in a wall of the container.
[00120] The retaining step may include placing the medal over the peg and against the container wall and stamping the peg so that the container material flows axially or transversely to the geometric axis of the peg, conforming to that Shape, a head on the pin to trap the medal between the head and the container wall such that the head extends over a portion of the medal to non-removably retain the medal to the container. In addition, the retaining step may include placing the medal in a shaped depression in the container. In another embodiment, the retaining step may include placing the medal within a hoop and against the container wall and stamping the hoop onto a radially outer edge of the medal to form a retaining flange on the hoop to trap the medal between the flange. and the container wall such that the rim flange extends over a portion of the medal to non-removably retain the medal to the container. In either embodiment, the retaining step may include applying the medal to the container such that decorative symbols on one side of the medal face outward and/or such that authentication symbols on one side of the medal face inward. Furthermore, in either embodiment, the retention step may additionally include applying solder glass between the medal and the container, adhering the medal to the container with an adhesive, or the like, for example, to supplement retention of the medal in the container. .
[00121] In any case, medals are held non-removably to the corresponding wall(s) of the containers so that the medals cannot be removed without destroying or damaging the containers, so that the medals serve as markers tamper-resistant authentication tools. If desired, the container can be damaged or destroyed to gain separate access to medals, for example when medals are sought to be obtained as a collector's item. Consequently, separate or similar barcode labels do not need to be applied to the containers. Unlike typical barcode labels that are flexible and can be easily detached from containers, the presently disclosed badges are rigid and cannot be pulled away from containers without breaking one or more portions of the containers. And even if the medals could somehow be removed, replacement medals could not be affixed to the recipients in their original manner, thus providing an indication of an inauthenticity. Bar code labels and the like can be easily tampered with, adding significant cost, and can diminish a product's brand appeal.
[00122] During use, a product manufacturer can fill a container with product, register an authentication code from the container badge, and store product information along with the serial code as a record in a product database. production or similar. Later, in the production cycle, a distributor, consumer or similar can read the medal's serial code, access the manufacturer's production database via the Internet or otherwise, and search the database for the serial code to authenticate the container and/or the product inside the container.
[00123] Consequently, medals can be used throughout the distribution and supply chain for container or product location and tracking, return and refill and/or authenticity verification of the container and/or the product contained within the container. For example, a variety of attributes can be verified or added during the product cycle, for example, the date and/or place of manufacture of the container, the product contained within the container, authenticity of the container and/or the product in it . In some of the modalities, the act of removing the closure and/or medal causes visible damage to the recipient. Furthermore, in some embodiments, for example those shown in Figures 19 and 20, the medal can be removed without damage to the container and the fact that the medal is missing is an indication that the package has been previously opened, is counterfeit, or similar.
[00124] It was thus revealed a container and manufacturing methods that completely satisfy all the objectives and goals previously presented. The disclosure was presented in conjunction with several illustrative embodiments, and additional modifications and variations were discussed. Other modifications and variations will readily arise to individuals of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing discussion.

