U.S. patent application number 11/050231 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-11 for labeling apparatus with elastic loop.
Invention is credited to Chernoff, Adrian B..
Application Number | 20050173073 11/050231 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34829849 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050173073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chernoff, Adrian B. |
August 11, 2005 |
Labeling apparatus with elastic loop
Abstract
An elastic article forming a stretchable closed loop with at
least a portion used as or attached to a label, such as a writing
surface that is receptive to written text. The label portion may be
personalized and used to identify items being held together, such
as rolled prints, bulk-foods, items in inventory, mail,
pre-packaged goods, etc.
Inventors: |
Chernoff, Adrian B.;
(Boulder, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUINN LAW GROUP, PLLC
Suite 520
39555 Orchard Hill Place
Novi
MI
48375
US
|
Family ID: |
34829849 |
Appl. No.: |
11/050231 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60542134 |
Feb 5, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
156/556 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 156/1744 20150115;
G09F 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/556 |
International
Class: |
B65H 029/00 |
Claims
1. A labeling apparatus comprising: an elastomer at least partially
defining a first loop, said elastomer being characterized by a
first modulus of elasticity; and a label formed of a material
having a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first
modulus of elasticity, the label being operatively connected to the
first loop.
2. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the label is flexible
and includes a first portion and a second portion; said first
portion being affixed to said second portion such that the label
defines a second loop, and wherein at least a portion of said first
loop extends through said second loop.
3. The labeling apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an
adhesive affixing said second portion to said first portion.
4. The labeling apparatus of claim 2, wherein said elastomer is
selectively movable through said second loop.
5. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label is affixed
to a first segment of said elastomer such that said label restricts
elastic deformation of said first segment of said elastomer.
6. The labeling apparatus of claim 5, wherein said label is
adhesively bonded to said first segment.
7. The labeling apparatus of claim 5, wherein said first segment is
characterized by a first width, and wherein said elastomer includes
a second segment characterized by a second width smaller than the
first width.
8. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label further
defines said first loop.
9. The labeling apparatus of claim 8, wherein said elastomer
includes a first end affixed to said label and a second end affixed
to said label.
10. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least
one member to which the label is affixed.
11. The labeling apparatus of claim 10, wherein said at least one
member defines a second loop, and wherein at least part of said
first loop extends through said second loop, and wherein said first
loop is selectively movable through said second loop.
12. The labeling apparatus of claim 10, wherein said at least one
member at least partially defines the first loop.
13. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label is an
RFID tag.
14. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label is
characterized by photoluminescence.
15. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label is
characterized by a change in color in response to applied
energy.
16. The labeling apparatus of claim 15, wherein said label is one
of photochromic, thermochromic, and electrochromic.
17. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label is a
sensor.
18. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein said label comprises
a polymeric material for resistance to tearing.
19. A device for bundling and labeling comprising: an elastomer at
least partially defining a first loop, said elastomer being
characterized by a first modulus of elasticity; and a label
comprised of a polymer and having a second modulus of elasticity
greater than the first modulus of elasticity, wherein the label is
flexible and includes a first portion and a second portion; said
first portion being affixed to said second portion such that the
label defines a second loop, and wherein at least a portion of said
first loop extends through said second loop.
20. A device for bundling and labeling comprising: an elastomer at
least partially defining a loop; and a radio frequency
identification transponder operatively connected to the loop.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
application No. 60/542,134, filed Feb. 5, 2004, and which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to labeling apparatuses having
an elastomer at least partially forming a loop and a label affixed
to the elastomer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Prior art labels are often affixed to items using adhesive
bonding. For example, many prior art labels have an adhesive
coating on one side for affixing the label to an object. Many prior
art labels include a strong adhesive that prevents removal of the
label from an item without significant effort, and may damage the
surface of the item or leave a residue on the item after removal of
the label. Other prior art labels have a weak adhesive that enables
the label to be easily removed from an item; however, weak
adhesives may result in accidental or unintentional removal of the
label from an item. Further, prior art labels cannot bind or fasten
a plurality of items together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A labeling apparatus is provided. The labeling apparatus
includes an elastomer that at least partially defines a loop. The
elastomer is characterized by a first modulus of elasticity. The
labeling apparatus further includes a label that is operatively
connected to the loop, and that is formed of a material having a
second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of
elasticity.
