SUMMARY

The present invention concerns a method of connecting a crockery item to a contactless readable electronic information carrier comprising the steps providing the crockery item, the crockery item comprising a material selected from a group consisting of glass, ceramic and plastic or a combination thereof, applying a carrier layer to a surface of the crockery item, applying the information carrier to a surface of the carrier layer, that is remote from the surface of the crockery item, wherein a base surface of the information carrier is smaller than a surface of the carrier layer, and applying a cover layer of printing ink in such a way that the cover layer at least portion-wise covers a surface of the information carrier, that is remote from the carrier layer, and the surface of the carrier layer.

In addition the present invention concerns an apparatus comprising a crockery item comprising a material selected from a group consisting of glass, ceramic and plastic or a combination thereof, a carrier layer applied to a surface of the crockery item, a contactless readable electronic information carrier applied to a surface of the carrier layer, that is remote from the surface of the crockery item, and a cover layer of printing ink, wherein a base surface of the information carrier is smaller than a surface of the carrier layer, and wherein the cover layer at least portion-wise covers a surface of the information carrier, that is remote from the carrier layer, and the surface of the carrier layer.

The present invention further concerns a printing apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Contactless readable electronic information carriers, in particular in the form of RFID transponders, which are applied to a self-adhesive carrier film, are known from the state of the art. They can also be glued on to a crockery item for identification thereof. It will be noted however that such a solution does not present the dishwasher resistance which is frequently wanted nor effective protection from manipulation. In addition, that state of the art does not satisfy the aesthetic demands on glasses for branded drinks.

In addition, EP 3 552 153 A1 discloses a method of connecting a contactless readable information carrier to a crockery item. In that method a frame is fitted around the information carrier applied to the crockery item so that the information carrier can be covered over with a cover layer comprising a printing ink.

In comparison the object of the present invention is to provide a method of connecting a crockery item to a contactless readable electronic information carrier, an apparatus comprising a crockery item and an information carrier fixed thereto and a printing apparatus, which make it possible to effect connection of the information carrier to the crockery item more efficiently.

At least one of the above-mentioned objects is attained by a method of connecting a crockery item to a contactless readable electronic information carrier comprising the steps providing the crockery item, the crockery item comprising a material selected from a group consisting of glass, ceramic and plastic or a combination thereof, applying a carrier layer to a surface of the crockery item, applying the information carrier to a surface of the carrier layer, that is remote from the surface of the crockery item, wherein a base surface of the information carrier is smaller than a surface of the carrier layer, and applying a cover layer of printing ink in such a way that the cover layer at least portion-wise covers a surface of the information carrier, that is remote from the carrier layer, and the surface of the carrier layer, wherein the carrier layer includes a plastically deformable material and wherein application of the information carrier to the carrier layer includes impressing the information carrier into the carrier layer.

The fundamental idea of the method according to the invention is to arrange the information carrier on a carrier layer applied to the crockery item and then impress the information carrier into that carrier layer so that a printable surface is formed from a surface of the information carrier, that is remote from the carrier layer and a surface of the carrier layer, to which the cover layer of printing ink can be applied in conventional manner.

In an embodiment of the invention application of the cover layer of printing ink presupposes a surface involving a sufficiently small structural depth. Such a small structural depth of the surface to be covered is afforded in an embodiment by the combination of the elastically deformable material of the carrier layer and the information carrier surface that is remote from the carrier layer.

In an embodiment of the invention after impression of the information carrier into the carrier layer the surface of the information carrier, that is remote from the surface of the carrier layer, and the surface of the carrier layer together form a closed surface with a roughness, the roughness permitting application of the carrier layer.

In an embodiment of the invention the carrier layer comprises the plastically deformable material. In an embodiment the plastically deformable material of the carrier layer is a plastically deformable plastic, in particular a thermoplastic.

In an embodiment of the invention the carrier layer includes an adhesive material, preferably a self-adhesive material. In that way, when applying the information carrier to the carrier layer, the information carrier is laid on the carrier layer prior to the impression operation without slipping with respect to the carrier layer. Additional adhesive, for example by arranging a self-adhesive film on the information carrier, is possible, but not absolutely necessary.

