WO2024089507A1

WO2024089507A1 - Container

Info

Publication number: WO2024089507A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/060144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takayuki Nakamura; Yumiko Kishi; Toshishige Fujii; Junichi Takahashi
Original assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-10-24
Filing date: 2023-10-10
Publication date: 2024-05-02

Abstract

A container includes: a container body to accommodate an object; a cap detachably attachable to the container body, the cap having a peripheral wall; and a shrink label to cover at least the peripheral wall of the cap and have a one-dimensional barcode displayed on the shrink label. An expression below is satisfied, L / (2 × circular constant × R) < 0.45, where L is a display width of the one-dimensional barcode in a peripheral direction of the peripheral wall, and R is a radius of the peripheral wall.

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [Title of Invention] CONTAINER [Technical Field] [0001]

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a container.

[Background Art] [0002]

Some technologies to form, for example, characters or figures by irradiating a workpiece such as resin with a laser beam are known. For example, PTL 1 discloses a method of forming a character pattern by laser marking for forming a pattern such as a fine character or a two- dimensional code on the surface of a workpiece such as a transparent body.

However, PTL 1 fails to provide a container that can reduce reading errors on code data while increasing recyclability.

[Citation List]

[Patent Literature] [0003] [PTL 1]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-291535 [Summary of Invention] [Technical Problem] [0004]

An object of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a container that can reduce reading errors on the code data while increasing recyclability.

[Solution to Problem] [0005]

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a container includes: a container body to accommodate an object; a cap detachably attachable to the container body, the cap having a peripheral wall; and a shrink label to cover at least the peripheral wall of the cap and have a one-dimensional barcode displayed on the shrink label. An expression below is satisfied, L / (2 x circular constant x R) < 0.45, where L is a display width of the one-dimensional barcode in a peripheral direction of the peripheral wall, and R is a radius of the peripheral wall. [Advantageous Effects of Invention] [0006]

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, reading errors on code data can be reduced while increasing recyclability.

[Brief Description of Drawings] [0007]

The accompanying drawings are intended to depict example embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Also, identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the several views.

[FIG. 1]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 2A]

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a pattern forming portion in the container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 2B]

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a pattern forming portion in the container according to the first embodiment of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 2C]

FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a pattern forming portion in the container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 2D]

FIG. 2D is a diagram illustrating a pattern forming portion in the container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 3]

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a pattern forming portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 4]

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a one-dimensional barcode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 5]

FIG. 5 is an external view of a container including a shrink label, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 6]

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a positional relation between a radius of a peripheral wall of a cap and a peripheral length L of the one-dimensional barcode;

[FIG. 7]

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the relation between the radius of the peripheral wall at which the recognition rate of the one-dimensional barcode becomes 100% and the peripheral length of the one-dimensional barcode;

[FIG. 8]

FIG. 8 is an external view of a shrink label attached to a cap, according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 9]

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a shrink label attached to a cap, according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure; [FIG. 10]

FIG. 10 is an external view of a shrink label attached to a cap, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 11]

FIG. 11 is an external view of a display position of the shrink label according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 12]

FIG. 12 is an external view of a shrink label attached to a cap, according to fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 13]

FIG. 13 is an external view of a shrink label attached to a cap, according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 14]

FIG. 14 is an external view of a shrink label attached to a cap, according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[FIG. 15]

FIG. 15 is an external view of a shrink label attached to cap, according to a seventh embodiment of an embodiment of the present disclosure; and [FIG. 16]

FIG. 16 is an external view of a shrink label attached to cap, according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[Description of Embodiments]

[0008]

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by embodiments described below, but is indicated by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents with the claims.

[0009]

In the descriptions and drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the same or like reference signs denote like element having substantially the same or corresponding functions and configurations, and descriptions. Further, in order to facilitate understanding, the scale of each component in the drawings may be different from the actual scale.

[0010]

Container

A container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. [0011]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a container 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012]

The container 101 includes a container body 10 and a cap 20.

[0013]

The container body 10 accommodates an object (contained object). Examples of the object include liquid such as soft drinks, mineral water, or alcohol drinks. The container body 10 has a side surface 11, a bottom surface 13, and an opening 12.

[0014]

The bottom surface 13 is located at an end of the side surface 11 and the opening 12 is located at another end of the side surface 11. The side surface 11 may have any shape such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape.

[0015]

Preferably, the bottom surface 13 and the opening 12 have a circular shape corresponding to the shape of the cap 20. The opening 12 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the bottom surface 13. As a result, the diameter of the side surface 11 is gradually reduced in the region near the opening 12. Further, the side surface 11 has a screw thread for engaging with the cap 20 at a position adjacent to the opening 12, and a region of the side surface 11 with which the screw thread is provided has a constant diameter.

