U.S. patent application number 12/139870 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for container having an automatic identification device for identifying the contents therein.
This patent application is currently assigned to Drug Plastics & Glass Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gregory Sprishen.
Application Number | 20080308518 12/139870 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40131337 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080308518 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sprishen; Gregory |
December 18, 2008 |
CONTAINER HAVING AN AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION DEVICE FOR IDENTIFYING
THE CONTENTS THEREIN
Abstract
A container that has an automatic identification device for
identifying the contents therein includes a bottom that has an
outer periphery and a neck that defines an opening at a top portion
thereof for receiving a product and a shoulder proximate a bottom
portion thereof. The neck has a radially inwardly extending flange
on an inner surface thereof. The flange is located at a
predetermined distance away from the top portion of the neck. The
container further includes a sidewall that extend generally
upwardly from the periphery of the bottom to the shoulder of the
neck. A cap is removably engageable to the neck and an automatic
identification device is removably mountable on the flange of the
neck.
Inventors: |
Sprishen; Gregory; (Newtown
Square, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PANITCH SCHWARZE BELISARIO & NADEL LLP
ONE COMMERCE SQUARE, 2005 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2200
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
Drug Plastics & Glass Company,
Inc.
Boyertown
PA
|
Family ID: |
40131337 |
Appl. No.: |
12/139870 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60944001 |
Jun 14, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/20 20130101;
B65D 2203/10 20130101; B65D 2251/0093 20130101; B65D 50/043
20130101; B65D 2251/0015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/40 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/00 20060101
B65D041/00 |
Claims
1. A container having an automatic identification device for
identifying the contents therein, said container comprising: a
bottom having an outer periphery: a neck defining an opening at a
top portion thereof for receiving a product and a shoulder
proximate a bottom portion thereof, said neck having a radially
inwardly extending flange on an inner surface thereof; said flange
being located at a predetermined distance away from said top
portion of said neck; a sidewall extending generally upwardly from
said periphery of said bottom to said shoulder of said neck; a cap
removably engageable to said neck; and an automatic identification
device removably mountable on said flange of said neck.
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein said automatic
identification device includes a capsule and an RFID transponder
enclosed within said capsule.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein said capsule includes a top
portion and a bottom portion.
4. The container according to claim 3, wherein said top and bottom
portions of said capsule are removably engageable.
5. The container according to claim 3, wherein said top and bottom
portions of said capsule are permanently engaged.
6. The container according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of said
inner portion of said neck is slightly larger than a diameter of
said capsule.
7. The container according to claim 1, wherein a length of said
flange measured radially from said inner portion of said neck to an
end of said flange is approximately one millimeter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/944,001, filed Jun. 14, 2007
and entitled "Automatic Identification Device Inserted into a
Bottle," the entire subject matter of which is hereby incorporated
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the incorporation of an
automatic identification device within a package or container for
quickly and efficiently identifying the contents of the package or
container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
container enclosing an automatic identification device for
identifying the contents therein.
[0003] Pharmaceutical or medical containers for storing,
transporting or selling pharmaceutical or medical products are
generally well-known. Such containers, bottles or packages are
preferably formed of a high strength, lightweight material and are
sized and shaped to be easily transported either individually or in
a larger container. Such containers typically include a removable
cap. Generally, the caps are removed from the container by a
twisting motion. Further, certain containers include
child-resistant caps that require a specific twisting function to
remove the cap from the top of the container.
[0004] The process of preparing containers of medicaments for
shipment to an end user typically includes steps of: (1) filling
the container with a medicament, (2) sealing the end of the
container with the cap, and (3) paper labeling the container with
the contents of the container and other information related to the
manufacturing history.
[0005] These containers are typically included in a larger package
to transport the containers and are then individually placed on a
shelf in a retail store for selling the product. Although the
containers can contain a plurality of different types of
pharmaceutical or medical products, the general appearance of the
containers is often similar. Due to such similarity, it may be
difficult to identify the contents of the container without opening
the container to find out what is inside.
[0006] It is of the utmost importance that the information on the
paper labeling of each container corresponds to the actual contents
of the container and include such information that allows for
traceability to the history of manufacture. Thus, information
should ideally be associated with each filled container from near
the moment that the container is filled.
