U.S. patent application number 16/469495 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-31 for smart packaging for beverage.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.. Invention is credited to Keenan Thompson.
Application Number | 20190329955 16/469495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57708346 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190329955 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson; Keenan |
October 31, 2019 |
Smart Packaging for Beverage
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a smart metal, glass,
paper-based, wood-based, or plastic packaging (1, 2, 3, 4) for
beverage comprising at least one sensory perceptible output, said
sensory perceptible output being any type of device integrated in
the packaging enabling a user or consumer to sense any sensory
perceptible status change of the packaging or the beverage, wherein
a structural component of the packaging forms a component of the at
least one sensory perceptible output, said structural component
being a component or material layer offering a contribution to
enable the packaging to contain a beverage or to be transported. In
addition, the present invention is directed to a method for
manufacturing a corresponding packaging.
Inventors: |
Thompson; Keenan; (Leuven,
BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. |
Brussels |
|
BE |
|
|
Family ID: |
57708346 |
Appl. No.: |
16/469495 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
December 14, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2017/082894 |
371 Date: |
June 13, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 79/02 20130101;
B65D 2203/12 20130101; B65D 51/248 20130101; B65D 85/73 20130101;
B65D 5/4212 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 79/02 20060101
B65D079/02; B65D 85/73 20060101 B65D085/73; B65D 5/42 20060101
B65D005/42; B65D 51/24 20060101 B65D051/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 15, 2016 |
EP |
16204337.6 |
Claims
1. An smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic
packaging for beverage comprising at least one sensory perceptible
output being any type of device integrated in the packaging
enabling a user or consumer to sense any sensory perceptible status
change of the packaging or the beverage, characterized in that a
structural component of the packaging forms a component of the at
least one sensory perceptible output, said structural component
being a component or material layer offering a contribution to
enable the packaging to contain a beverage or to be
transported.
2. A smart packaging for beverage according to claim 1, wherein
said structural component of the packaging is a metal structural
component forming an electrically conductive layer of the at least
one sensory perceptible output.
3. A smart packaging for beverage according to claims 2, wherein
the metal structural component may be a metal layer of a beverage
bottle or can, or the aluminum of a beverage bottle or can, in
particular the aluminum of the lid, the tab, the body of a beverage
can, or a combination thereof, or a metal layer of beverage keg or
any other type of metal beverage container, or wherein the metal
structural component is a component of a paper-based, wood-based or
plastic-based smart packaging.
4. A smart packaging for beverage according to claim 1, wherein a
glass, wood-based, paper-based, or plastic structural component of
the smart packaging may form an electrically non-conductive layer
of the at least one sensory perceptible output.
5. A smart packaging for beverage according to claim 4, wherein the
glass or plastic structural component of the smart packaging is the
glass body or neck of glass bottles, or the plastic body or neck of
plastic bottles, or plastic lids, or the plastic or paper/cardboard
of secondary packaging.
6. A smart packaging for beverage according to claim 1, wherein the
sensory perceptible output is an audio or haptic output, and
wherein said structural component of the packaging is a metal,
glass, plastic, or wooden structural component forming a
mechanically resonant component of the audio or haptic output.
7. A smart packaging for beverage according to claim 1, wherein
metal, glass, plastic, or paper-based, wood-based structural
component of the smart packaging comprises additives
functionalizing the structural component for being used as an
active layer of at least one sensory perceptible output, or
functionalizing an electrically non-conductive structural component
for being used as an electrically conductive layer of at least one
sensory perceptible output.
8. A method for manufacturing a smart packaging for a beverage
comprising the steps of manufacturing a packaging for a beverage
and constituting at least one sensory perceptible output on or in
the packaging, said sensory perceptible output being any type of
device integrated in the packaging enabling a user or consumer to
sense any sensory perceptible status change of the packaging or the
beverage, wherein a structural component of the packaging is taken
for constituting a component of the at least one sensory
perceptible output, said structural component being a component or
material layer offering a contribution to enable the packaging to
contain a beverage or to be transported.
9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the manufacturing of the
packaging and constituting the at least one sensory perceptible
output share at least one additional process step for constituting
the remaining parts of the sensory perceptible output, said
remaining parts being parts other than the component constituted
from the structural component of the packaging or part of it.
10. A method according to claim 8, comprising a step of
functionalizing the structural component of the packaging for being
used as a component of the at least one sensory perceptible
output.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the step of
functionalizing the structural component of the packaging may be
performed in the process of manufacturing the packaging.
12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the step of
functionalizing the structural component of the packaging for being
used as a component of the at least one sensory perceptible output
comprises adding additives to the structural component.
13. A method according to claim 10 or 11, comprising the step of
geometrically functionalizing the structural component for being
used as a component of at least one sensory perceptible output.
14. A method according to claim 8, comprising the step of adding a
power source or energy harvesting element for powering the at least
one sensory perceptible output by at least partially printing it
onto the smart packaging.
15. A method according to claim 8, comprising the step of adding a
sensor and/or a communication means and/or a processing unit by at
least partially printing it onto the smart packaging.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to smart packaging, in
particular to integrated smart packaging for beverage, especially
suitable for carbonated beverage, in particular beer-integrated
smart packaging.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In general, smart packaging incorporates features that
indicate or communicate product status or changes, environmental
status or changes, or other information. It is a dynamic and
preferably active extension of the static and passive communication
function of traditional packaging, and communicates information to
the consumer based on its ability to sense, detect, or record
external or internal changes in the product's environment.
