Automated packaging system for a self-service custom-fabrication kiosk
AssigneeThe Hillman Group, Inc.
InventorsAndy Volkmann, Chris Lohmann, Michael Rosenblatt, Roberto Aimi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A self-service kiosk is disclosed. The self-service kiosk may have a housing, including a user interface. The user interface may receive from a user a selection of an item. The user interface may also receive from the user a payment for a purchase of the item. The self-service kiosk may include a fabrication system disposed within the housing. The fabrication system may fabricate the item selected by the user. The self-service kiosk may also include a packaging system. The packaging system may sealingly enclose the item in a package. Further, the self-service kiosk may include a bin that may dispense the package, including the item, to the user.
Claims20
A self-service kiosk, comprising:
- a housing including a user interface configured to receive from a user a selection of at least one item and a payment for a purchase of the at least one item;
- a fabrication system disposed within the housing and configured to fabricate the at least one item;
- a packaging system disposed in the kiosk configured to:
- form a base packaging consumable using a carrier tape, the base packaging consumable including a recess configured to receive the at least one item;
- and
- sealingly attach a top packaging consumable to the base packaging consumable to enclose the at least one item in a package;
- and
- a bin configured to dispense the package, including the at least one item, to the user.
A method of packaging a custom-fabricated item, the method comprising:
- providing a self-service kiosk including a user interface for receiving from a user a selection of at least one item;
- receiving, via the user interface, a payment for the purchase of the at least one item;
- fabricating the at least one item, using a fabrication system disposed within the kiosk;
- packaging the at least one item in a package, using a packaging system disposed in the kiosk, by:
- forming a base packaging consumable using a carrier tape, the base packaging consumable including a recess configured to receive the at least one item;
- and
- sealingly attaching a cover tape to the base packaging consumable to enclose the at least one item in a package;
- and
- dispensing the package to a bin in the kiosk, the bin being accessible by the user.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.