In an embodiment of the invention a thickness of the carrier layer prior to application of the information carrier is at least as great, preferably greater than a maximum thickness of the information carrier. This configuration of the carrier layer ensures that the surface of the carrier layer, beside the information carrier, after impression of the information carrier into the carrier layer, and the surface of the information carrier, that is remote from the surface of the carrier layer, form a surface at the same level. In that respect the thickness of the information carrier involving the greatest extent is used to denote the maximum thickness of the information carrier.

In an embodiment of the invention the information carrier has two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, wherein the information carrier is completely surrounded by the material of the carrier layer along the longitudinal sides and the transverse sides after impression of the information carrier into the carrier layer. That ensures that the information carrier is completely imbedded into the carrier layer material.

In a further embodiment of the invention application of the carrier layer is effected by printing, in particular using a screen printing procedure.

In an embodiment the carrier layer serves to conceal the information carrier, when fixed to a transparent crockery item, for example a drinking vessel of glass, for a viewer who is looking through the portion of the crockery item, to which the electronic information carrier is applied.

The cover layer of printing ink which at least portion-wise extends both over the surface of the information carrier itself and also over the surface of the carrier layer provides that the information carrier is at least portion-wise permanently sealed on the crockery item. Depending on the choice of printing ink the cover layer not only prevents detachment of or damage to the information carrier during the period of use of the crockery item but also ensures the required dishwasher resistance.

In an embodiment the cover layer completely covers the surface of the information carrier, that is remote from the surface of the carrier layer, and the surface of the carrier layer. That makes it possible to provide protection for the information carrier and the carrier layer from contamination and damage.

In an embodiment a surface of the cover layer is larger than the surface of the carrier layer so that the cover layer extends over the entire periphery of the carrier layer beyond the carrier layer on to the surface of the crockery item. In such an embodiment the cover layer provides for complete encapsulation of the information carrier.

In an embodiment of the invention application of the cover layer of printing ink includes printing on the cover layer and/or transferring the cover layer in the form of a printed transfer image.

If transfer of the cover layer in the form of a printed transfer image is selected for applying the cover layer of printing ink, then in an embodiment firstly the desired decoration is applied by printing to a carrier paper. Then the finished printed cover layer is applied manually to the crockery item and at least portion-wise over the information carrier and the carrier layer, in the manner of a stick-on label or decal. Finally, the applied transfer image is hardened by the application of heat (temperature treatment).

In an embodiment of the invention the transfer image is printed with an organic ink system.

In comparison therewith, the expression applying the cover layer by printing is used to denote direct printing on the information carrier and/or on the carrier layer and/or on the crockery item. In that printing operation the printing ink is respectively discharged from a printing apparatus, in particular a printing machine like for example a screen-printing machine, on to the respective surface of the crockery item, the information carrier or the carrier layer on the crockery item.

In direct overprinting of the information carrier and the carrier layer with the cover layer of printing ink many different challenges arise, which can be resolved by means of the present invention.

It is found to be problematical that in all embodiments of the present invention at least two different materials, in particular however three different materials, namely a material of the information carrier, a material of the crockery item and a material of the carrier layer, are to be overprinted.

On the other hand, in embodiments the information carrier does not have a completely structure-less surface but rather there is at least one portion of the information carrier, which projects with respect to one of the surfaces of the information carrier.

In particular such a projecting portion is present in embodiments of the information carrier, in which the antenna is printed on to a flat/even substrate and an integrated circuit is applied to the substrate, which includes the electronic circuitry. That electronic circuit then projects as a portion in relation to the surface. To create an attractive aesthetic overall impression the printing ink in an embodiment covers the edges created by the projection of a portion with respect to the otherwise flat surface.

In an embodiment of the invention the cover layer completely covers the surface of the information carrier and the printing ink of the cover layer is applied by printing to the surface of the information carrier in a thickness of at least 100 μm, preferably a thickness of 140 μm and particularly preferably a thickness of at least 250 μm. With a cover layer of such thickness it is possible to even out the edges in relation to the surface of the projecting portion of the information carrier and to apply the coating with the printing ink in such a way that a substantially homogenous and level surface of the cover layer is generated.

For that purpose in an embodiment the viscosity of the printing ink has to be so selected that on the one hand it runs sufficiently after the printing operation to provide for the required levelling of the edges, but on the other hand the viscosity has to be such that the printing ink does not run off the printed surface.