[0003] State of the art smart packaging systems provide health and
safety of the product for the consumer and also monitor the
condition of packed beverages to give information about shelf life
and regarding the quality of the beverage during transport and
storage. In this technique indicators and sensors are used instead
of time consuming, expensive quality measurements for improving the
shelf life and providing beverage safety. In smart packaging system
indicators give information about product quality by surrounding
conditions and head space gases of packagings, also indicators can
be attached to the packaging surface or integrate to packagings
which are improved for determining metabolite residue formed during
storage. Temperature, microbial spoilage, packaging integrity,
physical shock, freshness of the packed product can be
controlled.
[0004] An example thereof is US2015307245 directed to a wine
capsule that is configured to be attached to a beverage container
and to provide a user with information relating to the temperature
history of the beverage. The data logger includes at least one
energy storage component (e.g., one or more capacitors), an energy
harvester, a temperature sensor, at least one processor, at least
one first memory, and at least one wireless communicator. The
energy harvester harvests ambient electromagnetic energy. The
wireless communicator is configured to transmit the stored
information to a personal computer, a smartphone or tablet, or a
dedicated reader device which is configured to communicate with and
receive information from the wireless communicator.
[0005] A obvious drawback of the system of US2015307245 is clearly
that such wine capsule is not suitable for being combined with
other types of beverage packaging than bottles. In addition, as
soon as the wine capsule is removed from the bottle, the bottle
itself becomes a normal "stupid" bottle.
[0006] A more important general drawback however is that, although
the above system covers the basic needs of beverage containment and
quality control, it does not address the clear consumers' demand
for packaging that is more advanced with respect to consumer
interaction and creativity.
[0007] Thanks to the coming of inexpensive electronics and printing
technology it recently became possible to create smart packaging
that permit amongst others tracking of purchases, inventory
control, automatic re-ordering, and assessment of tampering,
packaging breeching etc. In addition, smart packaging containing
lights, sound production, different types of sensors and
corresponding sensory inputs, smart electronics, and interaction
between humans, smart devices, vending machines, coupled with
wireless communication, results in enhanced and personalized
experience for the consumer. Also point of purchase personalized
advertising, inducements, prizes, and a game-like environment can
integrate at various psychological levels to positively reinforce
brand loyalty and promote purchases.
[0008] In the above context, the smart packaging described in
WO2015147995 contains electronics that can enable a user/purchaser
to interact with the packaging and cause actions to happen either
on the packaging itself or on a smart device like a smart phone or
computer or a vending machine, or communicate or cause
communication with a website where a data base might reside. For
instance, a soda bottle or can or bag of chips can have the
capability of being touched to a smart phone, having a code read,
and the smart phone can take one or more actions based on the type
of product within its proximity.
[0009] The smart packaging includes at least one battery and/or
energy storage element and/or energy receiving element; an element
configured to store information; an element configured to sense
being touched; an element configured to display information and/or
an element configured to generate light; an element configured to
receive and/or transmit information; and circuitry electrically one
or more elements of the packaging to one another.
[0010] An aspect that has been neglected in smart packaging as
described in WO2015147995, is to integrate smart packaging
technology within the existing reality of today including today's
industrial packaging processing and their application, i.e. the
aspect of integrating intelligent technologies up to the level of
industrial processing of for example a beverage can, and the
product specifications, and raw materials involved has been
neglected. Smart packaging has always been described without
efficient implementation of its manufacturing in industrial
processing been taken in account.
[0011] In addition, WO2015147995 does not address the
functionalities specifically associated and required with the
content of said packaging, i.e. carbonated beverages, in particular
beer. As an example, an underlying objective is to provide for a
smart packaging which can communicate time and temperature history
of the carbonated beverage such as beer to ensure optimum
maturation, proper aging, and to avoid misuse or mishandling.
Another example of an underlying objective is to provide for a
smart packaging which communicates the state of beverages within
the packaging, either visually, either by illumination, either by
sound, or haptic experiences, i.e. in case of carbonated beverages,
such as beer, reaching ideal consumption temperature vs beverage
type is communicated.
[0012] Further, smart packaging is a compelling proposition made
increasingly relevant by the relentless and fast pace at which
digital technologies integrate consumers' lives, and the
proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT). An extensive list of
applications in this sense, enabled by the smart packaging in
accordance with the present invention will be provided in below
description.
[0013] Another very important objective of smart packaging
according to the present invention is to reduce the production
cost, even to the point where it will be cost-effective to put
intelligent features and communication means on an inexpensive
product, and in particular on disposable products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention is directed to a smart metal, glass,
paper-based, wood-based, or plastic packaging for beverage
comprising at least one sensory perceptible output, said sensory
perceptible output being any type of device integrated in the
packaging enabling a user or consumer to sense any sensory
perceptible status change of the packaging or the beverage, [0015]
characterized in that a structural component of the packaging forms
a component of the at least one sensory perceptible output, said
structural component being a component or material layer offering a
contribution to enable the packaging to contain a beverage or to be
transported.
[0016] In addition, the present invention is directed to a method
for manufacturing a smart packaging for a beverage is provided
comprising the steps of manufacturing a packaging for a beverage
and constituting at least one sensory perceptible output on or in
the packaging, said sensory perceptible output being any type of
device integrated in the packaging enabling a user or consumer to
sense any sensory perceptible status change of the packaging or the
beverage, wherein a structural component of the packaging is taken
for constituting a component of the at least one sensory
perceptible output, said structural component being a component or
material layer offering a contribution to enable the packaging to
contain a beverage or to be transported.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a smart metal beverage
can including a visual output in accordance with the present
invention. Details are outlined in example 1.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrated an embodiment of a smart glass or plastic
bottle including a visual output in accordance with the present
invention. Details are outlined in example 2.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a smart metal beverage
can including a haptic output in accordance with the present
invention. Details are outlined in example 3.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a fiberboard multipack
including a visual output in accordance with the present invention.