[0005] The loop enables the label to be removably affixed to one or
more items, and the elastomer allows the size of the loop to be
selectively variable, so that the label may be affixed to items of
various sizes and shapes. When the elastomer is stretched so that
the loop surrounds a portion of an object, the loop exerts a
compressive force on the object to aid in the retention of the
label to the object. Further, when the loop surrounds a plurality
of objects, the compressive force acts to releasably fasten the
objects together.
[0006] A user may write information on the label, such as the
identification, the owner, the purpose, the disposition, the
destination, etc., of the object or objects to which the label and
elastic loop are attached. In an exemplary embodiment, the label is
affixed to a segment of the elastomer or forms a portion of the
loop. The higher elastic modulus of the label minimizes deformation
of the label and any writing contained thereon when the elastomer
is stretched, thereby retaining legibility of the writing.
[0007] Industries that may take advantage of the labeling apparatus
provided include office supply companies, manufacturing facilities,
inventory and logistic companies, and home and office environments.
Functional uses include inter office mail, blueprints, posters,
seasonal merchandise, wine storage, bank statements, utility bills,
taxes, receipts, advertising, sales, barcodes, book marks,
balloons, medicine bottles, water bottles, holiday gifts, inventory
identifiers, manufacturing batching, etc.
[0008] The above objects, features and advantages, and other
objects, features and advantages of the present invention are
readily apparent from the following detailed description of the
best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an elastomer
forming a loop, and a label forming a loop through which the
elastomer extends;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an elastomer
forming a loop, and a label affixed to a member forming a loop
through which the elastomer extends;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an elastomer
partially defining a loop, and a label affixed to a member that
further defines the loop; and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an elatomer
forming a loop and a label affixed to a segment of the
elastomer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, a labeling apparatus 8 includes an
elastomer material 10 in the form of a band defining a loop 12. It
should be noted that, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the elastomer
material 10 forms a continuous, unbroken loop. The elastomer
material 10 is characterized by a first modulus of elasticity. The
elastomer material 10 is preferably rubber or synthetic rubber, but
may be any elastomer within the scope of the claimed invention. A
label 14 is made of flexible, pliable material receptive to written
text and characterized by a second modulus of elasticity greater
than the first modulus of elasticity.
[0014] The label 14 includes a first portion 16 and a second
portion 18. An adhesive 20 affixes the first portion 16 to the
second portion 18 such that the label 14 defines a loop 22. A
portion of the loop 12 formed by the elastomer material 10 extends
through the loop 22 formed by the label 14.
[0015] That is, the label 14 is looped around the band so that the
first portion 16 is juxtaposed with the second portion 18. Adhesive
20 affixes portions 16 and 18 to each other. Adhesive is not
applied between the label 14 and the loop 12 so that the elatomer
10 is freely movable through loop 22 and so that the elongation of
the band 12 is not significantly affected by the label 14.
[0016] The label 14 may have design details 24 in the form of a
trimmed pattern. The pattern 24 in the embodiment depicted is cut
with a cutting tool with contoured teeth. Other variations of
patterns can be executed in a similar matter. Further, the label 14
may include pre-printed text or graphics. The label 14 is receptive
to a writing tool such as a pen, pencil, marker, etc., so that a
user may add written text 26 to the label 14.
[0017] Those skilled in the art will recognize a variety of
fastening techniques for connecting the first portion 16 and the
second portion 18 of the label to form loop 22. For example, the
first portion 16 and the second portion may be clamped, riveted,
clasped, stamped, stapled, etc.
[0018] Those skilled in the art will recognize flexible materials
that may be used to fabricate the label 14, such as nylon,
fiber-based materials (fabrics, cloth, etc.), etc. To provide the
label 14 with tear-resistance, the label 14 is preferably formed
from a polymeric material instead of paper, though paper may be
used within the scope of the claimed invention. Nylon is rip and
tear resistant and can easily fold over upon itself with
deformation or alteration. If nylon is used, it may be coated to be
more receptive to written text. An exemplary material for label 14
is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,023, issued Sep. 5, 2000 to
Schwarz et al, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety. The '023 patent describes a printable microporous
material having a matrix of substantially water-insoluble
thermoplastic organic polymer, e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight
polyethylene and substantially water-insoluble particulate filler
such as precipitated silica. The material is characterized by a
network of interconnecting pores communicating substantially
throughout the material. Another exemplary material is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,169,899, issued Feb. 16, 1965 to Steuber, and which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The '899
patent describes a material sold under the trademark "TYVEK."
