Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
  • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
  • G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
  • B65F1/00—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor
  • B65F1/10—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor with refuse filling means, e.g. air-locks
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
  • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
  • B65F2210/108—Authorization means
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
  • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
  • B65F2210/112—Coding means to aid in recycling
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
  • B65F2210/00—Equipment of refuse receptacles
  • B65F2210/128—Data transmitting means

Definitions

• the invention relates to the field of reusable receptacles, such as reusable beakers, bowls, plates, mugs; and the management and collection of said reusable receptacles at, inter alia, events and festivals.
• the collected reusable receptacles are dishwasher-ready.
• the collected receptacles are empty.
• the collected receptacles comprise no other objects, such as non-reusable receptacles or receptacles of a different kind.
• the receptacles are collected in such a way that they do not take up an unnecessarily large volume.
• the reusable receptacles are collected with minimal intervention or without any intervention by the event organisers.
• the reusable receptacles are collected by the users of the reusable receptacles.
• the users are encouraged to take part in collecting the reusable receptacles.
• collecting the reusable receptacles is incorporated in a payment system for paying for beverages and food served in the reusable receptacles.
• US 2011/180563 describes a sort of collection container for receptacles, which complies with the preamble of claim 1.
• EP 3827908 describes a collection container for receptacles with a label which bears information, with a disposal module with a label reader (8), suitable for reading the information on the label of a receptacle inside the disposal module.
• Embodiments of one aspect are also embodiments of the other aspects.
• Preferred embodiments of one aspect are also preferred embodiments of the other aspects.
• the invention relates to a collection container for reusable receptacles, whereby said reusable receptacles are provided with a label which bears information, said collection container comprising:
• the rotating cylinder rotates between at least three positions
• the rotating cylinder comprises a second slot, positioned such that the second slot aligns with a reusable receptacle detector or label reader when the first slot aligns with the disposal opening.
• the rotating cylinder comprises a third slot, positioned such that the third slot aligns with the path when the first slot aligns with the disposal opening.
• the slots are provided in the casing of the rotating cylinder.
• the slots are provided in the longitudinal direction of the rotating cylinder.
• the slots are proportionally distributed over the surface of the rotating cylinder, preferably the rotating cylinder casing.
• the slots each have a profile that is partly circular, preferably a U-shaped profile.
• the circular form of the profile of the slots has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the reusable receptacles.
• each slot is shape-congruent to a stack of reusable receptacles.
• the reusable receptacles are stackable, preferably in a stack with a cylindrical wall.
• the length of the slots is such that a slot can receive at least a stack comprising at least 5, preferably at least 10, preferably at least 15, preferably at least 20, preferably at least 25 reusable receptacles.
• the invention also provides a method for collecting reusable receptacles which are provided with a label which bears information, said method comprising the following steps:
• the invention furthermore provides a kit comprising:
• Figure 1 shows a collection container (1), according to an embodiment of the invention, for reusable receptacles (2)
• Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the collection container (1) shown in figure 1 , said cross-section being perpendicular to the rotating cylinder (8).
• Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the collection container (1) shown in figure 1 , said cross-section being made in the longitudinal direction of the rotating cylinder (8) and vertical.
• Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the collection container (1) shown in figure 1 , whereby the cross-section is made in the longitudinal direction of the rotating cylinder (8) and horizontally.
• Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the collection container (1) shown in figure 1 .
• Figure 6A shows a kit according to an embodiment of the invention.
• numeric values by means of ranges of figures comprises all values and fractions in these ranges, as well as the cited end points.
• the term "approximately” as used when referring to a measurable value, such as a parameter, an amount, a duration, and the like, is intended to include variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less, of and from the specified value, in so far as the variations apply in order to function in the invention disclosed herein. It should be understood that the value to which the term “approximately” refers per se has also been disclosed.
• the invention relates to a collection container for reusable receptacles, whereby said reusable receptacles are provided with a label which bears information, said collection container comprising:
• the advantage of such collection container is that a stack of reusable receptacles can be inserted in one go, instead of having to insert each reusable receptacle one by one. Because the disposal module is provided with a rotating cylinder which itself is provided with a slot, it prevents many other objects, other than a stack of receptacles from being inserted. This lightens the triage work afterwards to remove unwanted objects from the collected reusable receptacles.
• rotating cylinder refers to a cylinder that can rotate, possibly in steps around a central shaft.
• the rotating cylinder rotates in steps, preferably of 120°.
• the rotating cylinder rotates one step, after an instruction given by the user. This instruction can, for example, be given after pressing a button, once a user has inserted a stack of reusable receptacles in a slot.
