U.S. patent application number 10/356817 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-07 for labeling assembly.
Invention is credited to Kennedy, Patrick R..
Application Number | 20030145945 10/356817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32849549 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030145945 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kennedy, Patrick R. |
August 7, 2003 |
Labeling assembly
Abstract
A labeling assembly and method of using same for releasably
supporting a label and identifying a feature of an object upon
which the labeling assembly is adapted for installation. The
labeling assembly includes a protective layer having a release
surface for releasably supporting the label and an information
storage device located adjacent to a contacting surface of the
protective layer such that the information storage device is
disposed between the protective layer and the object when the
labeling assembly is installed on the object. The information
storage device is adapted for transmitting a signal comprising
information. The method of the present invention includes using the
labeling assembly for releasably supporting a label and identifying
a feature of an object upon which the labeling assembly is adapted
for installation.
Inventors: |
Kennedy, Patrick R.; (Gates
Mills, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEARNE & GORDON LLP
526 SUPERIOR AVENUE EAST
SUITE 1200
CLEVELAND
OH
44114-1484
US
|
Family ID: |
32849549 |
Appl. No.: |
10/356817 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60354818 |
Feb 6, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
156/289 ;
156/247; 40/638 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/07758 20130101;
G09F 3/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/289 ; 40/638;
156/247 |
International
Class: |
B32B 031/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A labeling assembly for releasably supporting a label and
identifying a feature of an object upon which the labeling assembly
is adapted for installation, the labeling assembly comprising: a
protective layer having a release surface for releasably supporting
the label; and an information storage device located adjacent to a
contacting surface of the protective layer such that the
information storage device is disposed between the protective layer
and the object when the labeling assembly is installed on the
object, wherein the information storage device is adapted for
transmitting a signal comprising information related to the feature
of the object.
2. The labeling assembly according to claim 1 further comprising
visual indicia that is viewable through the release surface of the
protective layer.
3. The labeling assembly according to claim 1 further comprising an
insulator secured to the protective layer by an adhesive, wherein
the information storage device is disposed between the protective
layer and the insulator.
4. The labeling assembly according to claim 3 further comprising an
adhesive layer disposed on a surface of the insulator to install
the labeling assembly on the object, wherein the adhesive layer is
protected by a liner that is removed prior to installation of the
labeling assembly.
5. The labeling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
protective layer is formed from a polyester material.
6. The labeling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
information storage device is a radio frequency identification tag
that communicates with a radio frequency transceiver via a radio
frequency electromagnetic signal.
7. The labeling assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
protective layer comprises an adhesive disposed on the contacting
surface to install the labeling assembly on the object about the
information storage device.
8. A labeling assembly for releasably supporting a label and
identifying a feature of an object upon which the labeling assembly
is adapted for installation, the labeling assembly comprising: an
insulator to be placed adjacent to a surface of the object when the
labeling assembly is installed on the object; a protective layer
having a release surface for releasably supporting the label; an
information storage device disposed between the insulator and the
protective layer, wherein the information storage device is adapted
for transmitting information via an electromagnetic signal.
9. The labeling assembly according to claim 8 further comprising
visual indicia viewable through the protective layer providing
information pertaining to the information storage device.
10. The labeling assembly according to claim 8 further comprising
visual indicia viewable through the protective layer providing
instructional information for the application of the label.
11. The labeling assembly according to claim 10, wherein the visual
indicia is printed on a surface of the insulator and is viewable
through a transparent portion of the protective layer.
12. The labeling assembly according to claim 10, wherein the visual
indicia is printed on a surface of the protective layer.
13. The labeling assembly according to claim 10, wherein the visual
indicia is printed on a surface of the identifying structure and is
viewable through a transparent portion of the protective layer.
14. The labeling assembly according to claim 8, wherein the
insulator is formed from a dielectric material to electrically
insulate the identifying structure from the object.
15. The labeling assembly according to claim 8 further comprising
an adhesive coupling the protective layer to the insulator.
16. The labeling assembly according to claim 8 further comprising a
fastener comprising one or both of an aperture and an adhesive.
17. The labeling assembly according to claim 8, wherein the
identifying structure is a radio frequency identification tag for
storing feature information transmitted to it by a radio frequency
signal transmitting device, the feature information being readable
by a radio frequency signal receiving device.
18. The labeling assembly according to claim 8, wherein the
identifying structure is programmable with each use of the labeling
assembly.
