U.S. patent application number 10/722978 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-26 for identification tag and related identification tag system.
Invention is credited to Bekker, Alexander.
Application Number | 20050108912 10/722978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34592129 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050108912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bekker, Alexander |
May 26, 2005 |
Identification tag and related identification tag system
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Bekker, Alexander; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY BAUERSFELD LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
34592129 |
Appl. No.: |
10/722978 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/633 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 11/006 20130101;
G09F 3/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
040/633 |
International
Class: |
A44C 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
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.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 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.
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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 INVENTION
[0009] In 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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 DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an identification
tag constructed in accordance with the present invention mounted
onto a wristband or the like and shown worn on a person's
wrist;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the identification tag shown in
FIG. 1, with portions broken away to illustrate internal
construction details;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view depicting the identification
tag of FIGS. 1 and 2 slidably mounted onto a wristband or the
like;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an elongated strip comprising
plurality of identification tags corresponding with the
identification tag of FIGS. 1 and 2, depicting the plural
identification tags detachably interconnected in end-to-end
relation;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmented sectional view taken
generally on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the elongated strip of
FIG. 4 provided in roll form;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a fragmented plan view similar to FIG. 4, but
illustrating an elongated strip comprising a plurality of
identification tags detachably interconnected in side-by-side
relation;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a dispenser for
dispensing successive identification tags of the type illustrated
in FIGS. 1-7, and further wherein the dispenser may incorporate
means for applying information in human readable and/or machine
readable form to each dispensed identification tag;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but showing
an identification tag constructed in accordance with an alternative
preferred form of the invention, mounted onto a wristband or the
like and shown worn on a person's wrist;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the identification tag shown in
FIG. 9, with portions broken away to illustrate internal
construction details;
[0027] FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view depicting the
identification tag of FIGS. 9 and 10 slidably mounted onto a
wristband or the like;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a plurality of identification
tags corresponding with the identification tag of FIG. 1, depicting
the plural identification tags detachably interconnected in
end-to-end relation;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 9, but
depicting multiple identification tags of the type shown in FIGS. 9
and 10 mounted onto a wristband or the like and shown worn on a
person's wrist;
[0030] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a sheet bearing a plurality
of removable identification tags of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and
2;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an elongated strip comprising
adjoining and detachably interconnected groups of relatively larger
and comparatively smaller identification tags for use, for example,
by related a related adult and child, such as a mother and
infant;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the larger and identification
tags depicted in FIG. 15 respectively mounted onto a larger or
adult-sized, and a smaller or child-sized wristband or the
like.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating an elongated strip
comprising relatively larger and comparatively smaller adjoining
identification tags of the type shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, but
wherein the identification tags are arranged in an alternative
configuration;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a plan view similar to FIGS. 15 and 17, but
wherein an elongated strip comprising larger and smaller adjoining
identification tags are arranged in another alternative
configuration;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a plan view showing an elongated strip comprising
a succession of detachably interconnected identification tags each
incorporating a plurality of individually removable adhesive
labels;
[0036] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view illustrating
construction details of each identification tag shown in FIG.
