DE19852527A1 - Sealed container closure or bottle cap incorporates electronic circuit responding to breakage of seal for providing acoustic contents information - Google Patents

Abstract

The container closure or bottle cap (1) has an electronic circuit (10) which is activated upon breakage of the closure or bottle cap seal for providing an acoustic information signal relating to the container or bottle contents. The electronic circuit (10) has a battery-operated memory IC coupled to a driver stage and a sound transducer for reproduction of a stored information signal, the battery connection activated by breakage of the seal.

Description

The invention relates to a seal for a closable Container according to the preamble of claim 1.

From German patent DE 40 19 265 C1 is a Seal known for a transport container, which a in has an anchorable sealing tape, in which Housing an electronic monitoring device with egg clocked counter, a memory and an opening sensor is provided. The sealing tape forms part of the the security loop monitoring the sealing state and is trained as an electrical conductor. In the event of a broken seal the safety loop is opened and the monitoring device activated, with each response of the Si security loop the time the seal was broken in the Memory is written. In addition, the Trans logistical data relating to port containers, for example the start time of the transport, the task and destination of the Transport containers, the transport company and Art of the transport vehicle, recorded and stored.

The invention is based on this prior art based on the task of a seal of the aforementioned Specify genus, which has a higher utility value points.

The task is carried out by the in the characterizing part of the To solved 1 specified characteristics.

The invention includes the knowledge that for one Container or an envelope, which is preferred for opening preserve a valuable commodity, one high-quality stimulants or an important font  piece serves, such a seal is advantageous by which not only ensures the integrity of the container is trollable, but in which also the container content and its use related information or Sound presentation memory and ver with a broken seal bound opening of the container or the wrapper deliverable is.

This ensures that this is made available Information or the sound presentation takes place exactly when the contents are removed from the container or the wrapping.

The fact that the Expectation or tension when opening by one too additional information or sound performance positively influenced can be flowed so that the appreciation of the object is increased. This is particularly related to Gift packaging for special days or solemn occasions a desirable effect. This also applies to seals from Certificates or other objects that are related opened with celebrations or ceremonial acts become.

At least part of the sealing tape is preferably green tiger way as a contact-like separation point in a Lei tion connection can be formed, one with breaking the Siegel accompanying contact opening to generate a Switching or control signal within the electronic Circuit is exploited.

According to the invention in the seal according to the invention for egg NEN container or an envelope, preferably electronic cal, circuit provided by which if you break  gels in addition to information about the broken seal a previously stored, preferably the container contents and information related to its use or Tondar is available. This information is called aku reproduced static signal, which may still be can be accompanied by light effects.

The electronic circuit has one with a bat terie operable memory IC. The memory IC is be preferably carried out in CMOS technology and is characterized by a low power consumption, so that the batteries can be of small size. This enables the electroni circuit with the battery inside the seal be provided. Corresponding circuits are off "electronic greeting cards" known, which just if stored acoustic signals emit. With this one illustrated invention, however, the signal is only at opening for the first time and / or opening a bottle testifies.

The acoustic information can preferably be an advertising and / or Contain product information which is available when men of the container content or one in the envelope object is heard. Conveniently an electronic switch is provided for the memory IC see which battery is used when the seal is broken Power supply to the IC activated.

The electronic switch is particularly easy to control, if a circuit with one in the form of a series switch an overdriven emitter follower or as a short circuit switch working bipolar or field effect transistor is inserted.  

To control the electronic switch, it is from be special advantage to use an inverter, which over which can be opened or detached to activate the of the electronic voice and or music ICs Line connection is connected to the voltage source and emits a switching pulse when this line connection is separated.

According to a preferred embodiment of the inven The electronic seal forms part of a bottle closure. Here, the electronic circuit advantageously in a ver the bottle opening closing, cup-shaped, a siche at the rim of the cup ring-bearing screw cap can be arranged. The for Activate the electronic circuit breakable Lei tion connection essentially through the wall of the Screw cap and the locking ring is formed.

As a tearable or separable element of this line ver Binding are short webs designed as a predetermined breaking point provided by which the screw cap with the siche ring is connected.

When the bottle cap is opened, the screw cap rotated and the bars shear off. Through these line doors The electrical memory IC is activated African circuit, which at the time the seal was opened one concerning the contents of the bottle and its use Provides information in acoustic form.

