Patent ID: 12258166

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present specification, an expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context. In the present specification, it is to be understood that descriptions such as being “composed of” or “including”, etc., are not to be interpreted as meaning that the various components or the various steps disclosed in the specification must all necessarily be included, but rather should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included or additional components or steps may further be included. A term such as “unit”, “module”, etc., in the specification refers to a unit component by which at least one function or action is processed, where such unit component can be implemented as hardware or software or as a combination of hardware and software.

Various embodiments of the present invention are described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1schematically illustrates the composition of an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG.2illustrates a sealing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.1, an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging may include a data generation unit100, a sealing unit200, an RFID writer225, a tape supply reel300, a protective tape retrieval reel310, and a tape supply roller320.

Although it is not shown in the drawings, the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging may include a control unit, where the control unit may control the operations of other components (e.g. the sealing unit200, RFID writer225, tape supply reel300, protective tape retrieval reel310, and tape supply roller320) of the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging.

In particular, the data generation unit100may measure the weight of a product and transmit product information, including the measured weight information, to the RFID writer225side.

Preferably, the data generation unit100can be an electronic scale that is capable of measuring weight and capable of inputting the item type or number.

Also, the data generation unit100can transmit at least one of item type, weight, and number information to the RFID writer225side over a near-field network.

Here, a near-field network can include WiFi and Bluetooth. However, the RFID writer225can also be connected with the data generation unit100over the Internet or a mobile communication network.

Referring toFIG.1, the data generation unit100can be composed of a monitor110and a main body120, while the main body120can be provided with a scale121and a user input part122. Thus, when a plastic packaging30containing a product is placed on the scale121on the main body120, the data generation unit100can output the weight value measured with the scale121on the monitor110. The user can directly input the product information for the corresponding product by using the user input part122or load the product information of the corresponding product from a memory (not shown) included in the data generation unit100or from a connected database (not shown). This product information can be transmitted to the RFID writer225according to an RFID writing command input made by the user.

A data receiver unit can additionally be provided between the data generation unit100and the RFID writer225, and when at least one of the item type, weight, and number information of the product is received from the data generation unit100, the RFID writer225can follow the control of the control unit to compute the price information for the product by referencing the memory or compute the price information by communicating with a server.

In cases where a memory or a server is used, the price information can be computed even if the data generation unit100does not transmit the price information directly.

Also, a control unit according to this embodiment can control the driving of the tape supply reel300.

The control unit can control the driving of the tape supply reel300such that the RFID tag20, onto which the price information is to be recorded at a particular time, may be disposed at a preset position.

The control unit may control the driving of the tape supply reel300such that, after the opening part has been sealed for one plastic packaging, the RFID tag that will be used next is arranged at a particular position, preferably a position corresponding with the RFID writer225.

The sealing unit200can include a first bar210, a second bar220arranged facing the first bar210, and a tape guide part230. Here, an RFID writer225may be embedded in the first bar210or the second bar220. In the descriptions below, the first bar210and the second bar220are referred to as an upper bar210and a lower bar220, as illustrated inFIG.1, for the sake of easier understanding and explanation.

In one example, referring toFIG.1, the sealing unit200can be structured with the lower bar220in a fixed state and with the upper bar210, positioned above the lower bar220, moving in an up/down motion to be put in tight contact with the lower bar220or be separated from the lower bar220after being placed in tight contact. The tape guide part230can be connected with one end of each of the upper bar210and lower bar220, to guide the sealing tape10, which may be supplied to the upper bar210, to the lower bar220. Also, the tape guide part230can be formed from an elastic material that can be deformed by the up/down motion of the upper bar210so as to permit the up/down motion of the upper bar210. Here, the upper bar210and the lower bar220can also be provided with guide grooves (not shown) for guiding the supplied sealing tape10, similarly to the tape guide part230.

The RFID writer225may preferably be positioned at the lower bar220side and, when the sealing tape10is placed over the upper bar210, tape guide part230, and lower bar220, may write the product information received from the data generation unit100onto the RFID tag20of the sealing tape10.

The RFID writer225may record the price information associated with the product contained in the plastic packaging onto one of the multiple RFID tags attached to the sealing tape10in accordance with the control of the control unit.