Details are outlined in example 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] As the world is moving increasingly into internet-of-things,
smart packaging in accordance with the present invention offers an
extensive range of intelligent functionalities in packaging for
beverages, integrated up to the level of industrial processing,
which can be used for consumer engagement and brand enhancement. It
can amongst others also be used for proof of product authenticity
and origin, tamper evidence and even further to source and delivery
tracking and supply chain optimization.
[0022] In addition, smart packaging according to the present
invention may drive down the cost of smart packaging to produce a
smart and connected product to the point where it will be
cost-effective to put intelligent features and communication means
on an inexpensive product.
[0023] Therefore, in a first embodiment, the present invention
provides a smart metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic
packaging for beverage comprising at least one sensory perceptible
output, [0024] characterized in that a structural component of the
packaging forms a component of the at least one sensory perceptible
output.
[0025] The smart packaging may be primary of secondary.
[0026] A structural component of a smart primary packaging for
beverage is understood as a material component which is necessary
to the packaging for functioning as a beverage container, i.e. for
enabling the packaging to contain a beverage or to be transported,
more specifically for functioning as a carbonated beverage
container, and in particular for functioning as a beer
container.
[0027] A structural component of a smart secondary packaging for
beverage is understood as a material component which is necessary
to the packaging for holding primary packaging for beverage.
[0028] A structural component of a smart secondary packaging for
beverage is understood as being a component or material layer
offering a contribution to enable the packaging to contain a
beverage or to be transported. A component or material layer which
does not offer any contribution to enable the packaging to contain
a beverage or to be transported, and for example merely serves as a
decorative layer or decorative layer system, such as ink or
varnish, is not understood as a structural component.
[0029] Contradictory to a packaging with a printed display wherein
the packaging is just a substrate for printing on and wherein the
outer surface of the packaging as is with regards to constituting
the display is only required to be suitable for printing the
necessary layers upon, in the present invention a structural
component of the packaging is an essential component of the actual
sensory perceptible output and it must have the necessary material
characteristics required for proper functioning of the sensory
perceptible output. A component or material layer which does not
offer any contribution to the proper functioning of the output, and
for example merely serves as a substrate for fixing or printing the
output on, is not understood as an essential component of the
output. Another example is US2012/0160725 where testing material
changing color upon detecting contamination in the beverage is the
inner surface of the beverage container's base and/or rim and/or
sidewall, and wherein the base and/or rim and/or sidewall merely
serves as a substrate for the testing material.
[0030] In other words, the structural component is a component
which is essential for the proper functioning of the sensory
perceptible output and which is inherently already present in the
packaging as is before the output is fully constituted thereon.
Consequently, it would not be possible to integrate at least
partially the process of constituting the sensory perceptible
output in the manufacturing of a packaging which misses that
specific component (specific material layer) because it is
necessary for the functioning of the sensory perceptible output.
Both the smart packaging and the sensory perceptible output have a
structural component in common, i.e. at least one necessary
material layer included in the structure of the packaging, or in
the structure of a part of the packaging, and not serving merely is
a decorative layer serves as a necessary component of the sensory
perceptible output.
[0031] Consequently, the manufacturing of the sensory perceptible
output may be at least partially integrated in the manufacturing of
the smart packaging, resulting in reduced material cost, reduced
production time, and in general reduced production cost, even to
the point where it will be cost-effective to put intelligent
features and communication means on an inexpensive product, and in
particular on disposable products.
[0032] In general, the present invention enables intelligent
technologies to be integrated up to the level of and into
industrial mass production of beverage containers.
[0033] In the context of the present invention, a sensory
perceptible output may be constituted essentially by an active
layer which must be at least partially activated in order to
generate a sensory perceptible output. Depending on the type of
active layer, it may be activated and controlled by several types
of activation triggers, such as a voltage difference over the
active layer, or by voltage differences over parts of the active
layer, by an electromagnetic field, or by a magnetic field. Further
also (locally applied) temperature changes, (locally applied)
pressure variation or (locally applied) strain variation may
trigger activation.
[0034] In order to generate a voltage difference over the active
layer, it may be covered by at least one adjacent electrically
conductive layer (e.g. an electrode, or it may be positioned in
between adjacent electrically conductive layers, namely an
electrically conductive bottom layer (also called the bottom
electrode) and an electrically conductive top layer (also called
the top electrode).
[0035] In case of activation by a magnetic field, the active layer
may be activated by one or more adjacent electrically conductive
layers (in some cases separated from the active layer by
insulators). On top of an electrically conductive top layer, and
encapsulation layer may be applied to protect the underlying
layers. Further, additional components (i.e. layers) may be present
such as a polarizer, a mirror, a polarized light emitter, etc. for
example in case of a liquid crystal display.
[0036] A temperature change may be applied using resistive
conducting tracks acting a heating elements.
[0037] Besides an electric field, a magnetic, field, an
electromagnetic field, a temperature variation, pressure variation,
or strain variation being generated by means internal to the smart
packaging, each type of activation trigger may also be generated by
means partially, or completely external to the smart packaging, for
example generation means provided at the point-of-sale such as an
electromagnetic field generator in the shelf of a store or in the
cash register.
[0038] The active layer may be also externally activated by another
packaging. The latter may be of any type of (smart) primary or
secondary packaging having appropriate means to activate an active
layer of a sensory perceptible output constituted in or on another
primary or secondary packaging. As an example, an electromagnetic
field generated by a secondary packaging may activate an output on
a corresponding primary packaging, or vice versa.
