Form having a removable wristband and labels

A printable form is disclosed having a detachable wristband and removable labels. The form includes a first layer having a separable area in the form of a wristband which allows the wristband to be separated from the form. A second layer is bonded to the first layer by an adhesive and has labels which are die cut out of the material of the second layer. The bond between the first layer and the die cut labels is a releaseable bond, allowing the labels and the adhesive contained thereon to be removed from the first layer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to printable forms, and more particularly to a printable form having removable labels which incorporates a removable wristband.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Identification wristbands are commonly used in a hospital or other setting to promote the easy identification of patients or other wearers. In the instance of a hospital use, a patient is generally provided with an identification wristband that is secured about the wrist of the patient upon admission to the hospital. In addition, a number of labels for use in identifying fluid samples, medications, charts, folders, papers and other common hospital objects specific to an admitted patient are often printed when a patient is admitted.

Often, the labels and wristbands are printed separately. The wristband is placed on the patient, while the labels are put into a patient chart, or otherwise saved for later use. However, in an effort to streamline patient admission procedures, and in light of the widespread use and low cost of computer driven printers such as laser printers, it has become desirable to print the labels and wristbands in a single step.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,472 entitled, “Form Having Detachable Wristband and Labels” discloses a form having detachable labels and a wristband. The form includes a face ply adhered to a liner ply by a pressure sensitive adhesive. The face ply includes a first portion and a second portion where the first portion is die cut to form a wristband and the second portion is die cut to form a series of detachable labels. A problem associated with this design is that the die cut wristband tends to become separated from the form too easily. This is an issue in that it is desirable that the form be printable in a single pass through a laser, or other type of printer. However, the edges of the die cut wristband may become snagged on the mechanism of the printer and become lodged in the printer, causing a printer malfunction.

Other problems associated with prior art printable forms which include a wristband and labels is that the wristbands are not durable enough to withstand adverse conditions, which may include exposure to moisture, abrasion, and tearing forces. In such conditions, printed material may be smeared or scraped off. In addition, a direct line of sight is required to read any information which may be printed onto the wristband.

The present invention is designed to solve these and other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a printable form having a detachable wristband and removable labels. The form includes a first layer having a separable portion in the form of a wristband which allows the wristband to be separated from the form. A second layer is bonded to the first layer by an adhesive, and the second layer has labels die cut from it. The bond between the first layer and the die cut labels is a releaseable bond allowing the labels and the adhesive contained thereon to be removed from the first layer.

According to another aspect of the invention a printable form has a first layer having a separable portion in the form of a wristband which allows the wristband to be separated from the form. The wristband forms a peripheral edge of the form. A second layer is bonded to the first layer by an adhesive and the second layer has labels die cut from it. The bond between the first layer and the die cut labels is a releaseable bond allowing the labels and the adhesive contained thereon to be removed from the first layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in may different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention. This disclosure is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

One example embodiment of a printable form is shown generally as reference numeral10ofFIGS. 1–3.FIG. 1shows a top view of the printable form,FIG. 2a bottom view of the form, andFIG. 3a cross-sectional view of the form along line3ofFIG. 1.

The printable form10generally includes a first portion12including a wristband14, and a second portion16including labels18.

The first portion12generally comprises a first layer20having a first major surface22and a second major surface24. The first layer20generally includes a perforation26in the general shape of a wristband14. The wristband14is generally located along a periphery of the form10. The shape of the wristband14generally includes a body portion28and two end portions30. The end portions30are generally tapered from the body portion28.

The first portion also generally includes a reinforcing layer32of material as shown inFIG. 3. The reinforcing layer32is generally permanently bonded by a layer of adhesive33to the second major surface24of the first layer20. The reinforcing layer32is preferably bonded to the first layer20such that it covers substantially one entire surface of the wristband14. The perforations26that define the wristband14generally continue through the reinforcing layer32such that the reinforcing layer32forms a part of the wristband14, and provides strength to the wristband14both when it is attached to the form10, and after removal of the wristband14from the form10.