19;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a plan view depicting the identification tag of
FIGS. 19 and 20 slidably mounted onto a wristband or the like;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the identification tag
and wristband of FIG. 21 worn on a person's wrist;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a plan view similar to FIG. 19, but depicting an
elongated strip comprising a succession of detachably
interconnected identification tags with multiple adhesive labels in
accordance with an alternative configuration;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a turnstile
station incorporating a reader for reading information on one of
the identification tags of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a front elevation view showing a printable form
including at least one identification tag disposed on a first
portion of the form, and a plurality of adhesive labels formed on a
second portion of the form;
[0042] FIG. 26 is a rear elevation view of the printable form shown
in FIG. 25;
[0043] FIG. 27 is an exploded sectional view taken generally on the
line 27-27 of FIG. 25;
[0044] FIG. 28 is a front elevation view of a first identification
tag separated from the printable form of FIGS. 25-27;
[0045] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a second identification tag
separated from the printable form of FIGS. 25-27;
[0046] FIG. 30 is an enlarged plan view depicting the
identification tag of FIG. 28 slidably mounted onto a wristband or
the like;
[0047] FIG. 31 is an enlarged plan view depicting the
identification tag of FIG. 29 slidably mounted onto a wristband or
the like;
[0048] FIG. 32 is depicting construction details of the printable
form of FIG. 25-27;
[0049] FIG. 33 is a front elevation view of another alternative
preferred form, illustrating a modified printable form including at
least one identification tag disposed on a first portion of the
form, and a plurality of adhesive labels formed on a second portion
of the form;
[0050] FIG. 34 is an exploded sectional view taken generally on the
line 34-34 of FIG. 33;
[0051] FIG. 35 is perspective view of an identification tag
separated from the printable form of FIGS. 33-34;
[0052] FIG. 36 is a further perspective of the identification tag
of FIG. 35;
[0053] FIG. 37 is an exploded sectional view similar to FIG. 34,
but depicting another modified printable form;
[0054] FIG. 38 is a front elevation view of another alternative
preferred form, illustrating a further modified printable form
including at least one identification tag disposed on a first
portion of the form, and a plurality of adhesive labels formed on a
second portion of the form;
[0055] FIG. 39 is an exploded sectional view taken generally on the
line 39-39 of FIG. 38;
[0056] FIG. 40 is front elevation view of yet another alternative
preferred form, illustrating a further modified printable form
including at least one identification tag disposed on a first
portion of the form, and a plurality of adhesive labels formed on a
second portion of the form;
[0057] FIG. 41 is an exploded sectional view taken generally on the
line 41-41 of FIG. 40;
[0058] FIG. 42 is an exploded sectional view similar to FIG. 41,
but depicting another modified printable form;
[0059] FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
further modified printable form representing yet another
alternative preferred form of the invention; and
[0060] FIG. 44 is a front elevation view showing another modified
printable form comprising a further preferred embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0061] As shown in the exemplary drawings, an improved
identification tag system referred to generally in FIGS. 1 and 3 by
the reference numeral 10 is provided for mounting onto a selected
person or specified object, such as by mounting about the wrist 12
(FIG. 1) of an authorized wearer. The identification tag system 10
comprises an identification tag 14 in the form of 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
identification tag 14 is adapted for quick and easy assembly onto
an elongated flexible strap or band 16 such as a wristband or
bracelet or the like for mounting onto the selected wearer or
object. This identification tag system 10, including the
identification tag 14 assembled with the flexible strap 16, is
particularly useful with but not limited to a small wearer or
object, such as an infant or small child, to provided a relatively
extensive and relatively flat information-bearing surface area,
while permitting the strap 16 to be constructed from a relatively
soft and compliant material selected for substantially optimized
comfort.
[0062] The identification tag 14 is shown in one preferred form in
FIGS. 1-3, and generally comprises a relatively stiff and generally
rectangular structure having smoothly rounded corners for user
comfort. This tag 14 is constructed from a suitable material for
receiving and bearing printed information applied thereto in human
readable and/or machine readable form. FIG. 3 depicts human
readable information 18 wearer name, address, identification
numbers, etc., imprinted on a left-hand side (as viewed in FIG. 3)
of the tag 14, in combination with machine readable information
such as linear or matrix bar code 20 imprinted on a right-hand side
of the tag 14. Such bar coding 20 may represent a wide range of
wearer-related data, including but not limited to duplication of
the human readable information 18, together with additional data
such as patient condition, treatment regimen, etc., when the tag
system 10 is used as a patient identification bracelet. The bar
coding 20 is adapted for quick and easy read-out by means of a
conventional bar code reader (not shown in FIGS. 1-3).
[0063] 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.
[0064] FIG. 2 depicts a radio frequency identification (RFID)
circuit 22 incorporated into the identification tag 14, as by
embedding a communication circuit or chip or the like within the
tag 14 in a position protectively encased between multiple plies
forming the tag. This RFID circuit 22 is adapted for receiving and
storing a broad range of potentially detailed wearer-related
information, for appropriate wireless communication with a remote
reader (also not shown in FIGS. 1-3). 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
incorporated by reference herein.
[0065] 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. FIGS. 1-3 show the identification tag 14 to include a pair
of spaced-apart and generally parallel strap slots 24 formed
therein at respective positions located near or adjacent opposite
ends of the tag 14, wherein these slots 24 are sized and shaped for
slide-fit reception of a free end of the flexible strap 16. The
identification tag 14 can thus be slidably positioned along the
length of the strap 16, with the imprinted wearer-related
information 18, 20 borne or otherwise visibly displayed at an
outboard side of the tag 14 for direct visual reading of the human
readable data 18, and for direct optical scanning of the machine
readable data 20 such as bar code data, and/or for wireless
communication with the RFID circuit.
