Ultra-thin flexible durable radio frequency identification devices and hot or cold lamination process for the manufacture of ultra-thin flexible durable radio frequency identification devices
A ultra-thin flexible durable radio frequency plastic of other substrate identification device, such as cards, tags, badges, bracelets and labels including at least one electronic element embedded therein and a hot or cold lamination process for the manufacture of radio frequency identification devices including a micro IC chip embedded therein. The process results in a device having an overall thickness in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.033 inches with a surface suitable for receiving dye sublimation printing—the variation in the device thickness across the surface is less than 0.0005 inches. The hot lamination process of the present invention results in an aesthetically pleasing device which can be used as a sticker when adhesive is applied to the device. The invention also relates to a plastic device in all shapes and sizes formed in accordance with the hot lamination process of the present invention and can withstand harsh chemicals and various pressures.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/142,019, filed Jul. 7, 1999.
This application claims the benefit of (a) provisional application Ser. No. 60/142,019, filed Jul. 7, 1999 and (b) Ser. No. 09/158,290, filed Sep. 22, 1998(now U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,155), which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/727,789(now U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,207), which claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/005,685. filed on Oct. 17, 1995.
FIELD OF INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to an ultra-thin flexible durable identification device and the manufacture thereof, and more particularly to radio frequency identification (RFID) devices and the manufacture of RFID devices that can be made in many shapes and sizes and that have superior outer surface matte or glossy such that device may receive dye sublimation printing or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIdentification devices such as cards, badges, tags labels and bracelets have been used for years for all kinds of identification, such as passports, luggage, all kinds of tickets, hospital/pharmacy medical records and access passes, all of which have not been totally free from theft and counterfeit resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars. With the rapid progress in new technology the problems associated with the use of such identification devices are being replaced with a more secure identification device having a RFID smart chip that gives more information such as biometrics and read write technology. Thus this more secure plastic device is very difficult or impossible to fraudulently manipulate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is therefore directed to a ultra-thin flexible durable plastic device made in all shapes and sizes having at least one electronic element embedded therein and to a hot or cold lamination method for the manufacture of plastic devices including at least one electronic element therein. The device can be used as cards, tags, badges, bracelets and labels. The device is durable and flexible and it can be used as a sticker when adhesive is applied because it is ultra-thin. The device has an overall thickness in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.033 inches and comprises a plastic or other substrate core having at least one electronic element embedded therein with at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the core comprising a coating printed or otherwise applied thereon. An overlaminate film is preferably provided over the coated surface of the core and the resulting device has a variation in thickness across the surfaces thereof of no greater than approximately 0.0005 inches. The hot or cold lamination method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing first and second plastic or other substrate core sheets, positioning at least one electronic element between the first and second core sheets to thus form a core and placing the core in a laminator and closing the lamination without applying laminator ram pressure to the core. A heat cycle is applied to the core sheets in the laminator thus liquefying or partially liquefying the sheets. The laminator ram pressure is then increased in combination with the heat. A cooling cycle is then applied to the core in the laminator preferably with an associated increase in ram pressure, and the core is removed from the laminator. The sheets are then cut separating the individual device from the core sheet and this results in a plastic device having a thickness in the range of approximately 0.005 inches-0.033 inches with a surface glossy or matte dependent on customer's request. The invention is also directed to a device manufactured in accordance with the above process which results in a plastic device having a thickness in the range of approximately 0.005 inches-0.033 inches with a surface smoothness of at least approximately 0.0005 inches. The present invention provides numerous advantages over known plastic devices and known plastic device with electronic elements such as a computer chip embedded therein with a pleasing aesthetic appearance and able to withstand various harsh chemicals and pressures.
The present invention relates to a ultra-thin flexible durable plastic device including at least one electronic element embedded therein. The present invention also relates to a hot lamination process for the manufacture of plastic devices and more particularly to a hot or cold lamination process for the manufacture of plastic devices that include an electronic element such as a computer chip or other electronic element embedded therein. The electronic element may preform a wide variety of functions and take a wide variety of forms. Such devices without regard to the particular electronic element embedded therein, will hereinafter be referred to as radio frequency identification (RFID) devices. The present invention also relates to a ultra-thin durable plastic or other composition device in all shapes and sizes that can withstand harsh chemicals and various pressures that could be used in the are-o-space industry.
Referring now to
As shown in
Subsequent to placing one or more electronic elements 20 between the first and second sheets 30, 32 of plastic or other substrate core stock to form core 33, this core 33 is placed in a laminator apparatus 40 of the type well known in the art of plastic device manufacturing. As is shown in
Once book 37 is positioned in laminator 40 as shown in
Subsequent to the above heat cycle, laminator 40 applies a chill cycle to book 37 during which time and ram pressure of the laminator 40 is increased, preferably by approximately 25%, until the platens 42, 44 have been cooled in approximately 40° F. to 65° F. for approximately 10-15 minutes. Core 33 may then be removed from laminator 40 for additional processing. If a single lamination step is used, a glossy plate might be used at this point of lamination to provide a mirror finish on the device. At this point the sheets will be ready for cutting out the devices separating the plurality of devices from the sheets.