When the bottle cap is screwed on at the same time tig the locking ring from the screw cap, so that the changed spatial shape or damage to the  electronic seal as a clear indication of a ver last of the integrity of the seal visually perceived can be.

According to another advantageous embodiment the invention is the electronic circuit on the outside wall one through a - especially handle - - cork closable bottle arranged. As a separable lei tion connection is an electrically conductive Sealing cord provided, through which a mechanical Ver bond between the electronic circuit and the Handle of the handle cork is made.

The electronic circuit itself is together with parts the sealing cord of a curable, preferably colored Sealant is encased and is glued into one in the Bottle wall molded-in trough attached to the bottle. The sealing cord is in the form of a loop to that Handle of the cork closing the bottle leads, the separation point of the line connection at the Is arranged outside of the handle.

To open the bottle by strength of the sealing cord the separation point should not hinder unnecessarily break points such that in the first axial or radial movement of the handle cork to open the lei connection is made at the desired location.

By a usually with bottle caps on the Bottle cap made of a plastic shrink or metal foil is for the separation point of the he required mechanical protection achievable.  

According to a favorable variant of the invention the electronic seal is part of the closure of one Wine bottle. The electronic circuit is disc-shaped trained and reach around the bottom of the pouring opening the cup-shaped protective cap arranged. The tearable Element forms a circumferentially extending Security strip. To the required line connection manufacture, the protective cap has a conductive Inner wall on.

For sealing a variety of on the invention automated equipment filled with high quality wine Bottles, it is inexpensive if the protection cap made of an inside metallized, preferred shrinkable, plastic film is made.

By target worked into the wall of the protective cap fractures, which are reduced as annular areas Material thickness limit the security strip, and a the lei can be attached to this molded grip tab connection by tearing off the security strip oh separate a special effort.

The out of the memory IC of the electronic circuit Read text reproduction can prefer both information about the growing area of the high-quality wine and the respective Vintage as well as preferred serving suggestions with hints the optimal wine temperature and special menus included to the average consumer, but also to the Wine connoisseurs to be able to convey appropriate suggestions.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention two different sound events can be called up - depending on  whether the bottle for the first or the repeated time is opened. At the first opening under seal break we a sound event that creates a more solemn cha character and the circumstance of the first opening tion carries. This sound event can besides special Congratulations also include festive music or parts of one appropriate speech included. To the character of the Treat not to be reduced by permanent repetition will open a sound event when opened again of a different kind. Or it can be in a short text the opening event will be remembered.

It can be seen that the invention differs in Most designs and adapted to different counterparts stands with sound events that are related to the most diverse are adapted to festive events, is suitable Enjoy opening gifts or other items to increase significantly in the event of special events, so that there are uses for various purposes.

Leading areas can be considered as part of the opening process Switches work when they are destroyed and when they are opened for the first time cause an interruption or for the purpose repeated opening only when opening from opposite lying contact surfaces are removed as a bridge.

Other advantageous developments of the invention are in the subclaims or are identified below along with the description of the preferred embodiment the invention with reference to the figures. It shows gene:  

Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, partly in section,

FIG. 2 shows a circuit arrangement of the electronic circuit shown in FIG. 1,

Fig. 3 shows another advantageous embodiment of the dung OF INVENTION in view of a partial section,

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line A.. .A according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 5 shows a cheap variant of the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 in a partial sectional view as

Fig. 6 is a view of the detail E in FIG. 5.

The seal 1 shown in Fig. 1 is provided for a spirits bottle 2 and includes a screw cap formed as a shutter 3 and a connected to this at its opening edge by narrow webs 4 hedging coupling ring 5 on. Between the cap bottom 6 of the closure and a sealing plate 8 covering the pouring opening 7 of the bottle, a space 9 is enclosed in which a miniaturized electronic circuit 10 is arranged.

As can be seen in the circuit diagram of FIG. 2, the electronic circuit 11 , which is connected to a battery 13 for power supply. The voice and music memory IC 11 contains digitally stored audio data which can be read out in a controlled manner via corresponding activation inputs. In particular, the memory IC 11 contains two sequences which can be activated separately and which contain different information.

