BR112019012303A2 - smart drink packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an intelligent metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic-based beverage packaging (1, 2, 3, 4) comprising at least one sensory sensible outlet, wherein said sensible perceptual output is any type of device integrated in the package that allows a user or consumer to perceive any sensible change in the sensory state of the package or beverage, wherein a structural component of the package forms a component of at least one sensible perceptual output, in said structural component is a layer of material or component that makes a contribution to allowing the package to contain a beverage or to be transported. furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a corresponding package.

Description

“SMART DRINKING PACKAGE”

Field Of Invention [0001] The present invention relates to smart packaging, in particular, integrated smart packaging for beverages, especially suitable for carbonated drinks, in particular, integrated smart packaging for beer.

Background to the Invention [0002] In general, smart packaging incorporates features that indicate or communicate product status or changes, environmental status or changes or other information. It is a dynamic and preferably active extension of the static and passive communication function of traditional packaging and communicates information to the consumer based on their ability to see, detect or record external or internal changes in the product environment.

[0003] State-of-the-art smart packaging systems provide product health and safety to the consumer and also monitor the condition of packaged beverages to provide information on shelf life and beverage quality during transport and storage. In this technique, indicators and sensors are used instead of time-consuming and costly quality measurements to improve shelf life and provide drink security. In smart packaging system indicators, information about product quality by surrounding conditions and gases in the upper packaging space, in addition, indicators can be attached to the packaging surface or integrated into packaging that is enhanced to determine the residue of metabolite formed during storage. The temperature, microbial deterioration, packaging integrity, physical shock and freshness of the packaged product can be controlled.

[0004] An example of this is the document US 2015/307245 addressed to a wine capsule that is configured to be fixed

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2/31 to a beverage container and to provide the user with information related to the beverage temperature history. The data logger includes at least one energy storage component (for example, one or more capacitors), a power collector, a temperature sensor, at least one processor, at least a first memory and at least one wireless communicator . The energy collector collects ambient electromagnetic energy. The wireless communicator is configured to transmit the stored information to a personal computer, smartphone or tablet or a dedicated reading device, which is configured to communicate and receive information from the wireless communicator.

[0005] An obvious drawback of the system in US 2015/307245 is clearly that this wine capsule is not suitable to be combined with other types of beverage packaging besides bottles. In addition, as soon as the wine capsule is removed from the bottle, the bottle itself becomes a normal “stupid” bottle.

[0006] A more important general disadvantage, however, is that, while the above system covers basic beverage containment and quality control needs, it does not meet clear consumer demand for packaging that is more advanced with regard to to consumer creativity and interaction.

[0007] Thanks to the advent of low-cost electronics and printing technology, it has recently become possible to create smart packaging that allows, among others, purchase tracking, inventory control, automatic reordering, and tampering assessment, violation of packing, etc. In addition, smart packaging containing lights, sound production, different types of sensors and corresponding sensor inputs, smart electronics, and interaction between humans, smart devices, vending machines, coupled with wireless communication, results in experience improved and personalized for the consumer. In addition, personalized point-of-sale advertising,

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3/31 incentives, prizes and a game environment can be integrated at various psychological levels to positively reinforce brand loyalty and promote purchases.

[0008] In the above context, the smart packaging described in WO2015147995 contains electronic components that can allow a user / buyer to interact with the packaging and cause actions to happen either on the packaging itself or on a smart device such as a smartphone or computer or a vending machine or communicate or cause communication with an internet page where a database can reside. For example, a bottle of soda or can or bag of chips may have the ability to be touched on a smart phone, have a code read, and the smart phone can take one or more actions based on the type of product in its vicinity. .

[0009] The smart packaging includes at least one battery and / or energy storage element and / or energy receiving element; an element configured to store information; an element configured to feel being touched; an element configured to display information and / or an element configured to generate light; an element configured to receive and / or transmit information; and set of circuits that electrically connects one or more elements of the package to each other.

[0010] One aspect that has been neglected in smart packaging, as described in WO2015147995, is to integrate smart packaging technology into the current reality, including the processing of industrial packaging today and the application of it, that is, the aspect of integration of smart technologies down to the industrial processing level of, for example, a beverage can, and product specifications and raw materials involved have been neglected. Smart packaging has always been described without

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4/31 efficient implementation of its manufacturing in industrial processing being considered.

[0011] Furthermore, the document WO2015147995 does not address the features specifically associated and required with the content of said packaging, that is, carbonated drinks, in particular, beer. As an example, an underlying objective is to provide smart packaging that can communicate the history of the time and temperature of the carbonated drink, such as beer, to ensure optimal maturation, proper aging and avoid misuse or misuse. Another example of an underlying objective is to provide an intelligent packaging that communicates the state of the drinks inside the package, either visually, either by lighting, or by sound or haptic experiences, that is, in the case of carbonated drinks, such as beer, ideal temperature of consumption vs. type of drink is communicated.

[0012] In addition, smart packaging is a convincing proposal, made increasingly relevant by the incessant and fast pace with which digital technologies integrate the lives of consumers and the proliferation of the Internet of Things (loT). An extensive list of applications in this regard, enabled by the smart packaging according to the present invention, will be provided in the description below.

[0013] Another very important objective of smart packaging, according to the present invention, is to reduce the cost of production, even to the extent that it will be profitable to put smart resources and media in a cheap product and, in particular, in disposable products.