[0016]

The opening 12 is open. An object is accommodated in the container body 10 or discharged from the container body 10 via the opening 12.

[0017]

The container body 10 has a pattern forming portion 14 on the side surface 11. In the pattern forming portion 14, any characters, figures, or a combination of these is formed by irradiating the surface of the side surface 11 with a laser beam.

[0018]

Examples of the material of the container body 10 include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate alcohol polymer (EVA), and polypropylene (PP). Examples of the material of the container body 10 also include polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrilebutadiene- styrene (ABS) resin, acrylonitrile- styrene (AS), styrene- acrylonitrile (SAN) resin, methacrylic (PMMA) resin, polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), and polyacetal (POM).

Examples of the material of the container body 10 further include polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene ether (PPE), fluorine resin, polyimide (PI), polyether sulfone (PES), and poly etherimide (PEI).

[0019]

The cap 20 has a peripheral wall 21. The cap 20 has a top 22 and a connecting portion 23 and closes the opening 12 of the container body 10.

[0020]

The peripheral wall 21 preferably has a cylindrical shape, and the inner surface of the peripheral wall 21 is provided with a screw groove for engaging with a screw thread on the side surface 11 of the container body 10.

[0021]

The top 22 is in the form of a disk having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the peripheral wall 21 and has a function to close one side of the cap 20 by connecting to the peripheral wall 21 via the connecting portion 23.

[0022]

The connecting portion 23 connects one end of the peripheral wall 21 in the direction in which the cylindrical shape extends and the peripheral of the top. Since the diameter of the top 22 is smaller than the diameter of the peripheral wall 21 , the diameter of the connecting portion 23 gradually decreases toward the top 22.

[0023]

The material of the cap 20 is preferably a resin, and the material may be the same resin as or different from the material of the container body 10.

[0024]

Pattern Forming Portion

A method for forming the pattern forming portion 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described in detail. FIGS. 2A to 2D are diagrams of a pattern forming portion 14 in a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate different aspects of the pattern forming portion 14 by laser irradiation. FIG. 2A illustrates concave portions 15 with gaps in a direction indicated by arrow Y, which is referred to as Y-direction, and a direction perpendicular to the Y-direction. FIG. 2B illustrates concave portions 15 overlapped with each other in the direction parallel to the Y-direction. FIG. 2C illustrates the concave portion 15 overlapped with each other in a direction perpendicular to the Y-direction. FIG. 2D is an A-A sectional view of FIG. 2A.

[0025]

The pattern forming portion 14 can form a patterns such as character data by a group of the concave portion 15.

[0026]

The concave portion 15 can be formed into a cylindrical shape by ablation or evaporation by laser irradiation. In the concave portion 15, the pattern forming portion 14 based on any data, for example, character data displayed on the side surface 11 can be formed by changing the interval between the concave portions 15. [0027]

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pattern forming portion 14 according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028]

The pattern forming portion 14 can form a pattern, for example, character data by a group of convex portions 16. The convex portion 16 can be formed into a cylindrical shape by thermal expansion or internal foaming by laser irradiation.

[0029]

In the pattern forming portion 14 in which character data is formed by the group of concave portions 15 or the group of convex portions 16 as described above, the character data displayed on the pattern forming portion 14 can be visually recognized as a clouded image by the diffuse reflection on the side surface 11. Thus, a container that does not need to use ink and facilitates recyclability can be configured.

In at least some embodiments, in the container, the container body is formed by resin, and the container body has a pattern forming portion having a concave portion or a convex portion on a surface of the container body.

[0030]

Display of One-dimensional Barcode

A typical container is provided with a one-dimensional barcode for management and sale. [0031]

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a one-dimensional barcode 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032]

The one-dimensional barcode 40 includes a barcode symbol portion 42 in which multiple bars 41 are arranged in one direction. The multiple bars 41 are arranged in the width direction depending on the width and the interval of, for example, a product to which the onedimensional barcode 40 is added. A portion indicated by the bar 41 has a lower reflectance than the peripheral thereof.

In at least some embodiments, in the container, the one-dimensional barcode has multiple bars arranged in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

[0033]

The barcode symbol portion 42 includes data 44, a start character 45, a stop character 46, and a check digit 47. In the data 44, bars of a pattern corresponding to the data indicated by the one-dimensional barcode are arranged. The start character 45 represents the beginning of the data, and the stop character 46 represents the end of the data. The check digit 47 is for checking whether there is an error in reading the one-dimensional barcode.

