Manufacturing and use of reusable containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (100) for managing reusable containers, each comprising a unique radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag and an LA code, each unique RFID tag identifier being associated with the LA code. The method comprises: i. isolating (102) each reusable container in a magnetically / electromagnetically sealed enclosure, i1. reading (104) the LA code and reading the RFID tag, i2. associating (106) the LA code identifier and the RFID tag identifier in a database, ii. providing (108) a stock of said reusable containers to a distributor by assigning the unique RFID tag identifiers of the reusable containers to said distributor in the database. Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Manufacture and use of reusable containers Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing and using reusable containers. Prior art

[0002] In order to reduce the environmental impact of containers, it is known to use reusable and recyclable containers. However, the management of these containers, in particular the traceability of these containers and the recovery of these containers for reuse, is difficult to implement. Summary

[0003] The present invention improves the situation.

[0004] A method is proposed for managing reusable containers each comprising a unique radio identification tag and an automated reading code ("LA code)", each identifier of the unique radio identification tag being associated with the LA code, said method comprising: i. isolate each reusable container in an enclosure impervious to the magnetic / electromagnetic field, it. reading of the LA code and reading of the radio identification tag, i2. association of the LA code identifier and the radio identification tag identifier in a database, ii. provide a stock of said reusable containers to a distributor by assigning the identifiers of the unique radio identification tags of the reusable containers to said distributor in the database.

[0005] The double identification of each reusable container ensures better management of reusable containers.

[0006] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0007] The enclosure impervious to the magnetic / electromagnetic field may be a Faraday cage. The enclosure may be formed by a metal grid.

[0008] The LA code may be a barcode, a 2D barcode such as a QR code® (“quick response code”), Datamatrix, Flashcode®, Navilens®, Semacode®, BeeTagg®, Aztec Code, or the like.

[0009] The database can be hosted on a remote server.

[0010] The container can be any type of product and packaging allowing another product to be packaged. The container can be of the cup, plate, bowl, pizza box, burger box, glass, tray, bulk bag, packaging, etc. The container can be made of recyclable material.

[0011] The enclosure may comprise a code reading camera assembly, making it possible to read the LA code of the container. The enclosure may comprise a reader assembly and at least one radio identification tag reading antenna making it possible to read the radio identification tag. The reader assembly and the at least one antenna and the camera assembly may be connected to processing means, such as a computer, to acquire the data from the radio identification tags and / or transmit them to the server.

[0012] The method may comprise assigning, in the database, to each container, the identifier of the LA code and the identifier of the radio identification tag.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the method may comprise: iii. for each reusable container of said stock, assign to the LA code at least one piece of information provided by the distributor.

[0014] The method allows the distributor to personalize the reusable containers.

[0015] For example, in step iii., the LA code may include a hyperlink. The information provided by the distributor may be a website address of said distributor or chosen by the distributor based on an event during which the containers are distributed. Thus, when a user scans the LA code with a terminal, they may be redirected to said website. Said information may be a link to a restaurant menu, an information poster, an advertisement, etc.

[0016] Another example of personalization may be the affixing of a distinctive sign (e.g. trademark or brand) on the containers. This affixing may also be information contained in the LA code and / or in the radio-identification label.

[0017] The distributor of the reusable containers can be any type of actor putting the containers into circulation, in particular any supplier of containers with a product. For example, the distributor can be a catering company, an event organizer, etc. The user can be a customer of the distributor wishing to acquire the product.

[0018] The method may comprise a step of delivering one or more reusable containers to a user, in which said delivery step may comprise: - exchanging, for each reusable container, a deposit, previously acquired by the user, against said reusable container.

[0019] The delivery step may include: - display at least one instruction on a user terminal by indicating a number of reusable containers delivered to the user, a time and date, a location and / or a pictogram specific to the date and location, - deactivate, for each reusable container delivered, a corresponding deposit on the user's terminal.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the user can, prior to the step of delivering the container, download a dedicated application for managing reusable containers. Once this application is installed on the user's terminal, the user can create an account on said application and obtain a unique identifier. The user can then proceed to purchase one or more deposits. The deposits can thus be of the digital type.

