Labeling apparatus with elastic loop

Abstract

An elastic article forming a stretchable closed loop with at least a portion used as or attached to a label, such as a writing surface that is receptive to written text. The label portion may be personalized and used to identify items being held together, such as rolled prints, bulk-foods, items in inventory, mail, pre-packaged goods, etc.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application No. 60/542,134, filed Feb. 5, 2004, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to labeling apparatuses having an elastomer at least partially forming a loop and a label affixed to the elastomer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior art labels are often affixed to items using adhesive bonding. For example, many prior art labels have an adhesive coating on one side for affixing the label to an object. Many prior art labels include a strong adhesive that prevents removal of the label from an item without significant effort, and may damage the surface of the item or leave a residue on the item after removal of the label. Other prior art labels have a weak adhesive that enables the label to be easily removed from an item; however, weak adhesives may result in accidental or unintentional removal of the label from an item. Further, prior art labels cannot bind or fasten a plurality of items together.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A labeling apparatus is provided. The labeling apparatus includes an elastomer that at least partially defines a loop. The elastomer is characterized by a first modulus of elasticity. The labeling apparatus further includes a label that is operatively connected to the loop, and that is formed of a material having a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of elasticity.

The loop enables the label to be removably affixed to one or more items, and the elastomer allows the size of the loop to be selectively variable, so that the label may be affixed to items of various sizes and shapes. When the elastomer is stretched so that the loop surrounds a portion of an object, the loop exerts a compressive force on the object to aid in the retention of the label to the object. Further, when the loop surrounds a plurality of objects, the compressive force acts to releasably fasten the objects together.

A user may write information on the label, such as the identification, the owner, the purpose, the disposition, the destination, etc., of the object or objects to which the label and elastic loop are attached. In an exemplary embodiment, the label is affixed to a segment of the elastomer or forms a portion of the loop. The higher elastic modulus of the label minimizes deformation of the label and any writing contained thereon when the elastomer is stretched, thereby retaining legibility of the writing.

Industries that may take advantage of the labeling apparatus provided include office supply companies, manufacturing facilities, inventory and logistic companies, and home and office environments. Functional uses include inter office mail, blueprints, posters, seasonal merchandise, wine storage, bank statements, utility bills, taxes, receipts, advertising, sales, barcodes, book marks, balloons, medicine bottles, water bottles, holiday gifts, inventory identifiers, manufacturing batching, etc.

The above objects, features and advantages, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an elastomer forming a loop, and a label forming a loop through which the elastomer extends;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an elastomer forming a loop, and a label affixed to a member forming a loop through which the elastomer extends;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an elastomer partially defining a loop, and a label affixed to a member that further defines the loop; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an elatomer forming a loop and a label affixed to a segment of the elastomer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a labeling apparatus 8 includes an elastomer material 10 in the form of a band defining a loop 12. It should be noted that, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the elastomer material 10 forms a continuous, unbroken loop. The elastomer material 10 is characterized by a first modulus of elasticity. The elastomer material 10 is preferably rubber or synthetic rubber, but may be any elastomer within the scope of the claimed invention. A label 14 is made of flexible, pliable material receptive to written text and characterized by a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of elasticity.

The label 14 includes a first portion 16 and a second portion 18. An adhesive 20 affixes the first portion 16 to the second portion 18 such that the label 14 defines a loop 22. A portion of the loop 12 formed by the elastomer material 10 extends through the loop 22 formed by the label 14.

That is, the label 14 is looped around the band so that the first portion 16 is juxtaposed with the second portion 18. Adhesive 20 affixes portions 16 and 18 to each other. Adhesive is not applied between the label 14 and the loop 12 so that the elatomer 10 is freely movable through loop 22 and so that the elongation of the band 12 is not significantly affected by the label 14.

The label 14 may have design details 24 in the form of a trimmed pattern. The pattern 24 in the embodiment depicted is cut with a cutting tool with contoured teeth. Other variations of patterns can be executed in a similar matter. Further, the label 14 may include pre-printed text or graphics. The label 14 is receptive to a writing tool such as a pen, pencil, marker, etc., so that a user may add written text 26 to the label 14.

Those skilled in the art will recognize a variety of fastening techniques for connecting the first portion 16 and the second portion 18 of the label to form loop 22. For example, the first portion 16 and the second portion may be clamped, riveted, clasped, stamped, stapled, etc.

Those skilled in the art will recognize flexible materials that may be used to fabricate the label 14, such as nylon, fiber-based materials (fabrics, cloth, etc.), etc. To provide the label 14 with tear-resistance, the label 14 is preferably formed from a polymeric material instead of paper, though paper may be used within the scope of the claimed invention. Nylon is rip and tear resistant and can easily fold over upon itself with deformation or alteration. If nylon is used, it may be coated to be more receptive to written text. An exemplary material for label 14 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,023, issued Sep. 5, 2000 to Schwarz et al, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The '023 patent describes a printable microporous material having a matrix of substantially water-insoluble thermoplastic organic polymer, e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and substantially water-insoluble particulate filler such as precipitated silica. The material is characterized by a network of interconnecting pores communicating substantially throughout the material. Another exemplary material is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,169,899, issued Feb. 16, 1965 to Steuber, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The '899 patent describes a material sold under the trademark “TYVEK.”

The label 14 may also comprise photochromic, thermochromic, electrochromic material, or other material that changes appearance or color in response to the application of energy or other external stimulus. The labels may also be treated with a phosphor such as zinc sulfide or strontium aluminate to provide the label with photoluminescence.

The label may be pre-coated with an adhesive that reacts to heat in a heat stamping process, thereby binding the label portions 16, 18 together and not to the loop 12.

The label is preferably waterproof and resistant to water. Some paper products exist that can absorb pencil lead without having water affect the paper or cause smudging of the lead. Notebooks of this paper can be seen in use by architects and in the boating industry and are readily available.

