Tracking device for polymeric packaging

• US 20070030151A1
• Filed: 08/04/2005
• Published: 02/08/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sonoco Development Inc (Sonoco Products Company)
• Original Assignee: Sonoco Development Inc (Sonoco Products Company)
• Inventors: Morrow, J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,528,727 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.100
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2045/14852 incorporating articles with a data carrier, e.g. chips
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14 incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. injection moulding around inserts or for coating articles B29C45/1671 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/712 Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages closures therefor B29L2031/56; ink or toner cartridges B29L2031/7678; squeeze tubes B29L2023/20; suitcases B29L2031/7418
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 25/02 Internal fittings of containers made by folding or erecting blanks made of paper B65D5/44
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 25/205 Means for the attachment of labels, cards, coupons or the like; cards or coupons for the other types of rigid or semi-rigid containers B65D25/36 takes precedence

Abstract

A package and method for products is provided. The package includes a non-planar package comprising a wall formed of polymeric material, and at least one tracking device partially embedded within a thickness of the wall during forming of the package such that the tracking device is exposed and visible on a surface of the package.

Claims

1. A package for products comprising:

a non-planar package comprising a wall formed of polymeric material; and

at least one tracking device partially embedded within a thickness of the wall during forming of the package such that at least a portion of the tracking device is exposed and visible on a surface of the package.

2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the tracking device comprises an electromagnetic surveillance device.

3. The package according to claim 2, wherein the electromagnetic surveillance device comprises an RFID tag.

4. The package according to claim 1, wherein the tracking device is partially embedded within at least one of a side wall or a base of the package.

5. A container according to claim 1, wherein the tracking device comprises at least one strip of metallic material.

6. The package according to claim 1, wherein the tracking device comprises a film or an adhesive applied to at least a portion of a surface of the tracking device, and wherein the tracking device is positioned such that the film or adhesive is positioned adjacent to the surface of the package during forming of the package.

7. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package comprises a thermoformable or injection moldable polymeric material.

8. The package according to claim 1, further comprising a label attached to the surface of the package such that the label substantially conceals the tracking device from visibility.

9. The package according to claim 1, wherein the tracking device is partially embedded within the thickness of the wall such that the tracking device is visible on an exterior surface of the package, facing away from an interior of the package.

10. A method for forming a package for products comprising:

providing a polymeric web;

positioning a tracking device on a portion of the polymeric web; and

forming the polymeric web into a non-planar package such that the tracking device is partially embedded within a portion of the web and is exposed and visible on a surface of the package.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising attaching the tracking device to the polymeric web prior to forming the polymeric web into the package.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein attaching comprises heating the polymeric web such that the tracking device adheres to the polymeric web.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein forming comprises thermoforming the polymeric web around the tracking device.

14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising attaching a label to the package such that the label substantially conceals the tracking device from visibility.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein forming comprises forming the non-planar package such that the tracking device is visible on an exterior surface of the package, facing away from an interior of the package.

16. The method according to claim 10, wherein positioning comprises automatically positioning the tracking device on the polymeric web.

17. A method for forming a package for products comprising:

positioning a tracking device within a mold; and

forming a non-planar package with a polymeric material such that the tracking device is partially embedded within a portion of the material and is exposed and visible on a surface of the package.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein forming comprises injection molding the polymeric material within the mold.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising attaching a label to the package such that the label substantially conceals the tracking device from visibility.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein forming comprises forming the non-planar package such that the tracking device is visible on an exterior surface of the package, facing away from an interior of the package.