Removable identification device for multilayer tubular structures

• US 20050237199A1
• Filed: 04/05/2004
• Published: 10/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sonoco Development Inc (Sonoco Products Company)
• Original Assignee: Sonoco Development Inc (Sonoco Products Company)
• Inventors: Lowry, James, Bellum, Cliff
• Granted Patent: US 7,102,518 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.800
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 59/04 Sleeves, e.g. postal tubes
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/672 on cores
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/676 on cores
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2553/52 RFID sensor
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 75/182 Identification means

Abstract

A multilayer tubular structure for products with an identification device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a resiliently flexible band is biased with respect to the tubular structure, and the identification device, such as a radio frequency identification device, is interposed therebetween.

Claims

1. A tubular structure for storing products, comprising:

a tubular core having inner and outer surfaces and opposed ends, the outer surface defining an outer diameter of the tubular core;

a resiliently flexible band having opposing side edges, the flexible band being curled into a cylindrical form so that the opposing side edges are proximate one another, the flexible band having an inner diameter in a relaxed state that is sized to be less than the outer diameter of the tubular core, the flexible band being adapted to be biased about the outer surface of the tubular core and be secured thereto by a frictional fit therebetween; and

a radio frequency identification device interposed between the resiliently flexible band and the tubular core.

2. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein the tubular core is formed from multiple layers of paperboard material wrapped one upon another about an axis of the tubular core and adhered together.

3. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein the identification device is capable of storing and transmitting data associated with at least one of the tubular structure and the products.

4. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein the identification device includes a coiled antenna and a capacitor.

5. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein the identification device includes a printed carbon-based antenna.

6. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein the flexible band has a unique identifier selected from the group consisting of text and color.

7. A tubular structure according to claim 1, wherein the flexible band is formed from at least one material of a group consisting of polymers, metals, composites, and paperboard.

8. A tubular structure for storing products, comprising:

a tubular core having inner and outer surfaces and opposed ends, the inner surface defining an inner diameter of the core;

a resiliently flexible band having opposing ends and side edges, the flexible band being curled into a cylindrical form so that the opposing side edges are proximate one another, the flexible band having an outer diameter in a relaxed state that is sized to be greater than the inner diameter of the tubular core, the flexible band being adapted to be flexibly positioned against the inner surface of the tubular core and be secured thereto by an interference fit therebetween; and

a radio frequency identification device capable of storing and transmitting data associated with at least one of the tubular core and the products, the identification device being interposed between the resiliently flexible band and the tubular core.

9. A tubular structure according to claim 8, wherein the tubular core is formed from multiple layers of paperboard material wrapped one upon another about an axis of the tubular core and adhered together.

10. A tubular structure according to claim 8, wherein the identification device includes a coiled antenna and a capacitor.

11. A tubular structure according to claim 8, wherein the identification device includes a printed carbon-based antenna.

12. A tubular structure according to claim 8, wherein the flexible band has a unique identifier selected from the group consisting of text and color.

13. A tubular structure according to claim 8, wherein the flexible band is formed from at least one material of a group consisting of polymers, metals, composites, and paperboard.

14. A tubular structure according to claim 8, wherein the flexible band defines a cavity between the opposing ends thereof, and wherein the identification device is positioned in the cavity.

15. A tubular structure according to claim 8, wherein the flexible band includes a flange at one of the opposing ends, the flange adapted for registering against one of the opposed ends of the tubular core.

16. A tubular structure for storing products, comprising:

a tubular core having inner and outer surfaces and opposed ends, the inner surface defining an inner diameter of the tubular core; and

a resiliently flexible sheet having opposing ends and side edges positioned in the tubular core and in contact with the inner surface thereof, the flexible sheet defining a distance between the opposing side edges that is greater than the inner diameter of the tubular core so that the flexible sheet is biased against the inner surface of the tubular core and releasably secured thereto by an interference fit therebetween, the flexible sheet having a radio frequency identification device attached thereto capable of storing and transmitting data associated with at least one of the tubular core and the products.

17. A tubular structure according to claim 16, wherein the tubular core is formed from multiple layers of paperboard material wrapped one upon another about an axis of the tubular core and adhered together.

18. A tubular structure according to claim 16, wherein the identification device includes a coiled antenna and a capacitor.

19. A tubular structure according to claim 16, wherein the identification device includes a printed carbon-based antenna.

20. A tubular structure according to claim 16, wherein the flexible sheet is formed from at least one material of a group consisting of polymers, metals, composites, and paperboard.

21. A method of manufacturing a tubular structure for storing products, the method comprising:

providing a tubular core having inner and outer surfaces and opposed ends; and

releasably securing a resiliently flexible band having opposing side edges and a radio frequency identification device in contact therewith to the tubular core by biasing the resiliently flexible band so that the flexible band and the tubular core form an interference fit therebetween.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the securing step includes biasing the resiliently flexible band about the outer surface of the tubular core so that the identification device is interposed between the flexible band and the outer surface of the tubular core.

23. A method according to claim 21, wherein the securing step includes biasing the resiliently flexible band against the inner surface of the tubular core so that the identification device is interposed between the flexible band and the inner surface of the tubular core.

24. A method according to claim 21, wherein the securing step includes biasing the resiliently flexible band against the inner surface of the tubular core so that the opposing side edges are in contact with the inner surface of the tubular core, the flexible band having the identification device attached thereto.

25. A method according to claim 21, further comprising winding products about the tubular core and storing information about the products in the identification device.

26. A method according to claim 25, further comprising using the products wound on the tubular core, and removing the flexible band and identification device from the tubular core.