[0021] Displaying the instruction with other information such as the date and location and the pictogram makes it possible to protect the transaction and to ensure that the instruction(s) correspond to the event attended by the user.

[0022] The user can show the instruction(s) displayed on his terminal to a seller, for example acting for the distributor. The deactivation of each instruction can be carried out by the user. After this deactivation, the user can show his terminal to the seller to verify that the instruction(s) have been deactivated and the container, possibly with an order from the user, can be given to the user.

[0023] The method may comprise a step of returning one or more reusable containers, in which said returning step comprises, for each reusable container to be returned: - determine a first identifier of the reusable container by reading the LA code of said reusable container, and associate it with an identifier of said user, - insert said reusable container into a dedicated collector, - determine a second identifier, at the level of said dedicated collector, by reading the unique radio identification tag, - when the first identifier and the second identifier match each other in the database, the instruction is reactivated in the user's terminal.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the dedicated collector may comprise a magnetic / electromagnetic field-proof enclosure comprising one or more antennas and a means for reading unique radio identification tags. Said means for reading unique radio identification tags may be configured to continuously read the contents of the dedicated collector. The magnetic / electromagnetic field-proof enclosure may be configured to receive the containers.

[0025] The dedicated collector may comprise means for processing the data acquired by the means for reading unique radio identification tags. The dedicated collector may also comprise means for transmitting the data acquired by the means for reading radio identification tags. The transmission means may be wired or wireless. The dedicated collector may include means for powering the various components of the dedicated collector, such as the unique radio identification tag reading means, the data processing means and / or the data transmission means. The power supply means may be of the battery type or a mains connection. The dedicated collector may include a power management module for powering all the electronic components of said dedicated collector.

[0026] The data processing means may be configured to, each time a new radio identification identifier is read, transmit said identifier via the data transmission means to said remote server. The data processing and transmission means may be integrated into a computer.

[0027] According to one embodiment, upon return, the determination of the first identifier may be determined by the user by scanning the LA code, for example, using his terminal. Once the first identifier has been determined, said identified container may be recorded in the database as being pending return and said container may be inserted into the dedicated collector. Furthermore, when the first identifier and the second identifier do not correspond in the database, the deposit may not be credited back to the user's terminal.

[0028] The recovered container(s) can be cleaned, and possibly repaired, then put back into circulation for future reuse.

[0029] The containers, mentioned above, on which a distinctive sign is affixed and for which this affixing information is contained in the LA code and / or the radio-identification label, can be grouped together, after their recovery, before or after their cleaning and / or their repair, possibly stored and / or addressed to at least one given recipient, then put back into circulation with a view to their reuse.

[0030] According to another aspect, a system for managing reusable containers is proposed, the system comprising a plurality of reusable containers each comprising a unique radio identification tag and an LA code, at least one unique radio identification tag reader configured to read said unique radio identification tag and at least one LA code reader, the system further comprising processing means for implementing the method as mentioned above.

[0031] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a reusable container comprising at least the steps of: a. make a reusable container, b. print an LA code on said reusable container, c. integrate a radio identification label into said reusable container.

[0032] For example, step b. of printing the LA code can be carried out by a digital printer.

[0033] The radio identification tag may comprise an electronic chip incorporating a unique identifier and an antenna. These two components may be integrated into a tag-type support, which can be stuck to a surface.

[0034] According to one embodiment, step c) may comprise: cl. treating a surface of the reusable container by flaming, c2. sticking said radio identification label on said treated surface.

[0035] The reusable container can be made by molding. The integration of the radio identification tag can be carried out during the molding of the reusable container, for example by in-mold labeling. This makes it possible to merge the radio identification tag with said container. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0037] [Fig.l] shows a method for managing reusable containers according to one embodiment. Fig. 2

[0038] [Fig.2] shows a detailed example of the stock supply step of the method of the [Fig.l] according to one embodiment. Fig. 3

[0039] [Fig.3] shows an example of delivery of a reusable container to a user according to an embodiment. Fig. 4

[0040] [Fig.4] shows an example of restitution of reusable container according to a method of realization. Fig. 5

[0041] [Fig.5] shows an example of manufacturing a reusable container according to a method of embodiment suitable for use in the method of [Fig.l]. Description of the embodiments

[0042] Reference is now made to [Fig.l]. The method 100 is configured to manage reusable containers, in particular the delivery and return of these containers. The containers can be any type of product and packaging for packaging another product. For example, a container can be of the type cup, plate, bowl, pizza box, burger box, cylinder, tray, bulk bag, packaging, etc. Each container is made of recyclable material.

