Automated packaging system for a self-service custom-fabrication kiosk

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.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A self-service kiosk, comprising:
 a fabrication system configured to fabricate the at least one item;   a packaging system within the kiosk configured to:
 generate a first portion of a package using a generally flat material, the first portion including a recess configured to receive the at least one item; and 
 attach a second portion of the package to the first portion to enclose the at least one item in the package; and 
   a bin configured to dispense the package, including the at least one item.   
     
     
         22 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 21 , wherein the generally flat material includes a carrier tape. 
     
     
         23 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 22 , wherein the carrier tape is made of a thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         24 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 21 , wherein the packaging system includes a package dispenser configured to deliver the at least one item to the recess in the first portion of the package. 
     
     
         25 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 24 , wherein the package dispenser is a chute. 
     
     
         26 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 25 , wherein the chute includes a U-shaped rail. 
     
     
         27 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 24 , wherein the package dispenser includes one of a flat sloping surface, a belt driven conveyor, or a chain driven conveyer. 
     
     
         28 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 21 , wherein the packaging system includes a mold configured to form the first portion of the package using the generally flat material. 
     
     
         29 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 28 , wherein the packaging system includes:
 a heater configured to heat the generally flat material; and   a pump configured to extract air from the mold such that the heated material enters a mold cavity.   
     
     
         30 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 21 , wherein the second portion of the package includes a cover tape, and wherein the packaging system includes:
 a first spool configured to supply the cover tape; and   a roller configured to attach the cover tape to the first portion of the package.   
     
     
         31 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 30 , further including a second spool configured to supply the generally flat material for generating the first portion of the package. 
     
     
         32 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 31 , wherein the generally flat material includes a carrier tape, and the packaging system includes:
 a first roller configured to move the carrier tape within the kiosk;   a second roller configured to position the cover tape over the first portion of the package containing the at least one item;   a third roller configured to attach the cover tape to the carrier tape;   a cutter configured to sever the package from the carrier tape and the cover tape; and   a dispenser configured to dispense the package to the bin.   
     
     
         33 . The self-service kiosk of  claim 32 , wherein at least one of the carrier tape or the cover tape includes an adhesive layer. 
     
     
         34 . A method of packaging an item, the method comprising:
 receiving, via a user interface associated with a self-service kiosk, a selection of at least one item;   receiving the at least one item;   packaging the at least one item in a package, using a packaging system disposed in the kiosk, by:
 generating a first portion of a package using a generally flat material, the first portion of the package a recess configured to receive the at least one item; and 
 attaching a second portion of the package to the first portion to enclose the at least one item in the package; and 
   dispensing the package to a bin in the kiosk.   
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein receiving the at least one item includes selecting the at least one item from a plurality of items stored in the self-service kiosk. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein receiving the at least one item includes:
 fabricating the at least one item, using a fabrication system disposed within the kiosk; and   delivering the at least one item from the fabrication system to the first portion of the package.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the generally flat material is a carrier tape, and the method further includes:
 positioning the carrier tape on a mold cavity;   heating the carrier tape, using a heater, while the carrier tape is positioned on the mold cavity; and   extracting air from the mold cavity, using a pump to cause the heated carrier tape to enter the mold cavity, forming the first portion of the package.   
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the second portion of the package includes a cover tape, and the method further includes:
 positioning, using a roller, the cover tape on the first portion of the package containing the at least one item; and   attaching, using a compression roller, the cove tape to the first portion of the package.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , further including separating, using a cutter, the package from the carrier tape and the cover tape. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 34 , further including printing, using a printer, at least one of a label, a barcode, or instructions on the package.