[0066] 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 (FIG. 1) of selected size wrapped about the wearer's
wrist 12 or the like. While the illustrative drawings (FIG. 3) show
a pair of snap-fit type fastening elements 26 at the opposite end
of the strap 16, for interengagement of these snap-fit elements 26
through a selected one of the strap apertures 28, a variety of
different strap constructions and related fastening devices may be
employed. In this regard, 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; 5,973,500; and 5,979,941, which are
incorporated by reference herein, disclose a range of different
types of fastening structures for quickly and easily retaining a
flexible strap in a closed loop geometry of selected diametric
size.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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 FIG. 8, with each dispensed
identification tag 14 being detachable from the roll or sheet for
immediate assembly with an associated flexible strap 16 and
mounting onto the specified person or object.
[0071] More particularly, in accordance with one preferred form,
FIG. 4 illustrates an elongated tape or strip 32 of multiple
identification tags 14 of the type shown in FIGS. 1-3, with the
tags 14 interconnected end-to-end and separable from each other by
means of perforations 34 or appropriate intervening lines of
weakness which may be pre-cut. FIG. 5 is a sectional view
illustrating embedded positioning of the RFID circuit 22 within
each tag 14, located between overlying and underlying multiple
tag-forming plies. FIG. 6 shows the elongated tape or strip 32
arranged in the form of a roll 36 suitable for mounting into the
print station 30 (FIG. 8) for individual inputting of the
appropriate wearer-related information to each tag 14 in
succession, which is then dispensed from the station 30 for
detachment from the roll 36 and appropriate assembly with a
flexible strap 16 (FIG. 3). Each identification tag 14 may include
one or more locator ports 38 (FIG. 4) formed therein, to facilitate
optically controlled advancement of the strip 32 and resultant
printer/programmer processing through the print station 30 or the
like. FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative or modified elongated tape
or strip 132 having multiple identification tags 14 detachably
interconnected in side-by-side relation, as opposed to the
end-to-end configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.
[0072] FIGS. 9-12 show a modified version of the identification
tag, wherein the modified tag is referred to by reference numeral
114, but wherein components which are otherwise common in terms of
structure or function to those shown and described in FIGS. 1-4 are
indicated by common reference numerals. As shown, the
identification tag 114 generally conforms to the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-4, except that the rectangular-shaped tag is re-oriented so
that its long dimension extends perpendicular to a long dimension
of an associated flexible strap 16, when the tag 114 is mounted
onto the strap 16.
[0073] More particularly, the modified identification tag 114 shown
in FIGS. 9-11 is constructed according to the above-described
embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, to have a relatively stiff yet somewhat
compliant and rounded-cornered structure defining a sturdy and
durable substrate for receiving and supporting wearer-related data
in both human readable form 18 and in machine readable form such as
bar code data 20. In addition, the tag 114 may include an RFID
circuit 22 (FIGS. 10-11) formed thereon or embedded therein and
having the capacity to receive and store a broad range of
wearer-related information. The tag 114 has a generally rectangular
size and shape defined by a shorter dimension that is significantly
less than a longer dimension. As shown, the tag 114 has a pair of
spaced-apart slots 24 formed therein near one end thereof, for
slide-fit reception of the flexible strap 16 therethrough. These
slots 24 are shown formed generally in parallel with the long
dimension of the tag 114, thereby orienting the tag 114 so that its
long dimension extends generally perpendicular to a long dimension
of an associated flexible strap 16. With this construction, the
overall extensive information-bearing surface area defined by the
tag 114 is retained, yet the localized strap zone of substantially
or nearly planar shape defined by the shorter width of the tag 114
is substantially minimized for further enhanced user comfort. As
shown best in FIG. 11, a significant proportion of the tag area
thus extends laterally relative to the strap 16.
[0074] 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 (FIG. 8) or the like, all as previously
shown and described herein. FIG. 12 depicts the identification tags
114 in an elongated tape or strip 32 with interconnecting separable
perforations 34 or the like. FIG. 12 also shows each identification
tag 114 to include a locator port 38 formed therein, and/or a
reflector strip 40 on an inboard or reverse side thereon, wherein
these structures may be provided to facilitate optically controlled
advancement of the strip 32 and resultant printer/programmer
processing through the print station 30 or the like.
