Non-contact type data carrier label

Abstract: A non-contact type data carrier label (1) has a data carrier (5) for storing information and a support member (3) for holding the data carrier (5), and it is able to attach to a product. The support member (3) has a holding portion for holding the data carrier (5) and paste portion to be pasted on the product in a attachable/detachable manner. A releasable type adhesive layer (2) is formed on the support member. Thus, the data carrier label (1) can be attached to and detached from the product more easily compared with that of conventional one.

Description: The present invention relates to a reusable non-contact type data carrier label. In the prior art as disclosed in EP 0 704 816 A2 a transponder system is described which can be fixed to packages as a part of a package identification system. The transponder system comprises a chip which is adhered to a dielectric substrate. Further the transponder system is attached by an adhesive to an object for identification. Furthermore in US-A-5 142 270 a resonant tag circuit for use as an electronic article surveillance tag is disclosed. The tag circuit resonates at the frequency of an electromagnetic field enabling a receiving component of an electronic article surveillance system to detect the presence of the tag in the controlled area. The tag comprises a polymeric film which is attached by a pressure sensitive adhesive layer to a conductor. Further the conductor is attached to a second conductor, wherein a dielectric substrate is disposed between the two conductors. Further to attach the tag to an article to be protected a release liner is provided which is releasably adhered by a pressure sensitive adhesive to the conductor. For recognizing products in physical distribution systems, visitors to a specific place, or the like, heretofore, automatic recognition or identification technologies such as data carriers, bar codes, magnetic stripes, optical character recognition, visual recognition, and voice recognition have been known. Among those technologies, the bar codes and the magnetic stripes have been used in general. However, each of them has only a function of bringing an entity corresponding to information, so that the amount of information is comparatively small. In addition, these devices are prepared on the basis of information which is previously decided. It means that only the information without any alterations is expressed as a bar code. If the information is altered after attaching the bar code on the product, there is the need to replace the bar code label with a new one. In recent years, therefore, attention has been given to the data carrier technology because it is much different from the other types in that the data carrier is not only readable but also writable to add new data without contact. Hereinafter, one of the examples of how to use the data carrier will be described. A physical distribution system performs activities of such as transferring, storing, and assorting products (merchandise) and controls the information about these activities. In this case, there is the need for transferring both products and information. Therefore, for example, the data carrier may be used as follows when a plurality of containers is shipped from a distribution center A to a distribution center B. (1) A main control center sends information to a computer of the distribution center A. The information concerns work instructions of individual data such as trade name, number, address, and container's number, and so on. (2) Then, necessary information is written on the data carrier through a writing device, and hence the written information is stored in the data carrier. (3) The written data carrier is attached to the corresponding container. A holding means is required for attaching the data carrier to the container, for example, as shown in Fig. 1, a data carrier 100 is attached on a predetermined position on the container by means of screws. In the figure, the reference numeral 101 denotes a data carrier, 102 denotes a supporting plate, 103 denotes a screw as the holding means, and 104 denotes a container. (4) A data carrier reading/writing device reads the information stored in the data carrier attached on each container. The containers are assorted and shipped in accordance with the read information that includes their merchandises, shipping addresses, trade names, and the like. Simultaneously, the read information is automatically entered into a computer through the data carrier reading/writing device and then transmitted to a host computer of the main control center through a data communicating system. (5) When the containers have arrived at a distribution center B, a data carrier reading/writing device reads the information stored in the data carrier attached on each container. Simultaneously, the read information is automatically entered into a computer through the data carrier reading/writing device and then transmitted to a host computer of the main control center through a data communicating system. Consequently, using the data carrier allows the online physical distribution management in real time with great accuracy. For detaching the data carrier from the container, an operator has to take off a member that holds the data carrier by using a tool or the like. Generally, the operator must prepare tools for attaching and detaching the data carriers, and have to deal with a lot of containers, so that the process of attaching and detaching the data carriers by using the tool is a time-consuming job and one of the factors interfering the speedy distribution. To eliminate this disadvantage, there is an idea of imbedding the data carrier in the container. However, this complicates the process of manufacturing the container, causing another problem to be solved. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide non-contact type data carrier label which can be easily attached and detached. According to the invention there is provided a data carrier label as defined by claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims. The above and other objects, effects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of the conventional data carrier label of the non-contact type; Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the non-contact type data carrier label as one of the arrangements not according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the non-contact type data carrier label as one of the arrangements not according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the non-contact type data carrier label as one of the arrangements not according to the present invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the non-contact type data carrier label as one of the arrangements not according to the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of the non-contact type data carrier label according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of the non-contact type data carrier label according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of a contact portion between a supporting film of the non-contact type data carrier label and the object. Arrangement 1 Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show a non-contact type data carrier label of a first arrangement not according to the present invention, where Fig. 2 is a side view and Fig. 3 is a plan view thereof. As shown in the figures, the non-contact type data carrier label 1 comprises a supporting film 3, a data carrier 5, and a flap 6. The supporting film 3 is provided as a support member having a pasting portion on which an adhesive agent as a releasable type adhesive layer 2 is applied and holding portion on which the data carrier 5 is stacked and fixed through a non-releasable type adhesive layer 4 Furthermore, the flap 6 is arranged on one longitudinal directional end of the supporting film 3. A raw material of the supporting film may be one showing excellent properties of thermal resistance, chemical resistance, water resistance, weathering resistance, and so on. For example, the raw material can be selected from polyester resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyurethane resin, and the like. The adhesive agent being applied on the supporting film 3 forms the releasable type adhesive layer that allows the repeated use of the data carrier label. That is, it is easily peeled off from an object 7 (e.g., a container) by pulling the flap 6 in the direction of arrow A. The adhesive layer 2 may be provided in the form of an adhesive tape. Furthermore, various kinds of adhesives may be used as the releasable type adhesive layer 2. Among them, preferable adhesives for the releasable type adhesive layer 2 are a weak adherent pressure-sensitive adhesive and a releasable type pressure-sensitive adhesive, which are well known in the art, for example natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, acrylate resins, polyvinyl ether resins, and silicone resins. Concrete examples of the synthetic resins include: styrene-butadiene rubber, polyisobutylene rubber, isobutylene-isoprene rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, styrene-butadiene block copolymer, styrene-ethylene-butylene copolymer, and ethylene-vinyl acetate thermoplastic elastomer. Concrete examples of the acrylate resins include: homopolymer or copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylic methyl, acrylic ethyl, acrylic propyl, acrylic butyl, acrylate-2-ethylhexyl, methacrylic ethyl, methacrylic butyl, and acrylonitrile. Concrete examples of polyvinylether resins include: polyvinylether, and polyvinyl isobutyl ether. Furthermore, concrete examples of the silicone resins include dimethyl polysiloxane. These adhesives may be used solely or used as a combination of at least two adhesives. In addition, the adhesive strength of the above releasable type adhesive layer is 350 g/cm or less of state adhesive strength defined by JIS-Z1523. If it is over 350 g/cm, the peeling characteristics of the data carrier label 1 will be deteriorated (so-called picking destruction of the surface of the product). In general, the data carrier 5 is of an electromagnetic induction type, electromagnetic coupling type, radiomagnetic communication type, or micro wave communication type, and comprises a printed circuit substrate that allows a radio data transmission. In the present arrangement, a card type data carrier having a transmission distance of 0.1 to several ten meter (e.g., Miocrostamp™ available from Micron Co., Ltd.) is used. This card is of electromagnetic coupling type and is able to read and write information. In addition, a memory capacity of this card is several ten byte to several kilo byte. If required, over one mega byte memory capacity can be provided. Arrangement 2 Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show a non-contact type data carrier of a second arrangement not according to the present invention, where Fig. 4 is a side view and Fig. 5 is a plan view thereof. As shown in the figures, the non-contact type data carrier label 10 is configured in the same way as that of Arrangement 1 except the flap. That is, the non-contact type data carrier label 10 of the present arrangement comprises a supporting film 13 and a data carrier 15. The supporting film 13 is provided as a support member having a pasting portion on which an adhesive agent as a releasable type adhesive layer 12 is applied and a holding portion on which a data carrier 15 is stacked and fixed through a non-releasable type adhesive layer 14. The adhesive agent being applied on the supporting film 13 forms the releasable type adhesive layer 12 which makes it to peel off the data carrier label 10 from the object (e.g., a container) 17. In the first arrangement, the label 1 is peeled off by a force caused by pulling the flap 6. In this arrangement, however, a water-soluble adhesive agent is used as the releasable type adhesive layer, so that the data carrier label can be easily peeled off from the object by dipping into water or an alkaline aqueous solution. The water-soluble adhesive agent used in the present invention is an adhesive to be dissolved or swollen in water or an alkaline aqueous solution. In addition, the above water soluble adhesive agent may be a water-soluble pressure-sensitive adhesive that pastes the data carrier label 10 on the object just after peeling its protective sheet (release liner). The composition of water-soluble pressure-sensitive adhesive which is used in the