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Title:
METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A PRODUCT MAINLY MADE OF PAPER INCLUDING, THEREIN, AT LEAST ONE RADIO-FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE TRANSCEIVER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2022/229990
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a product mainly made of paper including at least one radio-frequency electromagnetic wave transceiver adapted both to receive at least a first predefined signal and to emit, upon receiving said first signal, at least a second signal, also predefined. To implement the method object of the invention, it is first necessary to prepare at least two sheets, mainly made of paper, such as two sheets of paper. Glue is applied to one of the sheets, the transceiver, such as an RFID tag or an NFC tag, is applied to the other sheet. The two sheets are then coupled, calendered and subjected to a finishing cut. The transceiver is programmable in any step of the method object of the invention.

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Inventors:
NIDASIO GIORGIO (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IT2021/050238
Publication Date:
November 03, 2022
Filing Date:
July 30, 2021
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ARTI GRAFICHE NIDASIO DIGITAL S R L (IT)
International Classes:
G06K19/02; B32B29/00; B42D25/45; G06K19/07; G06K19/077
Foreign References:
EP3269558A12018-01-17
KR20090017606A2009-02-18
EP3705306A12020-09-09
US20140322500A12014-10-30
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
MOZZANICA, Luca (IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
C L A I M S

1. A method for manufacturing a product mainly made of paper including at least one radio-frequency electromagnetic wave transceiver adapted both to receive at least a first predefined signal and to emit, upon receiving said first signal, at least a second signal, also predefined, said method being characterized in that it includes the following steps: a) providing at least a first and a second sheet, each of which:

• comprising a first and a second face which are mutually opposite;

• being mainly made of paper;

• having a weight not less than 60 gr/m2; b) applying gluing means at said first face of said first sheet; c) connecting said transceiver, or each of said transceivers if more than one, to said second sheet at said first face of the latter; d) if in step b) said gluing means have a temperature above 55°C:

• waiting for a sufficient period of time so that said gluing means cool down to such an extent that the temperature of said gluing means becomes equal to or lower than 55°C and/or

• cooling down said gluing means so that the temperature of the latter be comes equal to or lower than 55°C; e) if in step b) said gluing means have a temperature equal to or lower than 55°C, within 30 seconds from when said gluing means are applied at said first face of said first sheet, opposing said sheets so that said gluing means come into contact, at least partially, with said first face of said second sheet and with said transceiver or with each of said transceivers if more than one, so as to mutually connect said sheets, by means of said gluing means, at said first faces, to said transceiver, or to each of said transceivers if more than one, interposed between said sheets, if instead in step b) said gluing means have a temperature above 55°C, with in 30 seconds from when the temperature of said gluing means, once applied at said first face of said first sheet, becomes equal to or lower than 55°C, op posing said sheets so that said gluing means come into contact, at least par- tially, with said first face of said second sheet and with said transceiver or with each of said transceivers if more than one, so as to mutually connect said sheets, by means of said gluing means, at said first faces, to said transceiver, or to each of said transceivers if more than one, interposed between said sheets; f) pressing said sheets against each other at a first pressure and for a period of time not less than 0.25 seconds, said sheets being pressed against each other so that said gluing means are tightened between:

• said first face of said first sheet and

• said first face of said second sheet and said transceiver, or each of said transceivers if more than one, if said sheets have the same weight and if the weight of each of said sheets is:

• equal to or lower than 90 gr/m2, said first pressure being not higher than 368 N/cm2;

• higher than 90 gr/m2 and lower than or equal to 160 gr/m2, said first pres sure being not higher than 518 N/cm2;

• higher than 160 gr/m2 and lower than or equal to 350 gr/m2, said first pres sure being not higher than 675 N/cm2;

• higher than 350 gr/m2, said first pressure being not higher than 1125 N/cm2, if instead said sheets have different weights and if the weight of the sheet, between said sheets, having a lower weight is:

• equal to or lower than 90 gr/m2, said first pressure being not higher than 368 N/cm2;

• higher than 90 gr/m2 and lower than or equal to 160 gr/m2, said first pres sure being not higher than 518 N/cm2;

• higher than 160 gr/m2 and lower than or equal to 350 gr/m2, said first pres sure being not higher than 675 N/cm2;

• higher than 350 gr/m2, said first pressure being not higher than 1125 N/cm2; g) pressing said sheets against each other at a second pressure and cutting said sheets, together with said gluing means, so as to divide said sheets, to gether with said gluing means, into at least a first part including said trans ceiver, or each of said transceivers if more than one, and a second part to be discarded, said sheets being pressed against each other so that said gluing means are tightened between:

• at least a first portion of said first face of said first sheet and

• at least a second portion of said second face of said second sheet and/or said transceiver or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, if said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure being not higher than 6250 N/cm2 per cm2 of the outer surface of said transceiver tightening said gluing means, or of the overall outer surface of said transceivers tightening said gluing means, said sheets, together with said gluing means, being cut by pressing at least one cutting tool (for example, a blade) against said second face of at least one of said sheets, so that said cutting tool passes through said sheets and said gluing means, said first part obtained at the end of step g) corresponding to said product in cluding said transceiver or each of said transceivers if more than one.

2. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that, in step a), each of said sheets has a weight not less than 80 gr/m2.

3. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in step b), said gluing means do not comprise polyvinyl acetate.

4. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in step b), said gluing means comprise at least one organic adhesive in cluding animal gelatin.

5. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in step f), if said sheets have the same weight and if the weight of each of said sheets is:

• equal to or lower than 90 gr/m2, said first pressure is not higher than 245 N/cm2;

• higher than 90 gr/m2 and lower than or equal to 160 gr/m2, said first pressure is not higher than 345 N/cm2;

• higher than 160 gr/m2 and lower than or equal to 350 gr/m2, said first pres sure is not higher than 450 N/cm2;

• higher than 350 gr/m2, said first pressure is not higher than 750 N/cm2, if instead said sheets have different weights and if the weight of the sheet, be tween said sheets, having a lower weight is:

• equal to or lower than 90 gr/m2, said first pressure being not higher than 245 N/cm2;

• higher than 90 gr/m2 and lower than or equal to 160 gr/m2, said first pressure being not higher than 345 N/cm2;

• higher than 160 gr/m2 and lower than or equal to 350 gr/m2, said first pres sure being not higher than 450 N/cm2;

• higher than 350 gr/m2, said first pressure being not higher than 750 N/cm2.

6. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in step g), if said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure is not higher than 3125 N/cm2 per cm2 of the outer surface of said transceiver tightening said gluing means, or of the overall outer surface of said transceivers tightening said gluing means.

7. A method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in step a), a first plurality of said first sheets and a second plurality of said second sheets are provided, in step a) multiple pairs of sheets being also provided, each of which including a sheet of said first plurality and a sheet of said second plurality, steps b) to f) being carried out for each of said pairs of sheets, in step g) said pairs of sheets being stacked and pressed simultaneously against each other at said second pressure so that:

• in each of said pairs of sheets, said sheets are pressed against each other and

• said first portions of said first faces of said first sheets of said pairs are mutu ally superimposed, in step g), if in one or more of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tight ened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, "outer tightening surface" of one of said pairs of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said trans ceivers if more than one, means the outer surface of said transceiver interposed between said sheets of said pair of sheets and tightening said gluing means, or the overall outer surface of said transceivers interposed between said sheets of said pair of sheets and tightening said gluing means, if more than one, in step g), if in only one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure being not higher than 6250 N/cm2 per cm2 of the outer tightening surface of said pair of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first por tion and said transceiver or said transceivers, in step g), if in more than one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure being not higher than 6250 N/cm2 per cm2 of said outer tightening surface being the least extended of said outer tightening surfaces, respectively, of said pairs of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or said transceivers, in step g) said cutting tool passing through said sheets, together with said gluing means, of each of said pairs of sheets so that in each of said pairs of sheets, said sheets, together with said gluing means, are cut so as to be divided, to gether with said gluing means, into at least said first and second parts.

8. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that, in step g), said pairs of sheets are stacked so that said transceivers, interposed between said sheets of two of said pairs of sheets adjacent to each other, respectively, are not mutually superimposed.

9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that if, in step g):

• said pairs of sheets which are stacked are in a number between eleven and twenty-five and

• in only one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure is not higher than 3750 N/cm2 per cm2 of the outer tight ening surface of said pair of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or said transceiv ers, if instead, in step g):

• said pairs of sheets which are stacked are in a number between eleven and twenty-five and

• in more than one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure being not higher than 3750 N/cm2 per cm2 of said outer tightening surface being the least extended of said outer tightening surfaces, respectively, of said pairs of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or said transceiv ers.

10. A method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that if, in step g):

• said pairs of sheets which are stacked are more than twenty-five in number and

• in only one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or one or more of said transceivers, said second pressure is not higher than 1250 N/cm2 per cm2 of the outer tight ening surface of said pair of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or said transceiv ers, if instead, in step g):

• said pairs of sheets which are stacked are more than twenty-five in number and

• in more than one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, said second pressure being not higher than 1250 N/cm2 per cm2 of said outer tightening surface being the least extended of said outer tightening surfaces, respectively, of said pairs of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or said transceiv ers.

