RFID cap for pressurized food product packaging

Abstract

An RFID cap includes a cap body coupled to the container, and an RFID inlay coupled to the cap body. The RFID cap may be part of a pressurized food product including a container containing flowable food. The RFID cap body may be molded.

Description

RFID CAP FOR PRESSURIZED FOOD PRODUCT PACKAGINGFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an RFID cap for pressurized food product packaging, and a pressurized food product including the RFID cap.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to transmit data wirelessly for the identification and tracking of objects, animals, or people. RFID tags are small electronic devices that consist of a microchip and an antenna. These tags can be attached to or embedded in various items, allowing them to be uniquely identified and tracked using RFID readers.

[0003] There are three main types of RFID Tags: active RFID tags which have their own power source (battery) and can transmit signals over longer distances; passive RFID tag which do not have their own power source and rely on the energy transmitted by RFID readers to send data; and semi-passive (Battery-assisted) RFID tags which combine features of both active and passive tags, using a small battery to extend the communication range.

[0004] RFID tags operates at different frequency bands, including Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), and Ultra High Frequency (UHF). The choice of frequency depends on the application requirements, such as reading distance and environmental conditions.

[0005] As examples, RFID tags may be used in supply chain management to track the movement of goods in the supply chain, improving efficiency and reducing errors, and inventory tracking by retailers for real-time inventory management, reducing stockouts and overstock situations. In a newer application, RFID tags may be used for contactless and "grab and go" retail shopping, such as in grocery stores or other food marketplaces.SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, a pressurized food product generally comprises a container containing flowable food. An RFID cap includes a cap body coupled to the container, and an RFID inlay coupled to the cap body.

[0007] In another aspect, an RFID cap for pressurized food product packaging generally comprises a cap body configured to be coupled to a container containing flowable food. An RFID inlay is coupled to the cap body.

[0008] In yet another aspect, a method of making an RFID cap for pressurized food product packaging generally comprises molding a cap body of the RFID cap; and coupling an RFID inlay to the cap body.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. l is a perspective of an embodiment of an RFID cap for food product packaging including an RFID inlay.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of a pressurized food product showing the RFID cap removed from a pressurized can of food product.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an RFID tag including the RFID inlay.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross section of the RFID cap.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross section of another embodiment of an RFID cap.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross section of yet another embodiment of an RFID cap.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] The present disclosure is generally directed to an RFID cover or cap for pressurized food product packaging, and a pressurized food product including the RFID cap. The RFID cap includes a cap body and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlay coupled to the cap body. The RFID inlay may be a component of an RFID tag coupled to the cap body, or the RFID inlay may be directly coupled to the cap body. As used herein and generally known in the art, the "RFID inlay" comprises or consists of a microchip that contains a unique identifier and may include additional information, an antenna that facilitates communication by transmitting and receiving radio signals, and a substrate which is a thin layer that holds the antenna and chip together. "RFID tags" and RFID labels are devices that include an RFID inlay and other components used with the RFID inlay, including a substrate, covering, attachment component, etc. The present invention includes an RFID inlay, which may or may not be part of an RFID tag.

[0016] In specific embodiments, the RFID inlay is coupled to an upper portion of the cap body. In these embodiments, the RFID inlay is hidden and not viewable by a customer at the point of sale, such as at a retailer (e.g., grocery store or other marketplace). This is intended to inhibit tampering and / or removal of the RFID inlay. Moreover, in specific embodiments the cap body is tamper-evident and secured to a container of the packaging by a tamper-evident seal. This further inhibits tampering and / or removal of the RFID inlay / tag. In certain embodiment, the RFID inlay may be securely coupled to the cap body in ways tofurther inhibit tampering and / or removal at the point of sale and other locations in the supply chain.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, one embodiment of an RFID cap for pressurized food product packaging is generally indicated at reference numeral 10. The RFID cap includes a cap body 12 configured to be coupled to a pressurized container of the pressurized food product, and an RFID inlay 14 coupled to the cap body. (Suitable embodiments of the pressurized container and the pressurized food product in general are shown in FIG. 2 and described in more detail below.)

[0018] A suitable embodiment of the RFID inlay 14 is shown in FIG. 3. The RFID inlay 14 consists of a microchip 18 that contains a unique identifier and may include additional information, an antenna 20 that facilitates communication by transmitting and receiving radio signals, and a substrate 22 which is a thin layer that holds the antenna and chip together. The illustrated RFID inlay 14 is a passive RFID inlay which does not have its own power source and relies on the energy transmitted by an RFID reader to operate. In another example, the RFID inlay may be semi-passive battery-assisted. In the illustrated embodiment, the RFID inlay 14 is part of an RFID tag 24. In addition to the RFID inlay 14, the illustrated RFID tag 24 includes an encasement 28 that covers and / or encases the inlay. The encasement may be made of paper, plastic or similar materials to protect the RFID inlay 14. The RFID tag 24 may include other or additional components.