Summary of the Invention [0014] The present invention is directed to an intelligent packaging made of metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic-based drinks that comprises at least one sensory-perceived outlet, wherein said sensory-perceived outlet is any kind of

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5/31 device integrated in the packaging that allows a user or consumer to perceive any sensory change in the packaging or beverage, [0015] characterized by a structural component of the packaging forming a component of at least one sensible noticeable outlet, in which said structural component is a component or layer of material that makes a contribution to allowing the package to contain a drink or to be transported.

[0016] Additionally, the present invention is directed to a method for the manufacture of a smart packaging for a beverage which comprises the steps of manufacturing a packaging for a beverage and constituting at least one perceptible sensory outlet on or in the packaging, in that said sensory perceptible output is any type of device integrated in the packaging, allowing a user or consumer to perceive any change in the perceptual sensory state of the packaging or drink, in which a structural component of the packaging is considered to constitute a component of at least a perceptible sensory output, wherein said structural component is a component or layer of material that makes a contribution to allowing the package to contain a drink or to be transported.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0017] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a smart metal beverage can that includes a visual outlet in accordance with the present invention. Details are described in Example 1.

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a smart glass or plastic bottle, including a visual outlet according to the present invention. Details are described in Example 2.

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of an intelligent metallic beverage can, including a haptic outlet according to the present invention. Details are described in Example 3.

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6/31 [0020] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a fiber sheet multipack including a visual outlet according to the present invention. Details are described in Example 4.

Detailed Description of the Invention [0021] As the world is moving more and more into the internet of things, smart packaging according to the present invention offers an extensive range of intelligent functionalities in beverage packaging, integrated at the level of industrial processing, that can be used for consumer engagement and brand enhancement. It can, among others, also be used to prove the authenticity and origin of the product, evidence of counterfeiting and even more for tracking origin and delivery and optimization of the supply chain.

[0022] In addition, smart packaging according to the present invention can reduce the cost of smart packaging to produce an intelligent product and connected to the point where it will be profitable to put smart resources and media in a cheap product.

[0023] Therefore, in a first embodiment, the present invention provides an intelligent packaging of metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or plastic-based drinks that comprises at least one perceptible sensory output, [0024] characterized by a structural component of the package forming a component of at least one perceptible sensory outlet.

[0025] Smart packaging can be primary or secondary.

[0026] A structural component of a primary smart beverage packaging is understood as a material component that is necessary for the packaging to function as a beverage container, that is, to allow the packaging to contain a beverage or to be transported, more specifically, to function as a container of

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7/31 carbonated drink and, in particular, to function as a beer container.

[0027] A structural component of a smart secondary packaging for drinks is understood as a material component that is necessary for the packaging to contain primary packaging for drinks.

[0028] A structural component of an intelligent secondary packaging for drinks is understood to be a component or layer of material that offers a contribution to allow the packaging to contain a drink or be transported. A layer of material or component that makes no contribution to allowing the packaging to contain a drink or can be transported, and, for example, merely serves as a decorative layer or decorative layer system, such as paint or varnish, is not understood as a structural component.

[0029] Unlike packaging with a printed display, where the packaging is only a substrate for printing and where the outer surface of the packaging as in relation to what constitutes the display is only necessary to be suitable for printing the layers required in the present invention, a structural component of the package is an essential component of the actual sensory perceptual outlet and must have the material characteristics necessary for the proper functioning of the sensory perceptible outlet. A layer of material or component that makes no contribution to the smooth running of the outlet, and, for example, merely serves as a substrate for fixing or printing the outlet, is not understood as an essential component of the outlet. Another example is US 2012/0160725 in which the test material that changes color when detecting contamination in the beverage is the inner surface of the base and / or rim and / or side wall of the beverage container, and in which the base

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8/31 and / or rim and / or side wall serve only as a substrate for the test material.

[0030] In other words, the structural component is a component that is essential for the proper functioning of the perceptual sensory product and that is already inherently present in the packaging as it is before the outlet is fully constituted in it. Therefore, it would not be possible to integrate, at least partially, the process of constituting the sensible perceptible outlet in the manufacture of a package that loses that specific component (layer of specific material), due to the fact that it is necessary for the functioning of the perceptible outlet sensory. Both the smart packaging and the sensory perceptible output have a structural component in common, that is, at least one layer of necessary material included in the packaging structure, or in the structure of a part of the packaging, and not merely serving as a decorative layer that it serves as a necessary component of the perceptual sensory output.

[0031] Consequently, the manufacture of the sensory perceptible output can be at least partially integrated with the manufacture of smart packaging, resulting in reduced material cost, reduced production time and, in general, reduction in production cost, to the point where it will be more economical to put resources and smart media in a cheap product and, in particular, in disposable products.

[0032] In general, the present invention allows intelligent technologies to be integrated up to the level of and in the industrial mass production of beverage containers.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, a perceptual sensory output can consist essentially of an active layer that must be at least partially activated to generate a perceptual sensory output. Depending on the type of active layer, it can be activated and controlled by several types of activation triggers, such as a

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9/31 voltage difference in relation to the active layer, or by voltage differences in relation to parts of the active layer, by an electromagnetic field or by a magnetic field. In addition, changes in temperature (applied locally), pressure variation (applied locally) or voltage variation (applied locally) can trigger activation.

[0034] To generate a voltage difference in relation to the active layer, it can be covered by at least one adjacent electrically conductive layer (for example, an electrode, or it can be positioned between adjacent electrically conductive layers, that is, a layer electrically conductive lower or lower electrode) and an electrically conductive upper layer (also called the upper electrode).