To comply with both conditions the printing ink in an embodiment of the invention is of high viscosity.

In a further embodiment the printing ink is quick drying. In that respect the expression quick-drying printing ink in accordance with the present invention is used to mean that the ink is dust-dry within less than 30 minutes, preferably within less than 10 minutes and particularly preferably within less than one minute, when setting the appropriate drying parameters, and allows direct further processing, in particular coverage with a further layer of printing ink.

Irrespective of the production thereof however the cover layer not only serves for aesthetic coverage of the information carrier but also affords encapsulation of the information carrier and thus protection from external influences like for example cold or hot rinsing water or mechanical pressure on the information carrier. By virtue of the insulating properties of the printing ink covering the information carrier with printing ink also protects it from thermal influences.

In an embodiment of the invention printing of the cover layer is effected using a screen printing procedure, the printing ink being a screen printing ink.

It will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment basically the printing method according to the invention could also be implemented using pad printing technology with a pad printing ink.

In an embodiment of the invention the printing ink of the cover layer is an organic printing ink. Such organic printing inks do not necessarily require hardening by firing of the ink and can therefore be used for the coating operation, even if the information carrier which is temperature-sensitive is already applied.

In an embodiment of the invention such an organic printing ink comprises at least two components, one of the components being a hardener. In the case of such multi-component printing inks it is possible to set the drying time and adapt it to printing of the combination involved here of the crockery item and the information carrier.

In an embodiment of the invention the printing ink of the cover layer is a metallic printing ink or a metallic replacement ink.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention the printing ink of the cover layer is hardened by the action of UV radiation on the crockery item with the information carrier and the printing ink. In a further embodiment the printing ink is hardened by heating thereof to a temperature of 70° Celsius or less, preferably 60° Celsius or less and particularly preferably 50° C. or less. Such hardening without firing at temperatures above 70° C. makes it possible to seal the information carrier as described with the cover layer of printing ink.

In an embodiment of the invention a plurality of cover layers are successively applied to the crockery item with the carrier layer and the information carrier. In that respect in an embodiment the individual cover layers are such that their areas increase upwardly from the information carrier. In that way each following cover layer completely covers the subjacent cover layer and projects over the entire periphery of the subjacent cover layer beyond the subjacent cover layer.

In an embodiment of the invention the cover layer is at least portion-wise transparent so that the cover layer makes it possible to view at least a portion of the information carrier. In that way the information carrier for example can permit signaling of information to a user by means of a light emitting diode.

Basically, it is immaterial for the method according to invention, at what position on the crockery item the carrier layer, the information carrier and the cover layer are provided.

The term crockery item is used to denote a utensil which is used when taking meals, but also for processing and storage for example of foods, chemicals and medicines. In particular according to the invention the term crockery item embraces laboratory flasks and glasses, laboratory crockery, reagent glasses, flasks for storing medicines and chemicals, flacons, dishes, bowls, plates, bottle coolers and drinking vessels.

The term drinking vessel in accordance with the invention is used to denote a drinking vessel irrespective of the choice of its material. A drinking vessel of glass however is preferred. Drinking vessels in accordance with the present application include beakers, handle items like cups, mugs and pitchers, decorative vessels, but also bottles or drinking bottles.

A contactless readable electronic information carrier in accordance with the present invention in an embodiment includes a carrier substrate, in particular a carrier substrate of plastic. In addition, in an embodiment the information carrier includes an electronic circuitry having a transmitting circuit for emitting a signal, a processing circuit and a permanent memory. Such electronic circuits are known in many different forms from the state of the art.

In that case individual parts of the electronic circuitry can be integrated in an integrated circuit, more specifically a chip. A signal in accordance with the present invention can be an electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic or optical signal. Preferred embodiments however are those in which the signal is modulated on to a magnetic field or an electromagnetic field.

In an embodiment of the invention the electronic circuitry of the information carrier, in addition to the circuit, also includes a receiver circuit for receiving a signal. It will be appreciated that that receiver circuit is then also connected to the processing circuit.

In an embodiment of the invention the transmitter and/or receiver circuit are analog circuits. In a further embodiment of the invention the processing circuit is a digital circuit. Such a digital processing circuit in an embodiment is a microcontroller.

