CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/264,365, filed on December 8, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/270,631, filed on December 22, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the addition of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder or other embedded trigger technology within a self-adhesive label hang tag assembly. The addition of the RFID transponder effectively integrates RFID directly into the label and then allows the label construction to be readily integrated with the packaging, such as garment packaging. The present subject matter is especially suitable for apparel items clothing, accessories such as belts, and other items. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present inventive subject matter are also equally amenable to other like applications.

[0003] Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are electronic devices that may be affixed to items whose presence is to be detected and/or monitored. The presence of an RFID tag, and therefore the presence of the item to which the RFID tag is affixed, may be checked and monitored by devices known as "readers" or "reader panels." Readers typically transmit radio frequency signals to which the RFID tags respond. Each RFID tag can store a unique identification number. The RFID tags respond to reader-transmitted signals by providing their identification number and additional information stored on the RFID tag based on a reader command to enable the reader to determine an identification and characteristics of an item.

[0004] Current RFID tags and labels are produced through the construction of an inlay which includes a chip connected to an antenna applied to a substrate. The inlay is then inserted into a single tag or label. These labels or tags are then printed by either conventional printing processes, such as flexographic processes, and then variable information may be printed either with the static information or singularly. The chips are then encoded in a printer which has a read/encoding device or separately by a reader/encoding device.

[0005] Another method of producing a RFID device directly on to a substrate, provides for the advancing of a substrate, coating the substrate with an adhesive and then deadening areas of the adhesive which will not be needed in connection with adhering the antenna to the substrate. Alternatively, the adhesive can be pattern coated on to the substrate in the shape and configuration of an antenna. Next, an aluminum or other metal foil is applied over the adhesive and adheres only in those areas were an exposed and tacky adhesive remains. The aluminum foil can be further cut such as through a rotary die cutter or laser cutting device to define the shape of the antenna and the remaining matrix of the aluminum is then removed allowing only the final antenna shape to be adhered to the substrate. A chip or strap is then applied over the contact ends of the antenna structure, such as with a dipole type antenna through the use of a conductive adhesive. A cover layer may be provided over the top of the chip or strap or alternatively over the entire area covered by the antenna.

[0006] However, RFID inlays can be difficult to attach to the exterior of clothing, accessories, and other items. Further, the RFID inlays may become detached with rough handling, or deliberately removed. If the RFID inlays become removed, the clothing, accessories, and other items can no longer be tracked.

[0007] What is needed therefore is a label, with an RFID inlay incorporated into the label. Thus, the RFID inlay cannot be easily removed and/or separated from the article, clothing, accessories, or other items, etc., which allows the items to be easily tracked and inventoried.

[0008] The present invention discloses a label with an RFID inlay incorporated in the label. The label or substrate is folded over on itself, securing the RFID inlay within the folds and preventing the RFID inlay from being easily removed and/or separated from the item. The RFID inlay provides loss prevention and enables tracking of the items, as well as promotes other actions for the user.

SUMMARY

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0010] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a self- adhesive tag or label, such as a hang tag or "J" tag configuration incorporating embedded trigger technology, such as an RFI D inlay. The tag or label can be manufactured in a flat form, similar to a standard self-adhesive label, using a low cost method, such as a roll to roll process. The tag or label substrate may be paper, cardstock, plastics such as PET, or other suitable materials. As the tag is initially supplied in a flat format it can be printed on using methods such as thermal transfer, inkjet or laser printing. In addition, the RFID device incorporated in the label may be programmed with information. [0011] In a preferred embodiment, the self-adhesive tag or label comprises a hole for hanging the tag or label on a display rack. The RFID inlay is incorporated around the hole of the tag or label and secured within the fold of the tag or label when the tag or label is partially folded on itself.

[0012] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TH E DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the label of the disclosed system in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the label and RFID inlay of the disclosed system in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the RFID inlay mounted onto the label with the release liner peeled back in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the label folded over on itself in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the label secured to a box in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a graph displaying the differences between the label being folded securing the RFID inlay within, and the label and RFID inlay being secured to an item in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOF THE INVENTION

[0019] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

[0020] The present invention discloses a self-adhesive tag or label incorporating embedded trigger technology, such as an RFID inlay. The label is manufactured of film material such as paper, cardstock, PET or corrugated material or the like that allows the label to be partially folded on itself so as to enclose and protect the RFID device and create an aperture for hanging the label when attached to a product. The sticky part of the label that is left out is then stuck to whatever packaging or product is to be labeled. The RFID inlay provides loss prevention and enables tracking of the items, as well as promotes other actions for the user.

