US20080028729A1 - Methods and apparatus for packaging - Google Patents
Methods and apparatus for packaging Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080028729A1 US20080028729A1 US11/733,092 US73309207A US2008028729A1 US 20080028729 A1 US20080028729 A1 US 20080028729A1 US 73309207 A US73309207 A US 73309207A US 2008028729 A1 US2008028729 A1 US 2008028729A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- backing
- item
- film
- activation card
- instructions
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B17/00—Other machines, apparatus, or methods for packaging articles or materials
- B65B17/02—Joining articles, e.g. cans, directly to each other for convenience of storage, transport, or handling
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
- B65B61/20—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D73/00—Packages comprising articles attached to cards, sheets or webs
- B65D73/0007—Packages comprising articles attached to cards, sheets or webs the articles being attached to the plane surface of a single card
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
- B65D2203/10—Transponders
Definitions
- FIG. 6 is a view of an embodiment of a packaging apparatus including an activation card and an additional information system.
- Certain representative implementations of the present invention may be applied to any system for packaging.
- Certain representative implementations may include, for example, distribution of a software program via a storage medium embedded with the software program, distribution and registration of consumer products via remote database authorization, and/or the like.
- the backing 102 may be adapted to the item 106 , the anticipated display technique, or other relevant criteria.
- the backing may 102 be configured to a specified dimension and from a specified material.
- the hacking 102 may be sized and/or comprised of a suitable material to provide a specified robustness with regard to a specified stress condition, such as bending.
- the backing 102 may have a geometry corresponding to the item, for example a circular backing 102 paired with a circular item 106 , or unrelated to the item 106 , for example a rectangular backing 102 paired with an ovoid item 106 , and/or the like.
- the card film 214 may comprise any suitable material for protecting the activation card 210 and/or securing the information tag 216 or any other appropriate items to the card backing 212 .
- the card film 214 comprises an extension of the film 104 .
- the card film 214 may cover all or only a portion of the activation card 210 , such as a portion of a single surface.
- the card film 214 may be omitted, for example, if the card backing 212 is sufficiently robust for shipping and display purposes and covering the card backing 212 would significantly increase the cost of production.
- the film 104 may be placed across the backing 102 ( 815 ) in any suitable manner. In the event multiple packaging systems 100 are formed in parallel, the film 104 of each packaging system 100 may be a portion of a larger collection of such systems 100 . In the event that each packaging system 100 is formed independently, the film 104 of each packaging system 100 may be individually positioned relative to each backing 102 .
- the item 106 and/or the user may initiate communication with the authorization system ( 905 ) in accordance with set of the instructions.
- the item 106 may comprise a minidisk that is placed in a computer. Instructions stored on the minidisk may cause the computer to contact the authorization system automatically, such as via the Internet.
- the item 106 may provide its unique identifier to the authorization system, which then determines whether the item 106 is properly authorized ( 910 ).
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for packaging include a backing, a film, an item, and an activation card. The film may be coupled to the backing such that the couple between the film and the backing is formed by evacuation of material along the interface between the film and the backing. The item may be disposed between the film and the backing. In addition, the item may he deactivated except in response to a verification signal from a database. The activation card may be coupled to the hacking. Further, the activation card may comprise a set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/744,475, filed 7 Apr. 2006, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 11/202,721, filed 12 Aug. 2005, and incorporates the disclosure of each application by reference.
- Packaging may serve many purposes including preventing damage to an item during shipping, providing information at the point-of-sale, and impairing theft. Packaging technologies include affixing the item and a backing using an adhesive, enclosing the item within a flexible envelope of material, and surrounding the item by a molded plastic cavity or blister.
- While these technologies may have benefits over shipping the item without packaging, they may also have shortcomings. For example, glues tend to lose adherence over time. As another example, items may shift during handling when enclosed in envelopes. In blister packaging, the shell must generally be formed independently of its use as packaging which may increase complexity of manufacturing. Additionally, blister packaging tends to be difficult to unwrap and may impair even a proper purchaser's access to the item. While all these systems may provide varying degrees of theft prevention, preventing a stolen item from being used without authorization may be an issue left unaddressed by these technologies.