In a further embodiment the circuitry also has an antenna connected to the transmitter and/or receiver circuit. It serves to emit or receive the signal in the form of a magnetic field or an electromagnetic field.

In an embodiment of the invention the electronic circuitry is an RFID transponder. Coupling between the reading device and such an RFID transponder is effected in an embodiment of the invention either by means of an alternating magnetic field of short range or by high-frequency radio waves.

In an embodiment of the invention the RFID transponder is a transponder in accordance with the NFC standard. Such transponders can be read out with conventional mobile terminal devices, for example a smartphone or a tablet, and are inexpensively available.

In an embodiment of the invention the information carrier is applied to the carrier layer by means of an applicator and is impressed into the carrier layer, wherein the applicator and the crockery item are moveable relative to each other, wherein the applicator has a camera for detecting a position of the carrier layer on the crockery item, and wherein positioning of the applicator with the information carrier relative to the crockery item is effected by means of an image, created by the camera, of the crockery item with the carrier layer. In that way the information carrier can be applied to the carrier layer in an automated procedure.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention the information carrier is applied to the carrier layer by means of an applicator and thereby impressed into the carrier layer, wherein the applicator and the crockery item are moveable relative to each other, wherein the applicator has a contactless reading and/or writing device for reading and/or writing to the information carrier. In that way it is possible, while the information carrier is still being applied to the crockery item, on the one hand to check the applied information carrier for operability, but on the other hand to store the unique identification of the crockery item which is provided by the information carrier in a database.

The present invention therefore further concerns a printing apparatus for printing on a crockery item comprising a holder for the crockery item, a first printing head for printing a layer on to the crockery item, and an applicator which is so arranged and adapted that a contactless readable information carrier can be applied to a carrier layer on the crockery item with the applicator, wherein the applicator and the holder for the crockery item are moveable relative to each other in such a way that the information carrier can be impressed into the carrier layer on the crockery item with the applicator.

In an embodiment the applicator is in the form of a punch, wherein the punch surface is of such a configuration that the information carrier is releasably held to the punch surface, for example by a vacuum device.

With a printing apparatus of such a configuration at least the carrier layer or the cover layer can be applied by printing to the crockery item and the information carrier can be applied to and impressed into the carrier layer.

In an embodiment the first printing head is of such a configuration and arrangement that the carrier layer with a plastically deformable material can be printed on to the crockery item with the first printing head. In that way the carrier layer can be applied to the crockery item with the printing apparatus before the information carrier is applied.

In a further embodiment the printing apparatus has a second printing head, the second printing head being of such a configuration and arrangement that the cover layer of printing ink can be printed on to the carrier layer and the information carrier with the second printing head.

In an embodiment the printing apparatus includes a camera for detecting an image of the crockery item and a control means, the control means being operatively connected to the camera in such a way that in operation of the printing apparatus the control means receives image data from the camera, wherein the control means is operatively connected to a drive unit for a relative movement between the applicator and the crockery item in such a way that the drive unit in operation of the printing apparatus receives a control signal from the control means, the control means being adapted to provide that the control means in operation of the apparatus calculates from the image data a position on the carrier layer for applying the information carrier to the carrier layer and generates control signals and transmits same to the drive unit so that the information carrier is applied at the calculated position.

At least one of the above-mentioned objects is also attained by an apparatus comprising a crockery item comprising a material selected from a group consisting of glass, ceramic and plastic or a combination thereof, a carrier layer applied to a surface of the crockery item, a contactless readable electronic information carrier applied to a surface of the carrier layer, that is remote from the surface of the crockery item, and a cover layer of printing ink, wherein a base surface of the information carrier is smaller than a surface of the carrier layer, and wherein the cover layer at least portion-wise covers a surface of the information carrier, that is remote from the carrier layer, and the surface of the carrier layer, wherein the carrier layer includes a plastically deformable material, and the information carrier is impressed into the carrier layer.

All features as are produced on the crockery item by the above-described method can be provided in an embodiment as corresponding elements at or on the crockery item of the claimed apparatus.

Further advantages, features or possible uses of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of embodiments and the accompanying Figures. In the Figures identical components are denoted by the same references.