• the rotating cylinder rotates between at least two positions
• the rotating cylinder rotates between at least three positions
• reusable receptacle detector is a detector suitable for recognising reusable receptacles and/or the labels provided on the reusable receptacles.
• the reusable receptacle detector can scan the information of the label.
• the rotating cylinder is removably applied in the disposal module. Consequently, the rotating cylinder can be removed from the disposal module or replaced, for example for repairs, maintenance or cleaning.
• the reusable receptacle detector consists of two parts, positioned at the end faces of the rotating cylinder, along the second position. Consequently, in this position the reusable receptacle detector is able to scan the labels of all reusable receptacles of a stack of receptacles, situated in the slot in the second position, such that for all reusable receptacles the identity can be determined.
• the third position is pointing downwards.
• the path downwards is provided. Consequently, the stack of reusable receptacles can be removed from the slot under the influence of gravity and transferred to the collector. This simplifies the techniques that need to be applied in the collection container, which benefits the robustness.
• the collector is provided under the rotating cylinder, and preferably the path is provided between the collector and the rotating cylinder.
• the collector is a box or a crate.
• the longitudinal dimension of the collector is greater than the length of the slots. This ensures that if a stack of reusable receptacles fits in the slot, it also fits in the collector.
• the collection container is provided with an entrance door to replace or empty the collector and/or an entrance door to the disposal module for maintenance.
• the collection container is provided with a LED strip that visualises the fill rate.
• a LED strip that visualises the fill rate.
• the collection container is provided with a sensor which detects whether a collector is present and/or a sensor which detects whether reusable receptacles are present in the slot or the slots.
• the rotating cylinder comprises a second slot, positioned such that the second slot aligns with a reusable receptacle detector or label reader when the first slot aligns with the disposal opening.
• the rotating cylinder comprises a third slot, positioned such that the third slot aligns with the path when the first slot aligns with the disposal opening.
• the rotating cylinder comprises a number of slots in a plurality of three. This ensures that between the different rotations of the rotating cylinder a slot can be used for receiving a stack of reusable receptacles, while the other slot is in the correct position to scan the receptacle, and the other slot is in the correct position to eject the reusable receptacles in the collector, such that with the next rotation an empty slot aligns with the disposal module, that can then be used for receiving a new stack of reusable receptacles.
• the slots are provided in the casing of the rotating cylinder. In an embodiment the slots are provided in the longitudinal direction of the rotating cylinder.
• the slots are proportionally distributed over the surface of the rotating cylinder, preferably the rotating cylinder casing.
• the second slot is positioned 120° further on the rotating cylinder casing than the first slot
• the third slot is positioned yet another 120° further on the rotating cylinder casing than the second slot. This ensures that to change position the rotating cylinder each time needs to be rotated over the same angle, i.e. 120°.
• the collection container comprises a motor that can make the rotating cylinder rotate.
• the motor is a stepper motor.
• the disposal module comprises one or more removable fluid drainage gratings at the aforementioned first position, whereby the fluid drainage grating extends in the longitudinal direction parallel with the slot.
• the collection container comprises a number of guide plates or grids between the disposal module and the collector with the aim of guiding the reusable receptacles situated in the disposal module, more specifically in a slot of the rotating cylinder, to the collector. Seen from above, said guide plates or grids will partly overlap with the rotating cylinder of the disposal module.
• the collection container comprises a resistance detector, suitable for detecting mechanical resistance during rotating. This can ensure that the rotation of the rotating cylinder can be done safely and that no limbs of an operator can be harmed by the rotating cylinder, or that no reusable receptacles can be damaged when incorrectly inserted in the slot.
• the first position comprises a movement detector, which preferably prevents the rotation from being executed as long as movement is detected in the first slot.
• the slots each have a profile that is partly circular.
• Profile is understood to mean here the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slot.
• each slot is shape-congruent to a stack of reusable receptacles.
• shape-congruent refers to the shape followed by the contour of the reusable receptacle.
• the reusable receptacles are stackable, preferably in a stack with a cylindrical wall.
• the cylindrical wall ensures that the stack can roll out of the slot and in the collector.
• the length of the slots is such that a slot can receive at least a stack comprising at least 5, preferably at least 10, preferably at least 15, preferably at least 20, preferably at least 25 reusable receptacles. This ensures that several reusable receptacles can be inserted in one go, such that the collection process is accelerated.
• the label on the reusable receptacle comprises information with which the reusable receptacle can be recognised. This can be unique information for each reusable receptacle or information on the sort or type of reusable receptacle, and/or information on the content of the reusable receptacle.
• reusable receptacle refers to a container suitable for beverages and/or food, in which the container is suitable to be used several times, optionally after a cleaning operation.
• reusable receptacles are beakers, bowls, plates, mugs, cups and the like. Said beakers may be in the form of typical kinds of glasses, such as for example beer glasses or wine glasses.
