Application of radio frequency identification
View Patent ↗A method for making a container including a radio frequency identification label is provide. In an embodiment the method includes placing a radio frequency identification (RFID) label into a mold; positioning the RFID label so that an outer portion of the label is substantially flush with the mold surface; and molding a container such that the outer portion of the RFID label is substantially flush with the outer surface of the side wall of the container. An article, which may be formed using the foregoing method, is also disclosed.
1. A method for making a container including a radio frequency identification label, the method comprising:
placing a radio frequency identification label comprising a substrate, an antenna, and memory for the storage of data into a mold;
positioning the radio frequency identification label so that one or more of the substrate, the antenna, and the memory abuts the mold surface; and
molding a container such that the radio frequency identification label is integral with a side wall of the container and one or more of the substrate, the antenna, and the memory is flush with the outer surface of the side wall of the container.
2. The method of claim 1 , including covering a portion of the outside surface of the container with a product label that at least partially covers the radio frequency identification label.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the molding comprises injection molding or blow molding.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the molded container includes a neck portion configured to receive a closure and a base portion.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the radio frequency identification label is delivered to the mold and held in a desired location using a magnet.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the radio frequency identification label is delivered to the mold with an air delivery means.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the radio frequency identification label is held in a desired location using a magnet.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the radio frequency identification label is held in a desired location using a vacuum.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the radio frequency identification label is fed into the mold using a web that is indexed to the mold.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the molding includes providing a preform or parison and blow molding the preform or parison to form the container.
11. A plastic bottle comprising:
a base wall portion, a wall portion having an outside surface and extending upwardly from the base wall portion, a neck wall portion extending upwardly from the wall portion, and an opening above the neck wall portion;
a radio frequency identification chip integrally connected to the wall portion and configured to generate electrical signals or pulses that are readable by a reader, the radio frequency identification chip comprising a substrate, an antenna, and a memory for storage of data, one or more of the substrate, the antenna, and the memory configured to be flush with the outside surface of the wall portion; and
a product label affixed to a portion of the outside surface of the bottle, wherein the label at least partially covers the radio frequency identification chip.
12. The bottle of claim 11 , including contact means connecting the antenna to the memory.
13. The bottle of claim 11 , wherein the substrate comprises a plastic film.
14. The bottle of claim 11 , wherein the radio frequency identification chip at least in part includes a conductive material.
15. The bottle of claim 11 , wherein the identification chip includes integral power means.
16. The bottle of claim 11 , wherein the product label includes graphics configured to be altered by activation of the chip.
17. The bottle of claim 16 , wherein the graphics are activated by the chip when a product is approaching its expiration time or has exceeded temperature limits.
18. The bottle of claim 16 , wherein the graphics are activated for a special sales promotion or for a price change.
19. A plastic bottle comprising:
a base wall portion, a wall portion having an outside surface and extending upwardly from the base wall portion, a neck wall portion extending upwardly from the wall portion, and an opening above the neck wall portion;
a radio frequency identification chip integrally connected to said wall portion and configured to generate electrical signals or pulses that are readable by a reader, the radio frequency identification chip comprising a substrate, an antenna, and memory for storage of data, one or more of the substrate, the antenna, and the memory configured to be flush with the outside surface of the wall portion; and
a product label affixed to a portion of the outside surface of the bottle, wherein the label at least partially covers the radio frequency identification chip;
wherein the product label includes graphics configured to be altered by activation of the chip.
20. A method for making a container including a radio frequency identification label, the method comprising:
placing a radio frequency identification label comprising a substrate, an antenna, and memory for the storage of data into a mold;
positioning the radio frequency identification label so that one or more of the substrate, the antenna, and the memory abuts the mold surface;
injection molding or blow molding a container including a neck portion configured to receive a closure, a side wall, and a base portion, wherein the radio frequency identification label is integral with the side wall of the container and one or more of the substrate, the antenna, and the memory is flush with the outer surface of the side wall of the container; and
covering a portion of the outside surface of the container with a product label that at least partially covers the radio frequency identification label;
wherein the radio frequency identification label is delivered to the mold and held in a desired location.