Description:
Method for manufacturing a product mainly made of paper including, therein, at least one radio-frequency electromagnetic wave transceiver

Field of application of the invention

The present invention finds application in the paper industry. More precisely, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a product mainly made of paper (i.e., consisting, for the most part of the volume thereof, of paper, cardboard and/or materials derived therefrom) including at least one extremely compact radio-frequency electromagnetic wave transceiver, with a relatively short range of action and adapted both to receive at least a first predefined signal and to emit, upon receiving said first signal, at least a second signal, also predefined. Among such transceivers, which may be active or pas sive depending on whether or not they include a power accumulator, there are, by way of explanation, the so-called "RFID tags" and the "NFC tags".

For convenience of disclosure, in the following of the present description the term "transceiver" will refer to any transceiver of the aforesaid type (i.e., with ra dio-frequency electromagnetic waves, extremely compact, with a relatively short range of action and adapted both to receive at least a first predefined signal and to emit, upon receiving said first signal, at least a second signal, also prede fined). These transceivers are substantially known. Therefore, no further details will be provided.

Overview of the prior art

Nowadays, transceivers such as RFID tags and NFC tags are applied to various objects with multiple purposes, such as, for example, anti-theft or making pay ments in "contactless" mode.

When a transceiver of the aforesaid type must be applied on a sheet (i.e., a small pane of an extremely reduced thickness) made of paper, such as, for ex ample, a sheet of paper or cardboard, the application usually occurs by gluing, placing the transceiver at a face of said sheet (and therefore externally to the latter). The transceiver may therefore be visible to a person during the use of the sheet. If the purpose of using the transceiver is anti-theft, said person, see ing where the transceiver is located, may maliciously try to remove it from the sheet.

Objects of the invention

It is the object of the present invention to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks by indicating a method for manufacturing a product mainly made of paper including at least one radio-frequency electromagnetic wave transceiver of the previously mentioned type, in which said transceiver is not externally applied to the prod uct, but inside the latter.

Summary and advantages of the invention

It is the object of the present invention method for manufacturing a product mainly made of paper including at least one radio-frequency electromagnetic wave transceiver adapted both to receive at least a first predefined signal and to emit, upon receiving said first signal, at least a second signal, also predefined. The method of the invention includes the following steps: a) providing at least a first and a second sheet, each of which:

• comprising a first and a second face which are mutually opposite;

• being mainly made of paper (i.e., as previously mentioned, consisting, for the most part of the volume thereof, of paper, cardboard and/or materials derived therefrom);

• having a weight not less than 60 gr/m 2 Incidentally, "weight" of one of said sheets means the weight of the sheet if the latter (i.e., if each of the two faces of said sheet) had a surface extension of 1 m 2 ; b) applying gluing means at said first face of said first sheet; c) connecting, preferably by gluing, said transceiver, or each of said transceiv- ers if more than one, to said second sheet at said first face of the latter; d) if in step b) said gluing means have a temperature above 55°C:

• waiting for a sufficient period of time so that said gluing means cool down to such an extent that the temperature of said gluing means becomes equal to or lower than 55°C and/or

• cooling down said gluing means so that the temperature of the latter be comes equal to or lower than 55°C; e) if in step b) said gluing means have a temperature equal to or lower than 55°C (and therefore step d) does not apply), within 30 seconds from when said gluing means are applied at said first face of said first sheet, opposing said sheets so that said gluing means (applied in step b) on the first face of the first sheet) come into contact, at least partially, with said first face of said second sheet and with said transceiver (applied in step c) on the first face of the second sheet) or with each of said transceivers if more than one, so as to mutually connect said sheets, by means of said gluing means, at said first faces, to said transceiver, or to each of said transceivers if more than one, interposed between said sheets, if instead in step b) said gluing means have a temperature above 55°C (and therefore step d) applies), within 30 seconds from when the temperature of said gluing means, once applied at said first face of said first sheet, has be come equal to or lower than 55°C, opposing said sheets so that said gluing means come into contact, at least partially, with said first face of said second sheet and with said transceiver or with each of said transceivers if more than one, so as to mutually connect said sheets, by means of said gluing means, at said first faces, to said transceiver, or to each of said transceivers if more than one, interposed between said sheets; f) pressing said sheets against each other at a first pressure and for a period of time not less than 0.25 seconds, said sheets being pressed against each other so that said gluing means are tightened between: • said first face of said first sheet and

• said first face of said second sheet and said transceiver, or each of said transceivers if more than one, if said sheets have the same weight and if the weight of each of said sheets is:

• equal to or lower than 90 gr/m 2 , said first pressure being not higher than 368 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 90 gr/m 2 and lower than or equal to 160 gr/m 2 , said first pres sure being not higher than 518 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 160 gr/m 2 and lower than or equal to 350 gr/m 2 , said first pres sure being not higher than 675 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 350 gr/m 2 , said first pressure being not higher than 1125 N/cm 2 , if instead said sheets have different weights and if the weight of the sheet, between said sheets, having a lower weight is:

• equal to or lower than 90 gr/m 2 , said first pressure being not higher than 368 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 90 gr/m 2 and lower than or equal to 160 gr/m 2 , said first pres sure being not higher than 518 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 160 gr/m 2 and lower than or equal to 350 gr/m 2 , said first pres sure being not higher than 675 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 350 gr/m 2 , said first pressure being not higher than 1125 N/cm 2 ; g) pressing said sheets against each other at a second pressure and cutting said sheets, together with said gluing means, so as to divide said sheets, to gether with said gluing means, into at least a first part including said trans ceiver, or each of said transceivers if more than one, and a second part to be discarded, said sheets being pressed against each other so that said gluing means are tightened between:

• at least a first portion of said first face of said first sheet and

• at least a second portion of said second face of said second sheet and/or said transceiver or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, if said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure being not higher than 6250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of the outer surface of said transceiver tightening said gluing means, or of the overall outer surface of said transceivers tightening said gluing means, said sheets, together with said gluing means, being cut by pressing at least one cutting tool (for example, a blade) against said second face of at least one of said sheets, so that said cutting tool passes through said sheets and said gluing means, said first part obtained at the end of step g) corresponding to said product in cluding said transceiver or each of said transceivers if more than one.

By implementing the method of the invention, it is possible to manufacture a product mainly made of paper including at least one transceiver of the previous ly mentioned type (i.e., an extremely compact radio-frequency electromagnetic wave transceiver, with a relatively short range of action and adapted both to re ceive at least a first predefined signal and to emit, upon receiving said first sig nal, at least a second signal, also predefined), in which said transceiver is not applied externally to the product, but inside the latter.

The fact that the weight of each sheet is not less than 60 gr/m 2 advantageously ensures that the sheets offer the transceiver interposed therebetween an ade quate protection, starting from step f) of the method of the invention.

In step e), the fact that the two sheets are brought into contact with each other with the interposition of the gluing means only if the temperature of the latter is not higher than 55°C advantageously ensures that when the transceiver comes into contact with the gluing means, it does not suffer a thermal shock such as to compromise the operation thereof.

Again in step e), the fact that the two sheets are brought into contact with each other with the interposition of the gluing means within 30 seconds from the ap plication of the gluing means on one of the two sheets, or within 30 seconds from when the gluing means have reached a temperature of 55°C if they have been applied at a higher temperature, advantageously ensures that the two sheets come into mutual contact when the adhesion power of the gluing means is still optimal. In step f) the pressure ranges experimentally identified by the Applicant com bined with a pressing time of at least 0.25 seconds are such that the two sheets are mutually glued with an almost zero risk that the transceiver interposed therebetween will suffer some damage.

Similarly to what has been said with regard to step f), in step g), if the two sheets are kept still with respect to the cutting tool by exerting a pressure where the transceiver is present, the limit pressure experimentally identified by the Ap plicant is such that the two sheets are kept sufficiently still with respect to the cutting tool with an almost zero risk that the transceiver will suffer any damage. Other innovative features of the present invention are disclosed in the descrip- tion below and referred to in the dependent claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, in step a) each of said sheets has a weight not less than 80 gr/m 2 .

Advantageously, according to this aspect of the invention, the sheets, in addi tion to offering an even better protection to the transceiver interposed there- between, avoids the risk that the transceiver is visible in transparency in the fin ished product. In addition thereto, if an RFID tag or an NFC tag is used as a transceiver, a weight not less than 80 gr/m 2 avoids the risk that the two sheets, after being glued to each other, are less flexible than the transceiver and that the latter creates a rigid area inhomogeneous with the rest of the product. According to another aspect of the invention, in step b) said gluing means do not include polyvinyl acetate.

The polyvinyl acetate may not ensure an appropriate adherence of the trans ceiver to the portion of the first sheet to which it is opposed, thus facilitating, over time, an unwanted detachment of the two sheets from each other. According to another aspect of the invention, in step b) said gluing means com prise at least one organic adhesive including animal gelatin.

The organic adhesives based on animal gelatin advantageously ensure a high adhesion between the transceiver and the portion of the first sheet to which it is opposed.