- In various representative aspects, the present invention includes methods and apparatus for packaging including a backing, a film, an item, and an activation card. The film may be coupled to the backing such that the couple between the film and the backing is formed by evacuation of material along the interface between the film and the backing. The item may be disposed between the film and the backing. In addition, the item may be deactivated except in response to a verification signal from a database. The activation card may be coupled to the backing. Further, the activation card may comprise a set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal.
- A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.
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FIG. 1 is a view of one embodiment of a packaging apparatus including a backing, a film, and an item. -
FIG. 2 is a view of an embodiment of a packaging apparatus including an activation card. -
FIG. 3 is a view of an embodiment of a packaging apparatus including multiple items. -
FIG. 4 is a view of an embodiment of a packaging apparatus including various items. -
FIG. 5 is a view of an embodiment of a packaging apparatus in which the film is peeled back for removal of the item. -
FIG. 6 is a view of an embodiment of a packaging apparatus including an activation card and an additional information system. -
FIG. 7 is a view of an embodiment of a packaging apparatus including an activation card and additional information systems. -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for packaging. -
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment for authorization of an item. - Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
- The present invention may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of packaging and/or signal transmission components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present invention may employ various techniques for evacuation of material, e.g., vacuum sealing, shrink-wrapping, and/or the like, which may carry out a variety of operations. In addition, the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with any number of storage mediums, hardware systems, networks, operating systems, and/or the like, and the system described is merely one exemplary application for the invention. Further, the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for activation of a software program, transmission of a verification signal, and/or the like.
- Various representative implementations of the present invention may be applied to any system for packaging. Certain representative implementations may include, for example, distribution of a software program via a storage medium embedded with the software program, distribution and registration of consumer products via remote database authorization, and/or the like.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , methods and apparatus for apackaging system 100 according to various aspects of the present invention may secure anitem 106 to abacking 102. Thepackaging system 100 may comprise any system for containing theitem 106. Tn the present embodiment, theitem 106 is disposed between thebacking 102 and afilm 104 in which thefilm 104 adheres to thebacking 102 by virtue of evacuation of material between thefilm 104 and thebacking 102. Accordingly, theitem 106 is substantially immobilized between thebacking 102 and thefilm 104. - In addition to immobilization of the
item 106, thepackaging system 100 may be configured for specified characteristics relating to distribution of theitem 106 in commerce, such as security features, robustness during shipping, efficiency of packaging, orderly tracking, and/or the like. For example, thepackaging system 100 may ship in a configuration in which theitem 106 is deactivated except in response to a verification signal. As another example, thepackaging system 100 may be manufactured to specifications relating to protecting theitem 106 from environmental hazards such as ultraviolet light, moisture, vibration, extreme temperatures, and/or the like. As yet another example, thepackaging system 100 may comprise machine-readable identification tags configured to facilitate tracking of theitem 106 in commerce. - Further, the
packaging system 100 may be configured in conformance with a specified display scheme. For example, thebacking 102 and/or thefilm 104 may be configured for transparency such that theitem 106 may be viewed clearly by potential customers. As another example, thebacking 102, thefilm 104, and/or theitem 106 may include visual markings such as a specified coloration, product information, trademarks, directions, warnings, and/or the like. Further, thepackaging system 100 may include features for affixing thepackaging system 100 to a specified display scheme. For example, thepackaging system 100 may include anotch 108 defining a hole through which a support structure such as a hanger bar may pass. Thenotch 108 may be configured to support the weight of thebacking 102, thefilm 104, and theitem 106 on the hanger bar. - The