[0019] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the RFID inlay 14 (e.g., tag 24) is insert molded in the cap body 12, such as during molding of the cap body. As shown in FIG. 4, in the illustrated embodiment the entirety of the tag 24 is within the upper portion of the cap body 12. In general, the insert molded tag 24 is may be considered to be disposed within an interior recess, where the tag can be completed surrounded by or partially surrounded by the material of the cap body 12.

[0020] In another embodiment of the cap 10' shown in FIG. 5, the RFID inlay 14 (e.g., tag 24) is snap-fit to the cap body 12 or otherwise mechanically connected to the cap body. The tag 24 is received in an interior recess or cavity within the interior of the cap body 12. Snap-fit arms hold the tag 24 within the recess.

[0021] In another embodiment of the cap 10' shown in FIG. 6, the RFID inlay 14 (e.g., tag 24) is adhered to the cap body 12. For example, an adhesive sheet 32 may adhere an upper surface of the tag 24 to an upper surface defining an interior recess or cavity within the interior of the cap body 12.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the cap body 12 includes a lower annular section including a removable tamper-evident annular portion 40 and a non-removable snap-fit portion 42. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the tamper-evident portion 40 includes cleats 45 that engage a lip 46 of a pressurized food container 48 (FIG. 2). Removable of the tamper-evident portion 44 along a line of weakness 52 enables the cap body 12 to be removed from the container 48. The non-removable snap-fit portion 42 includes detents (not shown) that remain on the cap body 12 after removal of the tamper-evident portion 44 to enable removable snap- fit connection of the cap body on the lip 46 of the aerosol container 48. A suitable cap body is described in U.S. Serial No. 11 / 540475, filed September 29, 2006, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, the pressurized food product is generally indicated at reference numeral 50. The pressurized food product 50 may be an aerosol whipped-cream product, a pressurized cheese spread product, or other pressurized, flowable food product dispensable from a pressurized container 48. The illustrated pressurized food packaging includes the pressurized container 48 and a valve assembly 54 coupled to the pressurized container and configured to enable dispensing of the food product from the container. In FIG. 2, only an actuator or decorating tip is viewable, with other components of the valve assembly being hidden. However, components of a valve assembly for such food products are generally known.

[0024] Modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

[0025] When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0026] As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A pressurized food product comprising: a container containing flowable food; and an RFID cap including a cap body coupled to the container, and an RFID inlay coupled to the cap body.

2. The pressurized food product set forth in claim 1, wherein the RFID inlay consists of a microchip containing a unique identifier, and an antenna that facilitates communication by transmitting and receiving radio signals, and a substrate holding the antenna and the microchip together.

3. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the RFID inlay is passive.

4. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-3, further including an encasement encasing the RFID inlay.

5. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-4, wherein the RFID inlay is coupled to an upper portion of the RFID cap.

6. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the RFID inlay is hidden and not viewable by customer at point of sale.

7. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the RFID inlay is inside the RFID cap.

8. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the RFID inlay is received in a recess defined by the RFID cap.

9. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the RFID inlay is inset molded in the RFID cap.

10. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-8, wherein theRFID inlay is snap-fit to the RFID cap.

11. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the RFID inlay is adhered to the RFID cap.

12. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the cap body includes a lower annular section including a removable tamper-evident annular portion.

13. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-12, further comprising a valve assembly coupled to the container and configured to selectively dispense the flowable food from the container.

14. The pressurized food product set forth in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the flowable food product is pressurized in the container.

15. The pressurized food product set forth in claim 14, wherein the flowable food product comprises aerosol whipped cream.

16. An RFID cap for pressurized food product packaging comprising: a cap body configured to be coupled to a container containing flowable food; and an RFID inlay coupled to the cap body.

17. The RFID cap set forth in claim 16, wherein the RFID inlay is coupled to an upper portion of the RFID cap.

18. The RFID cap set forth in any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein the RFID inlay is inside the RFID cap.

19. The RFID cap set forth in any one of claims 16-18, wherein the RFID inlay is received in a recess defined by the RFID cap.

20. A method of making an RFID cap for pressurized food product packaging, the method comprising:molding a cap body of the RFID cap; and coupling an RFID inlay to the cap body.

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