MXPA01001121A - Method and apparatus for automatically creating blended stream of promotional articles - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus (10) are disclosed for creating a blended stream of articles, such as for use in connection with product promotions and the like. The invention contemplates that first (F.S.) and second streams of discrete promotional articles are blended so that the resultant stream includes articles at a predetermined ratio. The present invention facilitates creation of a blended product stream (B.S.) comprising all winning promotional articles with differing values, with subsequent formation of a blended article stream comprising winning and non-winning promotional articles. Precise and cost-effective introduction of the winning and non-winning promotional articles into the marketplace can thus be effected.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING AUTOMATICALLY, A MIXED CURRENT OF PROMOTIONAL ITEMS The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for handling discrete promotional items, and to creating a mixed stream of articles, wherein the mixed stream includes at least two different types of promotional items. The apparatus is particularly suitable for creating a mixed stream of promotional items, including both winning and non-winning items, and winning items of different values. The invention is particularly suitable for creating a mixed stream of promotional closure articles.

The games and similar promotions that can be played in connection with the purchase of certain products, have been shown to call the attention of consumers permanently. Promotions of this nature typically include the introduction into a product stream of both winning and non-winning promotional items, with items ordinarily imperceptible to each other before purchase. Once Ref. No.: 126676 acquired, consumers open the product packaging, or determine otherwise if the promotional item is one of the winners. Often, the items can be used in a "secondary" game, so that although the article is initially of the non-winning type, the items can be collected for another chance to win in the secondary game. Promotions of the above type have been particularly popular with regard to the sale and consumption of beverages, wherein the closures of the beverage containers may be printed with appropriate signs or signals in relation to a game, or may be provided with game pieces. or removable players or similar carried on or about the closure.

Promotions of the type set forth above ordinarily are subject to federal and / or state regulations, which typically require consumers to be informed of the probabilities of obtaining or receiving the proceeds of different values included in the promotion. In accordance with the above, it is necessary that the required mix of the winning and non-winning promotional items be introduced into the market to provide the required probabilities in accordance with the regulations.

As will be appreciated, depending on the specific nature of the promotion, and the numbers of the winning and non-winning promotional items involved; getting the required mix of winning items and those that do not win can be a problem in some way. For certain promotions, a relatively large number of winning items with a relatively low price may be introduced, in a stream of non-winning items, which may be possible to achieve by assisting in the usual manufacture of such items. However, cases of theft of such items may occur, requiring careful control to ensure that the required flow of non-winning items reaches the market.

For some promotions, a relatively small number of prizes may be awarded with a relatively high value, and experience has shown that this may require specialized management of the promotional items winners. In some cases, it may be required to "hand feed" the winning items, this in order to ensure that the required mix of items reaches the market. As a consequence, the costs associated with the administration or direction of the promotion may be undesirably increased.

The present invention contemplates a method and an apparatus for creating a mixed stream of promotional items, for example winning and non-winning promotional items, or winning items of different values, to be used in connection with product promotions and the like. While the present invention has been developed to be used in connection with promotional closures for containers, it will be recognized that an invention that represents the principles described herein has widely varying applications.

The present invention contemplates a method for automatically creating a mixed stream of promotional items, for example promotional closures or similar, wherein the mixed stream of promotional items includes different items in a ratio or proportion that has a predetermined value. As such, the present invention lends itself particularly to create a stream of mixed articles, required for product promotions and the like, since this (the invention) facilitates the cost-effective and high-efficiency creation of a mixture of products of different items that meets the requirements set for the odds of winning. While the present invention is particularly suitable for use in connection with such product promotions, it will be recognized that the principles of the present invention lend themselves to other applications, where it is desired to create predetermined and precise mixtures of different articles.

As will be further described, the present invention lends itself to create a mixed stream of promotional items containing both winning items and non-winning items, as well as creating a mixed stream containing Winning articles of different values. It is presently contemplated that the invention can be used to create a first mix of different winning items, then this winning item mix introduced into a stream of non-winning items, in order to create relationships of each of the winning items with the blend. of complete products, to individual predetermined values.