[0075] FIG. 13 shows a pair of identification tags 114 mounted onto
a common flexible strap 16 on the wrist 12 or the like of a single
wearer. In this regard, in those instances where a single
identification tag 14 or 114 may provide insufficient data capacity
for a specific application, a second or subsequent tag may be
mounted onto the strap 16 for providing increased storage capacity
of wearer-related information. These multiple identification tags
may be attached to the band 16 at the same time, or sequentially
over time as wearer-related information evolves, changes and/or
requires updating. One or both of the tags may be color-coded as
indicated by reference numeral 115, or otherwise bear one or more
prominently visible markings, to provide a quick and easy visual
indication of certain information, such as specific medical
conditions (e.g., allergies, diabetes, etc.) when the band is worn
by a patient in a medical facility or the like), or certain
shipping instructions (e.g., rush delivery) when the band is
attached to a shipped package or object. Importantly, the use of
two or more identification tags 14 and/or 114 on a single flexible
strap 16 does not significantly increase the overall stiffness or
abrasiveness of the tag system, and thus does not significantly
detract from the desired high level of user comfort.
[0076] FIG. 14 shows a plurality of identification tags 14 of the
type shown in FIGS. 1-3, consolidated within a common sheet or
printable form 42 for suitable processing through one or more
appropriate print/programming stations. Each tag 14 is separable
from the sheet 42 by means of a circumscribing perforation 134 or
other suitable line of weakness. It will be recognized and
understood that the any of the various identification tag
embodiments shown and described herein may be provided in the
printable sheet form as illustrated in FIG. 14 relative to the
identification tag 14.
[0077] FIGS. 15-16 depict an alternative preferred tag system in
accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein
multiple identification tags are provided in roll or printable
sheet format, and in related sets adapted for bearing or carrying
appropriate wearer-related identification information. Each related
set of identification tags as shown includes a first tag 214 sized
and shaped for mounting onto the wrist or ankle or the like of a
first person such as a mother in a medical facility environment,
and at least one second tag 314 shown to have a smaller size and
shape suitable for mounting onto the wrist or ankle or the like of
a second person such as a newborn infant or child related to the
mother.
[0078] More particularly, FIG. 15 depicts a succession
identification tags 214 and 314 in related sets or groups, provided
in the form of an elongated tape or strip 32 and interconnected by
one or more separable perforations 34 or the like. Each related set
or group of tags as shown includes a first, relatively large
identification tag 214 having a pair of strap slots 24 formed
therein for slide-fit mounting onto a relatively large flexible
strap 216 (FIG. 16) adapted for mounting onto an adult such as a
mother in a medical facility environment. Each set or group is
further shown to include at least one smaller identification tag
314, such as the pair of smaller tags 314 shown in FIG. 15, each
having a pair of strap slots 24 formed therein for slide-fit
mounting onto a smaller flexible strap 316 (FIG. 16) sized for
mounting onto a smaller person such as the mother's newborn infant.
FIG. 15 illustrates two such smaller tags 314 for use, e.g., with
twins. Persons skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate
that the identification tags comprising each related group may be
of the same or similar size, if desired.
[0079] 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
FIG. 8. A locator port 38 may be formed in each set of
identification tags, such as within each of the larger tags 214,
thereby facilitating optical controlled advancement of the strip 32
through the print station or stations. Alternately, a reflector
strip 40 (not shown in FIGS. 15-16) of the type depicted in FIG. 12
may be used. FIG. 15 shows each identification tag 214, 314 to
include human readable information 18 and related machine readable
information 20 such as bar code data. Each tag 214, 314 may
additionally incorporate an RFID circuit 22 (not shown in FIGS.
15-16) for programmable input of wearer-related data, as previously
shown and described herein.
[0080] FIG. 15 shows one preferred array for the elongated tape or
strip 32, wherein each larger identification tag 214 is arranged in
end-to-end relation with a successive related pair of smaller tags
314 arranged in side-by-side relation. FIG. 17 depicts a similar
elongated tape or strip array, wherein the successive related pair
of smaller tags 314 are arranged in parallel end-to-end relation
with the associated larger identification tag 214. FIG. 18
illustrates another alternative elongated tape or strip array
wherein each related set or group of larger and smaller
identification tags 214, 314, is carried on a tape segment 44
having at least one locator port 38 formed therein and separable
from adjacent tag sets or groups by means of lines of perforation
34 or the like. In FIG. 18, each tag set or group comprises
multiple primary tags 214 and multiple secondary tags 314 for use,
e.g., with straps mounted onto a mother and father associated with
multiple smaller tags 314 mounted onto related infants or the like.