According to another aspect of the invention, in step f), if said sheets have the same weight and if the weight of each of said sheets is:

• equal to or lower than 90 gr/m 2 , said first pressure is not higher than 245 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 90 gr/m 2 and lower than or equal to 160 gr/m 2 , said first pressure is not higher than 345 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 160 gr/m 2 and lower than or equal to 350 gr/m 2 , said first pres sure is not higher than 450 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 350 gr/m 2 , said first pressure is not higher than 750 N/cm 2 , if instead said sheets have different weights and if the weight of the sheet, be tween said sheets, having a lower weight is:

• equal to or lower than 90 gr/m 2 , said first pressure being not higher than 245 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 90 gr/m 2 and lower than or equal to 160 gr/m 2 , said first pressure being not higher than 345 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 160 gr/m 2 and lower than or equal to 350 gr/m 2 , said first pres sure being not higher than 450 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 350 gr/m 2 , said first pressure being not higher than 750 N/cm 2 .

In the light of the tests carried out by the Applicant, the pressure ranges accord ing to this aspect of the invention advantageously ensure a mutual gluing of the two sheets with an even lower risk that the transceiver interposed therebetween will suffer some damage.

According to another aspect of the invention, in step g), if said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure is not higher than 3125 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of the outer surface of said transceiver tighten ing said gluing means, or of the overall outer surface of said transceivers tight ening said gluing means, if more than one.

In the light of tests carried out by the Applicant, the pressure limit according to this aspect of the invention advantageously ensures that the two sheets are kept sufficiently still with respect to the cutting tool with an even lower risk that the transceiver will suffer some damage.

According to another aspect of the invention, in step a), a first plurality of said first sheets and a second plurality of said second sheets are provided, in step a) multiple pairs of sheets being also provided, each of which including a sheet of said first plurality and a sheet of said second plurality, steps b) to f) being carried out for each of said pairs of sheets, in step g) said pairs of sheets being stacked and pressed simultaneously against each other at said second pressure so that: · in each of said pairs of sheets, said sheets are pressed against each other and

• said first portions of said first faces of said first sheets of said pairs are mutu ally superimposed, in step g), if in one or more of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tight- ened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, "outer tightening surface" of one of said pairs of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said trans ceivers if more than one, is defined as the outer surface of said transceiver in- terposed between said sheets of said pair of sheets and tightening (said trans ceiver) said gluing means, or as the overall outer surface of said transceivers interposed between said sheets of said pair of sheets and tightening (said transceivers) said gluing means, if more than one, in step g), if in only one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure being not higher than 6250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of the outer tightening surface of said pair of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first por tion and said transceiver or said transceivers, in step g), if in more than one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure being not higher than 6250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of said outer tightening surface being the least extended of said outer tightening surfaces, respectively, of said pairs of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or said transceivers, in step g) said cutting tool passing through said sheets, together with said gluing means, of each of said pairs of sheets so that in each of said pairs of sheets, said sheets, together with said gluing means, are cut so as to be divided, to gether with said gluing means, into at least said first and second parts. Incidentally, a pair of sheets has an outer tightening surface if and only if, in step g), said gluing means interposed between said sheets of said pair of sheets are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said trans ceiver or one or more of said transceivers if more than one.

Advantageously, according to this aspect of the invention, a single cutting oper ation may be carried out to cut multiple pairs of sheets so as to obtain multiple products.

According to another aspect of the invention, in step g), said pairs of sheets are stacked so that said transceivers, interposed between said sheets of two of said pairs of sheets adjacent to each other, respectively, are not mutually superim posed. Advantageously, according to this aspect of the invention, being the pairs of sheets stacked so that the transceivers are offset, the risk of the latter being damaged during the pressing performed in step g) is even lower.

According to another aspect of the invention, if, in step g):

• said pairs of sheets which are stacked are in a number between eleven and twenty-five and

• in only one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure is not higher than 3750 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of the outer tight ening surface of said pair of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or said transceiv- ers, if instead, in step g):

• said pairs of sheets which are stacked are in a number between eleven and twenty-five and

• in more than one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or one or more of said transceivers if more than one, said second pressure is not higher than 3750 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of said outer tight ening surface being the least extended of said outer tightening surfaces, re spectively, of said pairs of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or said transceiv ers.

In the light of tests carried out by the Applicant, the pressure limit according to this aspect of the invention advantageously ensures that the sheets are kept sufficiently still with respect to the cutting tool with an even lower risk that the transceivers will suffer damages.