[0034]

The one-dimensional barcode has a quiet zone 43 a at one end and a quiet zone 43b at another end of the barcode symbol portion 42. The quiet zones 43a and 43b are identifiers for identifying the arrangement of the bar 41 as a one-dimensional barcode and are arranged as margins having a predetermined width outside the barcode symbol portion 42 in the arrangement direction of the bars 41. The multiple bars 41 have different thicknesses. However, the quiet zones 43a and 43b typically have the larger or a width of 2.54 mm and a width of ten times or more of the width of a thin bar among the multiple bars 41.

[0035]

In the case of the Japanese Article Number (JAN) code as a standard, the width of the quiet zone 43 a of the left side is eleven times or more of the width of a thin bar among multiple bars, and the width of the quiet zone 43b of the right side is seven times or more of the width of the thin bar among the multiple bars. For example, when the display size of the JAN symbol (i.e., barcode symbol portion 42) is 100% of the basic dimension of the JAN code, the width of the thin bar among the multiple bars is 0.33 mm. Thus, the width of the quiet zone 43a of the left side is 0.33 x 11 = 3.63 mm or more, and the width of the quiet zone 43b of the right side is 0.33 x 7 = 2.31 mm or more. If the size of the JAN symbol is 80% of the basic size of the JAN code, the width of the thin bar among the multiple bars is 0.264 mm. Thus, the width of the quiet zone 43a of the left side is 0.264 x 11 = 2.9 mm or more, and the width of the quiet zone 43b of the right side is 0.264 x 7 = 1.85 mm or more.

[0036]

In the case of NW-7, CODE-39, or CODE- 128 as a standard, which are barcodes used for, for example, management, the width of each of the quiet zones 43a and 43b is at least 2.54 mm or more and ten times or more of the width of the thinnest bar. In such cases, the quiet zones to be used are symmetrical. For example, in NW-7 as a standard, when the width of the thinnest bar is 0.254 mm, the width of the quiet zones 43a and 43b to be used is 0.254 x 10 = 2.54 mm or more. For example, also in CODE-39 as a standard, when the width of the thinnest bar is 0.3 mm, the width of each of the quiet zones 43a and 43b to be used is 0.3 x 10 = 3 mm or more.

[0037]

By assigning the width of the quiet zones 43a and 43b to the values described above, the scanner for reading the one-dimensional barcode 40 can recognize where the barcode symbol portion 42 starts and ends.

[0038]

In the one-dimensional barcode configured as described above, the sum of the widths of the barcode symbol portion 42 and the quiet zones 43 a and 43b is the length L of the barcode, and the length of the bar 41 is the height Hl of the barcode.

[0039]

Recyclability

In the related art, it is known that a label indicating, for example, a product name, an ingredient, an expiry date, a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), a recycle symbol, or a logo is typically attached to a container such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle. In addition, by displaying a label having a design or an image to appeal to consumers, an attempt to exhibit product’s individuality or increase competitiveness is made. [0040]

On the other hand, with respect to the problem of dumping plastics into the sea, the number of plastic containers to be dumped into, for example, the sea can be reduced by developing an easy-to-recycle container and establishing treatment technologies, and a recycling society that effectively uses limited resources can also be achieved with increasing recyclability. The term "recycling" indicates that a recycling company collects used resin containers that have been separated and collected, decomposes the used resin containers into flakes, and reproduces resin containers. The container may be a resin container or a beverage container. In particular, easier recyclability and less resin use for resin containers made of, for example, PET resin used for beverage containers are needed.

[0041]

In order to facilitate such recycling, it is preferable to thoroughly sort and collect resin containers by raw material, but the operation of removing labels from resin containers is timeconsuming, and is one of the restrictions for thorough sorting and collection.

[0042]

By contrast, some e-commerce products do not use resin labels displaying product names, legal descriptions or a combination of these, and some products can be easily disposed so to reduce time to remove the labels by consumers. Further, some technologies to provide a resin container that does not use a label by directly forming a pattern displaying data such as name or an ingredient on the surface of the container with a carbon dioxide laser are known. Examples of such a label include a resin label and a shrink label described later.

[0043]

Thus, it is conceivable to display a one-dimensional barcode on the container 101 using the pattern forming portion 14. However, in the case of a transparent container processed by a laser beam, the reflection from the surface of the container with respect to the infrared light beam emitted from the barcode reader to read the one-dimensional barcode is small and a contrast ratio of the processed portion to the unprocessed portion is not enough to read the one-dimensional barcode. Thus, the one-dimensional barcode is less likely to decode, and an error occurs in reading the code data.

[0044]

Alternatively, a tack seal on which a barcode is printed may be attached on the container 101, or a neck ringer may be attached to the neck of the spout. However, after the container 101 is used by a consumer (e.g., after drinking), the tack seal or the neck ringer may not be removed by the consumer before collection. As a result, separate collection of the waste cannot be thoroughly performed for each raw material, which prevents recyclability from increasing. The cost for attaching the tack seal and the neck ringer or the labor for disposing the tack seal and the neck ringer is added, and waste is increased.