[0039] In the context of the present invention, a sensory
perceptible output may be any type of device integrated in the
packaging enabling a user or consumer to sense any sensory
perceptible status change of the packaging or the beverage. Such
output may be visual output, an audio output, a haptic output, or
any other output sensible by touch, taste, or smell.
[0040] More specifically, a visual output may be any device
integrated in the packaging enabling an area of the container to
emit light, or to change its absorption or transmission of specific
wavelengths of light (e.g. colour change), under electrical,
electromagnetic, or magnetic control, or triggered by pressure,
strain, or temperature variation. Emitting, absorbing, or
transmitting light may include showing any kind of colour signal,
or presenting a graphic, a text, a logo, a video, including a
brand, a label, an interactive label etc., or projecting a graphic,
text, logo, etc. onto an object present in the environment.
[0041] A visual output may be for example any type of display such
as amongst others Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), Electronic Paper
Displays (EPD), rigid or flexible organic light-emitting diode
(OLED) displays, electrochromic displays, electroluminescent
displays, electrophoretic dispays, OLED light sources, LED light
sources, or any combination thereof, or any type of projector or
beamer with suitable size.
[0042] A haptic output may be any device integrated in the
packaging enabling at least part of the packaging to apply forces,
vibrations, or motions, under electrical control, in a way that is
felt by a user holding or touching the container, or in a way that
the forces, vibration or motions may be transferred to other
objects, for example to other bottles in the packaging or on the
shelf. Such device may use for example piezoelectric materials.
[0043] An audio output may by any device integrated in the
packaging enabling an area of the packaging to vibrate for
transmitting an audio signal into the air, or for transducing an
audio signal to other objects surrounding the packaging and
allowing transmitting the audio signal in to the air. The frequency
range of vibrations may include that of human hearing, as well as
ultrasonic and sub-sonic frequencies. An example of an audio output
may be electrostatic speakers or thin-film flexible speakers.
[0044] Other sensory perceptible outputs may be any type devices
integrated in the packaging enabling a user or consumer to sense
any change of surface state of the packaging (e.g. change of
roughness, static electricity), to sense a smell which is released
upon activation, to sense a taste which is released upon
activation, etc.
[0045] In embodiment in accordance with the present invention, in
order to generate a voltage difference, an electromagnetic field,
or a magnetic field, or a temperature, pressure, or strain
variation over the active layer, the smart packaging may comprise a
power supply supplying power obtained from a source present on or
in the smart packaging, or from a source external to the smart
packaging via an energy harvesting element on or in the smart
packaging. Types of power sources may be for example batteries,
(super)capacitors. Types of energy harvesting elements may be
antennas, kinetic or thermoelectric generators, photovoltaics (e.g.
organic photovoltaics (OPV), etc.
[0046] In some embodiments, the active layer may be activated by
activation triggers generated external to the smart packaging in
which case the packaging does not require to have a power supply
for powering the at least one sensory perceptible output.
[0047] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a
smart packaging may additionally comprise any type of supporting
electronic systems, which may include digital logic, processing
units, memory, gate arrays including programmable gate arrays,
passive components, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors,
analogue instrumentation, power control circuits, display driver
circuits, or any combination thereof. These supporting electronic
systems may be built from discrete components attached to the smart
packaging substrate, connected by conductive tracks on the
substrate, and/or components printed upon the substrate.
[0048] More specifically, a smart packaging a smartin accordance
with the present invention may comprise a sensory perceptible
output, wherein a structural component, or a plurality of
structural compounds of the packaging forms a component or a
plurality of components of the at least one sensory perceptible
output, and additionally a combination of a variable number of
components of the following functional areas: [0049] a sensor: in a
smart packaging according to the present invention, any type of
sensor suitable for being integrated in smart packaging may be
used, being discrete sensor components, or printable sensors, and
being able to measure or indicate amongst others light, color,
force or strain, proximity, liquid level, flow, gas presence,
humidity, viscosity, temperature, pressure, chemical contamination,
position and geo-location, acceleration, movement, touch, impact,
biometric authentication, etc. They also may capture information
from or around the human body (e.g. heart rate, breathing rate,
physical activity, sleep pattern, etc.). Also a camera may be
present in or on the smart packaging. [0050] a processing unit: in
a smart packaging according to the present invention, any type of
processing unit suitable for being integrated in smart packaging
may be used. Mainstream chip developers, motivated by the growing
IoT market, are launching ultra-small ultra-low powered chips with
integrated memory. There are emerging technologies that allow
processors to be printed on thin film materials, like flexible
polyamide, polyester foils, etc.
[0051] Other systems, such as communications and memory, can also
be printed to create specific solutions, known as system on a chip
(SoC). [0052] a communication unit: in a smart packaging according
to the present invention, any type of communication unit may be
implemented that is suitable for communicating via a connectivity
protocol standard or via a custom protocol. A number different
connectivity standards have been designed for different data
throughputs and transmission ranges. For each embodiment of the
present invention the most suitable standard may be determined.
Numerous communication means standards exist today, the front
runners in the smart phone dominated market are Bluetooth and NFC,
for localised communication. However, as more devices are connected
to the IoT, dedicated networks such as SigFox could play an
important part in the future by connecting primary and secondary
packaging to other connected devices and objects anywhere in the
world. Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, 6LowPan, Thread, Wifi, Cellular,
NFC, Sigfox, Neul, LoRaWAN, Li-Fi. [0053] a power source: any type
of power source suitable for powering an output and being
integrated in a smart packaging may be used such as for example
discrete batteries, flexible batteries, printed batteries,
microbatteries, (super)capacitors, energy harvesting elements such
as be antennas, piezoelectric, electrodynamic, or thermoelectric
generators, photovoltaics (e.g. organic photovoltaics (OPV),
electromagnetic field energy harvesting, etc.