FIG.1illustrates an example in which the RFID tag20is positioned at the front end of the sealing tape10and the RFID tag20is positioned on the lower bar20, as illustrated inFIG.1.

However, without being limited to the above, the positions of the upper bar210, lower bar220, and RFID tag20can be changed in various ways, some examples of which will be described later on.

Below, a sealing tape10according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in further detail, with reference toFIG.2.

Referring toFIG.2, the sealing tape10may be provided with cutting lines14formed in constant intervals tantamount to a preset one-time application length. For example, the cutting line14can be formed by punching holes in certain intervals, to allow easier cutting of the sealing tape10, or simply by marking, to indicate where the sealing tape10can be cut with a separate cutting device (not shown). Moreover, in cases where a separate cutting device (not shown) is provided, the cutting line may not even be formed on the sealing tape10at all. In such cases, the cutting line14illustrated inFIG.2may not actually be formed or marked on the sealing tape10and may merely represent the positions that will be cut by a cutting device.

The sealing tape10can be divided into an adhesive application area11and an adhesive non-application area12,13. Here, the adhesive non-application area12,13can be formed, as illustrated inFIG.2, on both sides of an adhesive application area11. That is, the adhesive non-application area12,13can be formed at a front end and a rear end of a one-time application length of sealing tape10. This is so that, after the one-time application length of sealing tape10is joined to the plastic packaging30containing the product, the user may use the adhesive non-application area12,13for opening the plastic packaging30, enabling the user to more easily open the plastic packaging30using sealing tape10.

The RFID tag20may be attached to the adhesive application area11of the sealing tape10.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.2, the RFID tag20can be attached to one end of the adhesive application area11. Thus, when the opening part of the plastic packaging30is sealed with the one-time application length of the sealing tape10, the one-time application length of sealing tape10may be wound around the edge of the opening part of the plastic packaging30and attached with an adhesive, and at the same time, the two ends of the adhesive application area11may be placed in tight contact and joined with the adhesive. Also, the RFID tag20can be secured firmly on the sealing tape10of a one-time application length with the RFID tag20positioned between the two ends of the adhesive application area11joined by the adhesive. Here, the opening part of the plastic packaging30can be folded twice or more by the user and inserted between the upper bar210and lower bar220, after which the upper bar210can be moved down for tight contact with the lower bar220, resulting in the sealing tape10placed over the upper bar210, tape guide part230, and lower bar220being pushed in tight contact with itself and the edge of the opening part of the plastic packaging30to be joined by the adhesive.

The tape supply reel300may have the sealing tape10for supplying to the sealing unit200wound thereon, and the tape supply roller320may supply the sealing tape10wound around the tape supply reel300to the sealing unit200. That is, the sealing tape10can be supplied to the sealing unit200as the tape supply reel300and the tape supply roller320rotate.

The protective tape retrieval reel310may wind and collect the protective film17separated from the sealing tape10. Here, the protective film17, in order to prevent the sealing tape10from sticking to itself due to the adhesive applied on the surface of the sealing tape10when the sealing tape10is wound around the tape supply reel300, may be joined with the sealing tape10beforehand along the surface on which the adhesive is applied and may have the same size as that of the sealing tape10. As the protective tape retrieval reel310is rotated in a speed corresponding to the supply speed of the sealing tape10, the protective film17can be separated from the sealing tape10at the tape supply roller320, to be easily removed from the supplied sealing tape10.

Of course, the sealing tape10can also be wound around the tape supply reel300without the protective film17. The sealing tape10can include a first surface, on which the RFID tags20may be attached and on which an adhesive may be applied, and a second surface on the opposite side where the adhesive is not applied. Even if the protective film17is not present, the roll wound around the tape supply reel300can have the first surface, on which the RFID tags20are attached, contacting the smooth second surface, making it unnecessary to use a protective film17. In such cases, the protective tape retrieval reel310may not be needed.

FIG.3schematically illustrates the composition of an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to another embodiment of the present invention,FIG.4illustrates a packaging damper in the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging shown inFIG.3, andFIG.5illustrates an operation of the packaging damper.

In the descriptions below, certain descriptions may be omitted for components that are substantially the same as those of the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to an embodiment of the present invention described above with reference toFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.3, an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to another embodiment of the present invention can further include a pair of packaging dampers240.