19. A method for providing visible identifying information and
other information as to a feature of an object on the object, the
method comprising: substantially permanently affixing a labeling
assembly to the object with a release surface of the assembly
oriented outwardly and an information storing structure disposed
between the release surface and the object; providing information
pertaining to the feature on a label; applying the label to the
assembly by securing a pressure sensitive adhesive coating of the
label to the release surface of the assembly; and transmitting the
other information to the information storing structure via a signal
transmitted from an information transmitting device, the other
information being accessible with an information receiving device
when identification of the other information is desired.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the labeling assembly
includes visual indicia viewable through the release surface of the
labeling assembly.
21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the information
storing structure is a radio frequency identification tag that is
programmable with information pertaining to a feature for each
successive use of the object.
22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the visible
identifying information and the other information pertain to
articles disposed within the object, the object forming a
container.
23. A method for providing visible identifying information and
other information as to a feature of a reusable object on the
reusable object, the method comprising: substantially permanently
affixing a labeling assembly to the reusable object with a release
surface of the labeling assembly oriented outwardly; providing
visible identifying information pertaining to the feature on a
first label; applying the first label to the assembly by securing a
pressure sensitive adhesive coating of the first label to the
release surface of the assembly; transmitting the other information
to the information storing structure via a signal transmitted from
an information transmitting device, the other information being
accessible with an information receiving device when retrieval of
the other information is desired; at a time when a change of the
feature of the reusable object is desired, removing the first label
from the assembly while leaving the assembly affixed to the object,
and applying to the assembly release surface, a pressure sensitive
adhesive coating of a second label bearing information reflecting
the change of the feature of the reusable object.
24. The method according to claim 23 further comprising the step of
transmitting other information reflecting the change of the feature
to the information storing structure via a second signal
transmitted from the information transmitting device, the other
information being accessible by the information receiving device
when retrieval of the other information is desired.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed in general to labeling
systems, and more particularly to a labeling assembly with an
information storage device protected by a release coated protective
layer. The present invention is further directed to a method for
labeling objects using the above mentioned labeling assembly. In
use, pressure-sensitive adhesive labels are easily removed and
replaced on the labeling assembly reflecting changes in a feature
of the object without adhesive buildup on the release coating.
Additional information can also be transmitted to the information
storage device to protect against mislabeling of the object.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Reusable containers often require a labeling system to
identify the contents, or other feature of each container. The
label provides information such as the origin and destination of
the contents, batch number, part number, serial number, quantity,
and description, for example. In most cases, these containers are
thoroughly cleaned prior to reuse with contents of a different
nature.
[0005] According to a conventional labeling system, a transparent
envelope for displaying a label is secured to the container. A
label bearing visual indicia identifying the feature of the
container is placed inside the envelope where it can be viewed,
thereby indicating the feature to an observer. When the feature of
the container changes, such as when its contents are changed, for
example, a new label with visual indicia reflecting this change is
substituted into the envelope for the previous label. A bar code is
often printed on the labels to provide the observer with an
automated method for extracting information pertaining to the
feature. When the information conveyed by the bar code reflects
that conveyed by the visual indicia on the label, the bar code
provides the observer with an enhanced security against erroneous
labeling. Alternatively, the bar code may convey separate
information in addition that conveyed by the visual indicia,
allowing the observer to include sensitive information on the label
and make effective use of the visible surface area of the
label.
[0006] As mentioned above, the container upon which the transparent
envelope is secured is often cleansed before being reused. With
each successive cleaning process, cleaning agents degrade the
transparency of the envelope, causing interference with the
visibility of the visual indicia on the label and the proper
scanning of the bar code. Interference is also experienced where,
after time, the transparent envelope becomes stained or dusty due
to the environment the container is in. Also, the transparent
envelopes are sometimes bulky and subject to tearing and catching
on objects. Further, the bar code on the label is not adaptable to
reflect changes in the feature of the container. Thus, a new bar
code must be printed on each label to reflect a change of the
feature. This becomes time consuming and requires printing
equipment and a supply of labels upon which the bar codes can be
printed.
