Identification tag and related identification tag system
An identification tag and related tag system are provided for securely mounting the identification tag onto a selected wearer or object, such as mounting onto a wearer's wrist or the like. The identification tag is adapted to receive wearer-related identification and other information in human readable and/or machine readable form, and for slide-fit assembly onto an elongated flexible strap such as a wristband or bracelet for mounting onto the selected wearer or object. In one preferred form, the identification tag includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit adapted for communicating wearer-related information with a remote reader. The tag system, including the identification tag assembled with the flexible strap, is particularly useful with a small wearer or object, such as an infant, to provided a relatively extensive and relatively flat information-bearing surface area.
This invention relates generally to improvements in identification appliances such as identification tags, and to a related system including means such as a wristband or bracelet or the like for convenient and comfortable mounting of an identification tag onto a selected wearer or object. More specifically, this invention provides an improved identification tag and related system designed particularly for use with a small wearer or object, such as an infant or small child, to provided a relatively extensive information-bearing surface area having a size sufficient to accommodate a range of important identification data in human readable and/or machine readable form, and further wherein the information-bearing area is relatively flat for facilitated and improved read-out of machine readable data.
Identification bands such as a wristbands or bracelets or other closed loop elements are generally known in the art, wherein the identification band bears or carries some form of information or data associated with the person wearing the band, or associated with the object to which the band is mounted or attached. Accordingly, the information carried by the identification band travels with the wearer. In a typical construction, e.g., for use as a wristband, an elongated flexible strap formed from flexible plastic or the like is wrapped about the wrist of an authorized wearer, and includes interfitting or interengageable securement members at opposite ends thereof for suitable interconnection to retain the identification band on the wearer's wrist. Identification information is applied to the band as by printing appropriate information directly onto an external band surface, or onto a label adhered to the band, or by printing such information onto a card or the like adapted for slide-fit mounting into a pocket formed within the band structure. Such identification bands have been widely used or proposed for use, e.g., for patient identification in a medical facility or the like, for personnel identification and/or access control at secured facilities such as military or industrial installations and at prisons and the like, for patron identification at amusement parks and events such as concerts and the like, for airport passenger and/or baggage identification, for identification and tracking of shipped parcels, and for animal control, and the like. Exemplary identification bands of this general type are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,221,063; 4,285,146; 4,318,234; 4,386,795; 5,226,809; 5,448,846; 5,457,906; 5,479,797; 5,493,805; 5,581,924; 5,609,716; 5,615,504; 5,740,623; 5,792,299; 5,799,426,5,973,598; 5,973,600 and 5,979,941 which are incorporated by reference herein.
In recent years, improved identification systems including identification bands and tags have been designed to incorporate wearer-related data in machine readable form, in lieu of or in addition to human readable data which is typically limited to printed or hand-written alpha-numeric characters. In one form, such machine readable information may comprise data printed onto or otherwise carried by the flexible strap in linear bar code form or the like, and arrayed for scanning by a conventional bar code reader or the like. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,448,846; 5,799,426; and 5,615,504. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,016,618; and 6,510,634. In another form, such machine readable information may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit or chip mounted on or within the flexible strap and adapted to receive and store selected wearer-related information for appropriate wireless communication with a remote reader. For illustrative examples of identification bands and the like including RFID technology, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,493,805; 5,973,598; 5,973,600; 6,181,287; and 6,414,543, and copending U.S. Ser. No. 10/101,219, which are also incorporated by reference herein.
Identification bands including machine readable data may beneficially incorporate a broad range of wearer-related information such as detailed biometric information when used on a patient in a medical facility, wherein the range and scope of such machine readable data may far exceed the practical space limitations on the band for receiving the same data in conventional human readable format. In other words, machine readable data technologies have permitted a substantial increase in the volume and scope of wearer-related data that can be applied to and/or carried by the identification band, as compared to conventional prior art bands bearing information only in human readable form. In a patient identification system, e.g., the identification band may bear or carry basic patient name data and the like in human readable characters, and also carry a broad scope of the same and additional information regarding patient name, age, sex, address, medical condition, allergies, and/or treatment regimen in machine readable form.