As described above, the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to an embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG.1requires a user folding the opening part of the plastic packaging30two or more times and inserting the opening part between the upper bar210and lower bar220, after which the sealing tape10can be placed in tight contact with itself and with the edge of the opening part of the plastic packaging30to be joined by the adhesive. The reason for this is because, if the sealing tape10is simply attached to the edge of the opening part of the plastic packaging30without folding the opening part of the plastic packaging30, then the opening part of the plastic packaging30would not be sealed.

Therefore, an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to another embodiment of the present invention may clamp the opening part of the plastic packaging30by using a pair of packaging dampers240and then join the sealing tape10in tight contact with the opening part of the plastic packaging30.

Referring toFIG.4, a packaging damper240may include an insertion part241, through which the plastic packaging30may be inserted, formed in a size corresponding to that of the plastic packaging30. Inside the insertion part241, a pressure part245may be mounted, which may move in an oscillating motion along the lengthwise direction. The packaging dampers240may be arranged as a pair on both sides of the sealing unit200in accordance with the insertion direction of the plastic packaging30such that the insertion direction for the sealing unit200agrees with the insertion direction of the plastic packaging30.

That is, referring toFIG.5, the plastic packaging30can be inserted through the insertion part241of the first packaging damper240, the position between the upper bar210and the lower bar220of the sealing unit200, and the insertion part241of the second packaging damper240in said order. Afterwards, the pressure part245of each packaging damper240may move from one end to the other end inside the insertion part241to push and clamp the opening part of the plastic packaging30. As the sealing tape10is joined to the plastic packaging30while the opening part of the plastic packaging30is clamped in this manner, the opening part of the plastic packaging30can be firmly sealed by the sealing tape10.

FIG.6andFIG.7illustrate sealing tapes according to other embodiments of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.6andFIG.7, a sealing tape10according to other embodiments of the present invention can have sensing holes16formed in constant intervals along the lengthwise direction. These sensing holes16can be used for arranging the sealing tape10at a suitable position on the sealing unit200, when the control unit (not shown) controls the rotations of the tape supply reel300, protective tape retrieval reel310, and tape supply roller320to control the supply of the sealing tape10to the sealing unit200.

For example, the sealing tape10can additionally include extension areas15formed on both sides along the lengthwise direction, as inFIG.6, where the sensing holes16can be formed in the extension areas15. Here, it may be preferable not to have the adhesive applied on the extension areas15. The sensing holes16can be formed to allow a distinction of the positions of the adhesive non-application area12,13, the adhesive application area11, and the RFID tag20, etc. That is, as illustrated inFIG.6, the first sensing hole16can demark the position of the first adhesive non-application area12, the second sensing hole16can demark the position of the RFID tag20, and the sixth sensing hole16can demark the position of the second adhesive non-application area13and at the same time indicate the end position of the one-time application length.

While the extension area15for a sealing tape10can be formed on both sides along the lengthwise direction of the sealing tape10as illustrated inFIG.6, it can also be formed on at least one of the two sides along the lengthwise direction of the sealing tape10.

For example, the sensing holes16can be formed in certain intervals on the sealing tape10as inFIG.7, without the extension areas15illustrated inFIG.6, such that the areas may be differentiated. Of course, as in the example illustrated inFIG.7, it is possible to omit the sensing holes6at the positions of the RFID tags20, because the RFID tags20may be present there.

In order to sense this type of sensing holes16, the sealing unit200can be equipped with a sensor (not shown) for detecting such sensing holes16. For example, a sensor for detecting the sensing holes16can be mounted at a position on the upper bar210where the sealing tape10first comes into contact.

In another embodiment, the sensing holes16can also be used for the purpose of transporting the sealing tape10, as well as for detecting the position of the sealing tape10. For example, on the portions that contact the sensing holes16, the tape supply roller320can include at least one protrusion parts (not shown) which may be inserted through the sensing holes16. Thus, the sealing tape10carried by the sensing holes16on the protrusion parts can be supplied to the sealing unit200as the tape supply roller320is rotated. Accordingly, the position of the sealing tape10can be detected from the number of rotations of the tape supply roller320.

Using this, the control unit can control the supply of the sealing tape10in such a way that a one-time application length of sealing tape10is placed correctly over the upper bar210, tape guide part230, and lower bar220.