[0035] In case of activation by a magnetic field, the active layer can be activated by one or more electrically conductive adjacent layers (in some cases separated from the active layer by insulators). On top of an electrically conductive top layer, the encapsulation layer can be applied to protect the underlying layers. In addition, additional components (i.e. layers) may be present, such as a polarizer, a mirror, a polarized light emitter, etc., for example, in the case of a liquid crystal display.

[0036] A temperature change can be applied with the use of conductive resistive tracks acting as heating elements.

[0037] In addition to an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, a temperature variation, a pressure variation or a voltage variation being generated by internal means for the smart packaging, each type of activation trigger can also be generated partially or completely external to the smart packaging, for example, generation means provided at the point of sale, such as a

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10/31 electromagnetic field generator on a store shelf or cash register.

[0038] The active layer can also be activated externally by another packaging. The latter can be of any type of primary or secondary (smart) packaging that has appropriate means to activate an active layer of a perceptible sensory output, constituted by another primary or secondary packaging. As an example, an electromagnetic field generated by a secondary packaging can activate an output in a corresponding primary packaging, or vice versa.

[0039] In the context of the present invention, a perceptible sensory output can be any type of device integrated in the package, allowing a user or consumer to perceive any change in the perceptual sensory state of the package or drink. This output can be a visual output, an audio output, a haptic output or any other output sensitive to touch, taste or smell.

[0040] More specifically, a visual output can be any device integrated in the packaging that allows an area of the container to emit light, or to alter its absorption or transmission of specific wavelengths of light (for example, color change), under control electrical, electromagnetic or magnetic, or triggered by pressure, deformation or temperature variation. Emitting, absorbing or transmitting light can include showing a new type of color signal, or media presentation, text, a logo, a video, including a brand, a label, an interactive label etc., or designing a graphic, text, logo, etc. on an object present in the environment.

[0041] A visual output can be, for example, any type of screen, such as, among others, liquid crystal screens (LCD), electronic paper screens (EPD), rigid organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens or flexible, electrochromic screens, electroluminescent screens, electrophoretic screens, OLED light sources, LED light sources, or any

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11/31 combination thereof, or any type of projector or beam emitter with an appropriate size.

[0042] A haptic outlet can be any device integrated in the packaging, allowing at least part of the packaging to apply forces, vibrations or movements, under electrical control, in a way that is perceived by a user holding or touching the container, or in a so that forces, vibrations or movements can be transferred to other objects, for example, to other bottles in the packaging or on the shelf. Such a device can use, for example, piezoelectric materials.

[0043] An audio output can be any device integrated in the packaging allowing an area of the packaging to vibrate for the transmission of an audio signal to the air, or for the transduction of an audio signal to other objects surrounding the packaging and that allows you to transmit the audio signal to the air. The frequency range of vibrations can include human hearing, as well as ultrasonic and subsonic frequencies. An example of an audio output can be electrostatic speakers or flexible thin film speakers.

[0044] Other sensible perceptible outputs can be any type of device integrated in the packaging allowing a user or consumer to perceive any change in the state of the packaging surface (for example, change in roughness, static electricity), perceive an odor that is released after activation, notice a flavor that is released after activation, etc.

[0045] In an embodiment according to the present invention, to generate a voltage difference, an electromagnetic field or a magnetic field, or a variation of temperature, pressure or deformation on the active layer, the smart packaging can include energy of supply of power source obtained from a source present on or inside the smart packaging or from a source external to the smart packaging by means of an energy collection element on or

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12/31 inside the smart packaging. Types of power supply can be, for example, batteries, (super) capacitors. Types of energy capture elements can be antennas, kinetic or thermoelectric generators, photovoltaics (for example, organic photovoltaics (OPV), etc.).

[0046] In some modalities, the active layer can be activated by activation triggers generated externally to the smart packaging, in which case the packaging does not need to have a power supply to supply at least one perceptible sensory output.

[0047] In an embodiment according to the present invention, an intelligent packaging may additionally comprise any type of electronic support systems, which may include digital logic, processing units, memory, door arrangements, including programmable door arrangements, components passive devices, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, analog instrumentation, power control circuits, screen driver circuits, or any combination thereof. These electronic support systems can be built from discrete components connected to the smart packaging substrate, connected by conductive tracks on the substrate and / or components printed on the substrate.

[0048] More specifically, a smart package according to the present invention can comprise a sensible perceptible outlet, wherein a structural component, or a plurality of structural compounds of the package, forms a component or a plurality of components of the at least one outlet sensory perception and, in addition, a combination of a variable number of components from the following functional areas:

[0049] · a sensor: in a smart packaging according to the present invention, any type of sensor suitable for integration in the smart packaging can be used, being discrete components of sensors, or printing sensors, and have the ability to measure

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13/31 or indicate, among others, light, color, strength or deformation, proximity, liquid level, flow, presence of gas, humidity, viscosity, temperature, pressure, chemical contamination, position and geolocation, acceleration, movement, touch, impact, biometric authentication, etc. They can also capture information from or around the human body (for example, heart rate, respiratory rate, physical activity, sleep pattern, etc.). They can also be present in or on smart packaging.