Despite the benefits and advantages derived from the incorporation of machine readable information on or within a flexible identification band, practical implementation of machine readable technologies has been accompanied by a number of significant drawbacks and disadvantages. More particularly, some forms of machine readable data such as linear bar coding requires a relatively flat surface for accurate and reliable read-out by means of a bar code reader. However, an identification band such as a wristband or ankle bracelet or the like mounted onto an individual inherently exhibits a curved configuration. While the degree of band curvature and resultant distortion of the bar coded information may be insufficient to interfere with data read-out, when the band is mounted onto an adult of average size, this is often not the case with relatively small identification bands sized to fit a small person such as an infant or small child. In addition, the band curvature may also impact the transmission or broadcast range of an RFID circuit for communication with a remote reader, wherein such communication with the RFID circuit can be significantly impaired in the case of small-sized bands suitable for an infant or small child.
Moreover, for small-sized identification bands dimensioned for wearer comfort, the band width may provide inadequate surface area for receiving human readable information in a size suitable for quick and easily visual reading, or for receiving machine readable bar coded information having a size suitable for facilitated read-out by means of a bar code reader. Similarly, small-sized identification bands may be too small for conveniently carrying and supporting an RFID circuit or chip.
In addition, current identification bands for bearing or carrying wearer-related information in human readable or machine readable form are typically constructed from relatively stiff plastic-based materials designed to provide a sturdy and durable substrate suitable for permanent imprinting of information thereon, and/or for protectively supporting an RFID circuit or chip. As a result, such identification bands tend to be relatively stiff, exhibit relatively abrasive and sharp edges, and thus can be somewhat uncomfortable for a user to wear over an extended period of time. Further, while such identification bands are frequently designed for encasing or protecting printed information and/or an RFID circuit against damage attributable to water intrusion, band bending and flexing associated with looped securement about a wearer's wrist or the like in combination with additional bending and flexing during a normal usage cycle often causes the edges of the band to wrinkle and separate, thereby undesirably admitting water into the band interior. Such water intrusion can cause printed information to smear and distort in a manner that renders the printed information unreadable, and/or causes damage to the encased RFID circuit.
There exists, therefore, a need for further improvements in and to identification bands and related identification systems of the type carrying wearer-related information, particularly wherein a relatively flat information-bearing surface of relatively extensive area is provided with an identification strap or band which may have a relatively small size suitable for use with a small infant or child, or small object. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the invention, an identification tag and related tag system are provided for securely mounting the identification tag onto a selected wearer or object, such as mounting onto a wearer's wrist or the like. The identification tag comprises a relatively compact, substantially planar structure adapted to receive wearer-related identification and other information in human readable and/or machine readable form. This information-bearing tag is adapted for quick and easy assembly onto an elongated flexible strap or band such as a wristband or bracelet for mounting onto the selected wearer or object. In one preferred form, the identification tag incorporates a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit adapted for communicating wearer-related information with a remote reader. The tag system, including the identification tag assembled with the flexible strap, is particularly useful with a small wearer or object, such as an infant or small child, to provided a relatively extensive and relatively flat information-bearing surface area.
In a preferred form, the identification tag bears printed human readable identification data, such as basic information regarding the wearer, e.g., name, address, and the like. In addition, the identification tag bears or carries at least some wearer-related information in machine readable form, such as by printing data onto the tag in bar code format. In addition or in the alternative, machine readable information may be inputted to an RFID circuit formed on or carried by the identification tag. This identification tag may be provided as a unitary item suitable for processing through an appropriate print station or stations or the like including means for inputting the identification data in the various formats to the tag. Alternately, the identification tag may be provided in detachable form in elongated roll or sheet form for processing through one or more appropriate print stations. In each configuration, the identification tag is constructed from a printable and sufficiently stiff substrate material suitable for retaining a substantially flat or planar shape.
The identification tag is formed for quick and easy assembly with the flexible strap or band, which is preferably constructed from a lightweight and inexpensive material such as a vinyl-based plastic chosen for substantially optimized comfort when worn about the wrist or ankle or the like of an individual. In one form, the identification tag includes a pair of spaced-apart and generally parallel strap slots for quick and easy slide-fit assembly onto the flexible strap, prior to wrapping the strap about the wrist or the like of a specific wearer and appropriate engagement of a fastening element or elements to retain the strap in a closed loop configuration on the wearer. In accordance with one important aspect of the invention, the identification tag is mounted on the exterior of the strap, and defines an information-bearing surface having a relatively extensive surface area with a width exceeding the strap width. The overall size and shape of the identification tag, and its orientation relative to the strap when mounted thereon, is selected so that at least a substantial portion of the tag sufficiently retains its substantially planar shape for facilitated and reliable read-out of machine readable wear-related information, as by means of a bar code reader and/or by wireless communication of the RFID circuit with a remote reader.