[0045]

It is also conceivable to display a barcode on a shrink label wound around the container body 10. However, the shrink label itself is less likely to recycle into a container or a shrink label, and an environmental burden is increased by incineration processing. In the first place, the amount of resin use cannot be reduced. Further, when a barcode is read by a barcode reader at a store, the barcode is hidden when the container is picked up, so that it takes time to look for the barcode.

[0046]

It is also conceivable to print a barcode on the upper surface of the cap 20. However, some bottle containers, for example, a hinge cap, have a difficulty in printing on the cap, and the printing cannot be used in such cases. In addition, there is a case where a cap shrink label is attached to the cap so as to cover up to the upper part of the cap to prevent tampering such as opening the cap at the store. In this case, since the upper part of the cap is covered with the cap shrink label, the width of the barcode that can be displayed becomes small, and the accuracy of reading the barcode by the barcode reader is substantially lowered.

[0047]

First Embodiment

Overall Configuration

FIG. 5 is an external view of a container 1 including a shrink label 30 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the container 1, a shrink label 30 including a onedimensional barcode 40 is attached to a cap 20. The container body 10 has a pattern forming portionl4 on the side surface 11.

[0048]

As a result, the shrink label 30 can prevent an object from leaking or the inside of the container 1 from being tampered when the container 1 accommodates the object to be sold over the counter. The shrink label 30 covers at least the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20. The shrink label 30 is attached together with the connecting portion 23 so as to cover the top 22 and a part of the container body 10. Accordingly, in order to remove the cap 20, the shrink label 30 is broken and removed from the cap 20. As a result, the shrink label 30 can prevent the object from leaking or the inside of the container 1 from being tampered when the container 1 accommodates the object to be sold over the counter. The shrink label 30 does not cover the container body 10.

In at least some embodiments, in the container, the shrink label has a label top portion covering a part of a top of the cap, and the one-dimensional barcode is displayed on the label top portion of the shrink label.

In at least some embodiments, in the container, the shrink label covers a region other than the container body.

[0049]

The shrink label 30 is made of, for example, a transparent or monochromatic resin, and a onedimensional barcode 40 is printed and displayed on a region overlapping the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20. The one-dimensional barcode 40 is displayed so that multiple bars 41 are arranged in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20. When a surface on which the one-dimensional barcode 40 is displayed is not smooth, specular reflection occurs in a portion of the one-dimensional barcode 40, and a barcode reader cannot read the one-dimensional barcode 40. In the shrink label 30 according to the present embodiment of, a one-dimensional barcode 40 is displayed on the overlapping region of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20. As a result, the surface on which the one-dimensional barcode 40 is displayed becomes smooth, and the one-dimensional barcode 40 can be easily read by the barcode reader.

In at least some embodiments, in the container, a first one-dimensional barcode on a first position of the shrink label; a second one-dimensional barcode on a second position different from the first position in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

[0050]

Barcode Display Range

When the one-dimensional barcode 40 is displayed in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20, the distortion generated in the image as viewed from the barcode reader increases from the center portion to the end portion of the one-dimensional barcode 40 depending on the size. As a result, the end portion of the one-dimensional barcode 40 is less likely to reflect the infrared light beam emitted from the barcode reader, and the barcode reader has a difficulty in decoding and cannot read the one-dimensional barcode.

[0051]

Thus, even when the one-dimensional barcode 40 is displayed so that multiple bars 41 are arranged in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20, it is preferable that the one-dimensional barcode 40 can be easily read. Thus, the inventors have found the onedimensional barcode 40 that can be easily read even when the one-dimensional barcode 40 is displayed so that the multiple bars 41 are arranged in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20.

[0052]

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a positional relation between the radius R of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20 and the peripheral length L of the one-dimensional barcode 40. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the relation between the radius R of the peripheral wall 21 at which the recognition rate of the one-dimensional barcode 40 becomes 100% and the peripheral length L of the one-dimensional barcode 40.

[0053]

In the present embodiment, the relation between the radius R of the peripheral wall 21 at which the recognition rate of the one-dimensional barcode 40 becomes 100% and the peripheral length L of the one-dimensional barcode 40 is obtained by using a close-contact barcode reader (USB type barcode reader: BC-BR900L) that is common in stores.

[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the radius of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20 is represented by R, and the peripheral length of the peripheral wall 21 of the one-dimensional barcode 40 is represented by L. [0055]

In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the expression, L I (2 x it x R) < 0.45, is satisfied, where L is a display width in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21, R is a radius of the peripheral wall 21, and it is the circular constant. In other words, if the peripheral length L of the one-dimensional barcode 40 is changed, the recognition rate of the one-dimensional barcode 40 becomes 100% if L I (2 x it x R) is less than 0.45. However, if L / ( 2 x ?i x R) becomes 0.45 or more, the one-dimensional barcode 40 is less likely to read or cannot be read.