[0050] · a processing unit: in a smart packaging according to the present invention, any type of processing unit suitable for integration into a smart packaging can be used. Conventional chip developers, driven by the growing IoT market, are launching ultra-small ultra-low power chips with integrated memory. Emerging technologies exist that allow processors to be printed on thin films, such as flexible polyamide, polyester sheets, etc. Other systems, such as communications and memory, can also be printed to create specific solutions, known as a system on a chip (SoC).

[0051] · a communication unit: in a smart packaging according to the present invention, any type of communication device that is suitable for communicating through a standard connection protocol or through a personalized protocol can be implemented. Several different connectivity standards have been designed for different data transfer rates and transmission ranges. For each embodiment of the present invention, the most suitable pattern can be determined. Numerous standard media exist today, the most advanced in the dominated phone market are Bluetooth and NFC, for localized communication. However, as more devices are connected to the loT, dedicated networks, such as SigFox, could play an important role in the future, connecting packaging

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14/31 primary and secondary to other connected devices and objects anywhere in the world. Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, 6LowPan, Thread, Wifi, Cellular, NFC, Sigfox, Neul, LoRaWAN, Li-Fi.

[0052] · a power supply: any type of power supply suitable for powering an output can be used and which is integrated into an intelligent packaging such as, for example, discrete batteries, flexible batteries, printed batteries, micro-batteries, (super) capacitors, energy collection elements antennas, piezoelectric, electrodynamic or thermoelectric, photovoltaic generators (for example, organic photovoltaics (OPV), energy collection in the electromagnetic field, etc.).

[0053] Modalities according to the present invention can be directed to primary packaging for beverages, such as a glass, or metal (for example, aluminum) or plastic bottle, or a metal can, or metal barrel, or bottle of wood or barrel. This primary packaging may, in particular, be suitable for carbonated drinks and, preferably, beer.

[0054] Other embodiments according to the present invention can be directed to secondary packaging, such as a cardboard box, multipack, tray, HiCone, plastic ring conveyors, plastic yokes, cardboard baskets, wrappers of cardboard and cardboard packaging, corrugated boxes, HDPE plastic handles, six-unit rings and shrink packaging.

[0055] The structural component of the packaging that forms a component of the at least one sensory perceptible outlet can be, among others: the glass of the beverage glass container, the layers of final hot coating (for example, tin oxide, or other oxide or other equivalent material applied, for example, by chemical vapor deposition, applied, for example, to increase the adhesion of the final cold coating, old layers of final coating (for example, polyethylene, or

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15/31 other equivalent material, applied, for example, by spraying, for example, to make surfaces more slippery like bottles passing through the line), the plastic of a plastic drink container, the plastic of a plastic lid or cover , the metal of a beverage metal can, including its body, lid, ring or rivet, the metal of a barrel, including its valve and stem, metal of a metal lid or crown, the inner polymer coating of a container metal drink, spray coating epoxy (for example, applied to the crude metal of a metal can or bottle), the metal layer (for example, implanted by metal can anodizing or beverage bottle substrate), metal layers (for example, deposited by plating on the metal substrate of a can or beverage bottle), polymer layer (for example, molded into the crown or screwed bottle cap to form both a seal and corrosion protection), the fiberboard or corrugated board of the secondary packaging, or plastic pieces of secondary packaging (for example, rings for holding bottles or handles), the wooden barrel wood, etc.

[0056] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or smart plastic beverage packaging that comprises at least one perceptible sensory outlet, wherein a metal structural component of the smart packaging can form an electrically conductive layer of at least one perceptible sensory outlet, in particular the lower or upper electrode.

[0057] The structural metal component that forms an electrically conductive layer can be a metal layer of a bottle, can or drink barrel, or the aluminum of a bottle, can or drink barrel, in particular the lid aluminum , the flap, the body of a beverage can, or a combination thereof.

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16/31 [0058] The structural metal component that forms an electrically conductive layer can also be the metal layer of a beverage barrel, typically stainless steel, or any other type of metal container.

[0059] The structural metal component that forms an electrically conductive layer can also be a component of a smart packaging based on paper, wood based or plastic based. A plastic bottle may comprise, for example, a metal ring structure on the body or neck, or a corrugated sheet tray may comprise a stiffening-intensifying metal layer, or a cardboard package may have an integrated metal (for example, example, Tetrapak).

[0060] The structural metal component that forms an electrically conductive layer can be the metal layer of a beverage bottle closure, such as, for example, the tin plate of a glass bottle crown or the metal itself. crown or the aluminum layer of a Roll On Pilfer Proof (ROPP) cover.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, an electrically conductive structural component of the smart package can form the background of at least one sensory perceptible output.

[0062] In addition, a metal structural component of the smart packaging can form a mirror layer, in case the visual output is a type of screen that requires a mirror layer.

[0063] In addition, a metal structural component of the smart packaging can form a mechanically resonant component of an audio or haptic output. To mechanically activate the mechanically resonant component, piezoelectric vibrating elements or electrostatic elements that deflect by applying an electric field, magnetic elements such as magnetic components of loudspeakers, vibrating motors, etc., can be used. Mechanical vibration

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17/31 can also be transmitted to or through adjacent objects external to the packaging itself, such as a table. Mechanical vibration can also be transmitted to the contained drink to create a positive effect within the drink (for example, local bubbles).

[0064] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a metallic structural component of the package may form an overlap with another metallic component or layer or structural component. Such overlapping metallic layers could be used to form two electrically conductive layers of a perceptible sensory output between which an active layer could be placed. Given the non-transparency of the conductive metal layers, the output created can preferably be an audio or haptic output.

