GB2546287A

GB2546287A - Packaging for package tracker and method of packaging a product

Info

Publication number: GB2546287A
Application number: GB1600644.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Soutter Wayne
Original assignee: Trackersense Ltd
Current assignee: Trackersense Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-13
Filing date: 2016-01-13
Publication date: 2017-07-19
Also published as: GB201600644D0

Abstract

Packaging has base 407, sides 404, and lid. When closed the package has the appearance of layers of cardboard. The packaging can contain and disguise a tracker. The sides can be in the form of flaps folding 422, 423 inward and adhering but leaving a gap between them which forms the compartment. The exterior side of the sides form a corrugated edge of the packaging. The lid can have a portion 403 which covers the top and a portion 402 which covers the base 407. There can be cuts 417-421 and double hinge folds 405, 406 between the panels of the lid and the base; these hinges can fit in notches 450, 440 of the base and sides. An adhesive flap 401 can prevent the lid opening. The base can include a hole 408 covered by the lid to accommodate a protrusion of the tracker. the package can be folded from a corrugated cardboard blank and the tracker is ideally no thicker than two of its layers. A packaged tracker can be used as padding during shipping.

Description

PACKAGING FOR PACKAGE TRACKER AND METHOD OF PACKAGING A PRODUCT Background to the Invention

Tracker modules are very useful for delivery and logistics companies, as well as individuals. They allow parcel locations to be recorded at every point in the journey and are rapidly becoming cheaper, to the extent of becoming an almost disposable item. In order to make them cheap, considerations need to be given to battery limitations.

In addition, by virtue of their light weight, low cost and small size new opportunities arise for covertly tracking packages.

Known prior art in this field includes the Sendum real-time GPS tracking/data logger.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, packaging is provided for disguising a tracker module. The packaging comprises cardboard packaging material formed into: a base; enclosing sides; and a lid. When a tracker module is enclosed within the packaging, the tracker module is substantially hidden from view and the packaging appears as layers of cardboard packaging material.

The packaging may comprise two flaps having adhesive for folding flat against the base and attaching to the base, and create a hidden compartment for the tracker module.

Preferably an exterior side of the enclosing sides of the packaging forms a corrugated edge for the cardboard packaging material.

This is beneficial because it disguises the tracker module packaging as a packaging block. The corrugated edges do not look like smooth cardboard sides of packaging that contains goods. Hence the tracker module in its packaging can be hidden amongst other packing material and packaging blocks.

The lid of the packaging may comprise a first layer folded to lie flat against a top of the enclosing sides and a second layer folded to lie flat against a bottom of the base.

Optionally first layer and second layer are joined by a first double fold hinge and the first layer and the base are joined by a second double fold hinge, which fit in respective notches in the enclosing sides.

The packaging may comprise a first partially cut join between the base and first layer which is spanned by the first double fold hinge and a second partially cut join between the first layer and the second layer which is spanned by the second double fold hinge.

The packaging may have a flap having adhesive for attaching to outer sides of the packaging to prevent unfolding of the layers. Preferably there are one or more holes in the base to accommodate protruding components of the tracker module and wherein the second layer of the lid covers the hole when folded flat against the bottom of the base.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of a tracker module.

Figs. 2 and 3 together are a flow diagram showing operation of the device of Fig 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the packaging with the package tracker in position.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the packaging without the package tracker in position.

Fig. 6 is a flat pack version of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 and 8 show the cross-section at line A of Fig. 10 in folded and un-folded form, respectively.

Fig. 9 shows the view from point B of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 shows the view from point C of Fig. 7.

Description

The present invention relates to a GPS and GSM tracker, a method for tracking parcels and packaging for said tracker.