• the reusable receptacles are made from plastic.
• the reusable receptacles are beakers.
• collector refers to a device in which the reusable receptacles may be stored, optionally temporarily.
• the reusable receptacles are stacked in the collector, preferably a first reusable receptacle fits at least partly into a second reusable receptacle when stacked, in such a way that a collection of stacked receptacles takes up a smaller volume compared to a collection comprising the same number of non-stacked reusable receptacles.
• the collection container comprises one door, through which the collector can be accessed for emptying.
• the collection container furthermore comprises a detector, suitable for detecting when the collector is completely filled with reusable receptacles, said detector may be used to indicate when another collector has to be used or when a collector has to be changed.
• the reusable receptacles or the label reader are communicatively connected to a database and/or a network and/or a server.
• the information scanned by the label reader can be compared to information in a database and said information can be used to return a previously paid deposit for the reusable receptacle to the user who paid said deposit.
• the collection container furthermore comprises a first identification module, suitable for identifying a user.
• a first identification module suitable for identifying a user.
• the collection container furthermore comprises a first communication module by means of which preferably a user can be informed about the information collected by the label reader and/or the information linked to said user.
• the information on the label is compared with information in a database.
• the label is an RFID tag, preferably an HF RFID tag.
• the label reader comprises an antenna for receiving radio waves, preferably a Near-Field Communication (NFC) antenna.
• NFC Near-Field Communication
• the invention also provides a method for collecting reusable receptacles which are provided with a label which bears information, said method comprising the following steps:
• user-specific mark refers to a mark which can be assigned to one specific user, examples include: a card, a smartcard, a magnetic card, an RFID card, a badge, a bracelet, a pendant; but also biometric marks, such as inter alia an iris scan, facial recognition or a fingerprint.
• said database comprises information which corresponds to the information on the label of the reusable receptacles which have to be collected.
• a category is linked to the information corresponding to the information on the label of the reusable receptacles in the database.
• a category may represent a kind of reusable receptacle, if different kinds of reusable receptacles are being collected. Said categories can then also be used for selecting a different collector. In such a way, it is for example possible to use a first collector to collect stacks of one kind of reusable receptacles and a second collector to collect stacks of another kind of reusable receptacles.
• a collection container in accordance with an embodiment described herein.
• Embodiments of the collection container are also embodiments of the methods described herein and vice versa. Consequently, embodiments of the collecting container are also embodiments of the kit and vice versa.
• the release of the deposit in step j) is performed immediately, so that the amount can be used immediately for a new order.
• the invention furthermore provides a method for providing and collecting reusable receptacles which are provided with a label which bears information, comprising the following steps:
• the reusable receptacles are provided at events, such as trade fairs, festivals, meetings, fun fairs, performances, sporting events and the like.
• said users are participants or visitors of said events.
• the method furthermore comprises:
• the method furthermore comprises:
• the method furthermore comprises:
• the method furthermore comprises:
• the method comprises:
• each user can load an amount onto an account in advance and/or a total bill can subsequently be generated for each user. In this case, it is thus possible to prevent having to use money with each order.
• the information linked to the label of the provided reusable receptacles is linked to the scanned user-specific mark after the monetary value linked to the scanned user-specific mark has been reduced by the value of the beverages or food served. If non-linked reusable receptacles are used, the barman can link these to the beverages or food served via the checkout system.
• the information on the label of a reusable receptacle is linked to the contents served in the reusable receptacle.
• This may be achieved, for example, by using reusable receptacles which are intended for a specific content, such as for example a reusable receptacle in the shape of a beaker for a soft drink, a reusable receptacle in the shape of a beer glass for beer, or a reusable receptacle in the shape of a wine glass for wine.
• the step of "reducing the monetary value linked to the scanned user-specific mark by the value of the beverages or food served on the basis of the reusable receptacles used" can be automated by scanning the label on the reusable receptacles, for example by a second label reader.
• the method comprises:
• the method comprises the following steps:
• the invention furthermore provides a kit comprising:
• the invention furthermore provides a kit comprising:
• the second label reader is provided in a bar mat.
• the bar mat is provided with an oblique frame.
• the oblique frame deters customers from placing reusable receptacles on the oblique frame.
• a zone is created around the label reader in which no reusable receptacles are placed and only the label of reusable receptacles which are placed directly on the bar mat will be scanned, thus preventing other labels on reusable receptacles which are placed near to the second label reader from inadvertently being scanned. In addition, it reduces reflection.
• the second label reader comprises a Near-Field Communication (NFC) antenna and preferably the second label reader furthermore comprises a range filter.
• the range filter may be adjusted in such a way that only labels on reusable receptacles on or close to the bar mat are scanned. In combination with the oblique frame of the bar mat, only labels of reusable receptacles which are situated on the bar mat are scanned.