In one form of the invention, the identification tag is provided on one portion of a form sheet, another portion of which includes a plurality of associated adhesive labels each adapted for receiving and bearing human readable and/or machine readable information associated with the wearer-related information applied to the identification tag. In a related alternative form, the identification tag may further incorporate one or more detachable adhesive labels each bearing or carrying wearer-related information in human readable and/or machine readable form, wherein the identification tag with labels is adapted for mounting as a unit onto a flexible strap or band. In either configuration, each detachable label can be separated when and as needed for affixation to other objects associated the wearer, such as a vial containing a patient fluid specimen.
In another alternative preferred form, multiple identification tags are provided in roll or sheet form, and in related sets adapted for bearing or carrying appropriate wearer-related identification information, with each pair of tags being suitably sized and shaped for mounting onto the wrist or ankle or the like of a mother and infant, respectively, in a medical facility environment.
In a further alternative preferred form, multiple identification tags may be assembled with a single flexible strap used for mounting the multiple tags onto a single wearer. Each identification tags, or selected ones of the multiple identification tags may be colored coded, e.g., to indicate one or more selected conditions such as a particular medical condition associated with a specific patient or the like.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
As shown in the exemplary drawings, an improved identification tag system referred to generally in
The identification tag 14 is shown in one preferred form in
In one preferred form, the identification tag 14 has a multi-ply construction which may include a laminate of paper, synthetic paper, and/or plastic materials such as polyester and textured polyethylene and the like. With such construction, the identification tag 14 has a relatively stiff but somewhat flexible or compliant structure providing a relatively sturdy and durable substrate for receiving, bearing, and/or supporting the wearer-related information applied thereto, as by means of conventional printer technology. In one form, the tag 14 may be surface-treated for thermal sensitivity, so that the wearer-related information 18, 20 may be printed thereon by means of a thermal-type printer. In another form, other types of printers including but not limited to laser printers and the like may be used. In some forms, the printed information may be applied directly to an external surface of the tag 14, whereas in other forms the tag 14 may incorporate an transparent cover layer for overlying and protecting an internal ply having the printed information applied thereto. Persons skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that a wide range of different materials and constructions, and related production methods, may be used to form the identification tag 14.
The thus-constructed identification tag 14 is adapted for quick and easy assembly onto the flexible strap 16, which in turn is adapted for quick and easy mounting onto the selected wearer or object.
An opposite end of the flexible strap 16 typically includes or carries a fastening element or elements 26 adapted to receive and/or engage structures such as one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures 28 formed near the strap free end, for supporting and retaining the strap 16 in a closed loop configuration (
In accordance with one important aspect of the invention, the flexible strap 16 can be constructed from a lightweight, inexpensive, and highly flexible or compliant soft plastic material chosen for substantially optimized wearer comfort, substantially without encountering significant abrasion of the wearer's skin. That is, prior identification bands of the type designed for direct printing of wearer-related information thereon, and/or for protectively supporting an RFID circuit or chip, have exhibited a relatively stiff construction defining edges that can be somewhat sharp and abrasive, resulting in an identification wristband or bracelet that can be uncomfortable for a user to wear over an extended period of time. By contrast, in the identification tag system 10 of the present invention, the flexible strap 16 does not bear wearer-related information printed directly thereon, does not carry other cards or labels having wearer-related information printed thereon, and further does not define a structure for protectively receiving and supporting an RFID circuit or chip. Instead, such wearer-related information and the RFID circuit or chip are carried by the separately formed identification tag 14. Accordingly, the flexible strap 16 may be constructed from an extremely soft and compliant, yet desirably stretch-resistant material, such as a soft vinyl-based plastic or the like chosen for substantially optimized wearer comfort.