[0043] Each container includes both an LA code and a radio identification label.

[0044] The method 100 comprises a first step 102 for isolating each container in an enclosure sealed against the magnetic / electromagnetic field in order to allow the identifiers of the LA code and the radio identification tag to be read reliably.

[0045] The method 100 then comprises a step 104 of reading the identifier carried by the LA code and the identifier of the radio identification tag. For this purpose, the enclosure comprises: - a set of code reading cameras, allowing the LA code of the container to be read, - a reader assembly and at least one radio identification tag reading antenna for reading the radio identification tag.

[0046] The radio identification tag reading antenna for reading the radio identification tag. The reader assembly and the at least one antenna and the camera assembly can be connected to processing means, such as a computer, to acquire the data from the radio identification tags and / or transmit them to a remote server.

[0047] The method also comprises a step 106 of associating the identifier of the LA code and the identifier of the radio identification tag in a database. For example, the database is hosted by the remote server.

[0048] Thus, each container is listed in the database by its LA code identifier and its radio identification tag identifier. Such double identification of each reusable container allows for better management of reusable containers.

[0049] The method 100 comprises a step 108 of providing a stock of containers to a distributor, for example at its request and with a view to delivering the containers to users.

[0050] An example embodiment of step 108 is detailed in [Fig.2]. Step 108 firstly comprises the isolation of each container of the stock in an enclosure impervious to the magnetic / electromagnetic field, for example an enclosure similar to that used in step 102. Then, in step 204, the container is identified by reading the identifier of the radio identification tag. Step 108 then comprises a step 206 of assigning the identifiers determined in step 204, to the distributor, in the database.

[0051] According to one embodiment, step 108 comprises a step 208 for personalizing the container according to the distributor's choice. Step 108 comprises updating the information contained in the LA code with information provided by the distributor. For example, information provided by the distributor is a website address of said distributor or an event during which it is responsible for distributing the containers. Thus, when a user scans the LA code with a terminal, they are redirected to said website. Alternatively or in addition, such information may be a link to a restaurant menu, an information poster, an advertisement, etc.

[0052] The method 100 also comprises a step 300, detailed in [Fig.3], of delivering containers to a user and a step 400, detailed in [Fig.4], of returning containers.

[0053] Step 300 firstly comprises a step 302 of acquiring at least one deposit by the user. Prior to step 300, the user downloads a dedicated application for managing reusable containers. Once this application is installed on a terminal of the user, the user creates an account on said application and obtains a unique identifier. The deposits are acquired directly on the application. The deposits are thus of the digital type.

[0054] Step 300 then comprises a step 304 of displaying one or more instructions acquired by the user on his terminal. In addition to the instructions, information such as a number of reusable containers delivered to the user, a time and a date, a location and / or a pictogram specific to the date and location, are also displayed on the terminal.

[0055] Step 300 includes a step 306 of deactivating, for each container delivered to the customer, a corresponding deposit on the user's terminal.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the user shows the instruction(s) displayed on his terminal to a seller, for example acting for the distributor. The deactivation 306 of each instruction is carried out by the user. After this deactivation, the user shows his terminal to the seller to verify that the instruction(s) have been deactivated. The container, possibly with an order from the user, is then given to the user.

[0057] Step 400 of returning the containers comprises the following steps: - step 402: determine a first identifier of the reusable container by reading the LA code of said reusable container, and associate it with an identifier of said user, - step 404: insert said reusable container into a dedicated collector, such as the collector 600 of [Fig.6], - step 406: determine a second identifier, at the level of said dedicated collector, by reading the unique radio identification tag, - step 408: when the first identifier and the second identifier match each other in the database, the instruction is reactivated in the user's terminal.

[0058] Step 402 is performed directly by the user by scanning the LA code via the terminal, in particular via the application.

[0059] The collector 600 comprises an enclosure 602 sealed against the magnetic / electromagnetic field comprising one or more antennas and a means 604 for reading unique radio identification tags. The means 604 for reading unique radio identification tags is configured to continuously read the contents of the collector 600.