hacking 102 may comprise any system for protecting theitem 106 and/or providing structural support to thepackaging system 100. For example, thebacking 102 may comprise a piece of material having dimensions exceeding that of theitem 106 such that thebacking 102 rather than theitem 106 absorbs the impact when, for example, thepackaging system 100 is dropped. In the present embodiment, thebacking 102 comprises a substantially rectangular piece of paperboard or other resilient or substantially rigid material having dimensions such that theitem 106 may be secured entirely within the perimeter of thebacking 102. In addition, in the present embodiment thebacking 102 includes thenotch 108 to facilitate display of thepackaging system 100. - The
backing 102 may be adapted to theitem 106, the anticipated display technique, or other relevant criteria. The backing may 102 be configured to a specified dimension and from a specified material. For example, thehacking 102 may be sized and/or comprised of a suitable material to provide a specified robustness with regard to a specified stress condition, such as bending. In addition, thebacking 102 may have a geometry corresponding to the item, for example acircular backing 102 paired with acircular item 106, or unrelated to theitem 106, for example arectangular backing 102 paired with anovoid item 106, and/or the like. Further, thebacking 102 may comprise any suitable material, such as cellulose, cotton, wool, polymer, combinations or derivatives of such materials, and/or the like. Thebacking 102 may be selected and configured for any appropriate material properties, such as cost, elasticity, transparency, reflectivity, adherence, tensile strength, permeability, and/or the like. Thebacking 102 may comprise a single piece of material or multiple pieces of material coupled together such as a composite, laminate, multiple pieces of the same material, and/or the like. - The
film 104 secures theitem 106 to thebacking 102 and/or protects theitem 106. Thefilm 104 may be adapted according to the application or environment of thepackaging system 100, such as elasticity, transparency, reflectivity, adherence, tensile strength, permeability, and/or the like. In addition, thefilm 104 may comprise any appropriate materials, such as cellulose, cotton, wool, polymer, derivatives of such materials, and/or the like. In the present embodiment, thefilm 104 comprises a piece of the substantially transparent polymer skin resin sold under the tradename Surlyn®. The polymer skin may comprise ethylene acid copolymers in which the acid groups are partially neutralized with either zinc or sodium ions and [?]. The skin may be formed to substantially the same dimensions as one face of thebacking 102, dimensions sufficiently to cover only a portion of on face thebacking 102, dimensions sufficient to cover multiple faces of the backing, and/or the like. In this embodiment, thefilm 104 adheres to one face of thebacking 102 and to a surface of theitem 106 by virtue of evacuation of material between the backing 102 and thefilm 106. - The
film 104 may secure theitem 106 to thebacking 102 in any suitable manner. For example, thefilm 104 may be coupled to thebacking 102 via an adhesive, mechanical fastener, molecular bonds between thefilm 104 and thebacking 102, vacuum seal between the backing 102 and the film, and/or the like. Thefilm 104 may adhere to thebacking 102 in multiple layers. For example, multiple pieces of polymer material may be coupled to asingle backing 102 in series, multiple pieces of polymer material may be coupled to asingle backing 102 independently, and/or the like. - The
film 104 may be configured to decouple from thebacking 102 in any suitable manner, such as by peeling 502, shattering, tearing, shredding, fracturing, deforming, and/or the like. In one embodiment, a region of thebacking 102 is configured to detach from the rest of the backing to facilitate the peeling 502 of thefilm 104 away from thebacking 102 to expose theitem 106. Referring toFIG. 5 , removal of theitem 106 from thebacking 102 by peeling back thefilm 104 may also protect the item from inadvertent damage caused by the user, for example, in attempting to retrieve theitem 106 from thepackaging system 100. - The
item 106 may comprise any material suited for distribution and/or packaging, such as a compact disc, flash memory device, magnetic disc memory device, magnetic film memory device, device comprising various memory technologies, and/or the like. In one embodiment, theitem 106 comprises an optical or magnetic data storage system for accessing network-based services. For example, theitem 106 may comprise a computer-readable optical disk that is configured to operate with a computer to receive and/or utilize services via a network, such as music, video, and/or game downloading and access services, telephone and/or Internet services, and/or the like. Tn the present embodiment, theitem 106 provides a compact disc containing software configured to provide access to the Internet, music, video, gaming and/or other web portal prepaid services. - The
item 106 may be configured in various embodiments. Theitem 106 may comprise software embedded in a storage medium. More than oneitem 106 may be coupled to asingle backing 102. For example, referring toFIGS. 3 and 4 , thepackaging system 100 may be configured to accommodate multipleidentical items different items - Referring to