[0007] Other proposed labeling systems call for an adhesive placard
to be secured onto a container. Examples of such systems are those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,858 and U.S. Reissued Pat. No. US
RE37,164 E, both issued to Petrou, and both of which are
incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. According to
the methods described in the Petrou patents, the adhesive placard
has an exposed release layer that facilitates the easy removal and
replacement of pressure-sensitive adhesive labels. When the status
of the container changes such as when its contents are changed, for
example, the previous label is cleanly removed without leaving
residual adhesive behind and a new label with current information
is substituted in its place. Although the reading of bar codes and
other visual labeling indicia according to the Petrou patents is
not obstructed by a transparent envelope, the labels affixed to the
release layer are prone to wear and damage resulting from daily
activities common to many commercial environments. Further, the
Petrou labeling systems lack a built in security measure that can
protect against mistakes stemming from accidentally or
intentionally mislabeled containers or illegible labels due to
physical damage from everyday use.
[0008] To help correct these shortcomings, many devices have been
developed in an attempt to replace the above mentioned systems. One
such device is commonly known as a radio frequency identification
tag ("RFID tag"). A RFID tag receives information from a
transmitter in the form of a radio frequency ("RF") signal. The
RFID tag, through the help of an antenna and a circuit printed
directly on the tag itself, receives and stores the information
which can later be accessed with electronic equipment such as a RF
receiver. Thus, the RFID tag eliminates the problems associated
with interpreting visual labeling indicia by using RF signals
instead. However, the RFID circuits are delicate and are
susceptible to damage from cleaning operations performed on the
reusable containers to which the tags are secured, and other
environmental elements. Further, RFID tags that are affixed
directly to metal containers often experience background
interference from the metal container which makes the transfer of
data to or from the RFID tag difficult. And the use of RFID tags
alone to label a feature of a container also requires ready access
to costly RF signal transmitting/receiving devices that are usually
limited in availability. This may prevent personnel who most
commonly interact with the containers from properly handling their
contents due to the inability to read the RFID tag because of a
lack of RF signal reading equipment without other, visual
indicators.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention includes a labeling assembly for
releasably supporting a label and identifying a feature of an
object upon which the labeling assembly is adapted for
installation. The labeling assembly includes a protective layer
having a release surface for releasably supporting the label and an
information storage device located adjacent to a contacting surface
of the protective layer such that the information storage device is
disposed between the protective layer and the object when the
labeling assembly is installed on the object. The information
storage device is adapted for transmitting information via a
signal.
[0010] The labeling assembly can further include features such as
visual indicia viewable through the release surface of the
protective layer, or an insulator for insulating the information
storage device from the object.
[0011] The present invention is also directed toward a method for
providing visible identifying information and secondary identifying
information as to a feature of an object on the object. The method
includes substantially permanently affixing a labeling assembly to
the object with a release surface of the assembly oriented
outwardly and an information storing structure disposed between the
release surface and the object, providing information pertaining to
the feature on a label, applying the label to the assembly by
securing a pressure sensitive adhesive coating of the label to the
release surface of the assembly, and transmitting the secondary
information to the information storing structure via a signal
transmitted from an information transmitting device. The secondary
information is accessible with an information receiving device when
identification of the secondary information is desired.
[0012] A method for providing visible identifying information and
secondary identifying information as to a feature of a reusable
object on the reusable object is also within the scope of the
present invention. The method includes substantially permanently
affixing a labeling assembly to the reusable object with a release
surface of the labeling assembly oriented outwardly, providing
visible identifying information pertaining to the feature on a
first label, applying the first label to the assembly by securing a
pressure sensitive adhesive coating of the first label to the
release surface of the assembly, and transmitting the secondary
identifying information to the information storing structure via a
signal transmitted from an information transmitting device, the
secondary information being accessible with an information
receiving device when retrieval of the secondary identifying
information is desired. At a time when a change of the feature of
the reusable object is desired, the method further includes the
steps of removing the first label from the assembly while leaving
the assembly affixed to the object, and applying to the assembly
release surface, a pressure sensitive adhesive coating of a second
label bearing information reflecting the change of the feature of
the reusable object.
[0013] Other objects and advantages and a fuller understanding of
the invention will be had from the following detailed description
of an illustrative embodiment and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art
to which the present invention relates upon reading the following
description with reference to the accompanying drawing, in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of an illustrative example of a
labeling assembly in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the labeling assembly of
FIG. 1 taken along line 22;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the labeling assembly
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front view of a second illustrative example of a
labeling assembly in accordance with the present invention, an
information storage device being shown in phantom;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the second illustrative
example of a labeling assembly in accordance with the present
invention shown adjacent to an object; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the second illustrative
embodiment of a labeling assembly in accordance with the present
invention taken along line 4-4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and
is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. In the
drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating
the same elements throughout the figures.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a top view of an example embodiment of a labeling
assembly 10 housing a programmable information storage device 20.