权利要求:
Claims (24)
[0001]
1. A method of manufacturing a container (10,110,210,310, 410,510,710,810,910,1010,1110,1210) which includes the steps of: forming a container wall to include a medal retainer (35.135,235,335,435,535,735,835,935,1035,1135,1235); and retaining a medal (12,112,312,412,512,612,712,812,912, 1012,1112,1212) to the container forming a portion (36,136,234,336, 436,536,736,836,936,1036,1136,1236) of the medal retainer of the container wall over a corresponding portion of the medal; characterized in that the forming step includes forming a peg (34,134,434,534,734,834) in the container wall, extending radially outwardly relative to the container, and the retaining step includes positioning the medal over the peg and against the peg wall. container and stamping the peg to form a head (36,436,536,736,836,936, 1036,1236) onto the peg to trap the medal between the head and the container wall so that the medal is non-removably retained in the container, or in which the The step of forming includes forming a ring (134) in the container wall, extending radially outwardly relative to the container, and the step of retaining includes positioning the medal within the ring and against the container wall and stamping the ring onto an edge. radially externally of the medal to form a retaining flange (136) to trap the medal between the flange and the container wall such that the medal is non-removably retained in the container, or wherein the step of forming includes forming a collar (234) extending axially outwardly in a container base wall, and the step of retaining includes molding by inserting the medal into the collar (234) and against the base wall of the container. container and insert molding the rim (234) onto a radially outer edge of the medal to form a retaining flange for trapping the medal between the flange and the wall of the container base so that the medal is non-removably retained by the container.
[0002]
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of forming includes forming a depression (28) in the container wall (10) around the pin (34) and the step of retaining includes positioning the medal (12) in depression.
[0003]
3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of forming includes sub-steps to form a raw block and then form the container from the raw block, and wherein the medal is molded by insertion to the raw block during the raw block formation step.
[0004]
4. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of forming includes sub-steps to form a raw block and then form the container from the raw block, and wherein the medal is molded by insertion into the container during the container forming step.
[0005]
5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of retaining includes applying the medal (12) to the container (10) so that decorative symbols (26) on one side (24) of the medal face outwards and/or apply the medal to the recipient so that authentication symbols (32) on the other side (30) of the medal face inwards.
[0006]
6. Container (10,110,210,310,410,510,710,810,910.1010, 1110,1210) produced by the method as defined in claim 1, which includes a wall and a medal (12,112,312,412,512,612, 712,812,912,1012,1112,1212) retained in the wall by a container material (36,136,336,48336,536,736,10, ,1136,1236) of one-piece construction integral with the wall and extending over at least a portion of the medal, characterized in that the container wall (10,310,410,510,710,810,910,1010, 1110,1210) includes a peg (34,434,534,734,834 ), extending radially outwardly relative to the container, and wherein the medal is positioned over the peg and against the container wall and the peg has a head (36,436,536,736,836,936,1036,1236) to trap the medal between the head and the container wall, such that the medal is non-removably retained in the container, or wherein the container wall (110) includes a rim (134) in the container wall, extending radially outwardly with respect to the container, and wherein the medal is positioned within the rim and against the container wall and the rim has a retaining flange (136) extending over a radially outer edge of the medal to trap the medal between the flange and the container wall, such that the medal is non-removably retained to the container, or wherein the container wall (210) is a base wall and includes an axially outwardly extending collar (234) on the container base wall, and the medal is positioned within the collar (234) and against the container base wall and the collar (234) has a retaining flange extending over a radially outer edge of the medal to secure the medal. between the flange and the container base wall so that the medal is non-removably retained in the container.
[0007]
7. Container (10,110,310,410,510,710,810,910,1010), according to claim 6, characterized in that the container is a glass container and the medal (12,112,312,412,512,712, 812,912,1012) is disposed inside a pocket in a glass wall of the container and retained by the container material (36,136,336,436,536, 736,836,936,1036) extending over an edge of the medal.
[0008]
8. Container (110), according to claim 7, characterized in that the medal (112) is molded in the glass wall so that the medal is retained by stamping after molding at least a portion of a periphery (134) of the pocket over the medal so that the medal is non-removably retained in the container.
[0009]
9. Container (10,310,410,510,710,810,910,1010), according to claim 7, characterized in that the medal (12,312,412,512,712,812,912,1012) has an opening (38) and the wall includes a portion (36,336,436,536,736,836,936,1036) received by the opening and if extending over at least a portion of the medal to retain the medal on the wall such that the medal is non-removably retained in the container.
[0010]
10. Container (10,110), according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the medal (12,112) has an inner surface (30,130) facing the container and having an authentication code (32).
[0011]
11. Packaging (311,411,511,611,711,811,911,1011,1111), which includes the container as defined in any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that it includes a closure (342,442,542,742,842,942,1042,1142) coupled to a neck finish (20,120,320,520,720, 1020) of the container.
[0012]
12. Packaging (311,411,511,611,711,811,911,1011,1111), according to claim 11, characterized in that the medal is responsive to a change associated with the closure in relation to the container.
[0013]
13. Packaging (311) according to claim 12, characterized in that the closure (342) sealingly covers at least a portion of the medal (312), which, on contact with air, is irreversibly adapted to change a badge feature that is visible from outside the container to indicate to a user that the packaging has been used.
[0014]
14. Packaging (411,511,811), according to claim 12, characterized in that it includes a sensor (456,556,856) to detect the removal of the closure (442,542,842) of the container (410,510,810), and a power source (454,554,854) coupled to the sensor.
[0015]
15. Packaging (411) according to claim 14, characterized in that the medal (412) carries reagents (452) that ignite when receiving electricity from the power source (454).
[0016]
16. Packaging (511) according to claim 14, characterized in that it includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source (560), wherein the closure (542) carries a sensor activator (562) that passes through the sensor (556) during removal of the closure to activate the sensor and thereby discharge electricity from the power source to the UV light source, and wherein the medal (512) carries an electrochromic material that changes at least one color or opacity in the UV light source receiving electricity from the power source so as to indicate the use of the package.
[0017]
17. Packaging (811) according to claim 14, characterized in that the medal (812) is an electromagnetic device (812).
[0018]
18. Packaging (811) according to claim 17, characterized in that the medal (812) includes: a first member (870) coupled to the container (810) and including the first and second portions (874,875) having appearances different from each other and including a first magnetic element (871), and a second member (872) coupled to the container and disposed radially away from the first member so that the first member is positioned between the second member and the container, and including a second magnetic element (873) and at least one window (876) to provide visible access to the first portion of the first member in a packaged state of the package to provide an indication that the package is authentic and has not been opened, in that upon receipt of electricity from the power source (854), the first magnetic element is energized and attracts the second magnetic element to cause relative movement between the first and second members and reorient the part. at least one window with respect to the first member to expose the second portion of the first member to provide an indication that the package has been opened.
[0019]
19. Packaging (711) according to claim 12, characterized in that the medal (712) extends axially into the closure (742), and the closure includes a cutter (768) that breaks the medal by removing the lock.
[0020]
20. A package (911) according to claim 12, characterized in that the closure (942) includes a cam (978), and the medal (912) extends axially to axially overlap the cam, wherein removal of the closure causes the cam to impose increasing force on the medal and retainer (935) to fracture the retainer and release the medal from the container.
[0021]
21. Packaging (1111) according to claim 12, characterized in that the medal (1112) extends axially and includes an axial end portion (1166) located between the closure (1142) and the container ( 1110) and covered by the closure, wherein removal of the closure makes the axial end portion of the medal accessible to facilitate its removal from the container.
[0022]
22. Packaging (1011) according to claim 12, characterized in that the medal (1012) is coupled to the remainder of the packaging by a loose loop (1080) coupled to the medal and having a captured portion between the closure (1042 ) and the container, wherein removal of the closure makes the loose loop accessible and removable.
[0023]
23. Packaging (311,411,511,611,711,811,911,1011,1111) according to claim 11, characterized in that the medal (312,412,512,612,712,812,912,1012,1112) exhibits an initial state of a visual characteristic in a state as packaged.
[0024]
24. Use of the package (411,511,611,711,811,911,1011,1111) as defined in claim 23, characterized in that it includes the initial opening of the package, and in which, in response to the opening, the medal (412,512,612,712,812,912,1012,1112) exhibits another state from the visual characteristic different from and irreversible to the initial state of the visual characteristic.