FIG. 2 , an alternative embodiment for thepackaging system 100 may include anactivation card 210 coupled to thebacking 102, thefilm 104, and/oritem 106. Theactivation card 210 may include any mechanism for activating or otherwise using theitem 106 after theitem 106 has been properly purchased by a user. For example, theactivation card 210 may provide instructions for contacting an authorization system, such as a remote database, to facilitate use of theitem 106. If the authorization system recognizes theitem 106 as properly purchased, the authorization system may generate a verification signal. When theitem 106 activates in response to the verification signal, the user may use theitem 106. If the authorization system does not recognize theitem 106 as properly purchased, the authorization system may not generate a verification signal and theitem 106 may remain deactivated. In addition, the authorization system may be configured to generate a deactivation signal in the event that the authorization system detects that theitem 106 has been improperly activated. - The
activation card 210 may be configured to operate with and/or activate theitem 106 in various embodiments. For example, theactivation card 210 may operate with more than oneitem 106. Such a configuration may allowmultiple items 106 to be activated by oneactivation card 210. This arrangement may be suitable, for example, forlow security items 106 such as low value software programs embedded on a storage medium, and/or the like. Conversely, oneitem 106 may be configured for operation with a variety ofactivation cards 210. Such a configuration may require plural activations to activate theitem 106. This arrangement may be suitable, for example, forhigh security items 106 such as high value software programs embedded on a storage medium. - The
activation card 210 may be associated with the other components of thepackaging system 200 in any suitable manner. For example, theactivation card 210 may be attached to or form a part of thebacking 102. Theactivation card 210 may be configured to be separated from thebacking 102, for example, by tearing along a perforated portion of thebacking 102, cutting along a portion of thebacking 102, and/or the like. Theactivation card 210 may also be separate and distinct from the other components of thepackaging system 200 such that theactivation card 210 and thebacking 102, thefilm 104, and theitem 106 are not parts of a single larger unit. For example, theactivation card 210 may be distributed separately from thebacking 102, thefilm 104, and theitem 106 so as maintain theactivation card 210 in a secure location at the point-of-purchase. - The
activation card 210 may be configured to exhibit any suitable properties, including elasticity, transparency, reflectivity, adherence, tensile strength, permeability, and/or the like. For example, theactivation card 210 may have any appropriate dimensions and comprise any suitable material according to a specified application. In the present embodiment, theactivation card 210 comprises acard backing 212, acard film 214, and aninformation tag 216. Thecard backing 212 provides a structure for thecard film 214 and theinformation tag 216. Thecard film 214 may protect theactivation card 210, for example, by preventing damage to the card during handling. Theinformation tag 216 may provide the mechanism for the use and/or activation of theitem 106. - The
card backing 212 may comprise any system for providing structure to thecard film 214 and theinformation tag 216. Thecard backing 212 may be substantially similar to themain backing 102 with regard to choice of materials. In one embodiment, thecard backing 212 may be defined as a region of thebacking 102. In another embodiment, thecard backing 212 may comprise a distinct structure from thebacking 102 and comprise different materials than thebacking 102. In the present embodiment, thecard backing 212 comprises a substantially stiff inexpensive material, such as card stock or paperboard, and is comprised of the same materials as thebacking 102. Further, in the present embodiment, thecard backing 212 is a defined by aperforation 604 within thebacking 102. - The
card film 214 may comprise any suitable material for protecting theactivation card 210 and/or securing theinformation tag 216 or any other appropriate items to thecard backing 212. In the present embodiment, thecard film 214 comprises an extension of thefilm 104. Thecard film 214 may cover all or only a portion of theactivation card 210, such as a portion of a single surface. Alternatively, thecard film 214 may be omitted, for example, if thecard backing 212 is sufficiently robust for shipping and display purposes and covering thecard backing 212 would significantly increase the cost of production. - The
information tag 216 may comprise any system for providing information relating to activation of theitem 106 and may be used for any suitable purpose, such as to instruct the user regarding use of theitem 106 and/or to facilitate activation of theitem 106. Theinformation tag 216 may comprise any suitable mechanism for providing information, such as a visible serial number, a magnetic strip, a Universal Product Code (UPC) mark, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a device compatible with the wireless networking system sold under the tradename BlueTooth®, and/or the like. In the present embodiment, theinformation tag 216 facilitates communication with the authorization system such that each proper purchase of theitem 106 may be recorded and the corresponding verification signal transmitted. - The