The information storage device 20 is disposed between an insulator
15 and a protective layer 22 to allow wireless communication with
the information storage device 20, while protecting it from damage
from the elements of its environment. And while FIG. 1 is an
illustration of an embodiment where the information storage device
20 is located in the upper left-hand corner of the labeling
assembly 10, the scope of the invention includes a labeling
assembly 10 having the information storage device 20 located at any
position between the insulator 15 and the protective layer 22.
[0023] The insulator 15 is a generally flat sheet of dielectric
material. The insulator 15 can be a rigid structure or a pliable
structure that can be bent to allow for installation on shaped
objects 130. A variety of dielectric materials may be used to form
the insulator 15, including polymeric materials, for example.
However, other dielectric materials that do not cause the insulator
15 to conduct electricity or produce an electromagnetic field may
be used with, or instead of the polymeric material. The dielectric
property of the insulator 15 insulates the information storage
device 20 from an object 130 upon which the labeling assembly 10
may be installed to minimize interference with communications
between the information storage device 20 and a remote device. For
example, where the information storage device 20 is a RFID tag, an
electromagnetic field produced by a metal container supporting the
labeling assembly 10 can cause interference with communications to
and from the RFID tag. Similar interference is possible when the
contents of a nonmetal container include metal items, as metal
close to a RFID antenna, or a mass of metal passing the antenna of
an RFID tag 20, can alter the matching of the antenna's
characteristics to that of the remote device used for communicating
with the RFID tag.
[0024] An adhesive (not shown) disposed on a surface of the
insulator 15 enables installation of the labeling assembly 10 on
reusable objects 130 such as containers, pallets, shelves, bins,
storage racks, or any other object having a feature that is
changeable over the useful life of the object 130. The changeable
feature of the object 130 can be any characteristic desired to be
identified on the object 130, including, for example, the contents
of the object 130, the destination or source of the object 130,
date information relating to the contents of the object 130,
handling instructions for the contents of the object 130 or the
object 130 itself, or any other characteristic relating to the
current use of the object 130 or its contents. The adhesive on the
surface of the insulator 15 is protected by a disposable liner 18
having a silicon-based release coating that separates the liner 18
from the adhesive. When the labeling assembly 10 is used, the
disposable liner 18 is easily removed, leaving the adhesive exposed
for installation of the labeling assembly 10 on the object 130.
[0025] Other fastening features can be used to either complement or
replace the adhesive on the insulator 15. For example, as an
alternative to the adhesive coating, another embodiment of the
present invention can include an insulator 15 having a mechanical
fastening feature (not shown), such as a hole for accepting a
fastening member of the object 130, a threaded fastening member,
rivet, screw, or any other mechanical fastener, for example, to
install the labeling placard 10 on the object 130. A feature on the
object 130 can also be adapted to receive and secure an edge, or a
plurality of edges of the labeling assembly 10 to facilitate its
installation on the object 130. When one or more of the alternative
fastening features are present, the adhesive on the labeling
placard 10 is not necessary, but can be included on the insulator
15 as a secondary fastener.
[0026] The protective layer 22 is a pliable film of material having
a release surface 23 for releasably supporting a pressure sensitive
adhesive label 128 (FIG. 5). The pliable nature of the protective
layer 22 allows the protective layer 22 to conform to the shape of
the information storage device 20, forming a generally hermetic
seal about the information storage device 20. The release surface
23 may be a coating applied to the protective layer 22 or may be a
property of the material from which the protective layer 22 is
made. A contacting surface 26 of the protective layer 22 is secured
to the insulator 15 with an adhesive such that the release surface
23 of the protective layer 22 is outermost, to face away from the
object 130 when the labeling assembly 10 is installed thereon. The
protective layer 22 can be formed from a polymeric compound, such
as polyester or polypropylene, for example, that is durable and
resistant to industrial solvents, cleaning agents and prolonged
exposure to ultraviolet light.