In addition, in accordance with a further important aspect of the invention, the information-bearing identification tag 14 is mounted onto the exterior of the strap 16. The tag 14 is thus constructed with a size and shape defining an information-bearing outboard tag side having a surface area that extends beyond the width of the associated strap 16. As a result, the available information-bearing surface area on the identification tag 14 is sufficient to receive and carry a substantial amount of volume of wearer-related data for quick and easy read-out by direct visual perception and/or by automated readers, yet the tag 14 may be assembled with a flexible strap 16 having a small size suitable for mounting onto a small person or object, particularly such as an infant or small child, or otherwise having a strap width that exhibits minimal or insufficient surface area for bearing any significant volume of wearer-related data. In this regard, the width and length of a flexible strap sized for fitting about the wrist or ankle or the like of a newborn infant of small child is generally insufficient for bearing a broad range of wearer-related information in a form that is quickly and easily readable by alternative means.
The relatively stiff identification tag 14 when mounted onto the flexible strap 16 sufficiently retains its nondeformed, substantially flat or substantially planar shape to provide a localized strap zone of substantially or nearly planar shape, when the strap 16 is mounted in closed loop configuration onto the selected wearer. This localized flat or nearly flat zone thus presents the wearer-related information on the identification tag 14 with minimal or no curvature for quick, easy and reliable machine read-out of printed machine readable data 20 as by means of a bar code reader, and/or wireless communication of the RFID circuit 22 with a remote reader. That is, the identification tag 14 is not bent sufficiently for directly following the high degree of curvature associated with a small diameter strap 16 mounted, for example, onto the wrist or ankle of a newborn infant or small child, wherein such high degree of curvature can interfere with bar code read-out and/or impair the broadcast range of the RFID circuit 22. Importantly, however, the remainder of the soft and flexible strap 16 may exhibit the requisite high degree of curvature needed for secure strap retention on wearer, but in a highly comfortable manner.
The identification tag 14 can be provided as a single or unitary component for processing through one or more printer stations for printing the wearer-related information thereon, and further wherein such printer station or stations may also include appropriate programming means for inputting the desired range of wearer-related data to the RFID circuit 22. Alternately, for facilitated printing and programming, a supply or plurality of identification tags 14 may be provided in roll or sheet form for processing through one or more printer/programmer stations, such as the exemplary print station 30 shown in
More particularly, in accordance with one preferred form,
More particularly, the modified identification tag 114 shown in
The modified identification tag 114 may also be provided as a single or unitary component, or in roll or sheet form comprising a plurality of detachable tags adapted for processing through one or more print stations 30 (
More particularly,
The illustrated strip 32 of multiple tag sets or groups is adapted for processing through one or more appropriate printer/programmer stations, such as the print station 30 shown in
More particularly, each of the modified identification tags 414 includes a base segment 48 including the wearer-related data 18, 20, as previously described. Each modified tag 414 may also include an RFID circuit, again as previously described. The modified tag 414 further includes an extension segment 50 carrying the labels 46, wherein each label 46 may be imprinted with all or part of the wearer-related data 18, 20, and may additional incorporate a separate RFID circuit 22.
As shown in
As shown best in
Each printable region 75, 76 denoting one of the identification tags 514, 614, within the first portion 65 of the printable form 64, is suitably perforated or die cut as indicated at 534 (
With this configuration, following appropriate printing and/or programming of suitable wearer-related information onto the printable regions 75, 76 on the face ply 72, each identification tag 514, 614 can be separated from the form 64 as by rearward punch-out displacement depicted in
The second portion 66 of the printable form 64 is defined by a laterally extending region of the face ply 72, at one side of the above described first portion 65 of the form 64. As shown, a perforation 34 or suitable line of weakness may be provided between these first and second portions 65, 66 to permit separation, if desired. Within the second portion 66 of the printable form 64, a reverse or rear side of the face ply 72 is backed by an adhesive film 170 or the like, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a front or upper side of a backing sheet 168 (which may be opaque) is covered with a suitable release film or liner 174. A major portion of the face ply 72 defining this second portion of the printable form 64 is subdivided by perforations 134 or suitable lines of weakness into the plurality of adhesive backed labels 46.