[0021] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates the label (or tag) 100 incorporating embedded trigger technology, such as an RFID inlay 102. The label or tag construction 100 is typically self-adhesive and manufactured of a stiff/rigid polyester material, paper, cardstock, plastics such as PET, or any other suitable materials that allows the label to fold on itself. The substrate has a top face with an adhesive layer adhered to the top face. The rigid or semi rigid material allows the label to be folded on itself, securing the RFID inlay 102 between the material folds. Typically, only the top portion of the label is folded on itself, leaving an adhesive, bottom (or sticky) section 106 which can be secured to an article or product to be labeled. Specifically, the label is generally 100mm in length and 60mm in width. Typically, 30mm of the 100mm overlap onto 30mm to secure the RFID inlay within the folds, leaving approximately 40mm of the label to be adhered to a product or item. The 40mm of the label that remains can also have additional indicia, labeling, barcodes, etc. printed on it.

[0022] The label 100 also comprises at least one opening or hole 104 that allows the label to be hooked to a display. The hole can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art to help the label 100 be secured to a display. Typically, the RFID inlay 102 is positioned and secured around the hole 104 of the label 100. The RFID inlay 102 can be secured via any suitable method as is known in the art. Once secure, the label 100 is folded over on itself, securing the RFID inlay 102 within the folds and preventing the RFID inlay 102 from being easily removed and/or separated from the label 100.

[0023] The label or tag configuration of the present invention can be used in any number of applications. An exemplary embodiment is for use in the apparel field of use such as with garments or accessories. The present invention facilitates the packaging and display of the garment or accessories (e.g. socks, hosiery, underwear, scarves, belts or the like which can often be displayed from a vertical consumer display and suspended from hooks.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the chip of the RFID device can be encoded with information relating to the product that it will be connected with and then the substrate can be printed with high quality graphics or other information relating to the retailer, brand owner or manufacturer of the product. The printing may be done before or after the application of the RFID device. Referring generally to FIGS. 2-5, it is shown how the RFID inlay 102 is attached and secured to the label 100. Specifically, FIG. 2 discloses the label 100 cut by a C0 ₂ laser or other suitable means for cutting the label 100. The label 100 is cut by the laser into a layer of adhesive ticket material, or other suitable material as is known in the art. An additional perforation 200 can also be added to help with manual alignment. The first perforation 202 is needed to allow the label 100 to be folded over on itself. For example, the label 100 is generally 100mm in length and 60mm in width. Typically, 30mm from the top 204 of the label 100 is positioned the first perforation 202. Thus, 30mm of the 100mm overlap onto 30mm to secure the RFID inlay 102 within the folds, leaving approximately 40mm of the label 100 to be adhered to a product or item.

[0025] FIG. 3 discloses the RFID inlay 102 mounted onto the label 100. Typically, the label 100 also comprises any suitably sized and shaped hole 104 that allows the label to be hooked to a display. The RFID inlay 102 is positioned and secured around the hole 104 of the label 100. The RFID inlay 102 can be secured via any suitable method as is known in the art. Typically, the RFID inlay 102 is incorporated into an adhesive layer, and the release layer 300 of the adhesive layer is removed and the RFID inlay 102 is secured to the label 100, around the hole 104. Once secure, the label 100 is folded over on itself at the first perforation 202, securing the RFID inlay 102 within the folds and preventing the RFID inlay 102 from being easily removed and/or separated from the label 100.

[0026] FIG. 4 discloses the label 100 folded over on itself at the first perforation 202, securing the RFID inlay 102 within the folds. FIG. 5 discloses the label 100 secured to a box 500, allowing the item (box 500) to be displayed. FIG. 6 discloses a graph 600 showing the differences between the label 100 being folded securing the RFID inlay 102 within, and the label 100 and RFID inlay 102 being secured to a box. Overall, the disclosure of wrapping the RFID inlay around a hole in a label displayed adequate performance. And, using a PET inlay would potentially strengthen the top of the label so it would be less likely to break off. Alternatively, the label (i.e., structure) could be made from a white PET. Furthermore, the label could be produced with a near field loop positioned near the top of the label hole, and a dipole element positioned near a second hole, which would form a long range RFID tag when folded.

[0027] The present invention contemplates that the label or tag presently set forth can be utilized not only for accessories, but also small boxed electronics and other potential media articles. For instance, with the label of the present invention if utilized with a belt, the amount of substrate utilized would be decreased. It is also contemplated that the label or tag presently set forth could be utilized I cooperation with a foil folded carton to allow for a RF connection.

[0028] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.