[0054] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may be
directed to primary packaging for beverages, such as a bottle made
of glass, or metal (eg. aluminum) or plastic, or a metal can, or
metal keg, or wooden bottle or barrel. Such primary packaging may
in particular be suitable for carbonated beverages and preferably
beer.
[0055] Other embodiments in accordance with the present invention
may be directed to secondary packaging such as a carton, a
multipack, a tray, a HiCone, plastic ring carriers, plastic yokes,
paperboard baskets, paperboard overwraps and cartons, corrugated
fiberboard boxes, HDPE plastic handles, six pack rings, and shrink
packs.
[0056] The structural component of the packaging forming a
component of the at least one sensory perceptible output may be
amongst others: the glass of glass beverage container,
hot-end-coating layers (e.g. tin oxide, or other oxide, or other
equivalent material applied e.g. by chemical vapour deposition,
applied e.g. to increase adherence of the cold end coating),
cold-end-coating layers (e.g. polyethylene way, or other equivalent
material, applied e.g. by spray coating, in order to e.g. make the
surfaces more slippery as bottles pass down the line), the plastic
of a plastic beverage container, the plastic of a plastic cap or
lid, the metal of a metal beverage can including its body, lid,
ring pull, or rivet, the metal of a keg including its valve and
stem, metal of a metal cap or crown, the inner polymer coating of a
metal beverage container, spray coat epoxy (e.g. applied to the raw
metal of a metal can or bottle), the metal oxide layer (e.g.
implemented by anodising of metal drinks can or bottle substrate),
metallic layers (e.g. deposited by plating onto the metal substrate
of a drinks can or bottle), polymer layer (e.g. moulded into inside
of crown or screw bottle top to form both seal and corrosion
protection), the fiberboard or corrugated board of secondary
packaging, or plastic parts of secondary packaging (e.g. rings to
hold bottles together, or handles), the wood of wooden barrel,
etc.
[0057] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a smart
metal, glass, paper-based, wood-based, or plastic packaging for
beverage comprising at least one sensory perceptible output,
wherein a metal structural component of the smart packaging may
form an electrically conductive layer of the at least one sensory
perceptible output, in particular the bottom or top electrode.
[0058] The metal structural component forming an electrically
conductive layer may be a metal layer of a beverage bottle, can or
keg, or the aluminum of a beverage bottle, can or keg, in
particular the aluminum of the lid, the tab, the body of a beverage
can, or a combination thereof.
[0059] The metal structural component forming an electrically
conductive layer may also be the metal layer of a beverage keg,
typically stainless steel, or of any other type of metal
container.
[0060] The metal structural component forming an electrically
conductive layer may also be a component of a paper-based,
wood-based or plastic-based smart packaging. A plastic bottle may
comprise for example a metal ring structure in the body or the
neck, or a corrugated board tray may comprise a rigidity enhancing
metal layer, or a carton packaging may have an integrated metallic
(cfr. Tetrapak).
[0061] The metal structural component forming an electrically
conductive layer may be the metal layer of a closure of a beverage
bottle, such as for example the tin plate of a glass bottle crown
or the metal of the crown itself, or the aluminum layer of a Roll
On Pilfer Proof cap (ROPP).
[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, an electrically
conducting structural component of the smart packaging may form the
ground plane of the at least one sensory perceptible output.
[0063] In addition, a metal structural component of the smart
packaging may form a mirror layer in case the visual output is a
display type requiring a mirror layer.
[0064] Further, a metal structural component of the smart packaging
may form a mechanically resonant component of an audio or haptic
output. In order to mechanically activate the mechanically resonant
component, piezo electric vibrating elements or electrostatic
elements which deflect upon applying an electric field, magnetic
elements such as magnetic loud speaker components, vibration
motors, etc may be used. Mechanical vibration may also be further
transmitted to or via adjacent objects external to the packaging
itself, such as a table. Mechanical vibration may also by
transmitted into the beverage contained in order to create an
optical effect within the beverage (e.g. local bubbles)
[0065] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a
metallic structural component of the packaging may form an overlap
with another metallic component or layer or structural component.
Such overlapping metallic layers could be used to form two
electrically conducting layers of a sensory perceptible output
between which an active layer could be placed. Given the
non-transparency of the metal conducting layers, the output created
may be preferably an audio, or haptic output.
[0066] Examples of metallic overlaps may be: [0067] The folded seam
at the top of a beverage can overlaps 6 layers of the two
substrates. [0068] Seams in a 3-piece can may provide overlap for
multiple metal substrate layers. A functional active layer could be
added in between [0069] Overlap of a ring pull with the top of a
can could form two electrodes, with an active layer between the
ring pull and can top. The rivet may form electrical connection.
[0070] Overlap of aluminum bottle with screw top or crown top
[0071] Overlap of a conductive foil over the top of a metal crown
cap, or metal bottle
[0072] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a smart
metal, glass, paper-based, wooden, or plastic packaging for
beverage comprising at least one sensory perceptible output,
wherein a glass, paper-based, wooden, or plastic structural
component of the smart packaging may form an electrically
non-conductive layer of the at least one sensory perceptible
output.
[0073] A glass or plastic structural component of the smart
packaging may be for example the glass body or neck of glass
bottles, or the plastic body or neck of plastic bottles, or plastic
lids, or the paper/cardboard of secondary packaging, or the wood of
a spirits or wine barrel.
[0074] In an embodiment of the present invention, a glass,
paper-based, wooden, or plastic structural component of the smart
packaging may form an electrically insulating component, or a
protective encapsulating layer.