In at least some embodiments, a container includes: a container body to accommodate an object; a cap detachably attachable to the container body, the cap having a peripheral wall; and a shrink label to cover at least the peripheral wall of the cap and have a one-dimensional barcode displayed on the shrink label. An expression below is satisfied,

L / (2 x circular ratio x R) < 0.45, where L is a display width of the one-dimensional barcode in a peripheral direction of the peripheral wall, and R is a radius of the peripheral wall. [0056]

In other words, when the value of L I (2 x it x R) is less than 0.45, where the radius of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20 is represented by R and the peripheral length of the peripheral wall 21 of the one-dimensional barcode 40 is represented by L, the one-dimensional barcode 40 can be sufficiently read. For example, in the JAN code described with reference to FIG. 4, in which the width of the quiet zone of the left side is 3.36 mm or more and the width of the quiet zone of the right side is 2.31 mm or more, the one-dimensional barcode can be sufficiently read by satisfying this condition. Specifically, when the peripheral length L including 3.36 mm + 2.31 mm = 5.67 mm satisfies the expression of L / (2 x it x R) < 0.45, the reading can be sufficiently performed. In the case of the JAN code in which the width of the quiet zone of the left side is 2.9 mm or more and the width of the quiet zone of the right side is 1.85 mm or more, the one-dimensional barcode can also be sufficiently read by satisfying the condition. Specifically, if the peripheral length L including 2.9 mm + 1.85 mm = 4.75 mm satisfies the expression of L / (2 x it x R) < 0.45, the one-dimensional barcode can be sufficiently read. Further, in the case of NW-7 in which the width of the quiet zone is 2.54 mm or more, if the peripheral length L including 2.54 mm x 2 = 5.08 mm satisfies the expression of L I (2 x it x R) < 0.45, the one-dimensional barcode can be sufficiently read. Further, in the case of CODE-39 in which the width of the quiet zone is 3 mm or more, if the peripheral length L including 3 mm x 2 = 6 mm satisfies the expression of L / (2 x it x R) < 0.45, the one-dimensional barcode can be sufficiently read. Since the radius R of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20, i.e., the diameter of the opening 12 of the container body 10, depends on customer requirements, the lower limit is determined by customer requirements. [0057] As described above, in the present embodiment, the one-dimensional barcode 40 for managing and selling the object accommodated in the container 1 is displayed on the shrink label 30 attached to cover the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20. With respect to the shrink label 30 attached to cover the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20, at the time of consumer use, the object cannot be discharged from the container 1 unless the shrink label 30 is removed. Thus, the shrink label 30 is removed by the consumer when using the container 1. As a result, a label displaying a barcode is not used, and recyclability is increased. Further, separate collection can be thoroughly performed without taking a time of peeling off the label only for removing the barcode, and the recyclability is increased. Further, since the shrink label 30 attached so as to cover the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20 is smaller than the shrink label wound around the side surface 11 of the container body 10 of the container 1, the amount of resin use can be reduced.

[0058]

Further, by displaying the one-dimensional barcode 40 on the shrink label 30 without using a laser beam, the occurrence of a reading error caused by insufficient contrast at the time of using a laser beam can be reduced In such a case, when the value of L / (2 x 71 x R) is less than 0.45, where R represents the radius of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20 and L represents the circumferential length of the peripheral wall 21 of the one-dimensional barcode 40, the one-dimensional barcode 40 can be sufficiently read.

[0059]

By displaying the one-dimensional barcode 40 without using a laser beam, the reading error of the one-dimensional barcode 40 can be reduced while increasing the recyclability. [0060]

Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is an external view of a shrink label attached to a cap according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061]

In the shrink label 130 according to the present embodiment, the multiple bars 41 forming the one-dimensional barcode 40 are displayed from one end 31a to another end 31b of the shrink label 130 in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall of the cap 20.

[0062]

When the one-dimensional barcode 40 is printed on a shrink label, the one-dimensional barcode 40 is printed on a sheet made of, for example, resin that become a shrink label, and then the sheet is cut to fit the shape of the shrink label. Thus, when the shrink label is attached to the cap, the cutting position is adjusted so that the one-dimensional barcode 40 is arranged in a region overlapping with a portion of the peripheral wall of the cap. Further, when or after the shrink label is attached to the cap, it needs to check whether the onedimensional barcode 40 is arranged at a region overlapping a portion of the peripheral wall of the cap.