Accordingly, subsequent to inputting the desired information to the identification tags 514, 614, and to the labels 46, the identification tags are separated from the form 64 as by punch-out displacement, and then folded per folding guide lines to finished state for mounting onto associated flexible wristband straps 16, all as previously described. The first portion 65 of the form 64 can then be separated from the second label-bearing portion 66, if desired, by tear-off separation along the perforation 34. Thereafter, the second label-bearing portion 66 may be accessed when desired to obtain a pre-printed peel-off adhesive label 46 for quick and easy affixation to objects associated or to be associated with the tags 514, 614, as previously described herein. By way of example, when the identification tag or tags are used for patient identification in a medical facility or the like, the second portion 66 of the printable form may remain with the patient's chart or file, bearing the adhesive labels 46 ready for peel-off separation from the form portion 66 and appropriate adherence to physician's order papers, medicine containers, specimen vials, medical reports, and the like.
Following printing of the desired information 18, 20, and any inputting of information to a RFID circuit which may be included therewith or therein, as previously described with the respect to the embodiment of
After printing, the first portion 165 of the form 164 can be separated from the related second portion 166, as by means of an intervening perforation 34 (
A further modified printable form 264 is shown in
Following the application of printed and other wearer-related information to each tag 1014, 1114 on the first portion 165 of the form 364, each identification tag can be separated as by punch-out displacement (
A variety of further modifications and improvements in and to the improved identification tag and related tag system of the present invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. For example, persons skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that the features shown and described herein with respect to any one of the various tag embodiments and the various printable form embodiments may be employed with or in any one of the other disclosed embodiments. In addition, persons skilled in the art will understand that the identification tag and tag system, in all of its various embodiments, may be used in a wide range or different identification applications involving persons or objects, including but not limited to patient identification in a medical facility or the like, personnel identification and/or access control at secured facilities such as military or industrial installations and at prisons and the like, patron identification at amusement parks and events such as concerts and sports events and the like, airport and other transportation and passenger and/or baggage identification, identification and tracking of product and inventory and shipped parcels, and animal control, and the like. Accordingly, no limitation on the invention is intended by way of the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, except as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
1. An identification tag system, comprising:
- an identification tag including means for receiving information associated with a specific wearer or object; and
- an elongated flexible strap and related fastening means for configuring and retaining said strap in a closed loop shape of selected circumferential size wrapped about a portion of the specific wearer or object;
- said identification tag being mounted onto the exterior of said strap and having a size and shape to extend beyond the width of said strap.
2. The identification tag system of claim 1 wherein said information-receiving means on said identification tag comprises an information-bearing surface area comprising an outboard presented surface of said tag, when said tag is mounted onto said strap, and further including information associated with the specific wearer or object carried on said information-bearing surface area.
3. The identification tag system of claim 2 wherein said information is printed on said information-bearing surface area.
4. The identification tag system of claim 2 wherein said information is printed on said information-bearing surface area in human readable form.
5. The identification tag system of claim 2 wherein said information is printed on said information-bearing surface area in machine readable form.
6. The identification tag system of claim 5 wherein said information in machine readable form comprises bar code data.
7. The identification tag system of claim 2 wherein said information is printed on said information-bearing surface area in human readable form and machine readable form.
8. The identification tag system of claim 2 wherein said information-receiving means on said identification tag further comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit carried by said tag.
9. The identification tag system of claim 1 wherein said information-receiving means on said identification tag comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit carried by said tag.
10. The identification tag system of claim 9 wherein said tag has a multiple ply construction, and further wherein said RFID circuit is embedded within said tag.
11. The identification tag system of claim 1 wherein said identification tag comprises a relatively stiff and generally planar structure, and wherein said flexible strap comprises a comparatively soft and compliant structure.
12. The identification tag system of claim 1 wherein said identification tag has at least one slot formed therein for slide-fit reception of said strap therethrough.
13. The identification tag system of claim 1 wherein said identification tag has a pair of slots formed therein, disposed for slide-fit reception of said strap therethrough.
14. The identification tag system of claim 13 wherein said identification tag has a generally rectangular shape defining a long dimension and a short dimension, and further wherein said pair of slots are formed in said tag for slide-fit reception of said strap therethrough to orient said tag with said long dimension thereof aligned generally with a long dimension of said strap.
15. The identification tag system of claim 13 wherein said identification tag has a generally rectangular shape defining a long dimension and a short dimension, and further wherein said pair of slots are formed in said tag for slide-fit reception of said strap therethrough to orient said tag with said long dimension thereof extending generally perpendicular to a long dimension of said strap.