[0075] Further, a glass or plastic structural component of the
smart packaging may form a mechanically resonant component of an
audio or haptic output. Piezo electric vibrating elements or
electrostatic elements which deflect upon applying an electric
field, magnetic elements such as magnetic loud speaker components,
vibration motors, etc may be used in order to mechanically activate
the mechanically resonant component.
[0076] In addition, a glass or plastic structural component of the
smart packaging may form an optically transparent component of a
visual output.
[0077] In a particular embodiment, the glass or plastic of a
beverage container is illuminated by a light source in the
container and acts as a light guide, eg. a back light for a visual
output, such as for example a liquid crystal display. The glass or
plastic may also be patterned to act as a refractive or diffractive
optical component to project or distribute light inwards or
outwards.
[0078] Furthermore, electrically non-conductive structural
components of the packaging may also form overlapping structures
which may be functionalized as explained further in the text, for
functioning as two conductive layers, or as active layer.
[0079] Examples of such non-conductive overlapping structures may
be: [0080] Overlap between polymer or glass bottle, and
respectively screw or crown lid [0081] Folds and seams in paper
cartons [0082] Polymer sealing layer currently present inside of a
metallic bottle tops (both crown and screw top) [0083] Overlap
between polymer layers in "bottle in bottle" beverage
containers
[0084] In accordance with the present invention, structural
components other than metal, glass, paper-based, wooden, or plastic
components may be structural coatings. For example, a hot end
coating of a glass bottle contains metal oxides may serve as
semi-conducting layer.
[0085] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a smart
metal, glass, paper-based, wooden, or plastic packaging for
beverage comprising at least one sensory perceptible output,
wherein a structural component of the smart packaging may be
functionalized to form an active layer of the at least one sensory
perceptible output.
[0086] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention,
one or more of the structural components of the smart packaging may
comprise additives functionalizing the structural component(s) for
being used as a component of at least one sensory perceptible
output.
[0087] Additives may comprise electro-optical materials, such as
electroluminescent materials, organic light emitting materials
(e.g. OLED), electrochromic materials, electrophoretic materials,
or liquid crystal materials, functionalizing a structural component
for being used as an active layer of a visual output.
[0088] As a visual output, also metal, glass, plastic or
paper-based, wood-based materials having additives such as
fluorescent materials or thermochroic materials may be used.
[0089] Additives may also comprise electro-mechanical materials
such as piezo-electric materials, electrostatic materials, or
magnetic materials, for functionalizing an structural component for
being used as an active layer of an audio output, or haptic
output.
[0090] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention,
one or more of the structural components of the smart packaging may
comprise additives functionalizing an electrically non-conductive
structural component for being used as an electrically conductive
layer of at least one sensory perceptible output.
[0091] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention,
one or more of the structural components of the smart packaging may
be geometrically functionalized for being used as a component of at
least one sensory perceptible output. The structural component may
be pushed, stamped, or folded, and/or may overlap other structural
components for gaining mechanically resonant properties, or create
resonant systems or electrically connective structures.
[0092] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a
method for manufacturing a smart packaging for a beverage is
provided comprising the steps of manufacturing a packaging for a
beverage and constituting at least one sensory perceptible output
on or in the packaging, wherein a structural component of the
packaging is taken for constituting a component of the at least one
sensory perceptible output.
[0093] In method of the present invention, the component
constituted from a structural component of the packaging may be any
component of the at least one sensory perceptible output, such as
active layer, an electrically conductive layer (e.g. an electrode),
an insulating layer, and encapsulating layer, etc.
[0094] The remaining parts of the at least one sensory perceptible
output, i.e. parts other than the component constituted from the
structural component of the packaging or part of it, may be added
to the smart packaging by any available technique. Any printing,
deposition, or shaping technique may be used including amongst
others screen printing, flexography, gravure printing, offset
printing, ink jet printing, xerography, lithography, evaporation,
sputtering etching, coating, chemical vapour deposition, embossing,
stamping, laser patterning, mould patterning, electroplating,
anodizing, dip coating, spin coating, gluing, blow moulding of
polymers inside beverage containers, etc.
[0095] The remaining parts of the at least one sensory perceptible
output, may also be constituted from a component of the packaging
other than a structural component, such as decoration layers,
varnishes, lacquers, etc. In such case, besides the fact that the
manufacturing of the packaging and constituting the at least one
sensory perceptible output use a common structural component,
additional process steps may be shared for constituting the
remaining parts, for example printing a decoration layer which is
also an electrically conductive layer of an output, or spraying a
coating which is also an electrically insulating layer of an
output.
[0096] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, a
method may be provided comprising the step of functionalizing the
structural component for being used as a component of at least one
sensory perceptible output. Such step of functionalizing the
structural component of the packaging may be performed in the
process of constituting the at least one sensory perceptible output
after providing the packaging, or may be performed in the process
of manufacturing the packaging.
[0097] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention,
the step of functionalizing the structural component for being used
as a component of at least one sensory perceptible output comprises
adding additives altering the chemical and/or physical properties
of the structural component.
[0098] The additives may be added to the raw materials during the
raw material production process, for example the additives may be
added to glass, plastic or metal before solidifying, or to
paper-based pulp. Such additives may be micro-encapsulated for
enhancing its functionality.
[0099] Additives may also be embedded in the raw materials by
rolling or embossing, or bound to the surface by chemical
reaction.
[0100] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention,
metal, glass, plastic, or paper-based structural components of a
packaging for beverage may comprise additives functionalizing the
structural component for being used as an active layer of at least
one sensory perceptible output.