According to another aspect of the invention, if, in step g):

• said pairs of sheets which are stacked are more than twenty-five in number and

• in only one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or one or more of said transceivers, said second pressure is not higher than 1250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of the outer tight ening surface of said pair of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or said transceiv ers, if instead, in step g):

• said pairs of sheets which are stacked are more than twenty-five in number and

• in more than one of said pairs of sheets, said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver, said second pressure is not higher than 1250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of said outer tight ening surface being the least extended of said outer tightening surfaces, re spectively, of said pairs of sheets where said gluing means are tightened, at least partially, between said first portion and said transceiver or said transceiv- ers.

In the light of tests carried out by the Applicant, the pressure limit according to this aspect of the invention advantageously ensures that the sheets are kept sufficiently still with respect to the cutting tool with an even lower risk that the transceivers will suffer damages. Detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention

It is the object of the present invention method for manufacturing a product mainly made of paper including at least one radio-frequency electromagnetic wave transceiver adapted both to receive at least a first predefined signal and to emit, upon receiving said first signal, at least a second signal, also predefined. Said transceiver is preferably an RFID tag or an NFC tag.

The first step of the method object of the invention consists in providing at least a first and a second sheet each of which comprising a first and a second face, mutually opposite. Each of said sheets is mainly made of paper and preferably, but not necessarily, consists of a sheet of paper or cardboard. Each sheet has a weight not less than 60 g/m 2 and preferably not less than 80 g/m 2 .

The sheets are preferably cut to size and on one of them, by way of explanation the first, gluing means are applied at the first face. Preferably, the gluing means do not comprise polyvinyl acetate. Conversely, the gluing means preferably comprise at least one organic adhesive including animal gelatin. For conven- ience of disclosure, the gluing means will be indicated in the following of the present description with the expression "glue". If the sheets have a different size, the glue is preferably applied to the sheet having the smallest surface ex tension. If the sheets have the same size but a different weight, the glue is pref erably applied to the sheet having the higher weight. The glue is preferably applied by means of two or more mutually opposed roll ers. More precisely, the sheet intended to receive the glue is preferably made to translate between at least two rollers placed one above the other. The lower roller is adapted to drag the sheet and is refractory to glue. The upper roller ap plies the glue on the sheet and has a temperature preferably between 55°C and 68°C. The application of an adhesive substance on a sheet of paper by means of mutually opposed rollers is a substantially known operation. Therefore, no further details will be provided.

The transceiver intended to be included in a product mainly made of paper (re sulting from the implementation of the method object of the invention) is applied on the first face of the second sheet (i.e., on the sheet where the glue is not spread). The transceiver is generally presented as a label provided with an ad- hesive at one of the faces thereof. The application (i.e., the connection) of the transceiver to the first face of the second sheet therefore preferably occurs by gluing.

After having applied the glue on the first face of the first sheet and having con nected the transceiver to the first face of the second sheet, it is necessary to couple the two sheets. More precisely, the sheets are opposed so that the glue present on the first face of the first sheet comes into contact, at least partially, with the first face of the second sheet and with the transceiver (connected to the second sheet at the first face of the latter), so as to mutually connect the two sheets, by means of the glue, at the respective first faces thereof and with the transceiver interposed between the latter.

In order not to damage the transceiver, it is necessary that the glue is at a tem perature not higher than 55°C when it comes into contact with the transceiver. Thereby, if the glue, when it is applied at the first face of the first sheet, has a temperature higher than 55°C, before coupling the sheets to each other (and therefore before the glue comes into contact with the transceiver), it is neces sary to wait a sufficient period of time for the glue to cool so that the tempera ture of the glue becomes equal to or lower than 55°C and/or to cool the glue so that the temperature of the glue becomes equal to or lower than 55°C.

Given the above, it is advisable to couple the two sheets within a short time up- on applying the glue on the first face of the first sheet. If the glue, when it is ap plied at the first face of the first sheet, has a temperature equal to or lower than 55°C, the coupling of the two sheets is preferably carried out within 30 seconds from the application of the glue on the first face of the first sheet. On the other hand, if the glue, when it is applied at the first face of the first sheet, has a tem perature higher than 55°C, the coupling of the two sheets is preferably carried out within 30 seconds from when the temperature of the glue, after having been applied at the first face of the first sheet, has become equal to or lower than 55°C.

After the two sheets have been coupled, it is necessary to press the sheets against each other so as to ensure the grip of the glue. More precisely, the sheets are pressed against each other, preferably by calendering, for a period of time not less than 0.25 seconds and so that the glue is tightened between, on one side, the first face of the first sheet and, on the other side, the first face of the second sheet and the transceiver.

The pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other must be such so as not to damage the transceiver. Thereby, if the sheets have the same weight and if the weight of each sheet is:

• equal to or lower than 90 gr/m 2 , the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other is not higher than 368 N/cm 2 and preferably not higher than 245 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 90 gr/m 2 and lower or equal to 160 gr/m 2 , the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other is not higher than 518 N/cm 2 and preferably not higher than 345 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 160 gr/m 2 and lower or equal to 350 gr/m 2 , the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other is not higher than 675 N/cm 2 and preferably not higher than 450 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 350 gr/m 2 , the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other is not higher than 1125 N/cm 2 and preferably not higher than 750 N/cm 2 .

If instead the sheets have different weights, again so as not to damage the transceiver, if the weight of the sheet, between said sheets, having a lower weight is:

• equal to or lower than 90 gr/m 2 , the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other is not higher than 368 N/cm 2 and preferably not higher than 245 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 90 gr/m 2 and lower or equal to 160 gr/m 2 , the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other is not higher than 518 N/cm 2 and preferably not higher than 345 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 160 gr/m 2 and lower or equal to 350 gr/m 2 , the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other is not higher than 675 N/cm 2 and preferably not higher than 450 N/cm 2 ;

• higher than 350 gr/m 2 , the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other is not higher than 1125 N/cm 2 and preferably not higher than 750 N/cm 2 .

Once the calendering of the sheets is completed, the latter are subjected to a finishing cut. To carry out this operation the sheets are again pressed against each other and cut, together with the glue interposed therebetween, so as to di vide the sheets, together with the glue, into at least a first part including the transceiver, and a second part intended to be discarded. The sheets, together with the glue, are cut by pressing at least one cutting tool (for example, a blade) against the second face of at least one of the sheets, so that the cutting tool passes through the sheets and the glue.

During the finishing cut, the sheets are pressed against each other so as to keep them still with respect to the cutting tool. The sheets are pressed against each other so that the glue is tightened between, on one side, at least a first portion of the first face of the first sheet and, on the other side, at least a second portion of the first face of the second sheet and/or the transceiver. Similarly to what has been mentioned with regard to the calibration, the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other during the finishing cut must be such as not to damage the transceiver. If the latter is not in the coupling area of the two sheets where the pressure is applied, the latter may take on any value. Conversely, if the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet and the transceiver, the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other is not higher than 6250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of outer surface of the transceiver, and is preferably not higher than 3125 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of outer surface of the transceiver. The aforesaid first part obtained at the end of the finishing cut corresponds to the product, including at least one transceiver, which is obtained by implement ing the method of the invention. In light of the foregoing, by implementing the method object of the invention, it is possible to manufacture a product mainly made of paper including at least one extremely compact radio-frequency elec tromagnetic wave transceiver, with a relatively short range of action and adapted both to receive at least a first predefined signal and to emit, upon re ceiving said first signal, at least a second signal, also predefined), in which said transceiver is not applied externally to the product, but inside the latter. The "programming" of the transceiver (i.e., the storing of information on said transceiver so that the latter emits an appropriate signal following the reception of another suitable signal) may be carried out in any step of the method of the invention. If multiple products are manufactured by implementing the method of the invention, the programming of the transceivers respectively included in said products may be, by way of explanation, "anonymous" or "nominal". If the pro gramming is "anonymous", the information respectively stored in the transceiv ers are identical for all the products or different but with random encodings. If, instead, the programming is "nominal", the information respectively stored in the transceivers are uniquely combined with the product including the transceiver where the information is stored.

In order to better understand what is meant by "anonymous programming" and "nominal programming", an example of the use of products obtainable by im plementing the method object of the invention will be described below.

The aforesaid products may consist, by way of explanation, in brochures dis- tributed by a company. Following the approaching to the transceiver included in a brochure of a smartphone capable of interacting with said transceiver (for ex ample, as it is sensitive to RFID tags or NFC tags), the transceiver may "com mand" said smartphone to connect to a company server. This would advanta geously allow to keep track of whether a person has "interacted" with a bro- chure. Furthermore, following a connection with the server by a smartphone, the server may transmit to the smartphone which has established the connection computer content, advantageously modifiable over time by the company. If the programming of the transceivers included in the brochures is anonymous, the company may only keep track of the fact that a person has interacted with one of the aforesaid brochures. On the other hand, if the programming of the transceivers is nominal, the company may keep track of whether a person has 5 interacted with a particular brochure or not. In this second case, the computer content which may be sent in response to a connection with the server by a smartphone may be customized for each brochure.