Within the scope of the claimed invention, pre-printed text and or graphics may be applied in a descriptive nature to assist in the use and identification of the labeling apparatus 8 and its immediate use. Example text may include words or phrases such as “Property of,” “Return to,” “Mail Code,” “Name,” “Deliver to,” “Lot #,” “Discount,” “Clearance,” “Sale,” “Sold to,” etc. Graphics may also be used as a means of identification and/or branding and include a bar code, expiration date, destination, and company logo.

In the context of the present invention, a “label” may also be a device 27 that actively or passively conveys or transmits information. For example, label 27 affixed to the elastomer material 10 may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) device 27. Exemplary RFID devices are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,804, issued Aug. 8, 2000 to Brady, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,696,879, issued Feb. 24, 2004 to O'Toole, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,661,335, issued Dec. 9, 2003 to Seal; each of the aforereferenced patents being hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Similarly, label 27 may be a sensor to monitor and indicate a physical characteristic such as temperature, or label 27 may be a digital timer so that elapsed time may be measured and displayed. Label 27 may be used with or without label 14, and may also be attached to label 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components from FIG. 1, an alternative labeling apparatus 8′ is schematically depicted. The labeling apparatus 8′ includes an elastomer material 10 in the form of a band that defines loop 12. A plastic member 25 includes an integral locking ladder tie 26. The ladder tie 26 is flexible and is bendable to form a loop through which a portion of the elastomer 10 extends. The ladder tie 26 extends through a hole 28 in the plastic member 25. Each ring on the ladder tie 26 can be pulled through the hole 28, locking the ladder tie with respect to the hole. A benefit of using a ladder tie is that it is designed to tighten and not loosen.

In the embodiment depicted, a label 14′ is connected to the plastic member 25. A transparent covering 30 covers label 14′. In an exemplary embodiment, covering 30 includes a pre-applied adhesive on one side that is protected by a backing material (not shown). After a user adds writing 26 to the label 14′, the user may remove the backing from the covering 30 and then apply the covering to the label 14′ and member 25 to provide a protective barrier. Alternatively, and within the scope of the claimed invention, the plastic member 25 forms a slot 32 through which the label 14′ may be inserted between the plastic member 25 and the cover 30.

Referring to FIG. 3, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components from FIGS. 1 and 2, another alternative labeling apparatus 8″ is schematically depicted. The labeling apparatus 8″ includes an elastomer material 10′ having a first end 36 and a second end 40. The first end 36 and the second end 40 are affixed to a substantially rigid member 25′. The member 25′ and the elastomer material 10′ cooperate to form a loop 12′. Label 14″ is affixed to the substantially rigid member 25′, such as by adhesive bonding. Alternatively, and within the scope of the claimed invention, member 25′ may function as a label.

Referring to FIG. 4, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components from FIGS. 1-3, yet another alternative labeling apparatus 8′″ is schematically depicted. An elastomer material 10″ in the form of a band defines a loop 12″. The elastomer material 10″ defines a first segment 46 having a first width, and a second segment 42 having a second width less than the first width. A label 14″ is affixed to the elastomer material 10″ along the first segment. In the embodiment depicted, the label 14″ is affixed to the elastomer material 10″ by adhesive bonding; however, those skilled in the art will recognize other techniques for affixing label 14″ to the elastomer material 10″ such as sewing, mechanical fasteners, etc. Thus, when the elastomer material is stretched, the label restricts deformation of the first segment 46, minimizing or eliminating distortion of writing 26 on the label 14″.

While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A labeling apparatus comprising:

an elastomer at least partially defining a first loop, said elastomer being characterized by a first modulus of elasticity; and

a label formed of a material having a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of elasticity, the label being operatively connected to the first loop.

2. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the label is flexible and includes a first portion and a second portion; said first portion being affixed to said second portion such that the label defines a second loop, and wherein at least a portion of said first loop extends through said second loop.

3. The labeling apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an adhesive affixing said second portion to said first portion.

4. The labeling apparatus of claim 2, wherein said elastomer is selectively movable through said second loop.

5. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label is affixed to a first segment of said elastomer such that said label restricts elastic deformation of said first segment of said elastomer.

6. The labeling apparatus of claim 5, wherein said label is adhesively bonded to said first segment.

7. The labeling apparatus of claim 5, wherein said first segment is characterized by a first width, and wherein said elastomer includes a second segment characterized by a second width smaller than the first width.

8. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label further defines said first loop.

9. The labeling apparatus of claim 8, wherein said elastomer includes a first end affixed to said label and a second end affixed to said label.

10. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one member to which the label is affixed.

11. The labeling apparatus of claim 10, wherein said at least one member defines a second loop, and wherein at least part of said first loop extends through said second loop, and wherein said first loop is selectively movable through said second loop.

12. The labeling apparatus of claim 10, wherein said at least one member at least partially defines the first loop.

13. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label is an RFID tag.

14. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label is characterized by photoluminescence.

15. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label is characterized by a change in color in response to applied energy.

16. The labeling apparatus of claim 15, wherein said label is one of photochromic, thermochromic, and electrochromic.

17. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label is a sensor.

18. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label comprises a polymeric material for resistance to tearing.

19. A device for bundling and labeling comprising:

an elastomer at least partially defining a first loop, said elastomer being characterized by a first modulus of elasticity; and

a label comprised of a polymer and having a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of elasticity, wherein the label is flexible and includes a first portion and a second portion; said first portion being affixed to said second portion such that the label defines a second loop, and wherein at least a portion of said first loop extends through said second loop.

20. A device for bundling and labeling comprising:

an elastomer at least partially defining a loop; and

a radio frequency identification transponder operatively connected to the loop.