The tracker module 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises a battery 103, two capacitors 104, a controller 105, a GSM module 106 and antenna 107, a GPS module 108 and antenna 109, a micro USB plug, a switch and two LEDs. The controller 105 controls the GSM 106 and GPS 108 modules. The tracker module 100 is enclosed in a 2mm thick 'lid' housing 101 made from injection moulded ABS. The housing contains a spring 110, a hole 111 for a tab 102 to be positioned within and a second hole (not shown) to access the micro USB plug.

When the tab 102 is in place it holds the spring 110 away from contacts 112 of the tracker module 100. When it is removed, the spring 110 makes a connection between the two contacts 112 in the circuit, thereby completing it. The battery 103 is Lithium-ion Polymer. These or other batteries my be used but typically deliver from 100 to 265 watt-hours per kilogram (0.36 to 0.95 MJ per kilogram) but typically have an internal resistance of 2 to 6 milliohms or suffer a substantial fall-off of voltage (originally 3.3 to 3.7 V) when called upon to deliver more than a maximum amount of milliamps.

The limitations of the battery are mitigated by provision of the two capacitors which have a total value of 150-450 microFarads, preferably about 300 microFarads. These are capable of delivering charge over a short period (i.e. high current) but the period is limited. Simply adding more capacitors (e.g. 1.5F) has the drawback of increasing the size (and cost) of the module.

In operation, the tracker module 100 follows the work flow of Figs. 2 and 3.

Step 200 is started when tab 102 is pulled out, connecting contacts by means of the spring 110. Capacitors 104 are charged. GPS module 108 is switched on by step 208, controlled by controller 105. The GPS module 108 attempts satellite acquisition (step 210) and, if successful, acquires satellite timings for a position fix, which is stored in memory in controller 105, and controller 105 switches off the GPS 108 in step 210.

Step 214 considers whether this is a first-time ("virgin") run by testing whether a GPS counter is less than 1. Assuming it is not a virgin run, the process proceeds to step 222. The GSM module 106 is switched on by step 222, as controlled by the controller.

In step 224, a GSM connection (or other cellular connection such as 3G, UMTS, WCDMA, LTE) is attempted. If a connection is successfully established, the base station ("tower") identify is noted and stored and the process continues to step 300 in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 starts at step 300, as a continuation on from step 228 of Fig. 2. LBS data is acquired (step 302). This can occur always or can occur when GPS acquisition fails at step 302. Cell information is detected (step 306) when LBS data has been acquired or when GPS acquisition succeeds. Cell tower identification numbers are detected (step 308), and payload data is sent (step 310) following which updated schedule and/or counters are received (step 312), and the GSM module 106 is powered down (step314). The process then returns to step 200 of Fig. 2.

If cell information is not detected in step 306, individual senor data is collected as per individual schedules (i.e. individual to each sensor or individual to the tracker and its intended purpose). This data includes temperature, light, shock and/or pressure. This sensor data is sent with the payload data.

In one embodiment, tracker module 100 is housed in plastic housing 101. In another aspect, it is housed in packaging material that has the appearance of a block or spacer of packaging material.

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 show packaging comprising a base 407, enclosing sides 404, a first lid 403, a second lid 402 and a flap 401. The packaging 400 may have any number and size of holes 408 in the base 407. The first lid 403 is attached to the base 407 by a double hinge 406, which has two folds 424 and 425. Lines 420 and 421 between the base 407 and first lid 403 are cut. The first lid 403 and the second lid 402 are also attached by a double hinge 405, which has two folds 415 and 416. Lines 417 and 418 between them are cut. The second lid 402 is attached to the flap 401 by a fold along line 410. The flap 401 has a strip of adhesive 412.

When there is no hole 408 in the base 407, the thickness of the flaps 404 is at least that of the thickest part of the tracker 100, so that it can fit correctly in the packaging 400. When there is a hole 408 in the base 407, the thickness of the base 407 and flaps 404 combined must be at least that of the thickest part of the tracker 100.