16. The identification tag system of claim 2 wherein a substantial portion of said information-bearing surface area on said identification tag extends laterally from said strap.
17. The identification tag system of claim 1 further including a supply of identification tags detachably interconnected to each other, and at least one processor station for applying said information to one of said identification tags, said resultant information-bearing tag being separable from said supply for mounting onto said strap.
18. The identification tag system of claim 17 wherein said supply of detachably interconnected identification tags is provided in roll form.
19. The identification tag system of claim 17 wherein said supply of detachably interconnected identification tags is provided in sheet form.
20. The identification tag system of claim 1 further including a plurality of said identification tags mounted onto the exterior of said flexible strap, each of said identification tags having a size and shape to extend beyond the width of said strap.
21. The identification tag system of claim 20 wherein at least one of said identification tags is color coded.
22. The identification tag system of claim 1 further including a related group of identification tags each including means for receiving information related to a specific group of persons or objects, and a plurality of flexible straps, each of said identification tags being detachably interconnected to each other and separable from each other for respective mounting onto said flexible straps.
23. The identification tag system of claim 22 wherein group of identification tags includes at least one relatively large tag and at least one comparatively smaller tag.
24. The identification tag system of claim 1 wherein said identification tag further includes at least one detachable label including means for receiving information associated with the specific wearer or object.
25. The identification tag system of claim 24 wherein said at least one detachable label comprises a plurality of detachable labels.
26. The identification tag system of claim 24 wherein said label comprises an adhesive-backed label.
27. The identification tag system of claim 1 further including a printable form having a first portion and a second portion, said identification tag being formed within said first form portion with said information receiving means comprising an upwardly presented printable region, and said second form portion including a plurality of adhesive-backed labels each including means for receiving information associated with the specific wearer or object.
28. An identification tag for mounting onto an elongated flexible strap associated with fastening means for configuring and retaining the strap in a closed loop of selected circumferential size wrapped about a portion of a specific wearer or object, said identification tag comprising:
- an identification tag having a relatively stiff and generally planar structure and including means for receiving information associated with a specific wearer or object; and
- means for mounting said tag onto the exterior of the strap, said tag having a size and shape to extend beyond the width of the strap.
29. The identification tag of claim 28 wherein said information-receiving means on said identification tag comprises an information-bearing surface area comprising an outboard presented surface of said tag, when said tag is mounted onto the strap, and further including information associated with the specific wearer or object carried on said information-bearing surface area.
30. The identification tag of claim 29 wherein said information is printed on said information-bearing surface area.
31. The identification tag of claim 29 wherein said information is printed on said information-bearing surface area in a selected one or both of human readable form and machine readable form.
32. The identification tag of claim 31 wherein said information in machine readable form comprises bar code data.
33. The identification tag of claim 28 wherein said information-receiving means on said identification tag comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit carried by said tag.
34. The identification tag of claim 33 wherein said tag has a multiple ply construction, and further wherein said RFID circuit is embedded within said tag.
35. The identification tag of claim 28 wherein said identification tag has at least one slot formed therein for slide-fit reception of the strap therethrough.
36. The identification tag of claim 35 wherein said identification tag has a pair of slots formed therein, disposed for slide-fit reception of the strap therethrough.
37. The identification tag of claim 29 wherein a substantial portion of said information-bearing surface area on said identification tag extends laterally from the strap, when said tag is mounted on the strap.
38. The identification tag of claim 28 wherein said identification tag further includes at least one detachable label including means for receiving information associated with the specific wearer or object.
39. The identification tag of claim 38 wherein said at least one detachable label comprises a plurality of detachable labels.
40. The identification tag of claim 38 wherein said label comprises an adhesive-backed label.
41. The identification tag system of claim 28 further including a printable form having a first portion and a second portion, said identification tag being formed within said first form portion with said information receiving means comprising an upwardly presented printable region, and said second form portion including a plurality of adhesive-backed labels each including means for receiving information associated with the specific wearer or object.