[0063] In the shrink label 130 according to the present embodiment, the multiple bars 41 forming the one-dimensional barcode 40 are displayed so to extend both ends of the shrink label 130 in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall of the cap 20. As a result, the one-dimensional barcode 40 is arranged on a region overlapping the peripheral wall of the cap 20. Further, fine adjustment of the cutting position of a sheet made of, for example, resin that become the shrink label or detail inspection of the arrangement position of the onedimensional barcode 40 when or after the shrink label is attached to the cap can be omitted. As a result, the production facility can be simplified.

In at least some embodiments, in the container, each of the multiple bars extends from one end to another end of the shrink label in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

[0064]

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a shrink label 130 attached to a cap 20, according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065]

In the shrink label 130 according to the present embodiment, multiple bars 41 forming a onedimensional barcode 40 are displayed so to extend both ends of the shrink label 130 in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall of the cap 20. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a numeral code 50 indicating the symbol of the one-dimensional barcode 40 may be displayed between both ends of the shrink label 130 of the multiple bars 41.

[0066]

Third Embodiment

FIG. 10 is an external view of a shrink label 230 attached to a cap 20, according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is an external view of the display position of the shrink label 230 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067]

In the shrink label 230 according to the present embodiment, multiple one-dimensional barcodes 40 are displayed at different positions from each other in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20. All of the multiple onedimensional barcodes 40 may be displayed on regions overlapping the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20, or part of the multiple one-dimensional barcodes 40 may be displayed on a region not overlapping the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20.

[0068]

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the interval G between the multiple one-dimensional barcodes 40 in the direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20 is smaller than the width H2 of the peripheral wall 21 in the direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20.

In at least some embodiments, in the container, the one-dimensional barcode includes: a first one-dimensional barcode on a first position of the shrink label; a second one-dimensional barcode on a second position different from the first position in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall of the shrink label; and an interval between the first one-dimensional barcode and the second one-dimensional barcode in the perpendicular direction, and the interval is smaller than a height of the peripheral wall in the perpendicular direction.

[0069]

Since the interval G between the multiple one-dimensional barcodes 40 in the direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 is smaller than the width H2 in the direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20, a risk in which the one-dimensional barcode 40 is not displayed in a region overlapping the peripheral wall 21 is reduced.

[0070]

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 12 is an external view of a shrink label 330 attached to the cap 20, according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071]

In the shrink label 330 according to the present embodiment, multiple one-dimensional barcodes 40 are displayed on different positions from each other in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20. The multiple onedimensional barcodes 40 are all displayed on a region overlapping the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20.

[0072]

As described above, in the case of displaying the multiple one-dimensional barcodes 40 in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20, when the one-dimensional barcode 40 is read, the one-dimensional barcode 40 is easily found in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20, and the one-dimensional barcodes 40 are easy to read at work.

[0073]

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 13 is an external view of a shrink label 430 attached to the cap 20, according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074]

In the shrink label 430 according to the present embodiment, multiple one-dimensional barcodes 40 are displayed in a peripheral direction of a peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20 and a direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20. Further, the interval G between the multiple one-dimensional barcodes 40 in the direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20 is smaller than the width H2 of the peripheral wall 21 in the direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20.

[0075] As a result, a risk in which the one-dimensional barcode 40 is not displayed on the region overlapping the peripheral wall 21 is reduced. Among two one-dimensional barcodes 40 arranged in the upper and lower portions in FIG. 13, the one-dimensional barcode 40 on the upper portion is displayed on a region in which a portion of the one-dimensional barcode 40 does not overlap the peripheral wall 21 , but the remaining portion of the one-dimensional barcode 40 is displayed on the region overlapping the peripheral wall 21.

In at least some embodiments, in the container according to any one of the twelfth aspect to the seventeenth aspect, the shrink label has at least one perforation connecting one end and another end of the shrink label in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

In at least some embodiments, in the container, the perforation is formed at a perforation region different from a barcode region, in which the one-dimensional barcode is displayed, of the shrink label.

[0076]

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 14 is an external view of a shrink label 530 attached to the cap 20, according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077]

The shrink label 530 according to the present embodiment further includes a perforation 60 in addition to the shrink label 130 illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0078]

The perforation 60 is a cutting line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and straight cut portions and tie portions are continuous to form the cutting line. The perforation 60 is displayed from one end 3 la to another end 3 lb of the shrink label 530 in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20 in a region in which the one-dimensional barcode 40 is not displayed. The cutting line may be referred to as a micro perforation in which a hole-shaped cut portions and tie portions are continuously formed. Further, although one perforation 60 is displayed in the present embodiment, multiple perforations may be displayed in parallel with one another.

