JP2008502551A - Container and container manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The container includes a hydrochromic material attached to at least a portion of the container wall. The hydrochromic material can be seen from the outside of the container. The hydrochromic material has a first appearance in a dry form and has a second appearance different from the first appearance when the hydrochromic material is hydrated.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention is directed to a container and a method for manufacturing and using the container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a container whose appearance changes when condensation is present on the outer surface of the container.

  Sports venues, baseball stadiums, and other public venue stalls are a huge source of income for many of these public facilities. The sale of food and beverages can significantly increase the revenue generated from such public facilities. However, at the store, there is a problem in inventory management that employees can easily sell unpackaged food and drink to the public without recording sales for the benefit of the store owner. .

  This problem is particularly acute in shop management when employees pour beverages according to customer demand. Often, changes in the amount of liquid poured will vary from container to container, and depending on the volume and other factors, the shop owner will determine whether the employee has dressed sales or has provided free samples to the public. Will be very difficult.

  Inventory management with beverage containers and / or beverage infusion tubes and taps that can dispense pre-weighed beverages as the currently preferred solution for maintaining inventory control of beverages poured on demand Is being used. In this way, loss of inventory can be determined by using cup inventory management in addition to recording the number of pre-weighed and dispensed beverages. One drawback of this solution is that employees can provide a replacement for cups that have already been sold to the public. Employees can easily replenish existing cups and charge for beverages without being discovered by the shopkeeper, while at the same time taking income or making the customer free to substitute it can.

  Solutions have been devised to prevent inventory losses caused by employee offerings. One solution is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,820,951 of Codell Industries, where hot chrome ink is used in a beverage container so that the temperature of the beverage container is between a predetermined hot and cold temperature. If the color changes, change the color. Thus, the color changes by pouring a cold beverage into a cold beverage container, and the color changes by pouring a hot beverage into the hot beverage container. While meeting the goal of providing some degree of inventory control, the color change is not permanent and the customer or others simply pour hot beverage into a cold beverage container or cold beverage into a hot beverage container There is a disadvantage that the container can be reset by pouring. In addition, there must be an inventory of two separate cups for cold and hot beverages. Furthermore, by looking at the color change that depends on whether the drink is hot or cold, the shop employee is confused as to whether the cup has already been used. Finally, since transport of beverage containers is not usually done in a temperature controlled environment, cold beverage containers that are transported or stored at cold temperatures below or below the color-changing threshold should be used for the intended purpose. Is inappropriate. Similarly, beverage containers transported at hot temperatures above or below the color changing limit are also unsuitable for the intended purpose. Therefore, there is a need for a method of distinguishing cups that are automatically marked or used for beverage sales from those that remain in stock.

Summary of the Invention

  In some embodiments, the container includes a wall that forms a reservoir and a hydrochromic material that adheres to at least a portion of the peripheral wall. The hydrochromic material is visible from the outside of the container. The hydrochromic material can have a second appearance that is different from the first appearance when in a dry state and the first appearance when the hydrochromic material is hydrated.

  According to some aspects, a method of manufacturing a container includes providing a dried hydrochromic material having a first appearance that connects a peripheral sidewall and a bottom wall and that substantially matches the appearance of the peripheral sidewall. Apply at least a portion of the dried hydrochromic material so that the hydrochromic material is visible from outside the container. The hydrochromic material has a second appearance that is different from the first appearance when the hydrochromic material is hydrated.

  In some aspects, an inventory management method includes providing a container configured to contain a product, pouring the product into the container, and changing a mark on at least a portion of the container when the container is condensing. The mark is visible from the outside of the container.

  Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description of the Invention

An exemplary embodiment of the container 110 is shown in FIG. The container 110 is described as including a peripheral wall 112 and a bottom wall 114. Peripheral wall 112 and bottom wall 114 are formed from plastic (including but not limited to PP = polypropylene and PET = polyester), paper, wax-coated paper, or other materials suitable for beverage containers. As one of skill in the art will be understood, the container is made of an insulating material such as lightweight elastic polystyrene plastic sometimes is mainly hot beverage called Styrofoam ^TM, or have the insulating holder, such as wheels or cardboard It is possible to insulate the hot beverage and the holder's hand. On the other hand, cold beverages are mainly poured into containers of non-insulating material. The peripheral wall 112 and the bottom wall 114 cooperate to define the reservoir 116. The reservoir 116 is formed to contain beverages such as alcoholic beverage (beer), soft drink (soda or carbonated beverage) juice, coffee, cocoa, tea or water. Advantageously, the exposed surface 118 of the peripheral wall 112 includes a layer 120 of hydrochromic material used thereon to provide a nifty packaging layer that reacts to condensation present on the layer 120. To do.