While the descriptions above illustrate a method of controlling the position of the sealing tape10using sensing holes with reference toFIG.6andFIG.7, various position control techniques can be applied. For example, an optical sensor may be mounted on the lower bar220, and the upper surface of the lower bar220corresponding to the point where the optical sensor is mounted can be formed with an optically transmissive material. Here, light emitted from the optical sensor in a certain cycle may pass through the optically transmissive material of the upper surface of the lower bar220and may be reflected off the sealing tape10to return to the optical sensor. Therefore, by measuring the amount of light entering the optical sensor, it is possible to identify the position of the RFID tag20attached to the sealing tape10. That is, the amount of light reflected at the position where the RFID tag20is attached may be smaller than the amount of light reflected at other portions of the sealing tape10, and this can be used by the optical sensor to identify the position of the RFID tag20attached on the sealing tape10. The control unit can provide control such that the sealing tape10is arranged at the correct position of the lower bar220based on the information inputted from the optical sensor.

FIG.8is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sealing tape according to an embodiment of the present invention as coupled to a plastic packaging,FIG.9illustrates an RFID tag according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG.10illustrates an RFID tag according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG.8, with the opening part of the plastic packaging30in a folded or clamped state, a one-time application length of sealing tape10can be wound around the edge of the opening part of the plastic packaging30and attached by the adhesive, while at the same time, the two ends of the adhesive application area11can be placed in tight contact and joined by the adhesive. Here, the RFID tag20can be positioned between the two ends of the adhesive application area11joined by the adhesive, so that both surfaces of the RFID tag20may be firmly joined to the sealing tape10. Also, at one end of the sealing tape10joined by the adhesive application area11, a pair of opener ends may be formed by the adhesive non-application areas12,13. A user can, for example, hold the pair of opener ends with both hands and detach the joined sealing tape10to open the plastic packaging30that was sealed with the sealing tape10.

The RFID tag20can be given a readily breakable structure such that the RFID tag20is damaged during this process of opening the plastic packaging30.

That is, referring toFIG.9, an RFID tag20according to an embodiment of the present invention may be divided into two layers by a breaking line29, with an RFID chip21embedded in a first layer and an RFID antenna22embedded in a second layer. The breaking line29can be formed relatively weaker than other portions of the RFID tag20such that the first layer and second layer are easily separable. For example, one surface25of the second layer can be firmly joined to the sealing tape10during the manufacture of the sealing tape10, and afterwards, one surface of the first layer can be attached and joined to one end of the adhesive application area11of the sealing tape10. When the joined sealing tape10is detached, the joined sealing tape10may be detached, and concurrently, the RFID tag20can be cut along the breaking line29and divided into the first layer and second layer due to the force of the sealing tape10being detached. As a result, the RFID chip21and the RFID antenna22present in the first layer and the second layer, respectively, may be separated, whereby the RFID tag20can be damaged and no longer function.

Also, referring toFIG.10, an RFID tag20according to another embodiment of the present invention can have the first layer and second layer arranged left and right instead of up and down as in the example shown inFIG.9. In this case, one surface28of the second layer can be firmly joined to the sealing tape10during the manufacture of the sealing tape10, while the one surface27of the first layer may not be joined. Afterwards, the other surface26of the first layer can be attached and joined to one end of the adhesive application area11of the sealing tape10. Thus, when the joined sealing tape10is detached, the joined sealing tape10can be detached, and concurrently, the RFID tag20can be cut along the breaking line29and separated into the first layer and second layer by the force of the sealing tape10being detached. Of course, the other surface of the second layer can also be attached to one end of the adhesive application area11of the sealing tape10, and the sealing tape10can be manufactured such that the bonding force here is not as strong as the bonding force joining the one surface28of the second layer.

While the descriptions above illustrate the RFID tag20being attached to an adhesion surface having an adhesive applied thereto when the opening part of the plastic packaging is sealed, the present invention is not limited thus, and it would also be possible to apply the adhesive to the surface of the RFID tag20and have this portion attached to an adhesion surface on which there is no adhesive applied beforehand.

In this case also, the process by which the RFID tag20is broken during the re-opening process of the plastic packaging30can be the same.