The method of the invention allows to include multiple transceivers in the same product. In such case, what has been described applies to each of the trans it) ceivers. More precisely, each transceiver must be applied on the first face of the second sheet. The sheets must also be opposed so that the glue present on the first face of the first sheet comes into contact, at least partially, with the first face of the second sheet and with each of the transceivers (connected to the second sheet at the first face of the latter), so as to mutually connect the two sheets, by 15 means of the glue, at the respective first faces thereof and with the transceivers interposed between the latter. Finally, with regard to the finishing cut, if the sheets are pressed against each other so that the glue is tightened, at least par tially, between the first portion of the first face of the first sheet and one or more transceivers, the pressure at which the sheets are pressed against each other is 0 not higher than 6250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of the total outer surface of the glue tightening transceivers, and is preferably not higher than 3125 N/cm 2 for cm 2 of the total outer surface of the glue-tightening transceivers.

The method of the invention further allows to include multiple sheets in the same product. In such case, what has been described is still valid since the first 5 and/or the second sheet may correspond to a plurality of sheets mutually con nected by gluing.

If the method of the invention is implemented to manufacture a plurality of prod ucts each including one or more transceivers, a single finishing cut operation may be carried out to divide each of multiple pairs of sheets into the first and 30 second parts mentioned above.

In such case, it is necessary that a first plurality of first sheets and a second plu rality of second sheets are provided. Multiple pairs of sheets shall therefore be provided, each of which including a sheet of the first plurality and a sheet of the second plurality. The method of the invention is implemented for each pair of sheets until the end of the calendering. To carry out the finishing cut, the pairs of sheets are simultaneously stacked and pressed against each other so that in each pair of sheets, the sheets are pressed against each other, and the first portions previously mentioned of the first faces of the first sheets of said pairs of sheets are mutually superimposed. To carry out the cut, the cutting tool passes through the sheets, and the glue interposed therebetween, of each pair of sheets so that in each of said pairs, the sheets, together with the glue, are cut so as to be divided into at least the aforesaid first and second parts.

The pairs of sheets are preferably stacked so that the transceivers, interposed between the sheets of two pairs of sheets adjacent to each other, respectively, are not mutually superimposed.

If, in the finishing cut, in a single pair of sheets the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet of said pair and the transceiver, or one or more transceivers if more than one, the pressure at which the pairs of sheets are pressed against each other is prefera bly not higher than 6250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of outer tightening surface of said pair of sheets where the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet of said pair and one or more trans ceivers.

If instead, in the finishing cut, in more than one pair of sheets the glue is tight ened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet and the transceiver, or one or more transceivers if more than one, the pressure at which the pairs of sheets are pressed against each other is prefera bly not higher than 6250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of said outer clamping surface being the least extended of said outer clamping surfaces, respectively, of said pairs of sheets where the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet and one or more transceivers. More preferably, if the pairs of sheets which are stacked one on top of the other are in a number between eleven and twenty-five and, in the finishing cut, in a single pair of sheets the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the afore- said first portion of the first face of the first sheet of said pair and the transceiv er, or one or more transceivers if more than one, the pressure at which the pairs of sheets are pressed against each other is not higher than 3750 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of outer tightening surface of said pair of sheets where the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet of said pair and one or more transceiver.

If the pairs of sheets which are stacked one on top of the other are in a number between eleven and twenty-five but, in the finishing cut, in more than one pair of sheets the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet and the transceiver, or one or more transceiv ers if more than one, the pressure at which the pairs of sheets are pressed against each other is preferably not higher than 3750 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of said outer clamping surface being the least extended of said outer clamping surfac es, respectively, of said pairs of sheets where the glue is tightened, at least par- tially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet and one or more transceivers.

If the pairs of sheets which are stacked one on top of the other are in a number higher than twenty-five and, in the finishing cut, in a single pair of sheets the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet of said pair and the transceiver, or one or more transceiv ers if more than one, the pressure at which the pairs of sheets are pressed against each other is preferably not higher than 1250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of outer tightening surface of said pair of sheets where the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet of said pair and one or more transceivers.

If the pairs of sheets which are stacked one on top of the other are in a number higher than twenty-five but, in the finishing cut, in more than one pair of sheets the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet and the transceiver, or one or more transceivers if more than one, the pressure at which the pairs of sheets are pressed against each other is preferably not higher than 1250 N/cm 2 per cm 2 of said outer clamping surface being the least extended of said outer clamping surfaces, re- spectively, of said pairs of sheets where the glue is tightened, at least partially, between the aforesaid first portion of the first face of the first sheet and one or more transceivers.

Based on the provided description of a preferred embodiment, it is apparent that changes may be introduced by a person skilled in the art without because of this departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the fol lowing claims.