information tag 216 may be located on theactivation card 210 or any other suitable location, such as on the item 106 (FIG. 6 ) or on other regions of thepackaging system 200. Thepackaging system 200 may also include multiple information tags 216, for example, on both theactivation card 210 and theitem 106. Multiple information tags 702, 704 (FIG. 7 ) may be configured to interoperate with various other information tags or systems, such as an item specific information tag 602 (FIG. 6 ) and/or theinformation tag 216. The combination of some of multiple information tags 216, 702, 704 may be configured to provide capabilities including additional security operability, inventory management operability for the various distributors of the packages, and/or the like. - The
information tag 216 may store any suitable information. For example in the present embodiment relating to prepaid, network-related services, theinformation tag 216 may store information such as value information, manufacturer information, password information, item-specific encryption information, information for use in conjunction with theinformation tag 216, and/or the like. Theinformation tag 702 coupled to thebacking 102 may be configured to provide information relating to thebacking 102 as distinct from theitem 106 andactivation card 210, for example to verify that theitem 106, backing 102, andactivation card 210 are grouped as they were upon packaging, to indicate when the system was packaged, by whom the system was packaged, to whom the package was shipped, and/or the like. - The
present packaging system 100 may be implemented (FIG. 8 ) in accordance with various processing steps. Thepackaging system 100 may secure one ormore items 106 to thebacking 102 in any appropriate manner, such as via a fastener, through an adhesive material, with shrink-wrap, via vacuum seals, and/or the like. In the present embodiment, thepackaging system 100 secures theitem 106 between the backing 102 and thefilm 104 by virtue of evacuation of material between thefilm 104 and the backing 102 (820). - The
hacking 102 may be formed (805) using various processing techniques. Some materials, such as polymer resins, acrylics, ceramics, and/or the like may be formed into thebacking 102 by virtue of a mold having specified dimensions. Other materials, such as cellulose, fabrics, fiberglass, and/or the like may be formed into thebacking 102 by cutting a larger piece of material to specified dimensions. In the present embodiment, thebacking 102 is formed by cutting a piece of paperboard having a specified thickness into a rectangular piece having a width slightly wider than that of theitem 106. - The
item 106 may be disposed along a face of the backing 102 (810) in various embodiments in accordance with various techniques. Theitem 106 may be positioned by a worker using visual inspection to place theitem 106 in a specified position on thebacking 102. Alternatively, theitem 106 may be positioned via a robotic device configured to place theitem 106 in a specified position on thebacking 102. - The
film 104 may be placed across the backing 102 (815) in any suitable manner. In the eventmultiple packaging systems 100 are formed in parallel, thefilm 104 of eachpackaging system 100 may be a portion of a larger collection ofsuch systems 100. In the event that eachpackaging system 100 is formed independently, thefilm 104 of eachpackaging system 100 may be individually positioned relative to eachbacking 102. - Material may be evacuated from between the
film 104 and the backing 102 (820) in accordance with various processing techniques. In the event that thefilm 104 has material properties suited to a specified technique or machine, the evacuation process (820) may be tailored to that technique or machine. For example, if thefilm 104 is the polymer resin sold under the trademark Surlyn®, thefilm 104 may be coupled to the backing 102 (820) in accordance with the vacuum sealing process marketed under the tradename Stretch Pak. - The
activation card 210 may be coupled to the backing 102 (825) in various embodiments. In embodiments where theactivation card 210 is a distinct portion of thebacking 102, this processing step may involve perforating or folding of the unitary backing material to demarcate theactivation card 210 and thebacking 102. In embodiments where theactivation card 210 and thebacking 102 are otherwise separate structures, theactivation card 210 may be coupled to thebacking 102 by way of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or by including theactivation card 210 during process of sealing thefilm 104 to thebacking 102. Theactivation card 210 andbacking 102 may by coupled inasmuch as both theactivation card 210 and thebacking 102 are coupled to thefilm 104. - To use the