FIG. 18 shows the tags 214, 314 bounded by additional lines of
perforation 34' of the like for separation from the associated
strip segment 44.
[0081] FIGS. 19-22 illustrate another alternative preferred
embodiment of the invention, wherein a modified identification tag
414 includes human readable information 18 and/or machine readable
data 20 and additionally includes at least one and preferably
multiple detachable adhesive labels 46 bearing the same or some of
this wearer-related data 18, 20. The resultant identification tag
414 including the adhesive labels 46 is adapted for quick and easy
mounting onto a flexible strap 16, which is in turn adapted for
quick and easy mounting onto the wrist 12 or the like of a selected
person or object.
[0082] 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. FIG. 19 shows this modified
tag 414 in elongated tape or strip form including multiple
end-to-end interconnected tags 414, each with a pair of strap slots
24 and a locator port 38 formed in the base segment 48.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 20, the modified tag 414 is formed by at
least one inboard ply 52 and at least one outboard ply 54, wherein
these two plies 52, 54 are normally adhesively affixed at the base
segment 48. However, at the extension segment 50, the labels 46 are
formed in the outboard ply 54 for peel-off separation therefrom,
when and as desired. That is, the outboard ply 54 has a pressure
sensitive adhesive film 56 coating the entire underside or inboard
surface thereof, whereas a release film or liner 58 coats an upper
side of the inboard ply 52 to extend over the extension segment 50
only. With this arrangement, the two plies 52, 54 are adhesively
affixed throughout the extent of the base segment 48, but the
labels 46 of the extension segment 50 can be lifted or peeled one
at a time for appropriate affixation to other objects to be
associated with the tag wearer, such as a patient chart or
treatment form, or a vial or the like containing a patient
specimen, in a medical facility environment. A perforation 34 or
line of weakness may be formed between the base segment 48 and
extension segment 50, if desired.
[0084] FIG. 21 shows the modified tag 414 including the adhesive
labels 46 slidably mounted onto a flexible strap 16 including
appropriate fastening elements 26 for mounting the tag 414 onto a
person's wrist or the like (as shown in FIG. 22). As viewed in
FIGS. 19-21, the multiple labels 46 are arranged along the length
of the extension segment 50 in side-by-side array. Alternately, as
viewed in FIG. 23, the multiple labels 46 may be arranged in
relatively small sets or groups oriented in end-to-end array on the
extension segment 46.
[0085] FIG. 24 depicts a reader 60 for reading wearer-related
information carried by the tag system 10 shown mounted onto the
wrist 12 of a specific person. The illustrative reader 60 may
comprise a suitable wireless communication device for non-contact
communication with the RFID circuit 22 carried by the
identification tag 14, and/or the reader 60 may comprise a standard
bar code reader or the like for optically scanning and reading the
machine readable data 20 printed onto the tag 14. The reader 60 is
shown mounted onto or associated with a turnstile 62 of the type
used for authorized entry to a facility such as a concert hall,
sports stadium or arena, amusement park, transportation facility,
etc. Alternately, hand-held readers such as bar code readers and/or
wireless transmission readers may be used for read-out of the data
carried by the identification tag.
[0086] FIGS. 25-29 and 32 show one preferred form of a combination
printable form 64 having at least one identification tag defined at
or within a first portion 65 of the printable form, and at least
one and preferably a plurality of detachable labels 46 defined at
or within a second portion 66 of the printable form. In the
illustrative example, the first portion 65 of the form 64 includes
a pair of relatively large identification tags 514 and a pair of
comparatively smaller identification tags 614, constructed
generally according to the sets of identification tags shown and
described previously herein with respect to FIGS. 15-18. In
addition, the illustrative example shows the second portion 66 of
the form 64 to include a plurality of peel-off adhesive-backed
labels 46. Each of the tags 514, 614 and the labels 46 is adapted
for bearing printed information thereon, such as human readable
information 18 and/or machine readable information 20, all as
previously described herein. Moreover, each tag 514, 614 and the
labels 46 may also carry an associated RFID circuit as previously
shown and described herein, wherein such RFID circuit may be
embedded within each tag and label and thus is not shown in FIGS.