FIG.11schematically illustrates the composition of an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to still another embodiment of the present invention, andFIG.12illustrates a sealing tape utilized in the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging shown inFIG.11.

The sealing tape10applied to an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging described with reference toFIG.1toFIG.10above may be supplied by forcibly pushing into the sealing unit200and thus may be made of a hard material that allows such forcible pushing.

If the sealing tape10is not made of a hard material, the sealing tape10cannot be supplied by a method of forcible pushing into the sealing unit200.

Thus, referring toFIG.11, an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to yet another embodiment of the present invention can include a guide roller330, which may guide the sealing tape10moving from the upper bar210to the lower bar220while between the upper bar210and lower bar220of the sealing unit200, and a used tape retrieval reel340, which may wind and retrieve the used sealing tape10.

That is, the tape supply reel300and the used tape retrieval reel340can rotate simultaneously, enabling a simultaneous supply and retrieval of the sealing tape10. Here, the tape supply reel300, protective tape retrieval reel310, tape supply roller320, guide roller330, and used tape retrieval reel340can be controlled to rotate such that the sealing tape10is supplied to the sealing unit200while maintaining a certain tension.

The sealing tape10applied to this type of apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to still another embodiment of the present invention can include extension areas15formed on both sides along the lengthwise direction, as illustrated inFIG.12. When the sealing tape10is joined to the plastic packaging30, the original area18of the sealing tape10can be cut.

FIG.13illustrates the composition of a sealing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. In describingFIG.13, certain descriptions may be omitted for components that are substantially the same as those of the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to an embodiment of the present invention described above with reference toFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.13, an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging200according to this embodiment can include a first bar210positioned at an upper location, a second bar220positioned at a lower location, a side bar222, and a guard rod224. Here, the RFID writer225and the control unit (not shown), described above with reference toFIG.1, may preferably be positioned inside the second bar220. The data receiver unit (not shown) may also be positioned within the second bar220, and when data is received via wired communication from the data generation unit100, which may be an integrated part of or a separately provided device for an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to an embodiment of the invention, the data receiver unit (not shown) may receive data from the data generation unit100through a communication port exposed at the exterior of the second bar220or the side bar222. Furthermore, the tape supply reel300and the tape supply roller320for transporting the sealing tape10wound around the tape supply reel300may also preferably be disposed within the second bar220. The second bar220may preferably be manufactured with a type of door formed on one side, to that a new roll of sealing tape10may be mounted on the tape supply reel300when the previous sealing tape10is expended.

In this embodiment, the side bar222may serve as a tape guide part that guides the sealing tape10supplied through the second bar220such that the sealing tape10is supplied to the first bar210positioned at an upper location. Also, a guide groove223for allowing an oscillating motion of the first bar210may be formed in one side of the side bar222. While the setup having a guide groove223formed in the side bar222is disclosed as an example of a structure that allows an up/down oscillating motion for the first bar210, any of a variety of widely known structures can be adopted for the up/down oscillating motion of the first bar210.

As illustrated inFIG.13, the sealing tape10may be supplied from the tape supply reel300, passing across the side bar222along the guide groove225formed in the second bar220, to the first bar210side.

After the plastic packaging30is positioned between the first bar210and the second bar220, the first bar210may be moved downward to seal the opening part of the plastic packaging30.

Considering that the operator would generally position the plastic packaging30between the first bar210and the second bar220while keeping the plastic packaging30in contact with the second bar220, it may be preferable that the upper surface of the sealing tape10positioned at the second bar220during the sealing of the opening part of the plastic packaging30be a non-application area where there is no adhesive applied. Also, for the efficiency of the RFID writing process, it may be preferable that the section where the RFID tag20is attached (RFID tag section) be positioned at the second bar220. If the RFID writer225is positioned at the first bar210, which moves up and down along the guide groove223formed in the side bar222, then the data transmission cable for transmitting data to the RFID writer225and the power cable for supplying electrical power would have to move together with the movement of the RFID writer225, rending the structure of the apparatus more complicated. Thus, it may be preferable that the RFID writer225be arranged inside the second bar220, especially at a lower position in an area between the side bar222and the guard rod224. Correspondingly, the RFID tag20attached to the sealing tape10may also be positioned in an area between the side bar222and the guard rod224. This is to prevent the RFID tag20from sticking to the plastic packaging30instead of the adhesion surface where the adhesive is applied. By virtue of the above composition, the plastic packaging30may be prevented by the guard rod224from invading the area where the RFID tag20is positioned when the operator positions the plastic packaging30between the first bar210and the second bar220, and the adhesive application area of the sealing tape10positioned at a lower portion of the first bar210may directly contact the RFID tag20after the first bar210moves down.