Subsequent to the removal of core 30 from laminator 40 and as illustrated in
Referring now to
When book 135 is positioned between upper and lower platens 42, 44 of laminator 40 as shown in
Subsequent to the above described second lamination cycle as illustrated in
Preferably plastic device stock manufactured in accordance with the present invention comprises core 33 covered on both surfaces 34, 35 with a layer of ink 36 which is positioned between layers of overlaminate film 38, 39 all of which has been laminated together as described. One or more devices 10 then may be cut from the resulting plastic core stock and device 10 will have a thickness of in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.033 inches with variation in overall thickness across the surfaces 12,14 thereof being no greater than approximately 0.0005 inches. The one or more devices 10 can thus be said to have a surface smoothness of approximately 0.0005 inches or better. Thus, a device 10 manufactured in accordance with the present invention includes at least one surface 12, 14 at preferably both surfaces 12, 14 that are sufficiently smooth and regular to receive dye sublimation printing.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the forgoing descriptions has set forth the preferred embodiment of the invention in particular detail and it must be understood that numerous modifications, substitutions and changes may be undertaken without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the ensuring claims.
Claims
1. A process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing first and second plastic core sheets;
- (b) positioning said at least one electronic element in the absence of a non-electronic carrier directly between said first and second plastic core sheets to form a core, said plastic core sheets defining a pair of inner and outer surfaces of said core;
- (c) positioning said core in a laminator apparatus, and subjecting said core to a heat and pressure cycle, said heat and pressure cycle comprising the steps of: (I) heating said core to a first period of time; (II) applying a first pressure to said core for a second prior period of time such that said at least one electronic element is encapsulated by said core; (III) cooling said core while applying a second pressure to said core;
- (d) coating at least one of said outer surfaces of said core with a layer of ink; and
- (e) applying a layer of overlaminate film to at least one outer surface of said core.
2. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said laminator apparatus has first and second laminating plates, at least one of said first and second laminating plates having a matte finish for creating a textured surface on at least one side of said core.
3. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 2, wherein each of said first and second laminating plates has a matte finish for creating said textured surface on both outer surfaces of said core.
4. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second plastic core sheets are made from a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, each of said sheets having a thickness in the range of 0.005 inches-0.0125 inches.
5. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second plastic core sheets have a thickness of approximate 0.005 inches-0.0125 inches.
6. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said second pressure is greater than said first pressure.
7. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 6, wherein said second pressure is at least approximately 25% greater than said first pressure.
8. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said core is heated in step (c) (I) to a temperature in the range of 275° F. to 400° F.; and said first period of time is at least five (5) minutes.
9. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said first ram pressure is approximately 1000 p.s.i. and said second period of time is at least 10 minutes.
10. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said step (d) is carried out utilizing a printing process.
11. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said step (d) is carried out utilizing a coating technique selected from the group consisting of silk screen printing, offset printing, letterpress printing, screen printing, roller coating, spray printing and litho-printing.
12. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1 wherein said step (e) of applying a layer of overlaminate film comprises the further steps of:
- (a) positioning an overlaminate film on at least one ink coated surface of said core;
- (b) subjecting said core to a second heat and pressure cycle comprising the steps of; (I) heating said core to a temperature between approximately 175° F. to 300° F. for approximately 10 to 25 minutes; (II) applying approximately 1000 p.s.i. ram pressure to said core; and (III) cooling said core to a temperature in the range of approximately 40° F. to 65° F. for approximately 10 to 25 minutes.
13. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one electronic element is a micro-chip and an associated antenna of wire, copper etched, screen printed or litho-printed conductive inks or carbon inks.
14. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one electronic element is a micro-chip and an associated circuit board antenna.
15. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one electronic element is a read/write integrated chip and an associated antenna.
16. The process for incorporating at least one electronic element in the manufacture of a plastic device as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one electronic element is a micro-chip and an associated printed antenna.
17. A hot lamination process for the manufacture of plastic devices, said process comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing first and second plastic core sheets;
- (b) positioning at least one electronic element in the absence of a non-electric carrier directly between said first and second plastic sheets to form a layered core;
- (c) positioning said core in a laminator apparatus, and subjecting said core to a heat and pressure cycle, said heat and pressure cycle comprising the steps of: (I) heating said core in said laminator apparatus, in the presence of a minimal first ram pressure, to a temperature which causes controlled flow of said plastic which makes up said first and second plastic core sheets; (II) applying a second pressure uniformly across said core for encapsulating said at least one electronic element within said controlled flow plastic; (III) subsequently cooling said core in conjunction with the concurrent applicantion of a third pressure uniformly across said core, said core including upper and lower surfaces.