The present invention contemplates that a mixed stream of promotional items be created automatically, providing a first stream of discrete promotional items, and a second stream of discrete promotional items. The present method also comprises automatically counting a predetermined number of articles found in the first stream, and then then introducing at least one promotional article of the second stream into the first stream, this in order to create the desired mixed stream. of the promotional items. By this technique, the ratio of the articles of the first stream in the second stream comprises a predetermined value. In one form of the invention, The first product stream comprises non-winning promotional items, and the second stream of product items comprises winning promotional items. In another aspect of the present invention, the first and second product streams respectively comprise different winning promotional items, for example winners of different values.

Depending on the nature of the mixed stream that it is desired to form, the present invention contemplates that a third stream of articles may be provided. If you want to create a complete mix of all the winning promotional items, having these three different values (for example for a later introduction to a stream of non-winning promotional items), the items in the previously formed mixed stream should be counted, with at least one article of the third stream of products introduced therein in order to create a further mixed stream, which comprises articles from each of said first, second and third streams in predetermined relations among them. On the contrary, if the present invention is put into practice to create the complete mixture of winning and non-winning items, the present invention contemplates that the articles that are in the third stream be counted, with at least one article of the mixed stream introduced in the third stream , thus forming an additional mixed stream comprising articles of said first, second and third streams in predetermined relationships with each other. As will be recognized, this aspect of the invention contemplates that the articles in the first and second streams comprise winning promotional items, while the articles in the third stream comprise non-winning promotional items.

An important aspect of the present invention relates to the creation of printed registers by tracing (offset), which correspond to the relationships that exist in the mixed stream of articles. In this way, a printed record can be created that reflects the precise relationship of the winning items that have different values. Such a printed record, is particularly useful to create finally, the mixture complete end of both promotional items, winners and non-winners, giving entry to the printed record in media to control the introduction of items from the mixed stream (all winners), to the third stream (non-winners) to create the additional mixed stream that includes promotional articles of each of the first, second and third streams.

The apparatus for practicing the present invention includes an arrangement for storing a plurality of articles, and an arrangement for dispensing or distributing each of the plurality of stored items, preferably one article at a time, in a stream of articles to create the desired mixed current. In the illustrated embodiment, a storage hopper fed by gravity, provides the desired storage arrangement, with a vibratory bowl, placed operatively, intermediate to the storage hopper and to the distributor arrangement to orient the articles in a single line to dispense or distribute. The apparatus includes several detector arrangements to detect the level of items that are find them inside the storage hopper, and to verify that each of the items is dispensed as intended, by means of the dispensing arrangement.

The apparatus includes a control arrangement, to operate the distributor arrangement to create the desired mixed stream of articles in the predetermined relation. A barcode reader is operatively connected to the controls in order to create the predetermined relationship.

In an illustrated embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus is particularly configured for the introduction of a stream of winning promotional items (which may themselves comprise a mixed stream of winning items of different values) into a stream of non-winning items, with which is created the complete product mix for its placement in the market. In an alternative embodiment, the present apparatus is configured to create the desired mixed stream of winning items. In this mode, a second storage array is provided, as is a second storage array. distribution. The apparatus is operated to create the desired mixed stream of articles from each of the first and second storage arrangements. Suitable conveyors can be provided for transporting the articles from the first and second streams, to shipping containers or the like for a subsequent shipment to remote locations, where the mixed stream of winning items can be introduced into the stream of non-commodities. winners, for a final introduction in the market.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for mixing articles representing the principles of the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view, in elevation and front view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view, in elevation and side view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a dispensing or dispensing apparatus of the mixing apparatus illustrated in Figures 1-3; Figures 5 and 6 are diagrammatic views of the dispensing or dispensing apparatus illustrated in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of the present apparatus, including a plural dispensing apparatus, each generally configured in accordance with the dispensing or dispensing apparatus of Figure 4; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of the upper part of the mixing apparatus illustrated in Figure 7; Y Figure 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the operation of the present invention and the practice of the present method.

While the present invention is capable of being represented in various ways, the presently preferred embodiment is shown and described in the drawings, it being understood that the present description should be considered as an exemplary embodiment of the invention, and that it is not intended of limiting the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.