[0065] Examples of metallic overlays can be:

[0066] - The folded seam on top of a drink can overlaps 6 layers of the two substrates.

[0067] - The seams in a 3-piece can can provide overlap for multiple layers of metal substrate. A functional active layer can be added between them [0068] - The overlap of a pulled ring with the top of a can can form two electrodes, with an active layer between the pulled ring and the can top. The rivet can form an electrical connection.

[0069] - The superposition of an aluminum bottle with the screw top or crown top [0070] - The superposition of a conductive metal foil over the top of a metal crown cap or metal bottle [0071] In one modality , the present invention provides a metal, glass, paper, wooden or smart plastic beverage based packaging comprising at least one perceptible sensory outlet, in which a structural glass component, based on

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18/31 paper, wood or plastic from the smart packaging can form an electrically non-conductive layer of at least one noticeable sensory output.

[0072] A structural glass or plastic component of the smart packaging can be, for example, the glass body or neck of glass bottles, or the plastic body or neck of plastic bottles or plastic caps or paper / cardboard secondary packaging or the wood of a barrel of spirits or wine.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, a structural component of glass, paper, wood or plastic of the smart packaging can form an electrically insulating component, or a protective encapsulation layer.

[0074] In addition, a structural glass or plastic component of the smart packaging can form a mechanically resonant component of an audio or haptic output. Piezoelectric electric vibrating elements or electrostatic elements that deviate when applying an electric field, magnetic elements such as magnetic speaker components, vibration motors, etc. can be used to mechanically activate the mechanically resonant component.

[0075] In addition, a structural glass or plastic component of the smart packaging can form an optically transparent component of a visual outlet.

[0076] In a particular embodiment, the glass or plastic of a beverage container is illuminated by a light source in the container and acts as a light guide, for example, a backlight for visual output, such as , a liquid crystal display. Glass or plastic can also be shaped to act as a refractive or diffractive optical component to project or distribute light in or out.

[0077] In addition, the electrically non-conductive structural components of the packaging can also form structures

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19/31 overlays that can be functionalized as further explained in the text, to function as two conductive layers, or as an active layer.

[0078] Examples of such non-conducting overlapping structures can be:

[0079] - Overlap between glass or polymer bottle and, respectively, crown or screw cap [0080] - Folds and seams in paper boxes [0081] - Polymer sealing layer currently present inside a metal bottle top (screw top and crown) [0082] - Overlap between polymer layers in “bottle-in-bottle” beverage containers [0083] In accordance with the present invention, structural components, in addition to metal, glass, paper, wood components or plastic, can be structural coatings. For example, a hot end coating on a glass bottle contains metal oxides that can serve as a semiconductor layer.

[0084] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a metal, glass, paper, wood or plastic smart packaging for beverages comprising at least one perceptible sensory outlet, in which a structural component of the smart packaging can be functionalized to form an active layer of at least one perceptible sensory output.

[0085] In an embodiment according to the present invention, one or more of the structural components of the smart package may comprise additives that functionalize the structural component (or structural components) to be used as a component of at least one sensory sensible output.

[0086] Additives may comprise electro-optical materials, such as electroluminescent materials, organic materials

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20/31 light emitters (eg, OLED), electrochromic materials, electrophoretic materials or liquid crystal materials, functionalizing a structural component to be used as an active layer of a visual output.

[0087] As a visual outlet, materials based on wood, metal, glass, plastic or paper can also be used, with additives, such as fluorescent materials or thermochromic materials.

[0088] Additives can also comprise electromechanical materials, such as piezoelectric materials, electrostatic materials or magnetic materials, to functionalize a structural component to be used as an active layer of an audio output, or haptic output.

[0089] In an embodiment according to the present invention, one or more of the structural components of the smart package can comprise additives that functionalize an electrically non-conductive structural component to be used as an electrically conductive layer of the at least one sensory sensible output.

[0090] In an embodiment according to the present invention, one or more of the structural components of the smart packaging can be geometrically functionalized to be used as a component of at least one perceptible sensory output. The structural component can be pushed, stamped or folded and / or can overlap other structural components to obtain mechanically resonant properties, or create resonant systems or electrically connecting structures.

[0091] In an embodiment according to the present invention, a method is provided for the manufacture of a smart packaging for a beverage comprising the steps of manufacturing a packaging for a beverage and constituting at least a perceptible sensory outlet on or in packaging, where a structural component of the

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21/31 packaging is considered to constitute a component of at least one perceptible sensory output.

[0092] In the method of the present invention, the component consisting of a structural component of the package can be any component of at least one perceptible sensory output, such as an active layer, an electrically conductive layer (for example, an electrode), an insulating layer, and encapsulation layer, etc.

[0093] The remaining parts of at least one perceptible sensory output, that is, other parts of the component consisting of the structural component of the package or part of it, can be added to the smart packaging by any available technique. Any printing, deposition or molding technique can be used, including, but not limited to, screen printing, flexography, rotogravure, offset printing, inkjet printing, xerography, lithography, evaporation, engraving, spraying, coating, chemical vapor deposition, embossing, stamping, laser patterning, pattern patterning, electroplating, anodizing, dip coating, rotation coating, bonding, polymer blow molding inside beverage containers, etc.