[0027] Visual indicia 25 can optionally appear on the labeling
assembly 10 to convey instructional information, or identifying
information, for example. For example, the visual indicia 25
reading "PLACE LABEL HERE" in FIG. 1 indicates a location where the
label 128 can be releasably applied. Additional visual indicia 20a
can be included to provide an additional source of information
relating to the feature of the object 130, to the object 130
itself, or to the information storage device 20. An example of such
additional visual indicia 20a is illustrated vertically as "A Z 5 8
2 6 D" in FIG. 1. Since the visual indicia 20a, 25 is permanently
printed on the labeling assembly 10, it conveys information about a
feature that does not change. The visual indicia 20a, 25 can be
printed on the release surface 23 or the contacting surface 26 of
the protective layer 22, it may be printed within the protective
layer 22 at a location between the release surface 23 and the
contacting surface 26, or it may be printed on the insulator 15. If
the visual indicia 20a, 25 is printed at a location other than on
the release surface 23 of the protective layer 22, it is viewable
through a transparent portion of the protective layer 22.
[0028] The information storage device 20 is disposed between the
protective layer 22 and the insulator 15. An adhesive secures the
information storage device 20 in place on the insulator 15 or the
protective layer 22 to secure the information storage device 20
between the object 130 and the protective layer 22. Information
storage devices 20 such as the RFID tag are well known in the art.
Generally, RFID tags include, a semiconductor chip having radio
frequency, logic, and memory circuits, and an antenna mounted on a
substrate and encapsulated by an organic film. The antenna includes
one or more lengths of wire that are connected directly to the
semiconductor chip by wire bonding, or another connection method.
Information is transmitted between the RFID tag and the remote
device, which can be a RF transceiver, for example, via a RF signal
that is originally generated by the remote device. When the antenna
of the RFID tag receives the RF signal, the circuits of the RFID
tag modulate the received signal according to some preprogrammed
logic to reflect the information being reflected back to the remote
device. The modulated RF signal is then reflected back through the
antenna to the remote device that originally transmitted the RF
signal. Unlike bar codes or other permanent markings, the RFID tag
can be reprogrammed through this operation with information
reflecting changes in the feature of the object 130.
[0029] The labeling assembly 10 is preferably assembled from
commercially available products. For example, transparent
polypropylene film having a silicone release surface 23 is
commercially available from the Mobil Chemical Corporation. A
disposable liner 18 having a silicon release coating and a layer of
white modified acrylic adhesive laminated to one side, is
commercially available from the 3M Corporation. The contact surface
of the polypropylene film is laminated to the insulator 15,
followed by the application of the disposable liner 18 to the
surface of the insulator 15 to produce the labeling assembly 10.
The labeling assembly 10 is then die-cut to remove a marginal
portion of the polypropylene film and the adhesive. Thus, the
disposable liner 18 is larger than the insulator 15 to facilitate
removal of the liner 18.
[0030] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a second embodiment of the present
invention. The second embodiment of the labeling assembly 110
minimizes the cost of the labeling assembly 110 and is generally
for use on non-metal objects 130, and objects 130 that do not
contain metal items. Similar to the first embodiment described
above, the second embodiment includes a programmable information
storage device 120 disposed between a protective layer 122 and an
object 130. However, the second embodiment does not include an
insulator 15 to insulate the information storage device 120 from
the object 130. Instead, an adhesive (not shown) secures the
information storage device 120 to the protective layer 122, and the
protective layer 122 with the information storage device 120 is
adhesively installed on the object 130.
[0031] The protective layer 122 in the second embodiment is similar
to the protective layer 22 discussed above with regard to the first
embodiment. It is a pliable film of material that has a release
surface 123 for releasably supporting a pressure sensitive adhesive
label 128 (FIG. 5). The pliable nature of the protective layer 122
allows for installation of the labeling assembly 110 on a contoured
surface of the object 130. Further, the pliable protective layer
122 can conform to the shape of the information storage device 120
and form a generally hermetic seal about the information storage
device 120. The release surface 123 may be a coating applied to the
protective layer 122 or may be a property of the material from
which the protective layer 122 is made. A contacting surface 126 of
the protective layer 122 is secured to the object 130 by an
adhesive on the protective layer 122 such that the release surface
123 of the protective layer 122 is outermost, to face away from the
object 130 when the labeling assembly 110 is installed thereon. A
disposable liner (not shown) similar to that of the first
embodiment covers the adhesive on the protective layer 122 until
installation of the labeling assembly 110 is desired, at which time
the disposable liner is removed. The protective layer 122 can be
formed from a polymeric compound, such as polyester or
polypropylene, for example, that is durable and resistant to
industrial solvents, cleaning agents and prolonged exposure to
ultraviolet light.