Referring first to Figures 1-3, there is illustrated a mixing apparatus 10 which represents the principles of the present invention. As will be further described, the mixing apparatus 10 has the purpose of facilitating the mixing of first and second streams of discrete promotional items in order to create a mixed stream, wherein the first and second articles are provided in the mixed stream, in a relationship that has a predetermined value. The illustrated modalities of the invention, have been configured to be used in connection with promotional closure articles, for example for subsequent application to beverage containers and the like. It is contemplated that promotional closures may all include indicia indicating the game or promotion associated with them. Certain closures comprise winning items, for example they have a prize or cash value associated with them, while other closures comprise non-winning items. As will be recognized, the principles of the present invention are applicable in the creation of mixed product streams, for promotions other than those used in connection with plastic closures or the like, and it may further be recognized that such principles may be used. in different applications to promotions in which you want to achieve a precise and profitable mix of discrete items in predetermined relationships.

The mixing apparatus illustrated in Figures 1-3 includes a housing 12 within which a dispensing or dispensing apparatus 14 is placed, as will be further described. The programmable controls 16 facilitate the automated operation of the apparatus 10, preferably including the apparatus a bar code reader 18, operatively connected to the controls 16. As will be further described, the provision of the bar code reader 18 allows entry to the apparatus 10, of information related to the items supplied by the apparatus, such articles by themselves are contemplated comprising a mixed stream of the winning promotional items having different values.

The apparatus 10 is illustrated by including an alarm signal light 22, which is preferably provided to provide signals indicating the level of the articles within the dispensing or dispensing apparatus 14.

With particular reference to Figures 4,5 and 6, the dispensing or dispensing apparatus 14 of the mixing apparatus 10 is illustrated. The dispensing apparatus has a desirably straight or direct construction for cost-effective and reliable operation, and also includes a structure 24 on which the storage and gravity feed hopper 26 is mounted.

Considering the contemplated use of the apparatus for mixing promotional items, which typically have a certain value, the feed hopper 26 is preferably provided with anti-theft plates 28 which prevent the removal of items from within the upper extension of the hopper.

The efficient operation of the apparatus is facilitated by the provision of an observation window 30, in such a way that the operators can easily inspect the level of the articles within the storage hopper. Additionally, a low level detector 32, and a vacuum detector 34 are preferably provided with these detectors, in turn, preferably operatively connected with the alarm signal light 22, to alert the operating personnel of the exhaustion of the items inside the hopper.

As will be recognized, the mixing of materials such as plastic closures and the like in precise ratios of predetermined values, requires that the articles be counted as they are distributed from the storage hopper 26. The experience has demonstrated that fluctuations in weight from one article to the next, which typically occurs accompanied to the mass production of items such as closures, do not allow the "count" of the closures by their weight to be sufficiently precise. Thus, the present apparatus preferably is configured to present articles in a single line to be distributed one at a time.

For purposes of the present description, the term "counting" is intended to encompass management techniques with which the number of discrete items handled is exactly determined, with the aid of suitable detectors and the like. While the present invention contemplates that the counting of the articles be carried out one by one, it will be appreciated that the invention can be implemented in a similar manner, counting the discrete articles in another way, for example two each time, etc. As will also be appreciated, the contemplated count of the articles differs from the processes in which the numbers of the items handled are determined by their volume or by their weight.

The dispensing apparatus 14 includes a measuring or counting and closing tray 36, which receives articles from the storage hopper 26 by means of gravity feed. The measuring or counting and closing tray 36 is driven or moved in a vibratory manner, so that articles received from the storage hopper are transferred from the measuring or counting tray to an orientation bowl 38. The orientation bowl 38 , which also moves by vibration, acts to orient the articles in a single line, with the articles generally directed upwards, from the orientation bowl in an accumulation conveyor 40. In the case of cup-shaped plastic closures, the orientation bowl acts to align the closures in a single line within the accumulation conveyor, although it is not critical whether the closures are oriented downward or upward or not. The articles carried by the accumulation conveyor are directed from the orientation bowl to a distributor actuator 42. The actuator 42 may comprise a suitable actuator, for example a pneumatic actuator, solenoid actuator or the like, with the actuator 42. configured to dispense items from the accumulation conveyor one at a time. For this purpose, the dispensing apparatus preferably includes a pair of detectors in the actuator 42, including a "present item" detector, to detect an item being present to be dispensed, and a verification detector 46 to provide a signal to verify that an item has been dispensed due to the operation of the actuator 42. As will be appreciated, the actuator 42 and the detectors 44 and 46 are operatively connected to the controls 16 of the mixing apparatus 10, with the operation of the actuator 42 performed in accordance with the signals received from the controls to create the desired relationship of promotional items, in the mixed current that is being created.