  Preferably, the hydrochromic material is manufactured in the form of a printing ink and is suitable for use in conventional printing systems. Furthermore, the hydrochromic material can be easily applied to any type of container material. The hydrochromic material forming layer 120 can be applied to surface 118 by, for example, standard printing or silk screening processes known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the hydrochromic layer 120 can be applied to a label (not shown) and the label can be applied to the container.

  In one preferred embodiment, the hydrochromic ink is preferably made from an edible material such as, but not limited to, made from soybean oil.

  Hydrochromic layer 120 has at least two different visible appearances. As an example shown in FIG. 1, layer 120 has a first appearance before the container is used to contain a liquid. The first appearance makes the layer 120 less visible or opaque by being similar to the appearance of the exposed surface 118. Alternatively, layer 120 may be clearly visible. By hydrating the hydrochromic layer 120, for example, by forming condensation on the exposed surface 118, the hydrochromic layer 120 changes from the first appearance to the second appearance shown in FIG. The first appearance can include, for example, a first color, and the second appearance can include, for example, a second color that is different from the first color. Condensation occurs by pouring a beverage 122 such as a cold beverage, a hot beverage, or a room temperature beverage into the container 110 to the inner line 124. As shown in FIG. 2, a part of the hydrochromic layer 120 corresponding to the filling region is then changed to the second appearance.

  Except for hot drinks such as coffee, tea, or cocoa, most retail beverages such as beer, juice, and soft drinks are served primarily with ice at a temperature between 36 and 43 degrees Fahrenheit. . By pouring the beverage into the reservoir 116, condensation occurs on the exposed surface 118 and the hydrochromic layer 120, thereby changing the layer 120 from the first appearance to the second appearance. Condensation occurs under the principle of three temperatures: cup temperature, beverage temperature, and outside temperature. When the beverage is poured into the container and bonded together, the three temperatures of the outside air, the container and the beverage result in condensation that causes changes in the hydrochromic layer. When the beverage is poured, sufficient condensation occurs whether the beverage is hot or cold. In addition, water vapor is transferred to the container by wiping the container with a damp cloth from the palm of the person or after each pour.

  In a preferred embodiment, even if the reservoir 116 is empty and condensation is removed from the exposed surface 118 and the layer 120, the second appearance is maintained permanently.

  Accordingly, a beverage provider, such as a store manager, monitors the container 110 and visually observes the appearance of the exposed surface 118 and the hydrochromic layer 120 to determine whether the container 110 is filled for the first time or an alternative. Can be determined. If layer 120 is applied to the majority of exposed surface 118 as shown in FIG. 1, the color of layer 120 can be seen from a distance, so that a surveillance camera is used to monitor unauthorized substitutions. be able to. Although layer 120 covers only a portion of exposed surface 118 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, those skilled in the art will appreciate that layer 120 covers the entire exposed surface 118 or layer 120. It may cover a smaller area necessary for visual recognition.

  Further, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, by using the hydrochromic layer 120 using standard printing processing, the layer 120 has a predetermined shape such as a message such as “no substitute” or a predetermined design. be able to. The design simply indicates to the store employee that the container is used and cannot be refilled. Alternatively or additionally, the hydrochromic layer 120 may be in a predetermined shape for an advertisement, such as a logo or design. The first appearance and / or the second appearance of the hydrochromic layer 120 can be varied.

  In one embodiment, the container 310 (FIG. 3) includes a layer of hydrochromic material 320 that becomes a machine-readable shape or pattern 326, such as a barcode. A machine reader, such as a barcode scanner (not shown), is formed to sense the pattern 326 with the layer 320 in the first appearance and the second appearance. As soon as the presence of layer 320 is sensed in the first appearance, the scanner sends a signal to a processor (not shown) so that the processor can determine that an unused container is present and the beverage can be dispensed. To. As soon as it senses the presence of layer 320 in the second appearance, the scanner sends a signal to the processor so that the processor can determine that a previously used container is present and that the beverage should not be dispensed. . A suitable type of scanner for this purpose is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,820,951.