[0032] The information storage device 120 of the second embodiment
can be secured to either the object 130 or the protective layer 122
prior to installation of the labeling assembly 110 by an adhesive
disposed on a surface of the information storage device 120. When
the information storage device 120 is secured to the protective
layer 122 prior to installation, the information storage device is
located between the adhesive on contacting surface 126 of the
protective layer 122 and the disposable liner protecting the
adhesive. When installation is desired, the disposable liner is
removed and the protective layer 122 with the information storage
device 120 is installed on the object 130 such that the adhesive on
the protective layer 122 contacts the object 130.
[0033] In addition to the Petrou methods set forth in the U.S.
patents incorporated above, the present invention provides a novel
method for labeling reusable objects 130. The novel method includes
sending feature information to the information storage device 20 in
addition to displaying feature in formation on a pressure sensitive
adhesive label 128 to be affixed to the labeling assembly. In use,
the labeling assembly 10 according to the first embodiment of the
present invention is installed on the object 130 by removing the
disposable liner 18 and exposing the adhesive on the insulator 15.
Once exposed, the adhesive is placed in contact with the object
130, securing the labeling assembly 10 to the object 130 with the
release surface 23 outermost and any visible indicia clearly
visible. Any alternate fastening features of the labeling assembly
10 are likewise used with compatible features of the object 130 to
similarly install the labeling assembly 10 on the object 130. A
label 128 is applied to the labeling assembly 10 such that an
exposed adhesive surface of the label 128 contacts the release
surface 23 of the protective layer 22. The label 128 carries
printed indicia relating to the object 130 or the feature of the
object 130 to be identified. Using the remote device, a wireless
signal is transmitted to the information storage device 20 to store
information relating to the feature identified by the printed
indicia, or a secondary feature that is not related to the feature
identified by the printed indicia.
[0034] The printed indicia on the label 128 can be observed by
those who desire information relating to the feature of the object
130. If the integrity of the label 128 has been compromised such
that the printed indicia is unreadable, if the printed indicia is
believed to be erroneous, or if it is desirable to retrieve the
information from the information storage device 20, the remote
device is used to retrieve such information. The remote device
transmits a wireless signal to the information storage device 20,
which returns the desired information via a return wireless signal
to the remote device. If the information storage device 20 is a
RFID tag, the remote device transmits a RF signal to the RFID tag.
This RF signal is modulated by the RFID tag circuitry as described
above, and the modulated signal is reflected by the RFID tag back
to the remote device. The remote device interprets the modulated RF
signal to display the secondary feature information.
[0035] When desired, such as when the feature identified by the
printed indicia changes, the label 128 is removed from the release
surface 23 of the protective layer 22, and a new label 128 carrying
printed indicia relating to the changed feature is applied as
before. If changing the information of the feature stored in the
information storage device 20 is also desired, the remote device is
used to transmit the new information via a wireless signal to the
information storage device 20. Just as before, the transmitted
information is retained by the information storage device 20 for
future access with the remote device.
[0036] The labeling assembly 10 allows pressure-sensitive labels
128 to be easily removed and replaced as many times as necessary
without a significant build-up of residual adhesive from the labels
128 on the release surface 23. Labels 128 can be removed without
ripping or tearing, and the visibility of the labels 128 is not
obstructed by a plastic envelope. These features of the present
invention also allow use of inexpensive labels with so-called
permanent pressure sensitive adhesive coatings rather than more
expensive removable labels.
[0037] A method for labeling reusable objects 130 with the device
of the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the
labeling method with the device of the first embodiment. Preparing
and installing the insulator 15 on the object 130 is not required
to install the second embodiment of the labeling assembly 110.
Instead, the disposable liner disposed on the adhesive coated
surface of the protective layer 122 is removed, exposing the
adhesive. The protective layer 122 is installed on the object 130
to encapsulate the information storage device 120 between the
object 130 and the protective layer 122 such that the adhesive
coated surface of the protective layer 122 contacts the object 130
about the information storage device 120.
[0038] It is evident that one skilled in the art given this
disclosure could develop equivalent embodiments which are also
within the contemplation of the inventors.
* * * * *