[0007] Presently, however, it is not possible to include with each
container at the time of filling, all of the required information
on container contents and manufacturing, since paper labeling
applied to the container at the time of filling does not always
survive the manufacturing and shipping process, and there is
sometimes insufficient room on the label to include all of the
required information. Further, the destination for each filled
container is not known at the time the container is filled. Since
the minimum information to be applied to a paper label is generally
prescribed by law, and such laws vary from country to country, the
paper labeling of containers can not be done until the destination
of a particular lot of containers is determined. Such determination
may not be made until after a specific lot of the containers has
been shelved for a period of time. In order to establish
traceability of the containers in a lot that has been shelved, back
to the time that the containers were filled, samples from each lot
must be taken from the shelved lot prior to paper labeling, and the
contents of the samples determined analytically. Such a procedure
is time consuming and expensive.
[0008] A further problem associated with labeling of the containers
is one of counterfeiting. Such counterfeiting may utilize packaging
and paper labeling identical to the legitimate articles such that
even an experienced end user pharmacist or medical practitioner can
not distinguish the counterfeit article from the legitimate
article.
[0009] Automatic identification technology, which increases
business efficiency, reduces data-entry errors and frees-up staff
to perform other functions, is generally well-known. Automatic
identification is a broad term given to a host of technologies that
are used to help machines identify objects. These technologies
include bar codes, smart cards, voice recognition, biometric
technology, optical character recognition and radio frequency
identification (RFID). Specifically, RFID technology uses radio
waves to automatically identify objects. By storing product
information on a microchip that is attached to an antenna, RFID
tags allow a reader to easily and efficiently identify an object
and allow for the addition or deletion of information at any
time.
[0010] Various prior art devices have incorporated RFID tags within
pharmaceutical containers to avoid the problems described above.
Previously, individuals have attempted to mold RFID tags within the
containers. However, problem arises when a manufacturer, seller or
user attempts to mold the RFID tag into the plastic container
because the high temperatures achieved during the molding process
often destroy the RFID tag.
[0011] Therefore, it would be desirable to add an automatic
identification device to pharmaceutical or medical packages or
containers at or near the time of filling such that a user or
manufacturer can quickly and efficiently identify the contents of a
packaging or container without inspecting the contents of each
package or container. Specifically, it would be desirable to
include an RFID tag within a pharmaceutical or medical package or
container without having to mold the RFID tag to the container such
that a user could quickly scan the container and accurately
identify the product within the container. This combination would
allow for an accurate knowledge of the inventory level by
eliminating the discrepancy between inventory record and physical
inventory and also prevent destruction of the RFID tag. Further,
the sources of error of recordation can be prevented or
reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the present
invention is directed to a container enclosing an automatic
identification device for identifying the contents therein. The
container includes a bottom having an outer periphery and a neck
defining an opening at a top portion thereof for receiving a
product and a shoulder proximate a bottom portion thereof. The neck
has a radially inwardly extending flange on an inner surface
thereof. The flange is located at a predetermined distance away
from the top portion of the neck. The container further includes a
sidewall extending generally upwardly from the periphery of the
bottom to the shoulder of the neck. A cap is removably engageable
to the neck and an automatic identification device is removably
mountable on the flange of the neck.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The following detailed description of the invention will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred.
It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited
to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0014] In the drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of an automatic identification device inserted into a bottle in
accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the bottle shown in FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the automatic
identification device inserted into a bottle shown in FIG. 2, taken
along line A-A of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 3 is front perspective view of an automatic
identification device capsule of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3A is a front elevation view of the capsule shown in
FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the automatic identification
device capsule shown in FIG. 3 with a top portion of the automatic
identification device capsule removed to show the top of an RFID
tag; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the automatic
identification device inserted into the bottle with a cap removed
for clarity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left,"
"lower" and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which
reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of the bottle in accordance with the present invention, and
designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words noted
above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
[0023] FIGS. 1-2A and 5 depict a container, generally designated
10, for storing, transporting or selling a product, such as a
pharmaceutical or medical product. The container 10 encloses an
automatic identification device 62, such as an RFID tag or
transponder. The container 10 comprises a container bottom 14
having an outer periphery 16 and a container wall or sidewall 18
extending generally upward from the periphery 16. It is preferred
that the container bottom 14 be generally planar, although the
bottom 14 may be concave (as shown in FIGS. 2A).
[0024] The periphery 16 of the container bottom 14 may be slightly
rounded to eliminate any sharpe edges from the container 10.