As noted above, the mixing apparatus 10 can be operated to facilitate the creation of a mixed stream (designated "CM") of winning and non-winning promotional items, by creating a second stream of discrete winning promotional items that is introduced, in a relationship default, in a first stream ("PC") of discrete non-winning promotional items. This is achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by transporting the articles found in the first stream to the apparatus 10, and automatically counting a predetermined number of articles in the first stream., for example by the provision of a suitable detector device 48, operatively associated with the first product stream. Hereinafter, at least one article of the second product stream is introduced, by operation of the actuator 42, into the first product stream to create the desired mixed product stream. The mixed item stream can then be packaged for shipping and subsequent use, or it can be transported directly to an associated packer device or the like. In the case of creating a mixed stream of promotional closure articles, the mixed stream can be directed from the mixing apparatus 10 to an associated closure application apparatus, for example in a bottling plant.

Because the mixing apparatus 10 is advantageously used to mix winning promotional items in a stream of non-winning items, it is desirable to control and monitor staff access to the apparatus 10. Suitable switches can be operatively connected to the doors of the housing, which can then provide signals to the controls 16 that reflect or allow access to the interior of the apparatus. The housing for the apparatus can be suitably constructed to prevent theft of the articles inside it, with the operation of the apparatus, by means of the controls 16, thus facilitating the creation of the mixed product stream in predetermined and precise relations.

While the apparatus 10 is for the purpose of introducing the winning articles into the complete product mix, an alternative embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, has the purpose of creating a mixed stream of articles comprising a plurality of products. of different winning promotional items, for example items that have different values. This apparatus, referred to as a mixing apparatus 110, includes a plurality of dispensing apparatuses 114, each of which is generally configured in accordance with the previously described dispensing apparatus 14. Accordingly, each dispensing apparatus 114 includes a feed storage hopper. by gravity 126, with each of the dispensing devices to carry out the management and distribution of the winning promotional items each of which has its respective different value. In this way, a complete "winning" mixed stream can be created, with the articles of each of the first, second and third streams, being present in the mixed stream in predetermined relationships with each other. By way of example, it may be desirable to mix the articles in such a way that there is a relationship between articles A and B that is 20: 1, while the ratio between articles A and C is 200: 1. The operation of the mixing apparatus 110 facilitates the creation of a mixed stream having such predetermined relationships. In turn, this resulting mixed stream can be introduced into the complete product mix, by using the apparatus 10 described previously, whereby the mixed stream formed initially of winning promocional items is henceforth mixed, at a desired ratio or proportion, in the stream of the non-winning promotional items.

The apparatus 10 includes a plurality of accumulation conveyors 114 respectively associated with the dispensing apparatus 114, with the accumulation conveyors 140 including the appropriate transport air jets 141. Each of the accumulation conveyors terminates in a respective dispensing actuator 142, itself that can be operated pneumatically. Each of the accumulation conveyors 140 preferably includes a verification detector 146 (FIG. 7) associated with it, so that a signal is provided that verifies the distribution of the items one at a time, from each of the conveyors 140. Thus, a mixed stream "CM" is formed for a subsequent transport or packaging.