25-32. The printable information may be applied to the form 64 as
by a single pass through a laser-type printer, or other suitable
printing means which may, if desired, be incorporated into a print
station 30 generally as depicted in FIG. 8.
[0087] As shown best in FIGS. 27 and 32, the first portion 65 of
the printable form 64 includes a backing sheet 68 of transparent
film material, overlaid with a film of substantially transparent
adhesive 70 such as a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. This
substrate defined by the backing sheet 68 and adhesive film 70 is
secured to the rear or reverse side of a relatively stiff but
somewhat flexible face ply 72. Importantly, as shown, a major
portion of a rear side of this face ply 72 carries a release film
liner or coating 74, so that the face ply 72 can be peeled from the
underlying adhesive film 70. However, the face ply 72 also includes
printable regions 75 and 76 (FIG. 32) on the front or upper side of
the face ply 72 that are not backed or rear-side coated with the
release film 74, so that these printable regions 75, 76 of the face
ply 74 are securely adhered by the underlying adhesive film 70 to
the backing sheet 68. These printable regions 75, 76 denote and
correspond respectively with the to-be-formed identification tags
514 and 614.
[0088] 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 (FIG. 32) for quick and easy separation from the form. By
contrast, the underlying backing sheet 68 is similarly die
perforated or die cut as indicated at 535, but in a bifold pattern
that defines a first segment 77 directly underlying the associated
tag printable region 75 or 76, and further defining along one side
edge thereof a mirrored second segment 78 of similar size and
shape. In addition, these perforations or die cuts in the backing
sheet 68 further define strap slots 24 for subsequent mounting of
the formed identification tag onto an associated strap 16 (FIGS.
30-31). Similar strap slots may also be formed into the overlying
printable regions 75, 76.
[0089] 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 FIG. 27. This separates the tag
514 or 614 from the first portion 65 of the printable form. In the
initial state, each punched tag 514, 614 comprises the associated
printable face ply region 75 or 76 adhered directly onto the
underlying first segment 77 of the backing sheet 68, and also
separates the adjoining second segment 78 of the backing sheet 68
from the overlying face ply 72. Importantly, the presence of the
release film 74 between the face ply 72 and this second segment 78
of the backing sheet thereon permits relatively free release of
said second segment 78 with the adhesive film 70 remaining thereon.
Then, as viewed in FIG. 28 relative to the larger tag 514, and in
FIG. 29 relative to the smaller tag 614, the second segment 78
associated with each tag can be folded over the front side of the
associated printable face ply segment 75 or 76 to form a laminated
or multi-ply, and substantially moisture proof identification tag
514 or 614 having the printed information overlaid and protected by
the transparent second segment 78 of the backing sheet 68. Each tag
514 and 614 can then be slidably assembled onto an associated
flexible strap 16, as viewed in FIGS. 30-31.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] FIGS. 33-36 shown a modified printable form 164 including a
first portion 165 defining at least one identification tag, such as
the illustrative bifold tags 714 and 814, and a second portion 166
defining at least one and preferably a plurality of peel-off
adhesive labels 46. In this version, a common backing sheet 168
(FIG. 34) which may be opaque extends throughout both form portions
165, 166, and is surface-coated with a release film or liner 174. A
common face ply 72 again extends throughout both form portions 165,
166, and is rear-side coated with a suitable adhesive film 70 such
as a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive or the like. Within the
first portion 165, multiple printable regions 175 and 176
associated respectively with the to-be-formed identification tags
714 and 814 are defined as by suitable die cuts or perforations 234
extending through the face ply 72 and underlying adhesive film 70.
Such printable regions each define a mirror-image and
adhesive-backed bifold tag structure adjoined along one side edge.
Additional die cuts or perforations formed within the printable
regions 175, 176 define strap mounting slots 24.
[0093] 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 FIGS. 27-32, each identification tag
714 and 814 is separated from the form 164 as by peel-off
separation from the underlying backing sheet 168 and release film
174 (as viewed in FIG. 34). The tags can then be folded over along
a line of weakness or suitable bifold indicator line 15, to press
the adhesive film 70 on the rear sides thereof into face-to-face
relation, thereby forming a multi-ply identification tag for quick
and easy slide-fit mounting onto a flexible wristband strap 16 or
the like (not shown). While the exemplary drawings show information
printed on only one side of the folded-over tag, it will be
understood that printed information may be applied to both sides,
if desired.