item 106 of the present embodiment, theitem 106 may be activated (FIG. 9 ). For example, at the time of purchase, one or more of the information tags 216 may provide instructions for communication with an authorization system. The authorization system may be configured to evaluate purchase records of theitem 106, determine whether theitem 106 is authorized, for example, in a database storing information relating toseveral items 106 characterized by unique identifiers, and/or the like. - In one embodiment, an electronic system connected to the Internet is located at the point-of-sale. This system may be configured to identify the
item 106 purchased, such as by scanning of theinformation tag 216 via an RFID reader, via a UPC reader, entry of a user-readable sequence of numbers, and/or the like. Further, the system may be configured to send an identifier, such as information stored in theinformation tag 216, to the authorization system. The authorization system may be configured to store information relating to theitem 106 such as whether theitem 106 has been purchased. - When the user wishes to use the
item 106, theitem 106 and/or the user may initiate communication with the authorization system (905) in accordance with set of the instructions. For example, to access prepaid Internet services, theitem 106 may comprise a minidisk that is placed in a computer. Instructions stored on the minidisk may cause the computer to contact the authorization system automatically, such as via the Internet. Theitem 106 may provide its unique identifier to the authorization system, which then determines whether theitem 106 is properly authorized (910). - If the
item 106 is not verified as properly authorized, the service may be terminated (920) and the user notified. If theitem 106 is verified as properly authorized, the authorization system may facilitate the provision of the services (915), such as pre-paid communications services, pre-paid Internet access, pre-paid subscription services, pre-paid electronic data download services, pre-paid computer gaming services, and/or the like. Theactivation card 210 may also contain activation information, such as a password. Theactivation card 210 may be separated from the minidisk so that the user may keep the information separate and secure. Consequently, an unauthorized user may be prevented from use of theitem 106 without theactivation card 210. - In addition to activation of
electronic items 106, thepackaging system 100 may be configured to define the terms of use of other types ofitems 106. For example, theitem 106 may comprise an aftermarket automobile part. In the event that the user fails to activate theitem 106, for example, by registering the item with the manufacturer's database within a specified timeframe after purchase, theitem 106 may have benefits reduced, such as the warranty may automatically lapse, the part may be reported as missing, and/or the like. Alternatively, if the user activates theitem 106 in accordance with the activation card, theitem 106 may be entitled to specified benefits such as an extended warranty, recycling reimbursement, and/or the like. - In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, rather than restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described.
- For example, unless otherwise specified, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.
- Benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problems, or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components of any or all the claims.
- The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “includes” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.
Claims (20)
1. A packaging apparatus, comprising:
a backing;
a film coupled to the backing, wherein the couple between the film and the backing is formed by evacuation of material along the interface between the film and the backing;
an item disposed between the film and the hacking, wherein the item is deactivated except in response to a verification signal from a database; and
an activation card coupled to the backing, wherein the activation card comprises a set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal.
2. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:
the item comprises a network access software program embedded in a storage medium; and
the verification signal is transmitted in response to entry of information into the database according to the set of instructions.
3. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the set of instructions are embedded within an information tag.
4. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a second item, wherein the activation card comprises a set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal.
5. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a second activation card, wherein the second activation card comprises a second set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal.
6. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the backing and film comprise a collocated notch defining a hole configured to receive a hanger and support the combined weight of the backing, the film, the item, and the activation card.
7. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein:
the film comprises a substantially transparent resin comprised of ethylene acid copolymers; and
the acid groups are at least partially neutralized with at least one of zinc and sodium ions.