42. An identification tag system, comprising:
- a supply of identification tags each including means for receiving information associated with a specific wearer or object; and
- a supply of elongated flexible straps and related fastening means for configuring and retaining each of said straps in a closed loop shape of selected circumferential size wrapped about a portion of the specific wearer or object;
- each of said identification tags being mounted onto the exterior of an associated one of said straps and having a size and shape to extend beyond the width of said associated strap.
43. The identification tag system of claim 42 wherein said information-receiving means on each of said identification tags comprises an information-bearing surface area on an outboard presented surface thereof when said tag is mounted onto said associated strap, and further including information associated with the specific wearer or object carried by said information-bearing surface area.
44. The identification tag system of claim 43 wherein said information is printed on said information-bearing surface area.
45. The identification tag system of claim 44 wherein said information is printed on said information-bearing surface area in a selected one of human readable form, machine readable form, or both.
46. The identification tag system of claim 45 wherein said information in machine readable form comprises bar code data.
47. The identification tag system of claim 42 wherein said information-receiving means on each of said identification tags comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit.
48. The identification tag system of claim 47 wherein each of said identification tags has a multiple ply construction, and further wherein said RFID circuit associated therewith is embedded within said identification tag.
49. The identification tag system of claim 42 wherein each of said identification tags comprises a relatively stiff and generally planar structure, and wherein each of said flexible straps comprises a comparatively soft and compliant structure.
50. The identification tag system of claim 42 wherein each of said identification tags has at least one slot formed therein for slide-fit reception of said associated strap therethrough.
51. The identification tag system of claim 42 wherein each of said identification tags has a pair of slots formed therein, disposed for slide-fit reception of said associated strap therethrough.
52. The identification tag system of claim 43 wherein a substantial portion of said information-bearing surface area on each of said identification tags extends laterally from the associated strap, when said tag is mounted on the associated strap.
53. The identification tag system of claim 42 wherein said supply of identification tags comprises a plurality of said identification tags detachably interconnected to each other, and further including at least one processor station for applying said information to each of said identification tags, said resultant information-bearing tags each being separable from said plurality of identification tags for mounting onto said associated strap.
54. The identification tag system of claim 42 wherein at least one of said identification tags is color coded.
55. The identification tag system of claim 53 wherein said plurality of detachably interconnected identification tags is provided in roll form.
56. The identification tag system of claim 53 wherein said plurality of detachably interconnected identification tags is provided in sheet form.
57. The identification tag system of claim 42 wherein said supply of identification tags comprises a related group of identification tags each including means for receiving information related to a specific group of persons or objects, said related group of said identification tags being detachably interconnected to each other and separable from each other for respective mounting onto said flexible straps.
58. The identification tag system of claim 57 wherein said related group of identification tags includes at least one relatively large tag and at least one comparatively smaller tag.
59. The identification tag system of claim 42 wherein each of said identification tags further includes at least one detachable label including means for receiving information associated with the specific wearer or object.
60. The identification tag system of claim 59 wherein said at least one detachable label comprises a plurality of detachable labels.
61. The identification tag system of claim 42 further including a printable form having a first portion and a second portion, said identification tag being formed within said first form portion with said information receiving means comprising an upwardly presented printable region, and said second form portion including a plurality of adhesive-backed labels each including means for receiving information associated with the specific wearer or object.
62. An identification tag system, comprising:
- a printable form including a first portion defining at least one identification tag adapted for mounting onto an elongated flexible strap having related fastening means for configuring and retaining the strap in a closed loop shape of selected circumferential size wrapped about a portion of a specific wearer or object;
- said at least one identification tag defining an upwardly presented printable region for receiving printed information associated with the specific wearer or object; and
- said printable form further including a second portion defining a plurality of detachable adhesive backed labels each including defining a printable region for receiving printed information associated with the specific wearer or object.
63. The identification tag system of claim 62 further including an elongated flexible strap having related fastening means for configuring and retaining the strap in a closed loop shape of selected circumferential size wrapped about a portion of a specific wearer or object;
64. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein said first and second form portions are separable.
65. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein each of said labels comprises a peel-off label.
66. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein said at least one identification tag defined by said form first portion comprises a plurality of identification tags.
67. The identification tag system of claim 66 wherein at least one of said plurality of identification tags is color coded.
68. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein said at least one identification tag includes a transparent protective cover film.
69. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein said at least one identification tag has a multiple ply construction.
70. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein said printed information is printed onto said at least one identification tag and each of said labels in human readable form.
71. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein said printed information is printed onto said at least one identification tag and each of said labels in machine readable form.
72. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein said wherein said printed information is printed onto said at least one identification tag and each of said labels in human readable form and in machine readable form.
73. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein said at least one identification tag has at least one slot formed therein for slide-fit reception of the strap therethrough.
74. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein said at least one identification tag comprises a related group of identification tags each including means for receiving information related to a specific group of persons or objects, said related group of said identification tags being detachably interconnected to each other and separable from each other for respective mounting onto said flexible straps.
75. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein:
- said first form portion comprises a first face ply defining said printable region on a front side thereof, a transparent backing sheet
- underlying said first face ply, a transparent adhesive film coating on a front side of said backing sheet, and a release film coating on a rear side of said first face ply while leaving uncoated a rear side segment corresponding with said printable region;
- said backing sheet further including a first segment underlying said printable region, and a second segment adjoining said first segment at one side thereof and having a size and shape substantially mirroring said first segment;
- said printable region being adhered by said adhesive film to said underlying first segment of said backing sheet;
- said first face ply and said backing sheet including pre-formed lines of weakness to permit punch-out separation of said printable region and said first and second segments of said backing sheet as a unit; and
- said second segment of said backing sheet being foldable over a front side of said printable region to overlie and protect said printed information thereon.
76. The identification tag system of claim 75 wherein said second form portion comprises a second face ply defining said plurality of labels, a second backing sheet underlying said first second face ply, a transparent adhesive film coating on a rear side of said second face ply, and a release film coating on a front side of said second backing sheet.
77. The identification tag system of claim 76 wherein said first and second face plies comprise a common sheet.
78. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein:
- said printable form comprises a face ply extending over said first and second form portions, a backing sheet underlying said face ply and also extending over said first and second form portions, an adhesive film coating on a rear side of said face ply, and a release film coating on a front side of said backing sheet;
- said face ply within said first form portion defining said at least one printable first region and further defining an adjoining second region having a size and shape substantially mirroring said first region;
- said face ply within said second form portion defining said plurality of labels;
- said face ply including pre-formed lines of weakness to permit peel-off separation of said first and second regions as a unit; and
- said first and second regions being foldable rearwardly to orient rears sides thereof in face-to-face relation thereby forming said at least one identification tag with a multiple ply construction.
79. The identification tag system of claim 78 wherein said face ply comprises a first face ply material within said first form portion, and a second face ply material within said second form portion.
80. The identification tag system of claim 78 wherein said adjoining second region comprises a second printable region.
81. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein:
- said printable form comprises a face ply extending over said first and second form portions, a backing sheet underlying said face ply and also extending over said first and second form portions, an adhesive film coating on a rear side of said face ply, and a release film coating on a front side of said backing sheet to extend over said second form portion while leaving uncoated said front side of said backing sheet over said first form portion;
- said face ply within said first form portion defining said at least one printable region, and said face ply within said second form portion defining said plurality of labels; and
- said face ply and said backing sheet each including substantially aligned pre-formed lines of weakness to permit punch-out separation of said printable region and an underlying segment of said backing sheet as a unit defining said at least one identification tag.
82. The identification tag system of claim 81 wherein said face ply comprises a first face ply material within said first form portion, and a second face ply material within said second form portion.
83. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein:
- said printable form comprises a first face ply defining said first form portion and further defining said at least one identification tag separable therefrom, said first face ply defining one side edge thereof;
- a second face ply extending over said form portion, a backing sheet underlying said second face ply and defining one side edge thereof, an adhesive film coating on a rear side of said second face ply, and a release film coating on a front side of said backing sheet;
- said second face ply defining said plurality of labels; and
- means for connecting said one side edge of said first face ply with said one side edge of said backing sheet.
84. The identification tag system of claim 83 wherein said connecting means comprises an adhesive bead.
85. The identification tag system of claim 83 wherein said connecting means comprises a flexible web.
86. The identification tag system of claim 62 wherein said at least one identification tag defined by said first form portion further incorporates at least one detachable label including means for receiving information associated with the specific wearer or object.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 25, 2003
Publication Date: May 26, 2005
Inventor: Alexander Bekker (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Number: 10/722,978