[0019] The label 14 may also comprise photochromic, thermochromic,
electrochromic material, or other material that changes appearance
or color in response to the application of energy or other external
stimulus. The labels may also be treated with a phosphor such as
zinc sulfide or strontium aluminate to provide the label with
photoluminescence.
[0020] The label may be pre-coated with an adhesive that reacts to
heat in a heat stamping process, thereby binding the label portions
16, 18 together and not to the loop 12.
[0021] The label is preferably waterproof and resistant to water.
Some paper products exist that can absorb pencil lead without
having water affect the paper or cause smudging of the lead.
Notebooks of this paper can be seen in use by architects and in the
boating industry and are readily available.
[0022] Within the scope of the claimed invention, pre-printed text
and or graphics may be applied in a descriptive nature to assist in
the use and identification of the labeling apparatus 8 and its
immediate use. Example text may include words or phrases such as
"Property of," "Return to," "Mail Code," "Name," "Deliver to," "Lot
#," "Discount," "Clearance," "Sale," "Sold to," etc. Graphics may
also be used as a means of identification and/or branding and
include a bar code, expiration date, destination, and company
logo.
[0023] In the context of the present invention, a "label" may also
be a device 27 that actively or passively conveys or transmits
information. For example, label 27 affixed to the elastomer
material 10 may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) device
27. Exemplary RFID devices are described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,100,804, issued Aug. 8, 2000 to Brady, et al.; U.S. Pat. No.
6,696,879, issued Feb. 24, 2004 to O'Toole, et al.; and U.S. Pat.
No. 6,661,335, issued Dec. 9, 2003 to Seal; each of the
aforereferenced patents being hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety. Similarly, label 27 may be a sensor to monitor and
indicate a physical characteristic such as temperature, or label 27
may be a digital timer so that elapsed time may be measured and
displayed. Label 27 may be used with or without label 14, and may
also be attached to label 14.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, wherein like reference numbers refer to
like components from FIG. 1, an alternative labeling apparatus 8'
is schematically depicted. The labeling apparatus 8' includes an
elastomer material 10 in the form of a band that defines loop 12. A
plastic member 25 includes an integral locking ladder tie 26. The
ladder tie 26 is flexible and is bendable to form a loop through
which a portion of the elastomer 10 extends. The ladder tie 26
extends through a hole 28 in the plastic member 25. Each ring on
the ladder tie 26 can be pulled through the hole 28, locking the
ladder tie with respect to the hole. A benefit of using a ladder
tie is that it is designed to tighten and not loosen.
[0025] In the embodiment depicted, a label 14' is connected to the
plastic member 25. A transparent covering 30 covers label 14'. In
an exemplary embodiment, covering 30 includes a pre-applied
adhesive on one side that is protected by a backing material (not
shown). After a user adds writing 26 to the label 14', the user may
remove the backing from the covering 30 and then apply the covering
to the label 14' and member 25 to provide a protective barrier.
Alternatively, and within the scope of the claimed invention, the
plastic member 25 forms a slot 32 through which the label 14' may
be inserted between the plastic member 25 and the cover 30.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, wherein like reference numbers refer to
like components from FIGS. 1 and 2, another alternative labeling
apparatus 8" is schematically depicted. The labeling apparatus 8"
includes an elastomer material 10' having a first end 36 and a
second end 40. The first end 36 and the second end 40 are affixed
to a substantially rigid member 25'. The member 25' and the
elastomer material 10' cooperate to form a loop 12'. Label 14" is
affixed to the substantially rigid member 25', such as by adhesive
bonding. Alternatively, and within the scope of the claimed
invention, member 25' may function as a label.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, wherein like reference numbers refer to
like components from FIGS. 1-3, yet another alternative labeling
apparatus 8'" is schematically depicted. An elastomer material 10"
in the form of a band defines a loop 12". The elastomer material
10" defines a first segment 46 having a first width, and a second
segment 42 having a second width less than the first width. A label
14" is affixed to the elastomer material 10" along the first
segment. In the embodiment depicted, the label 14" is affixed to
the elastomer material 10" by adhesive bonding; however, those
skilled in the art will recognize other techniques for affixing
label 14" to the elastomer material 10" such as sewing, mechanical
fasteners, etc. Thus, when the elastomer material is stretched, the
label restricts deformation of the first segment 46, minimizing or
eliminating distortion of writing 26 on the label 14".
[0028] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have
been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this
invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and
embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the
appended claims.
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