Preferably, the container bottom 14 and the container wall 18
define an outer container 10 which is generally annular in
cross-section, although the outer container 10 may be of any shape,
such as a generally rectangular in cross-section, as one of
ordinary skill in the art would understand. Further, it is
understood by those skilled in the art that the form and shape of
the container 10 can be modified without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. For example, the outer container 10 can
be in the form of virtually any shape, such as a vial, vase or any
other such packaging or container, without departing from the
spirit and the scope of the invention. The outer container 10 is
preferably formed of a polymeric material, but it is understood by
those skilled in the art that the outer container 10 may be formed
of virtually any high-strength, lightweight material, such as a
glass on metallic material, without departing from the spirit and
the scope of the invention.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-2A and 5, the container wall 18
comprises a neck 22 defining an opening for receiving the product.
Preferably, the opening in the neck 22 is generally circular in
cross-section and has an inner diameter which is smaller than the
inner diameter of the container wall 18. The neck 22 includes a
transition surface, or shoulder 25, between the neck 22 and the
container wall 18. The shoulder 25 is preferably curved to
eliminate any sharp edges and increase structural integrity.
[0026] The neck 22 includes threads 32 on the outer surface for
receiving a cap 40 and a flange 56 extending radially inwardly from
the inner surface of the neck 22. The flange 56 is located at a
predetermined distance away from or below a top or upper portion of
the neck 22. One skilled in the art would understand that other
means besides threads 32 may be used to accommodate the cap 40,
such as a friction fit or a child-proof fastener (not shown). The
cap 40, which is generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,216
(the '216 patent) and hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety, comprises an outer cap 42 removably secured to an inner
cap 44. The outer cap 42 preferably includes gripping ridges 42a on
an exterior surface of the outer cap 42 and may include
instructions (FIG. 1) for how to remove the cap 40 from the
container. The inner cap 44 includes a liner 46 to properly seal
the cap 40 to the container 10. It is understood by those skilled
in the art that the present invention does not require all of the
particulars of the cap 40 as described above. For example, it is
within the spirit and scope of the invention that the cap 40 can be
constructed of one integral piece instead of the outer and inner
caps 42, 44 and that the cap 40 can be virtually any size and shape
that can properly enclose the outer container 10 and securely
attach to the neck 22 and at the same time provide safe storage for
an RFID tag as described below.
[0027] In reference to FIGS. 3-5, the automatic identification
device 62, such as an RFID tag or transponder, is shown within a
capsule 60. RFID tags 62 are generally well known in the art as a
method of identification by storing and remotely retrieving data.
In the preferred embodiment, the RFID tag 60 contains a silicone
chip (not shown) and an antenna (not shown). However, it is
understood by those skilled in the art that any form of automatic
identification can be used in the present invention without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The capsule
60 is generally flat and disk-like and is made of a polymeric
material. The capsule 60 includes a top portion 60a and a bottom
portion 60b to securely enclose the RFID tag 62. The top 60a is
preferably friction-fitted to the bottom portion 60b, but it is
understood by those skilled in the art that the top 60a and bottom
portions 60b can be secured by virtually any method, such as
adhesive bonding or riveting, without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. As is understood by those skilled in art,
the top portion 60a may be removably mounted to the bottom portion
60b or permanently mounted to bottom portion 60b. The inner portion
of the neck 22 at least proximate to the flange 56 is preferably
slightly larger than a diameter of the capsule 60. Further, a
length of the flange 56 measured radially from the inner portion of
said neck 22 to an end of said flange 56 is approximately one
millimeter. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art
that the length of the flange 56 can be modified without departing
from the broad inventive concept of the present invention.
[0028] In operation, a manufacturer, distributor or consumer places
a desired amount of the product into the outer container 10. An
automatic identification device, such as the RFID tag capsule 60,
may then be placed onto the flange 56 within the neck 22 of the
container 10. Next, the cap 40 is removably attached to the neck 22
of the container 10 to enclose the product and the capsule 60
within the container 10. When the manufacturer, distributor or
consumer desires to know the contents of the container 10, a
scanner (not shown) is placed within the general vicinity of the
container 10 to read the information stored in the RFID tag 62. The
RFID tag 62 is generally well protected when securely located
within the container 10 and capsule 60, as taught by the present
invention. A user or manufacturer will also generally know the
exact location of the RFID tag 62 when attempting to identify the
contents of the outer container 10. Further, the capsule 60 may be
removed by either the manufacturer, distributor or consumer before
the product within the container 10 is used or inspected after the
cap 40 is removed from the neck 22 of the container 10 (FIG.
5).
[0029] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the drawings and specification.
* * * * *