Custom packaging center and packaging for use in the custom packaging center

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10793315-B2
Application number	US-201414174953-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Feb 7, 2014
Priority date	Feb 19, 2013
Publication date	Oct 6, 2020
Grant date	Oct 6, 2020

Abstract

A custom packaging center for custom selecting and custom packaging canned and/or container goods and a novel box for use with the custom packaging center.

First claim

We claim:

1. A method for creating a customized package of a plurality of food items comprising:
a. providing an automated custom packaging center that includes a loading station, an automated packaging station and an automated identification arrangement, the loading station selectively positionable between a loading position and a processing position, the loading position to receive the plurality of food items, the automated identification arrangement comprising a bar code scanner and a scan zone to identify each of the plurality of food items loaded into the loading station by scanning each of the plurality of food items using the bar code scanner when each of the plurality food items is positioned in the processing position of the loading station and within the scan zone, the automated identification arrangement further comprising a processor configured to create an identification code that identifies each of the plurality of food items loaded in the loading station, the automated packaging station configured to support a removable packaging and to position the removable packaging to receive the plurality of food items when the plurality of food items are directed from the loading station and after the automated identification arrangement has identified each of the plurality of food items loaded into the loading station;
b. loading the plurality of food items into the loading station;
c. moving the plurality of food items to the processing position by repositioning the loading station from the loading position;
d. identifying each of the plurality of food items using the bar code scanner;
e. loading each of the plurality of food items into the removable packaging positioned within the automated packaging station by directing each of the plurality of food items from the loading station; and
f. generating the identification code that identifies each of the plurality of food items loaded in the loading station;
wherein the plurality of food items are selected from the group consisting of cans, containers, pet food, canned soup, soup containers, canned meat, meat containers, canned seafood, seafood containers, canned fruit, fruit containers, canned vegetables, vegetable containers, containers of sauces, containers of mints/breath fresheners, containers of gum, containers of candy, beverage containers, spice containers, frozen beverage concentrates containers, containers of yogurt, containers of refrigerated goods, and containers of frozen goods,
wherein a bottom flange, a top flange, and a back surface of the automated packaging station define a tray box, the tray box movable between a load/remove position and a fill position, the tray box in the load/remove position is configured to enable the removable packaging to be inserted into the tray box, removed from the tray box, or combinations thereof, wherein the tray box in the fill position is configured to position the removable packaging to receive the plurality of food items after the automated identification arrangement has identified at least one of the plurality of food items.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 , further including the step of printing the identification code on at least one medium selected from the group consisting of a label and the removable packaging.

3. The method as defined in claim 2 , wherein the automated custom packaging center includes a label dispenser configured to dispense a label printed by a printer, and the method comprises securing the label to the removable packaging.

4. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the automated identification arrangement includes a rotating mechanism configured for repositioning at least one of the plurality of food items to facilitate in the identification of each of the plurality of food items.

5. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the automated custom packaging center includes a display screen, the display screen configured to perform one or more actions selected from the group consisting of 1) providing information about the automated custom packaging center, 2) providing instructions on how to use the automated custom packaging center, 3) providing information about the plurality of food items, 4) providing information about pricing of the plurality of food items, 5) providing status information as to the operation of the automated custom packaging center, 6) providing advertising about the plurality of food items, related food items, brands, store promotions, or combinations thereof, 7) enabling a selection of coupons, 8) enabling entry of discount codes, 9) enabling scanning of coupons, promotion codes, or combinations thereof, 10) providing information as to steps of use for the automated custom packaging center, 11) starting a process for using the automated custom packaging center, 12) providing notification that the plurality of food items have been properly loaded, improperly loaded, or combinations thereof in the loading station, 13) causing the loading station to rotate, closing a cover over the loading station, or combinations thereof after the plurality of food items have been loaded in the loading station, 14) providing notice that a packing process of the plurality of food items has been completed, 15) causing the identification code to be printed on a label, 16) causing the identification code to be printed on the removable packaging, 17) canceling a packaging process, 18) providing error information regarding the automated custom packaging center, 19) providing error information when a packaging receptacle is empty, and 20) causing a box tray of the automated packaging station to open, close or combinations thereof.

6. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the automated custom packaging center is positioned on or integrated with a shelf system.

7. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the automated custom packaging center is a free-standing self-contained system.

8. A method for creating a customized package of a plurality of food items comprising:
a. providing an automated custom packaging center that includes a loading station, an automated packaging station and an automated identification arrangement, the loading station selectively positionable between a loading position and a processing position, the loading position to receive the plurality of food items, the automated identification arrangement comprising a bar code scanner and a scan zone to identify each of the plurality of food items loaded into the loading station by scanning each of the plurality of food items using the bar code scanner when each of the plurality food items is positioned in the processing position of the loading station and within the scan zone, the automated identification arrangement further comprising a processor configured to create an identification code that is representative of the identification of each of the plurality of food items loaded in the loading station, the automated packaging station configured to support a removable packaging and to position the removable packaging to receive the plurality of food items when the plurality of food items are directed from the loading station and after the automated identification arrangement has identified each of the plurality of food items loaded into the loading station;
b. loading the plurality of food items into the loading station;
c. moving the plurality of food items to the processing position by repositioning the loading station from the loading position;
d. identifying each of the plurality of food items using the bar code scanner;
e. loading each of the plurality of food items into the removable packaging positioned within the automated packaging station by directing each of the plurality of food items from the loading station; and
f. generating the identification

Assignees

• Nestec Sa
• Nestle Sa

Inventors

• Taylor Curtis
• Misener Aaron

Classifications

• A47F9/04 Primary

  Check-out counters, e.g. for self-service stores · CPC title

• B65B5/06

  Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles · CPC title

• B65D5/542

  the lines of weakness being provided in the container body · CPC title

• B65B57/14

  and operating to control, or stop, the feed of articles or material to be packaged · CPC title

• B65D5/0254

  with end closures formed by inward folding of flaps and securing them by means of a tongue integral with one of the flaps · CPC title