[0060] The collector 600 comprises means 606 for processing and transmitting the data acquired by the means 604 for reading radio identification tags. The transmission of the data can be carried out wired or wirelessly. The collector 600 comprises means 608 for powering the various components of the collector 600, such as the means 604 for reading unique radio identification tags and the means 606 for processing and transmitting the data. The power supply means 608 can be of the battery type or a mains connection.

[0061] The data processing and transmission means 606 are configured to, each time a new radio identification identifier is read, transmit said identifier to said remote server.

[0062] The recovered container(s) can be cleaned, and possibly repaired, then put back into circulation for future reuse.

[0063] At least one container is produced according to the manufacturing method 500 of [Fig. 5]. The method 500 comprises the following steps: - step 502: make a reusable container, - step 504: print an LA code on said reusable container, - step 506: integrate a radio identification label into said reusable container.

[0064] The radio identification tag comprises an electronic chip integrating a unique identifier and an antenna. These two components are in particular integrated into a label-type support, which can be stuck to a surface.

[0065] The reusable container is made by molding.

[0066] For example, step 504 of printing the LA code is carried out by a digital printer.

[0067] According to one embodiment, step 506 firstly comprises the treatment of a surface of the reusable container by flaming, and then the bonding of said radio identification label on said treated surface.

[0068] According to another embodiment, step 506 comprises the integration of the radio identification tag during the molding of the reusable container, for example by in-mold labeling. This makes it possible to merge the radio identification tag with said container.

Claims

Claims

1. Method (100) for managing reusable containers each comprising a unique radio identification tag and an LA code, each identifier of the unique radio identification tag being associated with the LA code, said method comprising: i. isolating (102) each reusable container in an enclosure impervious to the magnetic / electromagnetic field, ii. reading (104) of the LA code and reading the radio identification tag, i2. associating (106) the identifier of the LA code and the identifier of the radio identification tag in a database, ii. providing (108) a stock of said reusable containers to a distributor by assigning the identifiers of the unique radio identification tags of the reusable containers to said distributor in the database.

2. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, further comprising: iii. for each reusable container of said stock, assigning (206) to the LA code at least one piece of information provided by the distributor.

3. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein, in step iii., the LA code comprises a hyperlink.

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of delivering (300) one or more reusable containers to a user, in which said delivery step comprises: - exchanging, for each reusable container, a deposit, previously acquired by the user, against said reusable container.

5. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, in which said delivery step (300) comprises: - displaying (304) at least one instruction on a terminal of the user indicating a number of reusable containers delivered to the user, a time and a date, a place and / or a pictogram specific to the date and the place, - deactivating (306), for each reusable container delivered, a corresponding instruction on the terminal of the user.

6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of returning (400) one or more reusable containers, in which said returning step comprises, for each reusable container to be returned: - determining (402) a first identifier of the reusable container by reading the LA code of said reusable container, and associating it with an identifier of said user, - inserting (404) said reusable container into a dedicated collector (600), - determining (406) a second identifier, at said dedicated collector, by reading the unique radio identification tag, - when the first identifier and the second identifier correspond to each other in the database, the instruction is reactivated (408) in the user's terminal.

7. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the dedicated collector (600) comprises a sealed enclosure (602) to the magnetic / electromagnetic field comprising one or more antennas and a means (604) for reading unique radio identification tags, said means for reading unique radio identification tags being configured to continuously read the contents of the dedicated collector.

8. System for managing reusable containers, the system comprising a plurality of reusable containers each comprising a unique radio identification tag and an LA code, at least one unique radio identification tag reader configured to read said unique radio identification tag and at least one LA code reader, the system further comprising processing means for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Method (500) for manufacturing a reusable container comprising at least the steps of: a. producing (502) a reusable container, b. printing (504) an LA code on said reusable container, c. integrating (506) a radio identification label into said reusable container.

10. Method (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein step c) comprises: cl. treating a surface of the reusable container by flaming, c2. sticking said radio identification label on said treated surface.

11. Method (100) according to claim 9, in which the reusable container is produced by molding and the integration of the radio identification tag is carried out during the molding of the reusable container.

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