[0094] The remaining parts of at least one perceptible sensory outlet, can also consist of a packaging component that is not a structural component, such as decoration layers, varnishes, lacquers, etc. In this case, in addition to the fact that the manufacture of the packaging and constitution of at least one noticeable sensory output use a common structural component, additional process steps can be shared to constitute the remaining parts, for example, decoration layer printing which also it is an electrically conductive layer of an outlet, or of spraying a coating that is also an electrically insulating layer of outlet.

[0095] In an embodiment according to the present invention, a method can be provided which comprises the step of

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22/31 functionalization of the structural component to be used as a component of at least one perceptible sensory output. Such step of functionalization of the structural component of the package can be carried out in the process of constituting at least one perceptible sensory output after the delivery of the package, or it can be carried out in the process of manufacturing the packaging.

[0096] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the step of functionalization of the structural component to be used as a component of at least one perceptible sensory output comprises adding additives altering the chemical and / or physical properties of the structural component.

[0097] Additives can be added to raw materials during the production process of the raw material, for example, additives can be added to glass, plastic or metal before solidification, or to paper-based paste. Such additives can be microencapsulated to improve their functionality.

[0098] Additives can also be incorporated into raw materials by rolling or embossing, or bonded to the surface by chemical reaction.

[0099] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the structural components of metal, glass, plastic or paper of a beverage packaging can comprise additives that functionalize the structural component to be used as an active layer of at least one noticeable outlet sensory.

[0100] In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, a method can be provided which comprises the step of geometrically functionalizing the structural component to be used as a component of at least one perceptible sensory output, exposing the structural component to a step forming, such as drilling, stamping, folding, etc. during the manufacture of the packaging. Such stage of

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23/31 process can give a structural component mechanically resonant properties, or create resonant systems or electrically connective structures.

[0101] In yet another embodiment according to the present invention, a method can be provided which comprises the step of functionalizing the structural component to be used as a component of at least one sensory output perceptible by exposing the structural component to heat, such as , for example, cooking or curing, or annealing, laser irradiation, etc. In addition, the structural component can be applied directly at higher temperatures than conventionally carried out (particularly in the case of glass or metal containers), in order to functionalize it.

[0102] In addition, if necessary, a method may comprise the step of providing power sources or energy capture elements to supply at least one perceptible sensory output. These power supplies or energy capture elements can be discrete electronic elements mounted inside / on the smart packaging or, preferably, they can be at least partially printed.

[0103] A sensor or a plurality of sensors, and / or a communication medium and / or a processing unit, or any other type of electronic support component, and, if necessary, a separate power supply to supply these components Electronics can be established by adding discrete components to the smart packaging, or, preferably, by at least partial printing of them on the smart packaging.

[0104] The modalities according to the present invention seek to provide an intelligent packaging that allows, among others, the following applications:

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24/31 [0105] an intelligent packaging according to the present invention may be suitable to be applied, among others, in the following examples, in particular, relating to beer, in which each illustrates that the present invention becomes increasingly more relevant due to the tireless and fast pace with which digital technologies integrate the lives of consumers:

[0106] Smart packaging can display an active label that provides interaction to get feedback on what consumers don't like.

[0107] The smart packaging can display a suggested dish to pair with beer based on the menu provided in the restaurant, or suggest a recipe based on the stock of food in the refrigerator.

[0108] The decoration, graphics or displayed message may change based on location and environment.

[0109] The smart packaging contains sensors to measure the state of the beer and displays the state, in order to give the consumer the option of enjoying the beer the way he would like: ideal light, optimal carbonation, ideal bitterness.

[0110] Smart packaging can simplify the user experience where the screen or the active tag, speakers or haptic elements may be reacting to the environment, music, wave movement, sunset, breezes , the color of the beach, etc.

[0111] The smart packaging can connect to your smartphone and display an image, or direct the phone to display a photo when you interact with the packaging in your hand, or you can take a photo through a camera on the packaging and capture the action of the event.

[0112] Smart packaging can generate a specific sound during opening, for example, through a speaker hidden in a crown

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25/31 [0113] The screen can act as a second screen to show additional content during a virtual or video or broadcast experience. Examples can be twitter comments, display a different camera angle, instant replay, mvp speeches, personalized comments, etc.

[0114] Through visual, audio or haptic output (or outputs), the smart packaging allows you to digitally personalize your beer so your friends know it's yours.

[0115] The smart packaging may contain specially designed microphones and a processing unit for recording and reacting via visual, audio and haptic output, to ultrasonic tones, inaudible to the human ear, which are incorporated in televisions and / or commercials. radio.

[0116] The smart packaging may flash and light when the advertisement for the same brand is being transmitted, or an ultrasonic code may trigger the display.

[0117] Smart packaging generates visual, audio or haptic output when something happens at an event I'm interested in, for example, a goal from my favorite team.

[0118] Any type of perceptible sensory output can communicate “cold” in a perceived way, when the liquid inside has reached the temperature suitable for drinking.

[0119] A visual, audio or haptic output can communicate an incoming message on your phone (for example, a smart watch) [0120] Any type of perceptual sensory output can communicate a match between profiles at a dating event.

[0121] At least one noticeable sensory output can communicate that your taxi has arrived.

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26/31 [0122] The smart packaging can have a visual output triggered to emit light, making the ice in an ice bucket appear to glow, or to emit UV light, causing fluorescent objects in the environment to emit light.

[0123] Through vibrations, the smart packaging can create optical effects in beer, which can be emphasized by the application of light. In particular, the effects created may include the following: creating ripples on the surface of the liquid, stimulating bubbles in the beer in specific areas and / or at specific times, creating or recreating foam in the beer, etc. The effect can be adapted as the level of beer in the bottle changes.