A particularly desired feature of the present invention relates to the creation of a printed record corresponding to the mixed article stream that is formed. This is illustrated in the form of a diagram in Figure 9, which illustrates in diagram form the operation of the present apparatus. The distribution of the items is verified as described above, with a detector provided to match the articles of the associated article stream, in order to achieve the desired mixed ratio. The creation of a printed record, for example a bar code label, a magnetic coding label, or the like, provides a record that reflects that the exact mixture of the items has been created. This printed record can then be input to the bar code reader 18 of the mixing apparatus 10, whereby the automatic controls 16 of the apparatus can effect the creation of a mixed stream of items, with all the items provided therein in desired predetermined relationships with each other. Automation in this way, with the creation of printed records to give them input as already described, facilitates enormously efficient and profitable creation of mixed streams of products that have the desired ratio of the items in them. As will be appreciated, these features of the present invention greatly facilitate their use in relation to product promotions and the like, where it is necessary to create product mixes at ratios having predetermined values.

As will be recognized, the present invention can be practiced to create random mixtures of articles in the full desired proportions. Randomness can be obtained by operating the controls of the apparatus to obtain the random introduction of items from one stream to another, while obtaining the desired relationships. Depending on the exact handling of the equipment used, for example pneumatic conveyors and the like, an additional random level can be carried out. The fact of packing the promotional items already mixed in temporary packages, can also contribute to the random level.

Starting from the above, it will be seen that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the real spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It may be understood that no limitation is attempted or must be inferred with respect to the specific modalities. The description is intended to cover, through the appended claims, all modifications that fall within the scope of the claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS A method for creating a mixed stream of promotional items, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - providing a first stream of discrete promotional items; - provide a second stream of discrete promotional items; - Automatically count a predetermined number of promotional items in said first stream; and - introducing at least one promotional article of said second stream to said first stream to create the mixed stream of promotional items, wherein the ratio of such items of the first stream, with said items of the second stream, comprises a predetermined value . A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first product stream comprises promotional items not winners, and the second stream of products includes winning promotional items. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and second streams respectively comprise different winning promotional items. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes: - providing a third stream of promotional items; - counting the promotional items in said mixed stream of articles, and introducing at least "a promotional article of said third, product stream in said mixed stream, to create an additional mixed stream comprising promotional items of said first, second and third currents in predetermined relationships with each other. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the articles in said First, second and third streams comprise winning promotional items. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes: providing a third stream of promotional items; count the articles in said third stream; and introducing at least one promotional article of said mixed stream in said third stream to create a further mixed stream, comprising promotional items of said first, second and third streams in predetermined relationships with each other. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that said articles in said first and second streams forming said mixed stream comprise winning promotional items, and said articles in said third stream comprise non-winning promotional items. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes creating a printed record corresponding to said mixed stream of promotional items. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that it includes: providing a third stream of promotional items; count the articles in said third stream; and inputting said printed records in the media to control the introduction of at least one promotional item of said mixed stream, in said third stream to create a further mixed stream, comprising promotional items of said first, second and third streams. in predetermined relationships with each other. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said step of providing said second stream of products includes: - store a plurality of discrete items, - dispense or distribute the discrete items stored one at a time, and - verify that each of the items is dispensed or distributed during said distribution step. An apparatus for creating a mixed stream of promotional items, characterized in that it comprises: - means for storing a plurality of said promotional items; means for dispensing or distributing each of said plurality of articles stored one at a time, in a stream of said articles to create a mixed stream of the articles. An apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that it includes detection means for verifying that each of said articles is distributed by said distribution means. An apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that it includes orientation means for operatively placing said storage means and said means of distribution to orient said articles in a single line of said articles, to be distributed by means of said distribution means . An apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that said orientation means comprises a vibrating bowl, and said storage means comprises a storage hopper positioned above said vibratory bowl, for gravity feeding said articles from said hopper to said bowl vibratory An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that it includes means for detecting the level of said articles, inside said storage hopper. An apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that it includes control means for operating said distribution means, to create said mixed stream of promotional items, with a predetermined ratio of said articles dispensed with said articles in said stream. An apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that it includes a barcode reader operatively connected to said control means, to create said predetermined relation. An apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that said storage means comprise a first storage means and said distribution means comprise a first distribution means, said apparatus includes a second means for storing a plurality of said articles, and a second means for dispensing each of said articles in the second medium of storage to create said stream of articles, such that said mixed stream comprises promotional articles of each of said first and second storage means. An apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that it includes means for transporting said articles from each of said first and second distribution means.