[0079]

Since the perforation 60 is displayed, the shrink label 530 can be easily removed from the cap 20 when the cap 20 is removed, for example, to discharge an object from the container. Since the perforation 60 is displayed on a region in which the one-dimensional barcodes 40 are not displayed, the perforation 60 is provided without affecting reading performance of the onedimensional barcode 40.

[0080]

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 15 is an external view of a shrink label 630 attached to a cap 20, according seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] The shrink label 630 according to the present embodiment includes a perforation 60 in addition to the shrink label 230 illustrated in FIG. 10 and also displays another onedimensional barcode 40 on a region overlapping a top 22 of the cap 20.

[0082]

The perforation 60 according to the present embodiment is displayed from one end 3 la to another end 3 lb of the shrink label 630 in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of a peripheral wall 21 of the cap 20 in a region in which one-dimensional barcodes 40 are not displayed.

[0083]

Since the perforation 60 is displayed, the shrink label 630 can be easily removed from the cap 20when the cap 20 is removed, for example to discharge an object from the container. Since the perforation 60 is displayed on the region in which the one-dimensional barcodes 40 are not displayed, the perforation 60 is provided without affecting reading performance of the one-dimensional barcode 40.

[0084]

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 16 is an external view of a shrink label 730 attached to a cap 20, according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085]

The shrink label 730 according to the present embodiment further includes a perforation 60, which is similar to the perforation illustrated in FIG. 14, in addition to the shrink label 330 illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0086]

[0087]

Since the perforation 60 is displayed, the shrink label 730 can be easily removed from the cap 20when the cap 20 is removed, for example, to discharge an object from the container. Since the perforation 60 is displayed on a region in which the one-dimensional barcode 40 is not displayed, the perforation 60 is provided without affecting reading performance of the onedimensional barcode 40.

[0088]

In the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the cases in which one or more one-dimensional barcodes 40 are displayed on the shrink label have been described.

However, the code data is not limited to the one-dimensional barcode 40, and any code data that can be machine-read by, for example, a dedicated reader, such as code data including only numbers, can be applied.

[0089] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the configurations described above, such as combinations with other elements in the configurations described in the above embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified without departing from the scope or spirt of the disclosure and may be determined appropriately in according with applications.

[0090]

Aspects of the present disclosure are as follows, for example.

In a first aspect, a container includes: a container body to accommodate an object, a cap having a peripheral wall; and a shrink label to cover at least the peripheral wall of the cap and display one-dimensional barcode data. An expression below is satisfied, L / (2 x circular constant x R) < 0.45, where L is a display width of the one-dimensional barcode in a peripheral direction of the peripheral wall, and R is a radius of the peripheral wall.

In a second aspect, in the container according to the first aspect, the one-dimensional barcode includes multiple bars arranged in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

In a third aspect, in the container according to the second aspect, each of the multiple bars are displayed from one end to another end of the shrink label in a direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

In a fourth aspect, in the container according to any one of the first to the third aspects, the shrink label further covers a top of the cap, and the one-dimensional barcode data is displayed at a region of the shrink label that covers the top.

In a fifth aspect, in the container according to the first or the second aspect, the onedimensional barcode includes multiple one-dimensional barcodes displayed at different positions from one another in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall. The multiple one-dimensional barcodes have an interval between the multiple one-dimensional barcodes in the perpendicular direction. The interval is smaller than a width of the peripheral wall in the perpendicular direction.

In a sixth aspect, in the container according to any one of the first to the fifth aspects, the onedimensional barcode includes multiple one-dimensional barcodes displayed at different positions from each other in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

In a seventh aspect, in the container according to any one of the first to the sixth aspects, the shrink label has at least one perforation displayed in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall and connecting one end to another end of the shrink label.

In an eighth aspect, in the container according to the seventh aspect, the shrink label further covers a top of the cap, and the one-dimensional barcode is displayed on a region of the shrink label that covers the top.

In a ninth aspect, in the container according to the seventh or eighth aspect, the perforation is displayed at a different region from a region on which the one-dimensional barcode is displayed. In a tenth aspect, in the container according to any one of the first to the ninth aspects, the container body includes resin and has a pattern forming portion formed by a concave portion or a convex portion on a surface of the container body.

In an eleventh aspect, in the container according to the tenth aspect, the shrink label covers a region other than the container body.

In a twelfth aspect, a container includes: a container body to accommodate an object; a cap detachably attachable to the container body, the cap having a peripheral wall; and a shrink label to cover at least the peripheral wall of the cap and have a one-dimensional barcode displayed on the shrink label. An expression below is satisfied, L / (2 x circular constant x R) < 0.45, where L is a display width of the one-dimensional barcode in a peripheral direction of the peripheral wall, and R is a radius of the peripheral wall.