The first sequence can be called up via an electronic switching element in the form of an activator 12 . The signal output of an inverter 14 is connected to the control input of the activator 12 . The inverter 14 is connected via the line 15 to the positive pole of the battery 13 , a disconnection point 16 being provided in the line 15 .

If the line 15 is interrupted at the separation point 16 , the voltage level at the signal output of the inverter 14 changes and the activator 12 activates the first control input of the memory IC 11 via the control line 17 for a period of time sufficient for outputting the first acoustic information. The thereby activated memory IC 11 reproduces a sound performance, which refers to the content of the spirituo sen bottle 2 . It is a text explaining the contents of the bottle or another sound event which does justice to the special character of the opening for the first time. The corresponding acoustic Si signal is emitted via a piezo transducer as a miniature loudspeaker 11.1 with an upstream driver stage (not shown in the drawing) as a sound signal through sound outlet openings 18 provided in the bottom 6 .

This separation point, Fig mutandis. 1 a substantially by the ribs 4 between the screw cap 3 and backup ring 5 predetermined breaking point formed illustrates, said conduit arranged 15 by a between the outer wall of the bottle neck 19 and the inner wall of the screw cap 3 and is provided with an insulation bonding wire 20 and is formed by sections of the metallic wall 21 itself. The inverter 14 is provided because the "0" signal given by the disconnection point 16 when the current flow is interrupted must be converted into an active "1" signal. This then controls the activator 12 , which - once when the bottle is opened for the first time under you gelbruch - triggers an output signal of a predetermined period.

The wire 20 creates an electrical connection between the electronic circuit 10 and the retaining ring 5 within the line 15 , which is guided back to the electronic circuit 10 via the webs 4 and the wall 21 of the screw cap 3 . To open the bottle 2 , the screw cap is rotated and at the same time moved upward in the axial direction by the thread pitch, wherein the connecting ring 5 and the screw cap 3 shear off the webs 4 , so that the line 15 is interrupted. The separated locking ring 5 slides down until it sits on the area 22 of the widening bottle neck.

The breakage of the seal is visually recognizable through the retracting securing ring 5 . The additional acoustic information concerning the bottle content is provided by the electronic circuit 10 .

The battery 13 has a long lifespan because of the low power consumption, so that the memory IC 11 of the electronic circuit can be activated as intended even after a longer storage period of the liquor bottle 2 when the closure 3 is opened .

In order to be able to generate an acoustic event even when the bottle is opened repeatedly, which is not appropriate for the special event of the first opening, but for example demonstrates the effect on later occasions, a further switch 16.1 is provided, which in the representation according to Fig. 2, the switch 16 is designed as a break contact, rather than contact not shown. This switch is held open as a contact via a suitable button when the lid or cap is on the bottle. If the Dec kel is removed, the activator 12.1 is triggered, which also contains a timer which controls the IC 11 via a further control input to emit the alternative acoustic sequence for the necessary period of time.

To prevent the second sequence from being emitted while the sequence of the first opening is still running, the output signal from the activator 12.1 is blocked by an AND gate 14.1 , the inverting input of which is activated by the activator 12 . The first time it is opened, the effect of switch 16.1, which is of course also actuated, is "overrun" so that only the first sequence is output. Since the switch 16 is not closed again, this happens only at the first opening, so that the activator 12.1 remains unaffected when it is opened later. (It is assumed that the sequence is longer when it is first opened, so that the signal from the activator 12.1 has already abge when the activator 12 returns to its original state.

But it is also possible that the activation of 12.1 lasts longer, so that when you first open both sound sequences appear one after the other. For this purpose, the AND gate 17.1 is placed in the line of the switch 16.1 in front of the activator 12.1 , the inverting input of this AND gate remaining connected to the output of the activator 12 .

The switch 16.1 is not shown in the other representations. This is a resilient contact bridge, which is kept open by a corresponding counter surface when the container is closed. This works like the contactor of the well-known lamps, which are built into cupboards, and a cupboard compartment lights up automatically when the door is open.

In the simplest case, there are only two contact areas on the circuit board 10 carrying the circuit, with which a conductive element interacts when the object is closed. The circuit is, for example, in the lid of a bottle, so who the contact areas galvanically connected by a correspondingly arranged conductive area on the bottle surface when the bottle is closed. In this case, the switch 16.1 acts like the switch 16 for the first opening when activated as a break contact, so that a further inverter of the type of the inverter 14 must be provided accordingly, if the activator 14 is not already designed to respond to the inverse input signal responds.