类似技术:

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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NZ751184A|2020-09-25|

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MX360139B|2018-10-24|

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AR107673A2|2018-05-23|

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EP2969801A1|2016-01-20|

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AR095591A1|2015-10-28|

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BR112015018497A2|2017-07-18|

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NZ709660A|2018-07-27|

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PE20191677A1|2019-11-19|

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TW201446605A|2014-12-16|

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WO2014149803A1|2014-09-25|

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NZ738707A|2019-08-30|

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US20160311576A1|2016-10-27|

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NZ751188A|2020-09-25|

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PL2969801T3|2020-03-31|

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PE20151452A1|2015-09-28|

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US9919840B2|2018-03-20|

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TWI618659B|2018-03-21|

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EP3438013B1|2021-11-03|

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AU2014237775A1|2015-07-23|

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ZA201504912B|2018-12-19|

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US20180162596A1|2018-06-14|

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SG11201505395QA|2015-09-29|

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EP3438013A1|2019-02-06|

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MX2015010544A|2015-11-16|

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AU2018200608B2|2019-03-07|

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CL2015002625A1|2016-09-16|

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US10351301B2|2019-07-16|

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EP2969801B1|2019-09-11|

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US20140262897A1|2014-09-18|

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NZ751186A|2020-08-28|

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US9637271B2|2017-05-02|

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AU2018200608A1|2018-02-08|

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SG10201708449YA|2017-11-29|

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NZ751180A|2020-08-28|

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AU2014237775B2|2017-12-14|

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ES2759997T3|2020-05-12|

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法律状态:
2018-11-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-11-12| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2020-12-15| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-04-20| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-06-29| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 06/03/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

---

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

---

US13/832,605|2013-03-15|

---

US13/832,605|US9637271B2|2013-03-15|2013-03-15|Container with a medal|

---

PCT/US2014/020992|WO2014149803A1|2013-03-15|2014-03-06|Container with a medal|

---