releasable adhesive layer 12 may be a water-soluble adhesive prepared by adding a surface activating agent which is able to provide plasticity, into a copolymer obtained by a copolymerization between vinyl-based monomers having a carboxylic functional group and other vinyl-based monomers which are able to polymerize with the vinyl-based monomers with carboxylic functional group. In this case, the above surface activating agent may be selected from the group of nonionic surface active agent having an ethylene oxide functional group, such as alkylaryl ether typed, for example polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether, and the like, alkylether typed, for example polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene oleyl ether and the like, alkylester typed, for example, polyoxyethylene laurylate, polyoxyethylene oleate, sorbitan oleate, and the like, and alkylether phosphate ester, and compounds having an ethylene oxide/ propylene oxide block copolymer such as Pluronic and Tetronic (trade names, available from Asahi Denka Co., Ltd.). Furthermore, an anion-surface-active agent having any ethyleneoxy functional group may be used. Embodiment 1 Referring now to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, a non-contact type data carrier label of a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. As shown in the figures, the non-contact type data carrier label 20 comprises a supporting film 23 and a data carrier 25. The supporting film 23 is provided as a support member having a pasting portion on which an adhesive agent as a releasable type adhesive layer 22 is applied and a holding portion on which the data carrier 25 is stacked and held in a gap 28 formed in the supporting film 23. In the first and second arrangements, the data carrier is provided on the support film. In this embodiment, on the other hand, the non-contact type data carrier label 20 has a support film 23 which is provided over a data carrier 25. That is, the supporting film 23 is formed in the shape of a comparatively thick rectangular body with a gap 28 formed as a rectangular recess. In this embodiment, furthermore, one of the releasable type adhesives of Arrangements 1 and 2 is applied on an edge 22 around the gap 28. The data carrier 25 is placed in the gap 28 formed as the rectangular recess. Then, an object 27 is covered with the supporting film 23 so as to contact the data carrier 25 with the object 27. Embodiment 2 In the non-contact type data carrier label of the above first embodiment, the application of a releasable type adhesive on the supporting film is performed with consideration given to adhesive strength, easiness of peeling, and the like of the adhesive. A method of applying the adhesive on the supporting film may be of uniformly applying the adhesive on a whole surface of the supporting film, applying the adhesive as a plurality of stripes on a surface of the supporting film, applying the adhesive as a plurality of dots on a surface of the supporting film, applying the adhesive as a frame on a surface of the supporting film, or the like. In this embodiment, the releasable type adhesive layer is a weak adherent pressure-sensitive adhesive including fine globular elastomeric polymer particles. As shown in Fig. 8, globular polymer particles 32 are positioned between a supporting film 33 and an object 37, so that a well-spaced gap 38 is formed between the particles to make the peeling easier. For the polymer of the present embodiment, polyacrylic ester, natural rubber, SBR, polyisoprene, polybutadiene,styrene-butadiene-acrylic ester terpolymer, or the like may be used. In addition, an average particle diameter of the fine globular elastomeric copolymer is preferably in the range of 10 to 100 µm. Additional components except the fine globular elastomeric copolymer may be one or a mixture of at least two compound selected from acrylic ester, polyacrylic acid, SBR, styrene-acrylic ester copolymer, styrene-butadiene-acrylic ester terpolymer, polyvinyl acetate, gelatin, animal glue, casein, and so on. In addition, the adhesive strength of the above weak adherent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is 350 g/cm or less of state adhesive strength defined by JIS-Z1523. If it is over 350 g/cm, the peeling characteristics of the data carrier label 1 will be deteriorated. As described above, therefore, the non-contact type data carrier label of the present invention comprises the support member having the releasable type adhesive layer, so that the data carrier label can be peeled from the object more easily compared with the conventional one.

Claims: A data carrier label (20) configured for attachment to a structure, the data carrier label comprising: (a) a support member (23) having a top surface and a bottom surface each extending to a perimeter edge, the bottom surface including a recess (28) and a pasting surface extending from the recess to the perimeter edge; (b) an electronically readable/writable non-contact type data carrier (25) the data carrier being disposed within the recess (28) on the bottom surface of the support member (23), and (c) a releasable type adhesive (22) positioned on at least a portion of the pasting surface of the support member (23) such that the bottom surface of the support member can be removably secured to the structure. A data carrier label as recited in claim 1, wherein the data carrier (25) is selected from the group consisting of electromagnetic induction type, electromagnetic coupling type, radiomagnetic communication type, and microwave communication type. A data carrier label as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the releasable type adhesive (22) comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive. A data carrier label as recited in claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the releasable type adhesive (22) has a state adhesive strength of about 3,50 g/cm or less defined by JIS-Z1523. A data carrier label as recited in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the releasable type adhesive (22) is water soluble.

Inventors: SAKASHITA HITOSHI, SAKASHITA, HITOSHI
Applicants: LINTEC CORP, LINTEC CORPORATION
Application year: 1997
Main classification: G06K19
IPC codes: G06K19, G09F3