Many different materials may be used as a reinforcing material. The preferred material is generally water resistant and has good strength to prevent tearing of the wristband. Synthetic materials are generally preferred. However, paper can also be used, particularly if the paper is coated with a water resistant coating.

In this embodiment, the reinforcing layer32is bonded to, and covers an extent of the second major surface24of the first layer20which is slightly larger than the size of the wristband14. When the wristband14is removed, a portion of the reinforcing layer32remains bonded to the non-wristband portion of the first layer12.

In this embodiment, release tabs36are bonded to the reinforcing layer32. The release tabs36cover adhesive38located on the reinforcing layer32proximate to one or both of the ends30of the wristband14. There are generally two release tabs36and two areas of adhesive38, but in some embodiments only one end of the wristband may have adhesive and a release tab. The release tab36covers the adhesive38located on the reinforcing layer32of the wristband14such that when the wristband14is removed from the form10, the adhesive38retained on an end30of the wristband14is exposed, and can be used to secure the wristband14around a limb of a patient or other user.

The release tab36has a release coating40which covers that portion of the adhesive38which is on the wristband14. The adhesive38in this embodiment preferably also covers a portion of the reinforcing layer32which does not form a portion of the wristband14. When the line of perforation of weakened material securing the wristband14to the form10is torn, and the wristband14removed, the tabs36preferably remain bonded to the reinforcing layer32which does not from a portion of the wristband14. The release tabs36, therefore, are separated from the wristband18, and remain bonded to the form10.

One benefit of this arrangement is that the perforation26securely fastens the wristband14to the remainder of the form and prevents it from inadvertently becoming separated from the form during printing or other handling. However, it also provides ease of use because in a single step the wristband14can be removed from the form such that the adhesive38is exposed and the wristband14is prepared for application.

The wristband14of the first portion12may include a coating42. The coating42generally covers the first major surface22of the wristband14, and is preferably a performance enhancing coating. Coatings which improve the printability or weatherability of the wristband are preferred. The coating generally improves the water resistance of the wristband. A coating may also prevent wicking of ink applied to the wristband, or otherwise improve the printability of the wristband. A coating may optionally be applied to other printable surfaces of the form, including the labels, to improve the weatherability and printability of the printable surfaces. Such coating are well known in the art.

The second portion16of the form10includes removable labels18. The removable labels18are generally part of a second layer44of a printable material. As shown inFIG. 1, the removable labels18are die cut into the second layer44.FIG. 1shows a plurality of similarly sized, generally rectangular labels18, but labels of different sizes and shapes may optionally be die cut into the second layer44.

The second layer44is generally removably bonded to the first major surface22of the first layer20by an adhesive46. A release coating48, which is generally applied directly to the first major surface22of the first layer20, allows the labels18to be removed as desired. The release coating48is preferably a silicone coating. The wristband14is preferably free of the silicone release coating to provide a printable surface.

The material used for the first layer20and second layer44is generally paper. The paper used for the first layer is preferably super-calendared to improve weatherability of the wristband14, which is generally formed from the first layer20. While paper is the preferred material, numerous other materials may be used. Many synthetic materials provide benefits such as improved durability, strength, and weatherability. These materials are well known in the art, and may be substituted for the preferred paper material as desired.

Another embodiment of a form according to the present invention is shown generally inFIG. 4as reference numeral100. The form100is generally the same as the first embodiment described above except it does not include a reinforcing layer.FIG. 4shows a bottom view of a form100according to this embodiment. The top of a form according to this embodiment is generally the same as that shown inFIG. 1. However, the bottom of the form100is different. The absence of a reinforcing layer means release tabs102are adhered directly to a major surface104of the first layer106of material. The tabs102again include a release coating which covers that portion of the tab102which is bonded to the detachable wristband108. When the wristband108is torn from the form100along a perforated line110, the tabs102remain bonded to the form100.