In operation, the flaps of the enclosing sides 404, as seen in Fig. 6, are folded and stuck with adhesive onto the base 407. The fold lines 422 and 423 between the flaps of the enclosing sides 404 and the base 407 are cut only in a central portion (or partially cut at some other portion). The tracker module 100 is then placed within the enclosing sides 404. The double hinge 406 of the first lid 403 is folded so that the first lid 403 covers the tracker. The double hinge 406 slots into the recess 440. The fold lines 415 and 416 of the second double hinge 405 are then folded so that the second lid 402 lies flat against the back of the base 407. The second double hinge 405 slots into the recess 450. The flap 410 is then folded to lie flat again the outside surface of the resultant packaging and adhered using the adhesive strip 412.

Figs. 7 and 8 show the hidden recess in which the tracker 100 sits when the packaging 400 is completely folded. The tracker module 100 must have interference fit with the packaging 400 so it does not rattle or fall out when opened.

Figs. 9 and 10 show that the tracker 100 cannot be seen from either side when the packaging 400 is folded completely. Only the corrugated edges of the cardboard packaging material can be seen. Thus, the package looks like a block of packaging, e.g. a spacer or packing block, whilst also protecting the tracker 100. It can be placed in a package, e.g. a cardboard box (not shown) containing a high-value product (not shown), such as a television or other electronics product or consumer product. To the casual observer, it looks like a piece of packing, e.g. a spacer block, and looks like its function is to prevent the product from rattling within its outer packing. The material of the package is preferably the same or similar to that of the outer packing. To the casual observer, it is not apparent that the tracker 100 is present. A thief would be unaware that there is a tracker within the packaging of a high-value item being stolen.

Claims

1. Packaging for disguising a tracker module (100), the packaging comprising cardboard packaging material formed into: a base (407); enclosing sides (404); and a lid (402, 403) such that, when a tracker module is enclosed within the packaging, the tracker module is substantially hidden from view and the packaging appears as layers of cardboard packaging material.

2. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the enclosing sides (404) comprising two flaps (404) having adhesive for folding flat against the base (507) and attaching to the base (507), and create a hidden compartment (707) for the tracker module (100).

3. The packaging of claim 1, wherein an exterior side of the enclosing sides (404) forms a corrugated edge for the cardboard packaging material.

4. The packaging of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the lid comprises a first layer (403) folded to lie flat against a top of the enclosing sides (404) and a second layer (402) folded to lie flat against a bottom of the base (407).

5. The packaging of claim 4, wherein the first layer and the base (407) are joined by a first double fold hinge (406) and the first layer (403) and second layer (402) are joined by a second double fold hinge (405), which fit in respective notches (440, 450) in the enclosing sides (404).

6. The packaging of claim 5, comprising a first partially cut join (424, 425) between the base (407) and first layer (403) which is spanned by the first double fold hinge (406) and a second partially cut join (415, 416) between the first layer (403) and the second layer (402) which is spanned by the second double fold hinge (405).

7. The packaging of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a flap (401) having adhesive for attaching to outer sides of the packaging to prevent unfolding of the layers.

8. The packaging of claim 4, wherein there are one or more holes (408) in the base (407) to accommodate protruding components of the tracker module and wherein the second layer (402) of the lid covers the hole when folded flat against the bottom of the base (407).

9. The packaging of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the packaging is made of corrugated cardboard.

10. The packaging of any one of claims 1 to 9, in combination with a tracker module (100), wherein the tracker module (100) is, at its thickest point, no thicker than two layers of the cardboard.

11. The packaging of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the tracker module (100) makes interference fit in the hole.

12. A method of dispatching a product comprising packaging the product in a package with a tracker module therein, wherein the tracker module is contained within cardboard packaging material formed into a base (407) enclosing sides (404) and a lid (402, 403) such that, when the tracker module is enclosed within the packaging material, the tracker module is substantially hidden from view and the packaging material appears as layers of cardboard packaging material.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the package and the cardboard packaging material are of similar corrugated cardboard material.