[0124] Example (illustrated by Figure 1) [0125] A screen consists of a metallic drink can (1) in which the aluminum body of a drink can can form the “bottom” electrode, which is connected to the GND in the driver circuit. The illustrated segments are individual long thin segments that go from top to bottom of the can. However, they could, in principle, take any arbitrary form. The segments comprise an active layer, an upper electrode conductive layer, insulating layers as needed, and an upper encapsulation layer.

[0126] [0127] can be printed on custom, or can be supplied by the epoxy coated applied in the process immediately after the can is manufactured.

[0128] - An active layer (12)

Therefore:

- The areas of insulating layer (not shown) aluminum (11), to create printed spray electrode forms depending on the type of perceptible sensory output to be implanted. Different areas of the can can have different active layers in order to place various functions in a can.

[0129] - Different electrically separated upper conductive layer segments (13) are then printed. In the case of a

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27/31 screen, this layer will be transparent. This can be tin and indium oxide (ITO), a transparent organic conductive material or another transparent conductor.

[0130] - Both the active layer and the top level conductive layer can be printed using additional rollers in the offset printing process, which already exists to apply ink to the outside of the can.

[0131] - in addition, electronic components can be connected, with electrical connections to one or more conductive layers present. One of these conductive layers is the aluminum can body itself, which acts as a ground for the circuit or power plane.

[0132] - A protective encapsulation layer (14) is then printed as the upper conductive layer. This can be the same paint or lacquer that is already used to paint and / or protect the can, as it has already been produced. Where light is needed, the top layer should be a transparent lacquer. The paint can be used to create a shade mask, as an additional optical effect.

[0133] - The cooking and curing of all layers is carried out in the existing cooking and curing process to manufacture the can.

[0134] In the case of a reflective screen, the metal used as the ground plane can also form the mirror of the reflective screen.

[0135] Example 2 (illustrated by Figure 2) [0136] A pixelated light emitting screen is integrated into the outside of a glass bottle (2). This is accomplished by depositing row and column electrodes on each side of an active layer that is also deposited in the bottle.

[0137] Therefore:

[0138] - The glass (21) is embossed, standardized or shaped in order to orient the light in a specific designed pattern, from a light source or multiple light sources. For example, in the process

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28/31 of conventional glass bottle manufacturing, molten glass is formed inside a bottle by blowing it into a mold. For this, additional mold patterns can be added in order to:

[0139] (i) Create geometries for active and conductive coating layers to be deposited by printing processes. For example, "ridges" and "peaks" can collect paint / paint / coating, while depressions cannot.

[0140] (ii) Create features in the bottle that affect the effects of light orientation around the bottle [0141] (iii) Create features in the bottle that enhance the mechanically resonant effects or amplify the sound of a speaker element.

[0142] - Laser engraving / decoration can be applied when hot or even cold, to add additional embossed features to obtain the above features.

[0143] - After formation, a “final hot coating” is usually applied to a bottle, by means of spray coating and / or chemical vapor deposition. The nature of the applied coating can be varied, so that the coating is conducted to form the lower electrode layer (22). It can also be semiconductor and, applying multiple iterations of this process, used to form part of a set of thin film transistors in the context of being an active matrix display.

[0144] - The active optical layer (23) that comprises any of these technologies described above is then printed.

[0145] - A transparent upper conductive layer (24) is then printed. This can be tin and indium oxide (ITO), a transparent organic conductive material or another transparent conductor.

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29/31 [0146] - The active layer and the top level conductive layer can be printed using additional rollers in the offset printing process, which already exists to apply ink to the outside of the can.

[0147] - A protective encapsulation layer is then printed as the top layer. This can be the same paint or lacquer that is already used to paint and / or protect the can, as it has already been produced. Where light is needed, the top layer must be a transparent lacquer. Ink can be used to create shade masks, as an additional optical effect.

[0148] - The cooking and curing of all layers are carried out in the existing cooking and curing processes to manufacture the can.

[0149] - Light sources are added to the packaging, as printed electroluminescent or OLED light sources, or as discrete components, such as conventional LEDs.

[0150] Example 3 (illustrated by Figure 3) [0151] This example comprises a piezoelectric vibrating element (31) attached to the upper section of an aluminum beverage can (3).

[0152] The aluminum in the can forms the lower electrode (32) for the piezoelectric device. It also forms a mechanically resonant structure to amplify and distribute the sound or vibration of the piezoelectric device to the user. The piezoelectric layer, the other electrode and the encapsulation are formed by printing or otherwise depositing the layers on the can lid.

[0153] The following steps of the existing manufacturing process can be used:

[0154] - The cover is stamped / perforated to form in the normal manufacturing process. Features can be placed on the stamp to control and implement metal-specific resonant functions. The

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30/31 can also be used to create patterns in which layers of the device can be deposited.

[0155] - The insulating layer (not shown) between the aluminum can and the active layer is provided by the spray-coated epoxy applied in the process immediately after the can is manufactured.

[0156] - The active layer (31) and the top level conductive layer (33) are printed using additional rollers in the offset printing process, which already exists to apply ink to the outside of the can.

[0157] - The top conductive layer can be added by the anodizing plating process already present to plating a metallic layer on the cover.

[0158] - The encapsulation layer (not shown) is formed by the varnish already supplied in the manufacturing process.