The form100of this embodiment may include a synthetic material as the first layer106of material. Because no reinforcing material is provided on the wristband108, it may be beneficial to use the synthetic material for the first layer106, from which the wristband108is formed. The synthetic material used will generally have sufficient strength and durability such that a single layer of material can be used as the wristband108. A coating may be used on the synthetic material to improve printability.

Alternatively, paper may be used to form the first layer106. A coating may be applied to the top and/or bottom of the form100to improve the printability, weatherability, and durability of the form100or wristband108.

Another embodiment of a form according to the present invention is shown inFIGS. 5 and 6as reference numeral200. The form200generally includes a first portion202including a wristband204, and a second portion206including labels208.

The first portion202generally comprises a first layer210having a first major surface212and a second major surface214. The first layer210generally includes a perforation216in the general shape of the wristband204. The wristband204is generally located along a periphery of the form200. The shape of the wristband204generally includes a body portion218and two end portions220. The end portions220are generally tapered from the body portion218. In this embodiment, the end portions220of the wristband218are separated by cutouts221from the remainder of the form.

The first portion202also generally includes a reinforcing layer222of material. The reinforcing layer222is generally permanently bonded by a layer of adhesive to the second major surface214of the first layer210. The reinforcing layer222is preferably bonded to the first layer210such that it covers substantially the entire second major surface214of the wristband204. The perforations which define the wristband204generally continue through the reinforcing layer222such that the reinforcing layer222forms a part of the wristband204, and provides strength to the wristband204both when it is attached to the form200, and after removal of the wristband204from the form200. The reinforcing layer222is bonded to, and covers an extent of the second major surface214of the first layer210which is slightly larger than the size of the wristband204. When the wristband204is removed, that portion of the reinforcing layer222not covering the wristband204generally remains bonded to the non-wristband portion of the first layer210.

In this embodiment, release tabs226are bonded to the reinforcing layer222. The release tabs226cover adhesive located on the reinforcing layer222proximate to the ends220of the wristband204. There are generally two release tabs226and two areas of adhesive228, but in some embodiments only one end of the wristband may have adhesive and a release tab. The release tabs226cover the adhesive located on the reinforcing layer222of the wristband204. In this embodiment, the release tabs226are contained entirely on the wristband204. When the wristband204is removed from the form200, the adhesive and release tabs226are retained on the ends220of the wristband204. The release tabs226may then be individually removed to expose the adhesive, which can then be used to secure the wristband204around a limb of a patient or other user. The release tabs226generally include a release coating which covers the adhesive allowing the release tabs226to be removed as desired.

The second portion206of the form200includes the removable labels208. The removable labels208are generally part of a second layer230of a printable material. As shown inFIG. 5, the removable labels208are die cut into the second layer230.

The second layer230is generally removably bonded to the first major surface212of the first layer210by an adhesive. A release coating is generally applied directly to the first major surface212of the first layer210underneath the labels208. The release coating preferably allows the labels208to be removed as desired. The wristband204is preferably free of the release coating to provide a printable surface.

The material used for this embodiment of the form200is generally the same as those materials discussed in conjunction with previous embodiments. As with other embodiments, various coating may be used on various surfaces of the form200to improve the printability, durability, or weatherability of the form200and its various component parts such as the wristband204or labels208.

Another embodiment of a printable form according to the present invention is shown inFIGS. 7–9as reference numeral300. The form300generally includes a first portion302including a wristband304with an incorporated electronic identifier306, and a second portion308including labels310mounted on a liner312.

The first portion302of the form300is shown in detail inFIG. 9, which shows a cross-section of the wristband304. The wristband304preferably includes a first layer314of material and a reinforcing layer316of material. The first layer314and reinforcing layer316are generally bonded to one another by an adhesive318. An electronic identifier306is preferably located between the first layer314and reinforcing layer316.