[0101] In still another embodiment in accordance with the present
invention, a method may be provided comprising the step of
geometrically functionalizing the structural component for being
used as a component of at least one sensory perceptible output by
exposing the structural component to a shaping step, such as
punching, stamping, folding etc. during manufacturing of the
packaging. Such process step may give a structural component
mechanically resonant properties, or create resonant systems or
electrically connective structures.
[0102] In still another embodiment in accordance with the present
invention, a method may be provided comprising the step of
functionalizing the structural component for being used as a
component of at least one sensory perceptible output by exposing
the structural component to heat, such as for example baking or
curing, or to annealing, laser irradiation, etc. In addition, the
structural component may be directly applied at higher temperature
than conventionally done (particularly in the case of glass or
metal containers) in order to functionalize it.
[0103] Further, if required, a method may comprise the step of
providing a power sources or energy harvesting elements for
powering the at least one sensory perceptible output. These power
sources or energy harvesting elements may be discrete electronic
elements mounted in/on the smart packaging, or preferably they may
be at least partially printable.
[0104] A sensor or a plurality of sensors, and/or a communication
means and/or a processing unit, or any other type of supporting
electronic component, and, if required, a separate power supply for
powering these electronic components may be established by adding
discrete components to the smart packaging, or preferably by at
least partially printing them onto the smart packaging.
[0105] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention seek to
provide a smart packaging enabling amongst other the following
applications:
[0106] A smart packaging in accordance with the present invention
may be suitable for being applied amongst others in the following
examples, in particular beer related, each illustrating that the
present invention becomes increasingly relevant by the relentless
and fast pace at which digital technologies integrate consumers'
lives: [0107] The smart packaging may display an active label
providing interaction to get feedback on what consumers like and
don't like. [0108] The smart packaging may display a dish suggested
to pair with beer based on the menu provided in the restaurant, or
suggest a recipe based on the food inventory in the refrigerator.
[0109] The decoration, graphics or message displayed may change
based on location and environment. [0110] The smart packaging
contains sensors to measure the status of the beer and displays the
status in order to give consumer the choice to enjoy the beverage
the way they would like: optimal light struck, optimal carbonation,
optimal bitterness. [0111] The smart packaging may amplify the user
experience wherein the display or active label, speakers, or haptic
elements could be reacting to the environment, to music, to wave
movement, sunset, breeze sounds, beach color, etc. [0112] The smart
packaging may connect to your smartphone and display a picture, or
drives your phone to take and display a selfie when you interact
with your package in your hand, or may take picture via a camera on
the packaging and capture event action. [0113] The smart packaging
may generate brand specific sound on opening, for example via a
speaker hidden in a crown [0114] The display may act as a second
screen to show additional content during a virtual or video, or
broadcast experience. Examples could be twitter feed, display a
different camera angle, instant replays, mvp speaches, custom
commentary, etc. [0115] Via the visual, audio, or haptic output(s),
the smart packaging allows to customize your beer digitally so your
friends know it's yours. [0116] The smart packaging may contain
specially designed microphones and a processing unit to register
and react by visual, audio, haptic output to ultrasonic pitches,
inaudible to the human ear, which are embedded in television and/or
radio commercials. [0117] The smart packaging may flash and light
up when the same brand's advertisement is being broadcast, or an
ultrasonic code may trigger the display. [0118] The smart packaging
generates a visual, audio, or haptic output when something happens
in an event I'm interested in, for example a goal scored of my
favorite team. [0119] Any type of sensory perceptible output may
communicate "cold" in a perceived way when the liquid inside
reached the appropriate drinking temperature. [0120] A visual,
audio, or haptic output may communicate an incoming message on your
phone (.cfr a smart watch) [0121] Any type of sensory perceptible
output may communicate a profile match in a dating event. [0122] At
least one sensory perceptible output may communicate your taxi has
arrived. [0123] The smart packaging may have a visual output
triggered to emit light making the ice in an ice bucket appear to
glow, or to emit UV-light making fluorescent objects in the
environment to emit light. [0124] Via vibrations the smart
packaging may create optical effects in the beer, which may be
emphasized by the application of light. In particular, effects
created might include the following: creating ripples on the
surface of the liquid, stimulating bubbles in the beer in specific
areas and/or at specific times, creating or recreating foam on the
beer etc. The effect may be adapted as the level of beer in the
bottle changes.
Example 1 (Illustrated by FIG. 1)
[0125] A display is constituted on a metal beverage (1) can wherein
the aluminum body of a beverage can forms the `bottom` electrode,
which is connected to GND on the driver circuit. The segments
illustrated are individual long thin segments running from top to
bottom of the can. However, they could in principle be any
arbitrary shape. The segments comprise an active layer, top
electrode conductive layer, insulating layers as required, and a
top encapsulation layer.
[0126] Therefore: [0127] Insulating layer areas (not shown) may be
printed onto the aluminum (11), to create custom electrode shapes,
or may be provided by the spray coat epoxy applied in the process
immediately after fabrication of the can. [0128] An active layer
(12) is printed depending on what type of sensory perceptible
output to implement. Different areas of the can may have different
active layers, in order to put multiple functions on one can.
[0129] Distinct, electrically separate top conductive layer
segments (13) are then printed. In the case of a display, this
layer will be transparent. This could be either Indium Tin Oxide
(ITO), a transparent organic conducting material, or other
transparent conductor. [0130] Both the active layer and top level
conductive layer may be printed on using additional rollers on the
offset printing process, which already exists to apply paint to the
outside of the can. [0131] in addition, electronic components may
be attached, with electrical connections to one or more conducting
layer(s) present. One of these conducting layers is the aluminum
can body itself, which acts as a circuit ground or power plane.
[0132] A protective encapsulation layer (14) is then printed as the
top conductive layer. This may be the same paint or lacquer as is
already used to paint and/or protect the can, as already produced.