[0159] - Cooking and curing of all layers is carried out in the existing cooking and curing process provided to manufacture the can.

[0160] Example 4 (illustrated by Figure 4) [0161] This example is based on a secondary packaging made from a fiber board coated with a metallized film and a laminated polymer layer.

[0162] In existing packaging applications, such secondary packaging typically comprises an inside-out stack as follows:

[0163] - Fiber board layer like a sheet.

[0164] - Metallized layer, deposited by metallized paint or by a metallic laminated sheet [0165] - Transparent polymer layer, like a sheet, laminated in the metallized layer [0166] - Printed paint layer [0167] -Varnish

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31/31 [0168] This type of packaging material is already widely used to manufacture packaging with a high-quality visual appearance, where the fiber board adds mechanical structure and durability, the metallized layer is used not only to create an appearance brilliant look, but also to increase water resistance and stiffness, and the laminated polymer layer provides a smooth finish and water resistance.

[0169] The formation of a canvas in this package can be carried out as follows:

[0170] - The fiber board layer is unchanged.

[0171] - The metallized layer (41) is a conductive layer and is used as the lower electrode for the screen (45), and also as a mirror layer for a reflective screen.

[0172] - The transparent polymer layer (42) is functionalized by adding material to the polymer when it is melted, before being formed in the sheet that is laminated in the packaging. Functionalization makes the sheet electro-optically active, so that it emits light (for example, electroluminescent) or modulates the existing light when the appropriate field is applied.

[0173] - The top level conductive layer (43) can be printed using additional rollers or printing stages in the offset printing process, which already exists to apply ink to the outside of the can. A transparent conductive material must be used in the case of a screen.

[0174] - The encapsulation layer (44) is formed by the varnish already supplied in the manufacturing process.

[0175] - The cooking and curing of all layers are carried out in the existing cooking and curing process, provided for the coatings on the packaging.

Claims (15)

1. Metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based or smart plastic packaging for drinks that comprises at least one perceptible sensory output and any type of device is integrated in the packaging, allowing a user or consumer to notice any changes perceptible sensory state of the packaging or drink, characterized by the fact that a structural component of the packaging forms a component of at least one sensory perceptible outlet, wherein said structural component is a layer of material or component that offers a contribution to allow the package contains a drink or is transported. 2. Intelligent beverage packaging according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said structural component of the packaging is a structural metal component that forms an electrically conductive layer of at least one perceptible sensory outlet. 3. Intelligent beverage packaging according to claim 2, characterized in that the structural metal component can be a metal layer of a beverage bottle or can or the aluminum of a beverage bottle or can, in particular , the aluminum of the lid, the flap, the body of a beverage can, or a combination thereof, or a layer of metal beverage barrel or any other type of metal beverage container, or in which the structural component of metal is a component of smart packaging based on paper, wood or plastic. 4. Intelligent beverage packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that a structural component of glass, based on wood, paper or plastic in the intelligent packaging can form an electrically non-conductive layer of at least one outlet perceptual sensory. Petition 870190055337, of 6/14/2019, p. 69/111 2/4 5. Intelligent beverage packaging according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the structural glass or plastic component of the intelligent packaging is the glass body or neck of glass bottles, or the plastic body or neck of bottles plastic or plastic lids or the plastic or paper / cardboard of secondary packaging. 6. Intelligent beverage packaging according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the perceptible sensitive output is an audio or haptic output, and wherein said structural component of the packaging is a structural component of metal, glass, plastic or wood that forms a mechanically resonant component of the audio or haptic output. 7. Intelligent beverage packaging according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the structural component of metal, glass, plastic, paper-based or wood-based intelligent packaging comprises additives that functionalize the structural component to be used as an active layer of at least one perceptual sensory output, or that functionalize an electrically non-conductive structural component to be used as an electrically conductive layer of at least one perceptual sensory output. 8. Method for making a smart packaging for a beverage characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of making a packaging for a beverage and constitutes at least one sensory perceptible outlet on or inside the package, wherein said perceptual sensory outlet is any type of a device integrated in the package allowing a user or consumer to perceive any change in the sensory perceptual state of the packaging or drink, in which a structural component of the packaging is considered to constitute a component of at least one sensory perceptible outlet, in which said component structural is a component or layer of material offering a contribution to allow the packaging to contain a drink ie Petition 870190055337, of 6/14/2019, p. 70/111 3/4 carried. 9. Method according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the manufacture of the packaging and the constitution of at least one perceptual sensory output share at least one additional step of the process to constitute the remaining parts of the perceptual sensory output, wherein said remaining parts are different from the component constituted from the structural component of the package or part thereof. 10. Method according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it comprises a step of functionalization of the structural component of the package to be used as a component of the at least one perceptible sensory output. 11. Method, according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the step of functionalizing the structural component of the packaging can be carried out in the packaging manufacturing process. 12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the step of functionalization of the structural component of the package to be used as a component of the at least one sensible perceptible outlet comprises adding additives to the structural component. 13. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that it comprises the step of geometric functionalization of the structural component to be used as a component of at least one perceptible sensory output. 14. Method according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it comprises the step of adding a power supply or energy capturing element to supply at least one perceptible sensory output, printing at least partially on the smart packaging. Petition 870190055337, of 6/14/2019, p. 71/111 4/4 15. Method, according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that it comprises the step of adding a sensor and / or a communication medium and / or a processing unit, printing this at least partially on the smart packaging.