  Other machine readable forms may be implemented using hydrochromic inks without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, as an exposed surface of the container 310, a barcode printed using a light reflecting material or a non-hydrochromic ink can be used. Hydrochromic inks may have different opacity shapes. That is, the hydrochromic ink changes from an opaque shape to a transparent image or pattern, or from a transparent image or pattern to an opaque shape, thereby creating a reflective material or barcode image when the hydrochromic ink is in an opaque shape. Shut off. If a reflective material is used, a standard electric eye structure configured to sense the presence of the reflective material can be used to sense whether the container has been refilled.

  In an alternative form of this embodiment, a machine-readable unique identifier is printed on each cup or series of cups on the hydrochromic layer, allowing the machine reader to track the number of alternatives that have used this cup. . Such a configuration is particularly desirable when novelty cups are used. Often novelty cups are sold at much higher prices than normal beverage prices, but customers can often replace novelty cups at discounted prices. By using machine-readable unique identifiers, the shopkeeper can track or even limit the number that can be substituted per cup. Alternatively, if each unique identifier represents a series of cups, each set can be launched at a different event on a different day or for a different beverage such as a domestic beer or an imported beer. Thus, the store manager can limit the substitution to only the series of cups sold that day for that event or type of beverage. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the number of unique identifiers that can be used for the cup can be used in many different configurations. Thus, the examples provided above are exemplary and are not limited to such use of unique identifiers.

  With such an arrangement, unauthorized refilling of the container 310 may be prohibited. At the same time, if a refill of the container is attempted, it can be acknowledged by identifying and / or recording the refill via the processor.

  Reference is now made to FIGS. A hydrochromic material layer 420 can be applied to the first surface 432 of the substrate 430. Examples of the substrate 430 include plastic, paper, or wax coating material. The substrate 430 can be in the form of a container, such as a container formed to contain a beverage, for example. The hydrochromic material layer 420 includes one or more colored components 422, such as pigments and / or masking materials, and an adhesive resin, printing ink and / or solidifying agent 424, for example.

  An adhesive resin, printing ink, or solidifying agent 424 is selected and the resin, ink, or drug 424 is based on one or more colored components 422 by standard flexographic or screen printing processes known to those skilled in the art. It can be adhered to the material 430. In addition, an adhesive resin, a printing ink, and a solidifying agent 424 are selected, and the resin, ink, or medicine 424 absorbs water vapor and waters one or more colored components 422 by condensation on the substrate 430, for example. It can be summed, but it can also retain the hydrated colored component with little blurring. The one or more colored components 422 include two or more colored components such that the first non-hydrated appearance of the colored component covers the last hydrated appearance of the one or more colored components. The first and last appearances have a color, and the first and / or last appearance includes one or more colors. One or more colored components 422 are applied, for example, in a dry state of powder or crystals.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when a liquid 440 such as a cold beverage comes into contact with a region 436 on the second surface 434 of the substrate 430, dew condensation that occurs on the first surface 432 occurs in the corresponding region 438 on the first surface 432. Absorbed by the adhesive resin, solidifying agent and / or printing ink 424 and one or more colored components 422. The second surface 434 is on the opposite side of the substrate 430 from the first surface 432. As a result, one or more colored components 422 can change from an initial appearance to a final appearance. For example, the initial appearance of the hydrochromic material 420 can be yellow. As soon as it hydrates, the red color mixes with the yellow color and then the appearance of the hydrochromic layer 420 changes to orange.

  With this arrangement, the hydrochromic layer changes from the first appearance shown in FIG. 4 to the second appearance shown in FIG. 5 so that the store employee can visually recognize that the container made of the base material 430 has been previously filled with the beverage. To help prevent unauthorized substitution.

  In the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the hydrochromic ink is hydrated, the change is expected to be permanent, so that the hydrochromic material changes to a dry state when the container surface dries. There is nothing.