The electronic identifier306generally provides a means of communicating information about the wristband or its wearer. Three commonly used systems which utilize an electronic identifier, and may be incorporated into the wristband include radio frequency, electromagnetic, and acousto-magnetic systems. Depending on the system, different quantities of information may be communicated by the electronic identifier that is incorporated into the wristband. Generally, the radio frequency system is preferred because a radio frequency identification circuit may store and communicate more information. The electromagnetic and acousto-magnetic systems are often used in retail stores to prevent shoplifting, and may be beneficial incorporated into a wristband in situations where it is desirable to monitor the movement of the wristband wearer through an electronic surveillance point.

When the radio frequency system is used, the electronic identifier306is generally a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The tag generally includes an electronic circuit and an antenna. Advances in RFID tags have made such tags smaller, less expensive, provided greater read/write capabilities, greater memory, and greater read range. U.S. Pat. No. 6,496,112 B1 entitled, “Radio Frequency identification Tag With A Programmable Circuit State,” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,263 entitled, “Electronic Identifier Apparatus and Method Utilizing A Single Chip Microcontroller and An Antenna Coil,” which are hereby incorporated by reference, describe RFID tags suitable for use in the form300of the present invention. Many other suitable RFID tags and labels are well known in the art and could be used in conjunction with the form300of the present invention.

The preferred electronic identifier306for use in conjunction with the present invention generally includes certain beneficial qualities. The electronic identifier306is preferably capable of storing identifying information that allows an individual wristband to be identified by scanning or otherwise reading the electronic identifier using a scanning or reading mechanism. The electronic identifier306preferably includes a read/write capability, and can preferably be programmed with identifying information. The electronic identifier reading mechanism preferably does not require a line of sight to scan or read the electronic identifier306. The electronic identifier306is preferably thin enough to pass through a laser printer when it is incorporated into the form300. The use of a flexible electronic identifier306may improve the operation of the wristband. Preferably, the electronic identifier does not require a battery. Each of these benefits is available using RFID technology. However, it can be appreciated that other technologies which provide the same benefits could be substituted with the same beneficial effect.

The second portion308of the form300includes the removable labels310. The removable labels310are generally part of a second layer320of a printable material. As shown inFIG. 7, the removable labels310are die cut into the second layer320.

In some embodiments, the labels may also include an incorporated electronic identifier. Labels having incorporated RFID tags are preferred.

The second layer320is generally removably bonded to the first layer314by an adhesive layer322. A release coating324is generally applied directly to a first major surface324of the first layer314underneath the labels310. The first layer314in this manner functions both as a liner312and as a detachable wristband304. The release coating324preferably allows the labels310to be removed as desired. The wristband304is preferably free of the release coating to provide a printable surface.

The material used for the form300is generally the same as those materials discussed in conjunction with previous embodiments. As with other embodiments, various coating may be used on various surfaces of the form300to improve the printability, durability, or weatherability of the form300and its various component parts such as the wristband304or labels310.

In use, a form in accordance with the present invention is typically run though a computer driven printer which prints information onto a wristband and onto individual labels of the form. The information may include information such as a patient name, blood type, or patient number. Generally, the same identifying information will be printed onto the wristband and the labels. The wristband is than separated from the form and is securely fastened around a users limb. The remainder of the form generally includes the labels die cut out of the second layer which are releaseably bonded to the first layer. The labels may be peeled from the form as desired to label, for example, patient charts, fluid samples, or medications.

The benefits of printable forms according to the present invention are numerous. The printable form travels easily through a laser printer or other type of printer because the wristband is securely attached to the remainder of the form along a perforation. The perforation extends along an extended section of the wristband preventing premature removal of the wristband from the form during the printing process.

Another benefit of a form according to the present invention is provided by the use of an electronic identifier. The use of an electronic identifier allows a wristband wearer to be identified without having a line of sight to the wristband. This is useful because in certain instances, such as in a hospital, a wristband wearer may be covering the wristband under blankets or clothing. The wearer can be identified without disturbing them using a RFID system. It may also be useful in situations where security is an issue. The wristband can be applied to a wearer, and when that wearer passes through a surveillance area, which generally includes an electronic identifier scanner or reader, an alarm may be sounded.