Fig. 3 shows a bottle 25 for spirits with an electronic seal 1 ', which is arranged in a decorative form on the outside of the bottle wall. For this purpose, a trough 26 is formed in the bottle wall, which has an annular limiting bead 27 . The electronic circuit 10 'for delivering the desired additional information after breaking the seal 1 ' is - as shown schematically in Fig. 4 - embedded in a colored, curable sealing compound 28 and glued into the recess 26 .

The seal 1 'has an electrically conductive sealing cord 15 ' which, as a two-part loop, leads to the handle cork 29 closing the pouring opening of the liquor bottle 25 and is attached to the handle 30 of the loop end. This attachment point forms egg ne separation point 16 'with two predetermined breaking points 31 , at which a separation of the line 15 ' formed as a sealing cord takes place when the handle cork 29 is removed to remove the bottle contents.

The handle 30 of the handle cork and the free end of the bottle neck are enclosed by a plastic cap 32 . The cap 32 consists of a shrink film and advantageously protects, inter alia, the separation point 16 'from mechanical damage during transport or when packaging the liquor bottle 25 .

The design of the electronic circuits 10 ′ and 10 ″ corresponds essentially to the form described in FIG. 2, the lines 15 ′ and 15 ″ of the line 15 and the separation points 16 ′ and 16 ″ of the separation point 16 correspond and when the lines 15 'and 15 ''are disconnected the information stored in the memory IC 11 of the electronic circuits 10 ' and 10 '' is released in acoustic form.

On the bottle neck of a wine bottle 35 shown in FIG. 5, an electronic seal 1 ″ is provided, the electronic circuit 10 ″ of which is arranged above the pouring opening of the wine bottle 35 closed by a cork 36 . The electronic circuit 10 ″ formed as a flat disc has an edge 37 which engages around the pouring opening of the wine bottle 35 and thereby secures a central seat of the electronic circuit on the pouring opening. The free end of the bottle neck is enclosed by a protective cap 38 , which closes the pouring opening hy gienically and at the same time prevents axial displacement of the electronic circuit 10 ″ attached above the cork 36 .

The line 15 '', the separation of which activates the electronic circuit for delivering acoustic information, is formed by the edge 37 and a partial region of the protective cap 38 and connects the housing sections 40 and 41 of the electronic parts separated by an insulating strip 39 Circuit 10 ''.

The protective cap 38 consists of a shrinkable plastic film which is metallized on the inside. To secure tion of a good contact between the protective cap and the housing sections are at the periphery of the edge 37 and the housing section 40 he radially outwardly extending circular knobs 42 and 43 are provided.

Between the knobs 42 and 43 , the protective cap 38 has a tear-open security strip 16 ''. This carries a short handle tab 44 at one end and is limited within the protective cap wall by two ring-shaped areas 45 reduced in material thickness, whereby the tearing of the security strip 16 '' is considerably facilitated.

The out of the memory IC of the electronic circuit Read acoustically reproduced information relates to be prefers both information about the growing area of the concern the wine and the vintage as well as preferred serving suggests with the optimal wine temperature and special menus, but also for the average consumer to be able to convey appropriate suggestions to the wine connoisseur nen.

The electronic in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 as 10 'and 10' 'denote th circuits have substantially a structure according to the described in Fig. 2 the block diagram on.

Only in each case the line 15 corresponding INTR gen 15 'and 15' 'or 16 corresponding separating points 16' and 16 '' are different of the separating point configured
When the lines 15 'and 15 ''are disconnected, the information stored in the memory IC 11 of the electronic circuits 10 ' and 10 '' is released in an acoustic form.

The invention is not limited in its execution the preferred embodiments given above le. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable, which fundamentally different from the solution shown makes use of any type.

So additional means for light reproduction can be provided be parallel to or separate from the speaker this can be controlled. Are particularly suitable for this LEDs, which in connection with LEDs also for the public optical effects that underline the process. Also  these LEDs can on the one hand and at the first opening repeated opening, on the other hand, is controlled differently be recognized.