  Furthermore, cups utilizing hydrochromic materials are not affected by temperature fluctuations during transport and storage. Although the hydrochromic material is affected by exposure to moisture, during transportation and storage of the container, simply pack the container in a plastic bag, as is commonly done today for hygienic considerations. Can manage exposure to moisture. In addition, for novelty cups and other unusually shaped containers, a removable layer (not shown) covers the hydrochromic material to protect the containers during transport and storage from moisture. This layer is then removed for sale, allowing the hydrochromic material to come into contact with condensation.

  In another preferred embodiment, the hydrochromic material is used as a visual indication to convey that the hygienic condition of the container is maintained during shipping and storage prior to customer use. Often in QSR (quick service restaurants) and convenience stores, containers are placed for customers or a self-service table is provided. This container area can be messy, and the store employee or customer may have returned the already poured container to a clean container pile without the knowledge of the store. In this case, the hydrochromic layer is used to indicate that the container has been stored or transported in a clean condition or that the beverage has already been poured. In this way, customers and employees can discard the container without using it.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various improvements and design changes can be made to the presently disclosed containers and methods without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and examples are merely exemplary.

1 is a side view of an exemplary container having a first appearance according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 having a second appearance according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an exemplary container according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 taken along line IV-IV. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 2 taken along line VV.

Claims (22)

A wall arranged to define a reservoir;
A hydrochromic material that adheres to at least a portion of the wall and is visible from the outside of the container, the hydrochromic material generally having a first appearance when dry and the hydrochromic material is hydrated A container characterized in that it sometimes has a second appearance different from the first appearance.   2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the first appearance and the second appearance are selected from the group consisting of color, pattern and opacity.   The container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the hydrochromic material permanently changes from a first appearance to a second appearance when the hydrochromic material is hydrated.   The container according to claim 3, wherein the first appearance and the second appearance are selected from the group consisting of color, pattern and opacity.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the hydrochromic material is in a dry state when the reservoir is empty and is hydrated when the reservoir is filled with a liquid, so that dew condensation contacts the hydrochromic material. .   6. A container according to claim 5, wherein the liquid is a cold liquid.   6. A container according to claim 5, wherein the first appearance and the second appearance are selected from the group consisting of color, pattern and opacity.   The container of claim 1, wherein a portion of the wall has an appearance that substantially matches the first appearance of the hydrochromic material.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the change of the hydrochromic material from the first appearance to the second appearance is permanent.   2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall is made from a material selected from plastic, paper, wax-coated paper. Providing a dried hydrochromic material having a first appearance that substantially harmonizes with the appearance of the substrate;
Applying the dried hydrochromic material to at least a portion of the substrate;
A step that allows condensation to occur on the substrate;
The method of changing the external appearance of a hydrochromic material including the process of hydrating a hydrochromic material and the hydrochromic material becoming a 2nd external appearance different from a 1st external appearance.   The method of claim 11, wherein the first appearance, the second appearance, and the appearance of the substrate are selected from the group consisting of color, pattern, and opacity.   The method of claim 12, wherein the hydration permanently renders the hydrochromic material a second appearance. Connecting the peripheral side wall to the bottom wall;
Providing a dried hydrochromic material having a first appearance substantially harmonizing with the appearance of the peripheral sidewalls;
A dry hydrochromic material is applied to at least a portion of the peripheral wall so that the hydrochromic material is visible from the outside of the container, and the hydrochromic material is different from the first appearance when the hydrochromic material is hydrated. The manufacturing method of the container which consists of a process made to comprise.   15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first appearance, the second appearance, and the peripheral sidewall appearance are selected from the group consisting of color, pattern, and opacity. Providing a container formed to contain the product;
A process of pouring the product into the container;
An inventory management method comprising a step of changing the appearance of at least a part of a mark of the container when condensation occurs in the container and making the mark visible from the outside of the container. The mark is
Providing the mark with an initial color that substantially matches the color of the container;
The method of claim 16 including the step of changing the mark to a second color different from the color of the container when the mark is hydrated.   The method of claim 17, wherein the step of changing the indicia includes pouring liquid into the container.   The method of claim 18, wherein the liquid is a cold liquid.   The method of claim 16, wherein the indicia appears permanently.   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the indicia indicates that a product has been placed in a container.   The method according to claim 16, wherein the step of installing the container includes a step of applying a dry hydrochromic material to at least a portion of the container.

Images