In consideration of the above, it may be preferable to have the adhesive applied on the adhesion surface of the sealing tape10positioned at the first bar210but do not have the adhesive applied on the adhesion surface of the sealing tape10positioned at the second bar220during the sealing of the opening part of the plastic packaging30.

FIG.14illustrates the composition of a sealing tape utilized in the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging shown inFIG.13.

Referring toFIG.14, a sealing tape10according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a first adhesion section, a second adhesion section, a first RFID tag section, and a second RFID tag section arranged sequentially. These basic sections including the first adhesion section, second adhesion section, first RFID tag section, and second RFID tag section may be repeated and wound around the tape supply reel. Here, it may be preferable to that the first adhesion section, second adhesion section, first RFID tag section, and second RFID tag section have the same lengths. At both ends of the first adhesion section and of the second adhesion section, there may be adhesive non-application areas1410and1420,1425and1435formed, where adhesive is not applied, while at other areas, there may be adhesive application areas1415,1430formed, where adhesive is applied. At both ends of the first RFID tag section and of the second RFID tag section also, there may be adhesive non-application areas1440and1450,1445and1465formed, where adhesive is not applied, while at other areas, there may be adhesive application areas1445,1460formed, where adhesive is applied. The RFID tags22,24may be arranged at the front ends of the adhesive application areas1445,1460of the corresponding first RFID tag section and second RFID tag section, respectively.

In the embodiment of the sealing tape10illustrated inFIG.14, an extension area1490where there is no adhesive applied can be formed on one side or on both sides along the lengthwise direction, similarly to the embodiment described above with reference toFIG.6andFIG.7, to be used for transporting the sealing tape10. Also, in order to provide control such that the sealing tape10is arranged at an appropriate position on the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging, sensing holes can be formed in certain intervals in the extension area1490. In a manner similar to that of the embodiment described above with reference toFIG.6andFIG.7, the sensing holes can be used for transporting the sealing tape10. Moreover, the sensing holes can be formed in a lengthwise direction in the sealing tape10itself instead of the extension area1490of the sealing tape10.

FIG.15illustrates a sealing operation by the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging shown inFIG.13.

Referring toFIG.15, when the opening part of the plastic packaging30is to be sealed, the first adhesion section of the sealing tape10may be arranged on the first bar210, and the second adhesion section may be arranged on the side bar222. Also, the first RFID tag section, in which a first RFID tag22for recording the price information is included, may be arranged at the recording position of the second bar220, and the second RFID tag section, in which a second RFID tag24that will be used next is included, may be arranged on the inside of the second bar220. When the arrangement of the sealing tape10is completed thus, the RFID writer225may record the price information onto the first RFID tag22.

After the sealing tape10is arranged as illustrated inFIG.15, the boundary portion410between the first adhesion section and the second adhesion section may be cut, and also the boundary portion412between the second adhesion section and the first RFID tag section and the boundary portion414between the first RFID tag section and the second RFID tag section may be cut, either before or during the sealing operation. For such cutting of the boundary portions410,412,414, cutting devices (not shown) can be provided at the respective points corresponding to the boundary portions410,412,414on the first bar210and second bar220. In this case, the side bar222may preferably be modified in height such that the boundary portion410between the first adhesion section and the second adhesion section and the boundary portion412between the second adhesion section and the first RFID tag section are positioned within the side bar222, for easier installing of the cutting devices. Thus, the cutting devices for cutting the boundary portion410between the first adhesion section and the second adhesion section and the boundary portion412between the second adhesion section and the first RFID tag section may both be arranged inside the side bar222. Of course, by appropriately changing the height of the side bar222, it is also possible to implement the setup such that the boundary portion410between the first adhesion section and the second adhesion section is positioned inside the side bar222and the boundary portion412between the second adhesion section and the first RFID tag section is positioned inside the second bar220. In this case, the cutting device for cutting the boundary portion410between the first adhesion section and the second adhesion section may be arranged within the side bar222, and the cutting device for cutting the boundary portion412between the second adhesion section and the first RFID tag section may be arranged within the second bar220.