Where light is required to be emitted, the top layer should be a
transparent lacquer. Paint may be used to create shadow mask, as an
additional optical effect. [0133] Baking and curing of all the
layers is performed in the existing baking and curing process
provided to manufacture the can.
[0134] In the case of a reflective display, the metal used as
ground plane may also form the mirror of the reflective
display.
Example 2 (Illustrated by FIG. 2)
[0135] A pixelated, light emitting display is integrated onto the
outside of a glass bottle (2). This is realised by the deposition
of row and column electrodes, either side of an active layer that
is also deposited onto the bottle.
[0136] Therefore: [0137] The glass (21) is embossed, patterned or
shaped in such a way as to guide the light in a specific designed
pattern, from a light source or multiple light sources. For
example, in the conventional glass bottle manufacturing process,
the molten glass is formed into a bottle by blowing it into a
mould. To this mould additional patterns may be added in order to:
[0138] (i) Create geometries for active and conducting coating
layers to be deposited by printing [0139] processes. e.g. `ridges`
and `peaks` may pick up ink/paint/coating, whereas troughs won't.
[0140] (ii) Create features in the bottle which effect light
guiding effects around the bottle [0141] (iii) Create features in
the bottle that enhance mechanical resonant effects, or amplify
sound from a speaker element. [0142] Laser etch/decoration may be
applied when hot or indeed cold, to add additional embossed
features to achieve features above. [0143] Following forming, a
`hot end coating` is normally applied to a bottle using spray
coating and/or chemical vapour deposition. The nature of the
coating applied may be varied, such that the coating is conducting
to form the bottom electrode layer (22). It may also be semi
conducting and, by applying multiple iterations of this process,
used to form part of a set of thin film transistors in the context
of being an active matrix display. [0144] The active optical layer
(23), comprising any of the technologies described above is then
printed. [0145] A transparent top conducting layer (24) is then
printed. This could be either Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), a transparent
organic conducting material, or other transparent conductor. [0146]
The active layer and top level conductive layer may be printed on
using additional rollers on the offset printing process, which
already exists to apply paint to the outside of the can. [0147] A
protective encapsulation layer is then printed as the top layer.
This may be the same paint or lacquer as is already used to paint
and/or protect the can, as already produced. Where light is
required to be emitted, the top layer should be a transparent
lacquer. Paint may be used to create shadow mask, as an additional
optical effect. [0148] Baking and curing of all the layers is
performed in the existing baking and curing process provided to
manufacture the can. [0149] The light sources are added to the
packaging, either as printed electroluminescent or OLED light
sources, or as discrete components such as conventional LEDs.
Example 3 (Illustrated by FIG. 3)
[0150] This example comprises a piezo-electric vibration element
(31) attached to the top section of an aluminum beverage can
(3).
[0151] The aluminum of the can forms the bottom electrode (32) for
the piezo device. It also forms a mechanically resonant structure
to amplify and distribute the sound or vibration from the piezo
device to the user. The piezo layer, other electrode, and
encapsulation are formed by printing or otherwise depositing the
layers onto the can lid.
[0152] The following existing manufacturing process steps may be
used: [0153] The lid is stamped/punched to form in the normal
manufacturing process. Features may be put into the stamp to
control and implement specific resonant functions of the metal.
They may also be used to create patterns into which the device
layers may be deposited. [0154] Insulating layer (not shown)
between aluminum can and active layer is provided by the spray coat
epoxy applied in the process immediately after fabrication of the
can. [0155] The active layer (31) and top level conductive layer
(33) are printed on using additional rollers on the offset printing
process, which already exists to apply paint to the outside of the
can. [0156] The top conductive layer may be added by the anodizing
plating process already present to plate a metallic layer onto the
lid. [0157] The encapsulation layer (not shown) is formed by the
varnish already provided in the manufacturing process. [0158]
Baking and curing of all the layers is performed in the existing
baking and curing process provided to manufacture the can.
Example 4 (Illustrated by FIG. 4)
[0159] This example is based upon a secondary packaging made from
fibre board coated with a metallised film and laminated polymer
layer.
[0160] In existing packaging applications, such secondary packaging
typically comprises a stack up from inside to outside as follows:
[0161] Fibre board layer as a sheet. [0162] Metallised layer,
either deposited by metallised paint or by a sheet of foil laminate
[0163] Transparent polymer layer, as a sheet, laminated upon the
metallised layer [0164] Printed paint layer [0165] Varnish
[0166] This type of packaging material is already widely used to
make packaging with a high quality visual appearance whereby the
fibre board adds mechanical structure and durability, the
metallised layer is used not only to create a shiny visual
appearance but also for enhancing water resistance and rigidity,
and the laminated polymer layer gives a smooth finish and water
resistance.
[0167] Constituting a display on this packaging may be done as
follows: [0168] Fibre board layer is unchanged. [0169] The
metallized layer (41) is a conducting layer and is used as the
bottom electrode for the display (45), and also as a mirror layer
for a reflective display. [0170] The transparent polymer layer (42)
is functionalized by the addition of material to the polymer when
it is molten, before it is formed into the sheet which is laminated
into the package. The functionalization makes the sheet
electro-optically active, such that it emits light (e.g.
electroluminescent) or modulates existing light when appropriate
field is applied. [0171] The top level conductive layer (43) may be
printed on using additional rollers or print stages on the offset
printing process, which already exists to apply paint to the
outside of the can. A transparent conducting material shall be used
in the case of a display. [0172] The encapsulation layer (44) is
formed by the varnish already provided in the manufacturing
process. [0173] Baking and curing of all the layers is performed in
the existing baking and curing process provided already for the
coatings on the package.
* * * * *