18. The process as recited in claim 15 wherein said first and second core layers are devoid of any appreciable cut outs.
19. A process for incorporating an electronic element in a plastic device, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing first and second plastic core sheets;
- (b) positioning the electronic element between the first and second plastic core sheets to form a core;
- (c) positioning the core in a laminator apparatus, and subjecting the core to a heat and pressure cycle, the heat and pressure cycle comprising the steps of: (I) heating the core; (II) applying a first pressure to the core such that the electronic element is encapsulated by the core; and (III) cooling the core while applying a second pressure to the core.
20. The process of claim 19, wherein step (c)(III) comprises cooling the core while applying a second pressure to the core, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.
21. The process of claim 20, wherein step (b) comprises positioning the electronic element in the absence of a non-electronic carrier between the first and second plastic core sheets to form the core.
22. The process of claim 20, wherein step (b) comprises positioning the electronic element in the absence of a non-electronic carrier directly between the first and second plastic core sheets to form the core.
23. The process of claim 19, wherein step (c)(III) comprises cooling the core while applying a second pressure to the core, wherein the second pressure is approximately at least 10% greater than the first pressure.
24. The process of claim 19, wherein step (c)(I) comprises heating the core under a third pressure, wherein the third pressure is less that the first pressure.
25. The process of claim 20, wherein step (c)(II) comprises applying the first pressure uniformly to the core such that the electronic element is encapsulated by the core.
26. The process of claim 20, wherein step (c)(III) comprises cooling the core while applying the second pressure uniformly to the core.
27. The process of claim 20, wherein the electronic element comprises a micro-chip.
28. The process of claim 27, wherein the electronic element further comprises a circuit board antenna.
29. The process of claim 27, wherein the electronic element includes a protective coating thereon.
30. A process for manufacturing a plastic device that includes an electronic element therein, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing first and second plastic core sheets;
- (b) positioning the electronic element between the first and second plastic core sheets to form a core;
- (c) positioning the core in a laminator apparatus;
- (d) heating the core;
- (e) causing the laminator apparatus to apply a first pressure to the core such that the electronic element is encapsulated by the core; and
- (f) cooling the core while the laminator apparatus applies a second pressure to the core, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.
31. The process of claim 30, wherein step (f) comprises cooling the core while the laminator apparatus applies the second pressure to the core, wherein the second pressure is approximately at least 10% greater than the first pressure.
32. The process of claim 31, wherein step (b) comprises positioning the electronic element in the absence of a non-electronic carrier between the first and second plastic core sheets to form the core.
33. The process of claim 31, wherein step (b) comprises positioning the electronic element in the absence of a non-electronic carrier directly between the first and second plastic core sheets to form the core.
34. The process of claim 30, wherein the electronic element comprises a micro-chip.
35. The process of claim 34, wherein the electronic element further comprises a circuit board antenna.
36. The process of claim 34, wherein the electronic element includes a protective coating thereon.
37. A process for incorporating an electronic element in a plastic device, wherein the electronic element has a top surface and a bottom surface, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing top and bottom plastic core sheets;
- (b) positioning the electronic element between the top and bottom plastic core sheets to form a core, wherein the top surface of the electronic element is in contact with the top plastic core sheet;
- (c) positioning the core in a laminator apparatus, and subjecting the core to a heat and pressure cycle, the heat and pressure cycle comprising the steps of: (I) heating the core; (II) applying a first pressure to the core so that the electronic element is encapsulated by the core; and (iii) cooling the core while applying a second pressure to the core, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.
38. The process of claim 37, wherein step (c)(III) comprises cooling the core while applying a second pressure to the core, wherein the second pressure is approximately at least 10% greater than the first pressure.
39. The process of claim 37, wherein step (b) comprises positioning the electronic element between the top and bottom plastic core sheets to form the core, wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the electronic element are in contact with the top and bottom plastic core sheets, respectively.
40. The process of claim 37, wherein step (b) comprises positioning the electronic element in the absence of a non-electronic carrier between the top and bottom plastic core sheets to form the core.
41. The process of claim 37, wherein step (b) comprises positioning the electronic element in the absence of a non-electronic carrier directly between the top and bottom plastic core sheets to form the core.
42. The process of claim 37, wherein the electronic element comprises a micro-chip.
43. The process of claim 42, wherein the electronic element further comprises a circuit board antenna.
44. The process of claim 42, wherein the electronic element includes a protective coating thereon.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Feb 6, 2004
Date of Patent: Mar 11, 2008
Assignee: Leighton Technologies LLC (Suffern, NY)
Inventor: Keith R. Leighton (Sheffield Lake, OH)
Primary Examiner: Anh V. La
Application Number: 10/773,810
International Classification: G08B 13/14 (20060101);