In cases such as that illustrated inFIG.15where a pressing part226is provided, a cutting blade may be attached on the lower surface at one end or both ends of the pressing part226to cut the boundary portions410,412,414during the sealing operation. For example, in cases where a cutting blade227is attached only at the left end of the pressing part226close to the side bar222, the pressing part226may first be moved down, before the first bar210is moved down, to first cut the boundary portion410between the first adhesion section and the second adhesion section. Here, the pressing part226may move down only up to a certain position for cutting the boundary portion410between the first adhesion section and the second adhesion section and preferably may not touch the sealing tape10positioned in the first bar210. Next, when the first bar210is moved down so that the lower surface of the first bar210touches the upper surface of the second bar220, the pressing part226may again be moved down such that the first adhesion section and the first RFID tag section of the sealing tape10are adhered. Here, the cutting blade227attached at the left end of the pressing part226may cut the boundary portion412between the second adhesion section and the first RFID tag section, and the boundary portion414between the first RFID tag section and the second RFID tag section may be cut by a cutting device (not shown) provided at a point corresponding to the boundary portion414. Alternatively, in cases where there are cutting blades227mounted on the lower surfaces at both ends of the pressing part226, the pressing part226may cut the boundary portion412between the second adhesion section and the first RFID tag section and the boundary portion414between the first RFID tag section and the second RFID tag section simultaneously during the second downward movement, after the first bar210is moved down to cause the lower surface of the first bar210and the upper surface of the second bar220to touch each other.

When the first adhesion section and the first RFID tag section are adhered as described above and the plastic packaging30is removed from the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging, then the second adhesion section that was positioned at the side bar222may be transported to the recording position of the first bar210, and the price information may be recorded by the RFID writer225onto the second RFID tag. The first bar210may be moved down to adhere the second adhesion section with the second RFID tag section and complete the sealing operation, and afterwards when the plastic packaging30is removed from the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging, the sealing tape10may be transported to the initial state.

If a cutting blade is installed on the side bar222or a cutting blade installed on the first bar210, the first downward movement operation of the pressing part226for cutting the boundary portion410between the first adhesion section and second adhesion section may not be necessary. In cases where a cutting blade is installed on the side bar222, the cutting blade may be installed at the point where the sealing tape10is drawn out from the side bar222to the first bar210. Here, the first bar210may, as it moves downward, press the sealing tape10towards the second bar220, and due to the pressure thus applied by the first bar210on the sealing tape10, the sealing tape10may be cut by the cutting blade installed on the side bar222. Alternatively, in cases where a cutting blade is installed on the first bar210, the cutting blade may be installed at an end portion of the first bar210on the side bar222side. Here, the first bar210may, as it moves downward, cut the sealing tape10with the cutting blade installed on the first bar210.

If the cutting blade installed on the pressing part226, side bar222, or first bar210is given an inclined form, the sealing tape10can be readily cut without having the sealing tape10pushed in a certain direction.

The width of the cutting blade227may preferably be greater than or equal to that of the sealing tape10.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive can be applied only in the adhesion sections and not in the RFID tag sections, for the convenience of the operator. However, the present invention is not limited thus, and it is also possible not to have the adhesive applied in the adhesion sections and have the adhesive applied in the RFID tag sections including the surfaces of the RFID tags.

As described above, the sealing tape10can include a first surface onto which the RFID tags may be attached and a second surface on the opposite side on which there is no adhesive applied.

In cases where the adhesive is applied on the surfaces of the RFID tags and not applied on the adhesion surface sections, the first surface may be the surface contacting the RFID tag during the sealing of the opening part of the plastic packaging, and the second surface may be the surface separated from the RFID tag when the sealing tape10is supplied from the tape supply reel300, and as such, the roughness can be different for the first surface and the second surface.

Considering the circumstance described above, the roughness of the first surface can be greater than the roughness of the second surface, whereby when the RFID tag is separated from the second surface, the attachment strength between the RFID tag and the second surface may be too weak to damage the RFID tag, whereas the RFID tag can be broken when it is separated after being adhered to the first surface.

Below, the operation of the pressing part226, which undergoes an up/down oscillating motion inside the first bar210, is described in further detail.FIG.16illustrates the detailed composition of the pressing part226.

Referring toFIG.16, the pressing part226may be composed of a base member228, a pressing member229, and cutting blades227. The cutting blades227may be installed at both ends of the base member228. It is also possible to install such a cutting blade227on only one end of the two ends of the base member228, the end closer to the side bar222. Also, it may be preferable to form a multiple number of supply roller holder indentations325in both sides of the base member228for holding the tape supply rollers320. Such a composition can prevent the multiple tape supply rollers320attached on the inner surface of the first bar210from contacting the base member228when the pressing part226is moved down. The upper surface of the pressing member229may be attached and affixed to the lower surface of the base member228. The pressing member229may preferably be made of an elastic material. In the lower surface of the pressing member229, an RFID tag holder indentation28may preferably be formed, in a size capable of holding the RFID tag20and in an area corresponding to the RFID tag20attached onto the sealing tape10when the sealing tape10is arranged at the sealing position on the first bar210. Here, the depth of the RFID tag holder indentation28may preferably be the same as the thickness of the RFID tag20or smaller than the thickness of the RFID tag20.

FIG.17andFIG.18are a plan view and a front view, respectively, of the pressing part shown inFIG.16coupled to the apparatus for securely sealing a packaging shown inFIG.13.FIG.19is a vertical cross-sectional view across line A-A′ as viewed in the direction of A″ in the plan view shown inFIG.17, andFIG.20is a horizontal cross-sectional view across line B-B′ as viewed in the direction of B″ in the front view shown inFIG.18.

Referring toFIG.17throughFIG.20, when the first adhesion section of the sealing tape10is positioned at the first bar210, the second adhesion section is positioned at the side bar222, and the first RFID tag section is positioned at the second bar220, then the setup may be ready for sealing a packaging. Here, the pressing part226may be held inside the first bar210and raised up. When the operator places the plastic packaging30carrying a product on a data generation unit100, such as an electronic scale, and measures the weight of the plastic packaging30carrying a product, the price information may be received at an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to an embodiment of the present invention from the data generation unit100. Accordingly, the RFID writer225may record the price information of the product onto the first RFID tag22. When this operation of recording data is completed, the pressing part226may undergo a first downward movement, whereby the boundary portion410between the first adhesion section and the second adhesion section may be cut by the cutting blade227attached at the end closer to the side bar222, from among the cutting blades227attached at both ends of the pressing part226. Here, the pressing part226may preferably be moved downward to the extent that the lower surface of the pressing member229does not touch the first adhesion section of the sealing tape10. Next, the first bar210and the pressing part226may move downward at the same speed until the lower surface of the first bar210and the upper surface of the second bar220touch each other. When the lower surface of the first bar210touches the upper surface of the second bar220, the pressing part226may undergo a second downward movement to adhere the first adhesion section of the sealing tape10with the first RFID tag section. Here, the boundary portion412between the second adhesion section and the first RFID tag section and the boundary portion414between the first RFID tag section and the second RFID tag section may be cut by the cutting blade227attached at both ends of the pressing part226.

FIG.21illustrates the composition of an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.21, an apparatus for securely sealing a packaging can include a processor500and a memory502.

The processor500can include a CPU (central processing unit) or a virtual machine, etc., that is capable of running a computer program.

The memory502can include a non-volatile storage device such as a fixed type hard drive or a removable storage device. A removable storage device can include a compact flash unit, a USB memory stick, etc. The memory502can also include volatile memory such as various types of random access memory.

The memory502may store program instructions executable by the processor500.

A memory502according to this embodiment may store program instructions that can be executed by the processor such that the tape supply reel300supplies a sealing tape10having multiple RFID tags20attached thereto to the RFID writer225side, the RFID writer225records price information associated with the product contained in the plastic packaging30onto a first RFID tag from among the multiple RFID tags, and the sealing unit200seals the opening part of the plastic packaging30with the sealing tape10.

The embodiments of the present invention set forth above are disclosed only for illustrative purposes. The person having ordinary skill in the art familiar with the present invention would be able to make various modifications, alterations, and additions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, alterations, and additions are to be regarded as being encompassed by the scope of claims set forth below.