[0094] 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 (FIG. 33) or suitable line of weakness.
Thereafter, the second label-bearing portion 166 may be accessed
when desired to obtain a preprinted label 46 for affixation to
objects associated or to be associated with the tags 714, 814,
again as previously described herein.
[0095] A further modified printable form 264 is shown in FIG. 37,
wherein this version of the invention corresponds with the
embodiment shown and described in FIGS. 33-36, except that the face
ply is defined by a first face ply member 172 of relatively stiff
sheet stock such as a printable polyester or other printable
plastic or the like to extend over the first portion 165 of the
form, and a second face ply member 272 which can be formed from a
relatively lighter weight and flexible, typically paper-based label
stock extending over the second portion 166 of the form 264. These
first and second face ply members 172 and 272 are supported in
side-by-side relation by means of the common backing sheet 168.
Identification tags such as the tag 914, and related peel-off
labels 46 are formed and adapted for use, as previously described
with respect to FIGS. 33-36.
[0096] FIGS. 38-39 illustrate a further variation of a printable
form 364, wherein a backing sheet 168 is surface-coated with a
release film or liner 174 over a second portion 166 of the form,
but does not include the release film over the first portion 165.
In this version, peel-off labels 46 with a rear-side adhesive
coating 70 are again provided on the second portion 166, as defined
by a die cut face ply 272 of paper-based label stock of the like.
The first portion 165 of the printable form 364 can be defined by a
stiffer and/or more sturdy material such as printable plastic sheet
stock or the like defining the face ply 172 of said first portion
165. In this embodiment, one or more identification tags such as
the tags 1014 and 1114 on said first portion 165 are defined by
perimeter die cuts, perforations or line of weakness 334 or the
like, in a peripheral shape corresponding to the size and shape of
the final tag. Each identification tag 1014, 1114 is adhered by the
rear-side adhesive layer 70 on the face ply 172 with the underlying
backing sheet 168, due to the absence of the release film 174 with
the first portion 165 of the form 364.
[0097] 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 (FIG. 39) for assembly with
a flexible strap or band (not shown in FIGS. 38-39). Thereafter,
the first portion 165 of the form 364 can be separated along
perforation or die cut 34, leaving the second portion 166 with the
adhesive labels 46 thereon, as previously described herein.
[0098] FIGS. 40-41 show another variation of a printable form 464,
similar to that shown and described in FIGS. 38-39, except that the
backing sheet 168 has one side edge terminating a short distance
beyond the associated second portion 166 of the form, and this side
edge of the backing sheet 168 is secured by an adhesive lap joint
or bead 80 (FIG. 41) or the like to one side edge of the first
portion 165 of the printable form. A further but similar variation
is shown in FIG. 42, wherein a modified printable form 564 has a
backing sheet 168 connected along one side edge of the form second
portion 166 by a flexible hinged web joint 180 or the like to one
side edge of the form first portion 165. In the embodiments of
FIGS. 40-42, the identification tags and labels are formed and
adapted for use as previously described herein.
[0099] FIG. 43 illustrates a further embodiment for a printable
form 664 which may correspond with any one of the prior-described
embodiments shown in FIGS. 25-42, but wherein each identification
tag formed on a first portion 165 of the form 664 may correspond
with the label-bearing identification tag 414 as previously shown
and described herein with respect to FIGS. 20-22. As shown, a
second portion 166 of the printable form 664 again carries multiple
peel-off labels 46.
[0100] FIG. 44 shows still another alternative embodiment for a
printable form 764, wherein multiple identification tags 14 and 114
are formed on the first portion 165 of the form, with one or more
of said tags 14, 114 being color coded or otherwise incorporating
readily visible or readily discernable flag or other words and/or
symbols, as indicated at 115, to alert personnel regarding one or
more special conditions associated with the person or object
wearing the tag or tags. In this regard, the tags 14, 114 may be
assembled with a common band or strap 16 as previously shown and
described herein with respect to FIG. 13. Again, the second portion
166 of the printable form 764 carries multiple peel-off labels
46.
[0101] 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.
* * * * *