Claims (15)

1. Seal ( 1 , 1 ', 1 '') for the closure of a container or an envelope ( 2 , 25 ), with an electronic circuit ( 10 , 10 ', 10 ''), which by opening in its configuration changeable, preferably tear-off or separable, element ( 16 , 16 ', 16 '') is activated, which forms part of a line connection leading to the electronic circuit ( 15 , 15 ', 15 ''), characterized in that the electronic Circuit ( 10 , 10 ', 10 '') has means ( 11 ) by means of which, when the element ( 16 , 16 ', 16 '') is changed, the acoustic reproduction of a stored content of the container ( 2 , 25 , 35 ) or the envelope be relevant information in the form of an acoustic voice and / or sound signal can be generated, the electronic circuit ( 10 , 10 ', 10 '') a by means of a battery ( 13 ) operable memory IC ( 11 ) with a downstream driver stage and a sound converter ( 11.1 ) to reproduce the speech and / or music signal and the acoustic signal forms in particular advertising and / or product information relating to the content of the container or the wrapper. 2. Seal according to claim 1, characterized in that an electronic switch ( 12 ) is provided for the memory IC ( 11 ), which when breaking the seal ( 1 , 1 ', 1 '') or opening the container or the Envelope activated the battery ( 13 ) to power the memory IC. 3. Seal according to claim 2, characterized in that two switches ( 16 and 16.1 ) are provided, of which the first when breaking the seal ( 1 , 1 ', 1 '') of the container or the envelope, the battery ( 13 ) for powering the memory IC and delivering a first acoustic information, while the second activates the battery ( 13 ) for powering the memory IC and delivering a second acoustic information when the container or the wrapper is repeatedly opened. 4. Seal according to claim 3, characterized in that locking means ( 14.1 ) are provided which deactivate the second switch ( 16.1 ) when the first switch ( 16 ) is activated. 5. Seal according to claim 4, characterized in that the electronic switch ( 16 , 16.1 ) has a bipolar or field-effect transistor working as a make or break for impedance conversion. 6. Seal according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by an inverter ( 14 ) provided between the switch ( 16 ) and the downstream activator ( 12 ) for reversing the action of the switch from opening to closing or vice versa. 7. Seal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic circuit ( 10 ) is provided within the cap of a bottle stopper ( 2 , 25 , 35 ). 8. Seal according to claim 7, characterized in that the electronic circuit ( 10 ) in a the bottle opening closing, cup-shaped, on the cup rim a retaining ring ( 5 ) carrying cap ( 3 ) is arranged, where the to activate the electronic circuit ( 10 ) separable line connection ( 15 ) is essentially formed by the wall ( 21 ) of the cap ( 3 ) and the locking ring ( 5 ). 9. Seal according to claim 8, characterized in that as a separable element ( 16 ) of the line connection ( 15 ) at least one mechanical connection forming, kur zer web ( 4 ) is provided, which the cap ( 3 ) with the locking ring ( 5 ) connects. 10. Seal according to claim 7, characterized in that the electronic circuit ( 10 ') is arranged on the outer wall of a bottle ( 25 ) closable by a cork ( 29 ) or other closure means and an electrically conductive, the electronic circuit ( 10 ') with the cork connecting sealing cord is provided, which forms the separable line connection ( 15 '). 11. Seal according to claim 10, characterized in that the electronic circuit ( 10 ') is encased by a curable sealing compound ( 28 ) on the bottle wall or glued into a trough ( 26 ) thereof. 12. Seal according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the switch is provided as a separation point ( 16 ') of the line connection ( 15 ') on the handle ( 30 ) of the bottle ( 25 ) closing cork ( 29 ) and in particular has a predetermined breaking point ( 31 ). 13. Seal according to claim 7, characterized in that the electronic circuit ( 10 '') is arranged at the bottom of the pouring opening of a bottle ( 35 ) encompassing, cup-shaped protective cap ( 38 ) and the changeable ele element extending in the circumferential direction safely strip ( 16 ''). 14. Seal according to claim 13, characterized in that the protective cap ( 38 ) has a conductive inner wall. 15. Seal according to claim 14, characterized in that the protective cap ( 38 ) consists of an inside metallized, in particular shrunk plastic film.