In a thirteenth aspect, in the container according to the twelfth aspect, the one-dimensional barcode has multiple bars arranged in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

In a fourteenth aspect, in the container according to the thirteenth aspect, each of the multiple bars extends from one end to another end of the shrink label in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

In a fifteenth aspect, in the container according to any one of the twelfth to the fourteenth aspects, the shrink label has a label top portion covering a part of a top of the cap, and the one-dimensional barcode is displayed on the label top portion of the shrink label.

In a sixteenth aspect, in the container according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the onedimensional barcode includes: a first one-dimensional barcode on a first position of the shrink label; a second one-dimensional barcode on a second position different from the first position in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall of the shrink label; and an interval between the first one-dimensional barcode and the second one-dimensional barcode in the perpendicular direction, and the interval is smaller than a height of the peripheral wall in the perpendicular direction.

In a seventeenth aspect, in the container according to any one of the twelfth to the sixteenth aspects, a first one-dimensional barcode on a first position of the shrink label; a second onedimensional barcode on a second position different from the first position in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

In an eighteenth aspect, in the container according to any one of the twelfth to the seventeenth aspects, the shrink label has at least one perforation connecting one end and another end of the shrink label in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

In a nineteenth aspect, in the container according to the eighteenth aspect, the shrink label has a label top portion covering a part of a top of the cap, and the one-dimensional barcode is displayed on the label top portion of the shrink label.

In a twentieth aspect, in the container according to the eighteenth or the nineteenth aspect, the perforation is formed at a perforation region different from a barcode region, in which the one-dimensional barcode is displayed, of the shrink label. In a twenty-first aspect, in the container according to any one of the twelfth to the twentieth aspects, the container body is formed by resin, and the container body has a pattern forming portion having a concave portion or a convex portion on a surface of the container body. In a twenty-second aspect, in the container according to the twenty-first aspect, the shrink label covers a region other than the container body.

[0091]

The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Thus, numerous additional modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and/or substituted for each other within the scope of the present invention.

[0092]

This patent application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-170037, filed on October 24, 2022, in the Japan Patent Office, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-149418, filed on September 14, 2023, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[Reference Signs List]

[0093]

1, 101 Container

10 Container Body

11 Side surface

12 Opening

13 Bottom surface

14 Pattern forming portion

15 Concave portion

16 Convex portion

20 Cap

21 Peripheral wall

22 Top

23 Connecting portion

30,130,230,330,430,530,630,730 Shrink label

31a, 31b End portion

40 One-dimensional barcode

41 Bar

42 Barcode symbol portion

43 a, 43b Quiet zone

44 Data

45 Start character

46 Stop character

47 Check digit 50 Digit code

60 Perforation

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim 1]

A container comprising: a container body to accommodate an object; a cap detachably attachable to the container body, the cap having a peripheral wall; and a shrink label to cover at least the peripheral wall of the cap and have a one-dimensional barcode displayed on the shrink label, wherein an expression below is satisfied,

L / (2 x circular constant x R) < 0.45, where L is a display width of the one-dimensional barcode in a peripheral direction of the peripheral wall, and

R is a radius of the peripheral wall.

[Claim 2]

The container according to claim 1 , wherein the one-dimensional barcode has multiple bars arranged in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

[Claim 3]

The container according to claim 2, wherein each of the multiple bars extends from one end to another end of the shrink label in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

[Claim 4]

The container according to claim 1 , wherein the shrink label has a label top portion covering a part of a top of the cap, and the one-dimensional barcode is displayed on the label top portion of the shrink label.

[Claim 5]

The container according to claim 1 , wherein the one-dimensional barcode includes: a first one-dimensional barcode on a first position of the shrink label; a second one-dimensional barcode on a second position different from the first position in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall of the shrink label; and an interval between the first one-dimensional barcode and the second one-dimensional barcode in the perpendicular direction, and the interval is smaller than a height of the peripheral wall in the perpendicular direction.

[Claim 6]

The container according to claim 1 , wherein a first one-dimensional barcode on a first position of the shrink label; a second one-dimensional barcode on a second position different from the first position in the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

[Claim 7] The container according to claim 1 , wherein the shrink label has at least one perforation connecting one end and another end of the shrink label in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction of the peripheral wall.

[Claim 8]

The container according to claim 7, wherein the shrink label has a label top portion covering a part of a top of the cap, and the one-dimensional barcode is displayed on the label top portion of the shrink label.

[Claim 9]

The container according to claim 7, wherein the perforation is formed at a perforation region different from a barcode region, in which the one-dimensional barcode is displayed, of the shrink label.

[Claim 10]

The container according to claim 1 , wherein the container body is formed by resin, and the container body has a pattern forming portion having a concave portion or a convex portion on a surface of the container body.

[Claim 11]

The container according to claim 1 , wherein the shrink label covers a region other than the container body.