• NFC Near-Field Communication
• the label is provided on the underside of the reusable receptacle.
• the underside means the side on which the receptacle rests during normal use. Providing the label on the underside prevents the label from coming into contact with the contents of the reusable receptacle.
• the label is an RFID tag, preferably an RFID tag comprising a close-range loop. This ensures that only reusable receptacles which are situated close to the label reader are scanned, preferably in a zone of at most 30 cm, more preferably at most 20 cm and most preferably at most 10 cm around the label reader.
• said checkout system comprises a second communication module, suitable for informing a user about the information collected by the second label reader and/or the information linked to said user.
• Figure 1 shows a collection container (1) according to an embodiment of the invention for reusable receptacles (2), whereby said reusable receptacles (2) are provided with a label (3) which bears information
• the reusable receptacles (2) are stacked in a stack (4) of reusable receptacles (2).
• the collection container (1) comprises a disposal module (5); and, at least one collector; (6), not shown in figure 1 ), in this case a crate on wheels, situated behind a door (31).
• the disposal module (5) comprises a rotating cylinder (8), wherein the rotating cylinder (8) comprises a first slot (9), a second slot (10, not shown in figure 1 ), and a third slot (11, not shown in figure 1 ).
• a stack (4) of reusable receptacles (2) is placed in the first slot (9), whereby the first slot (9) is situated in a first position which aligns with the disposal opening (7).
• Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the collection container (1) shown in figure 1 , said cross-section being perpendicular to the rotating cylinder (8).
• the first slot (9) is still aligned with the disposal opening (7) of the disposal module (5), and the first slot (9) still comprises a stack (4) of reused receptacles (2).
• Figure 2 further shows the second slot (10) which aligns with the label reader (12), such that in said position the labels (3) on the reusable receptacles (2) can be scanned, such that for all reusable receptacles (2) the identity of the user who paid a deposit can be determined, such that said deposit can be refunded to the user. Refunding the deposit can be done digitally for example, or be allocated to the user as credit.
• Figure 2 also shows the third slot (11), which aligns with the path (33) to the collector (6).
• the third slot (11) points downwards in this figure, such that under the influence of gravity any stack (4) of reusable receptacles (2) situated in the third slot (11), will fall to and in the collector (6).
• Figure 2 shows the profiles of the slots (9, 10, 11), which are U-shaped and partly have a circular form. The slots are applied in the casing (35) of the rotating cylinder (8).
• Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the collection container (1) shown in figure 1 , whereby the cross-section is made in the longitudinal direction of the rotating cylinder (8) and vertically.
• figure 3 also shows the control (38) of the collection container (1), which drives the motor (36) among other things, which via the transmission (37) makes the rotating cylinder (8) rotate, around a shaft (34).
• the label reader (12) consists of two parts (12a, and 12b), positioned at the ends of the rotating cylinder (8) but along the second position.
• a label in the form of an RFID tag, is provided in the base of the reusable receptacles (2), in this case beakers.
• Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the collection container (1) shown in figure 1 , whereby the cross-section is made in the longitudinal direction of the rotating cylinder (8) and horizontally.
• the figure shows components which are shown and described in the other views.
• Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the collection container (1) shown in figure 1 .
• an embodiment of the kit according to the invention comprises a central server (14) which is communicatively connected to a database (13).
• a database 13
• user-specific data can be stored and/or information can be stored which corresponds to the information on the label (3) provided on each reusable receptacle.
• the kit furthermore comprises a checkout system (21) which is communicatively connected to the central server (14).
• a second identification module (18) for scanning a user-specific mark (17) is communicatively connected to the checkout system (21). This makes it possible to identify a user who places the order while ordering and to retrieve the data stored for each user from the database (13) via the checkout system (21). These data can be shared with the user via the second communication module (29), for example provided in the checkout system (21).
• the user-specific mark (17) is a card with an RFID tag and the first and second identification module comprise an NCF antenna.
• the barman then prepares the order in the labelled reusable receptacles (2). Thereafter, the barman scans the labels (3) of these reusable receptacles (2) by means of a second label reader (22).
• This second label reader is communicatively connected to the checkout system (21) and is connected to the central server (14) and database (13) via the checkout system.
• the data scanned by the second label reader (22) can be used to place a certain amount for every reusable receptacle of the order in a deposit.
• the deposit may be released when the first label reader (8) in the collection container scans the same information as it did during ordering.
• the second label reader is an NCF antenna (25) with a range filter (26) incorporated in a bar mat (23), comprising an oblique frame (24), as a result of which no reusable receptacles (2) can be placed on the oblique frame (24.
• the label (3) is always applied on the underside (27) of the reusable receptacle (2).

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=91247461

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Citations (5)

• 2024
  • 2024-05-16 BE BE20245281A patent/BE1032174B1/nl active IP Right Grant
• 2025
  • 2025-05-15 EP EP25176804.0A patent/EP4651111A1/de active Pending

Patent Citations (5)

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