8. A packaging method, comprising:
forming a backing;
disposing an item about a face of the backing, wherein the item is deactivated except in response to a verification signal from a database;
placing a film across the backing, wherein the item is disposed between the backing and the film;
evacuating material along the interface between the film and the backing; and
coupling an activation card to the backing, wherein the activation card comprises a set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal.
9. A packaging method according to claim 8 , wherein:
the item comprises a network access software program embedded in a storage medium; and
the verification signal is transmitted in response to entry of information into the database according to the set of instructions.
10. A packaging method according to claim 8 , wherein the set of instructions are embedded within an information tag.
11. A packaging method according to claim 8 , further comprising disposing a second item about the face of the backing, wherein the activation card comprises a set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal
12. A packaging method according to claim 8 , further comprising coupling a second activation card to the backing, wherein the second activation card comprises a second set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal.
13. A packaging method according to claim 8 , further comprising forming within the film and backing a collocated notch defining a hole configured to receive a hanger and support the combined weight of the backing, the film, the item, and the activation card.
14. A packaging method according to claim 8 , wherein:
the film comprises a substantially transparent resin comprised of ethylene acid copolymers, and
the acid groups are at least partially neutralized with at least one of zinc and sodium ions.
15. A packaging apparatus, comprising:
a backing;
a film coupled to the backing, wherein the couple between the film and the backing is formed by evacuation of material along the interface between the film and the backing;
a storage medium disposed between the film and the backing, wherein:
a network access software program is embedded in the storage medium, and
the network access software program is deactivated except in response to a verification signal from a remote database; and
an activation card coupled to the backing, wherein:
the activation card comprises a set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal, and
the verification signal is transmitted in response to entry of information into the remote database according to the set of instructions.
16. A packaging apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the set of instructions are embedded within an information tag.
17. A packaging apparatus according to claim 15 , further comprising a second item, wherein the activation card comprises a set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal.
18. A packaging apparatus according to claim 15 , further comprising a second activation card, wherein the second activation card comprises a second set of instructions for transmission of the verification signal.
19. A packaging apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the backing and film comprise a collocated notch defining a hole configured to receive a hanger and support the combined weight of the backing, the film, the item, and the activation card.
20. A packaging apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein:
the film comprises a substantially transparent resin comprised of ethylene acid copolymers, and
the acid groups are at least partially neutralized with at least one of zinc and sodium ions.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/733,092 US20080028729A1 (en) | 2005-08-12 | 2007-04-09 | Methods and apparatus for packaging |
US11/738,309 US20080060069A1 (en) | 2005-08-12 | 2007-04-20 | Methods and apparatus for data transfer |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/202,721 US7502454B2 (en) | 2002-05-30 | 2005-08-12 | Method of accounting prepaid online internet service credit values |
US74447506P | 2006-04-07 | 2006-04-07 | |
US11/733,092 US20080028729A1 (en) | 2005-08-12 | 2007-04-09 | Methods and apparatus for packaging |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/202,721 Continuation-In-Part US7502454B2 (en) | 2002-05-30 | 2005-08-12 | Method of accounting prepaid online internet service credit values |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/738,309 Continuation-In-Part US20080060069A1 (en) | 2005-08-12 | 2007-04-20 | Methods and apparatus for data transfer |
Publications (1)
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US20080028729A1 true US20080028729A1 (en) | 2008-02-07 |
Family
ID=39027782
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/733,092 Abandoned US20080028729A1 (en) | 2005-08-12 | 2007-04-09 | Methods and apparatus for packaging |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20080028729A1 (en) |
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US20140262919A1 (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2014-09-18 | Meps Real-Time, Inc. | Passively enable a blister pack with wireless identification device |
US11969618B2 (en) | 2021-11-30 | 2024-04-30 | Sound Shore Innovations L.L.C. | Modified weight training equipment |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SLINGSHOT COMMUNICATIONS, INC., ARIZONA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:VINDICI, DAVID;REEL/FRAME:020036/0806 Effective date: 20071015 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |