Patent Abstract:
A device for deactivating an RFID portion on an identification tag and indicating that the RFID portion is deactivated. The present invention addresses current privacy concerns regarding potential use of RFID technology after the point of sale. The device for deactivating the RFID portion of an identification tag provides visual indication that the RFID portion is deactivated. The visual indication occurs without the use of additional equipment or electronics. The visual indication component of the present invention is easy to interpret, so that a viewer will be able to quickly determine whether the RFID portion of the identification tag has been deactivated.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to automatic identification devices and more specifically to providing a visual indication of the dynamic state of an identification device, such as an RFID device. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The use of Electronic Article Surveillance, Radio Frequency Identification, and electronic security tag technology (hereinafter collectively referred to as ‘RFID’) is becoming increasingly prevalent in manufacturing, inventory control, and residential settings. First used in the Battle of Britain to recognize friendly fighter planes, RFID technology is now emerging as a valuable tool in our everyday lives. For example, RFID technology can be used by manufacturers or retailers to instantaneously track product inventories and thereby adjust to specific inventory needs. Similarly, RFID technology can be used by automobile commuters to pay highway tolls without interrupting their commute. RFID technology can also be used by pet owners to provide reassurance that pets are readily locatable, regardless of lost collars. 
   RFID technology involves the transmission of information through radio waves. A typical RFID system includes an RFID tag and an RFID reader. The RFID tag includes a circuit chip and an antenna attached to the circuit chip. The circuit chip and antenna are generally thin, flexible, and mounted to a flexible dielectric substrate. Antennas have numerous configurations and each is structured generally to broadcast electromagnetic energy to a distant reader. RFID chips can be programmed to store a variety of information. For example, RFID chips often include retail product identification such as a product serial number. In other applications, relatively more complex information may be provided such as biometric information on an employee ID badge. 
   RFID technology provides efficient, instantaneous communication between a reader and an RFID tag without directed near-field scanning as is commonly required in more conventional automatic identification technologies (e.g., bar-code, optical scanning, etc.). Further, the cost of RFID technology has recently dropped making it particularly useful in open supply chain applications, where disposable identification technologies are desired. However, in spite of these benefits, and perhaps because of them, RFID technology has produced discomfort, fear, and paranoia in some consumers. 
   Many consumers fear that RFID technology could be used in an Orwellian manner. For example, some consumers are wary that retailers may use RFID tags to covertly track consumer purchasing habits, interests, or behavior by placing hidden RFID readers throughout a retail location such as a shopping center. The readers could detect RFID tags provided in various previously purchased articles (e.g., wallets, purses, clothing, etc.) located on the consumer&#39;s person, thereby remotely tracking, logging, and analyzing the consumer&#39;s movements as they proceed through the shopping center. Although potentially benefiting retailers in terms of understanding, for example, which retail displays are effective at drawing consumer interest, many consumers view the above use of RFID technology as an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Accordingly, consumer groups have mobilized to prevent such use of RFID technology. Such groups have strongly discouraged use of RFID technology and have, in some cases, proposed legislation aimed at requiring retail stores employing RFID technology to install equipment that allows consumers to disable or de-activate RFID tags. 
   In view of the consumer objections referenced above, there is a need for a device associated with an RFID tag that is capable of deactivating the RFID tag in a manner that is visually apparent to a consumer. Such a device should simple, economical, efficient, and should ensure deactivation to the satisfaction of a consumer. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention addresses the above needs by providing a device for deactivating identification tags in a permanent and visually perceptive manner. The deactivation may occur manually or with the use of a deactivation device, and the visual indication occurs without use of additional equipment or electronics. Such visual indication is easy to interpret, so that a person viewing it will be able to quickly determine whether the identification tag is active or has been disabled. Identification tags capable of visually indicating this state (i.e., active or disabled) according to various embodiments of the present invention are simple, economical, efficient, and capable of wide use across many product lines. 
   In general, the present invention provides an identification tag for visually indicating deactivation of at least a part of an electronic circuit portion of the identification tag. The electronic circuit portion stores an identification associated with the identification tag, and a deactivation indicating portion is capable of visually indicating deactivation of at least a part of the electronic circuit portion. The visual indication may be an indicating color or an indicating indicia, and may occur under normal or alternate lighting conditions. 
   In other specific embodiments, the electronic circuit portion may be placed between two layers such that when the layers are separated, as when a user manipulates one of the layers or uses a tool or other mechanism to at least partially separate the layers, at least a part of the electronic circuit portion of the identification tag is deactivated. A deactivating indicating portion then visually indicates, such as through an indicating color or indicia, that at least a part of the electronic portion has been deactivated. 
   An identification tag of another embodiment of the present invention may be deactivated by removing a coating that is adjacent to an electronic circuit portion such that at least a part of the electronic circuit portion is deactivated. The process of removing the coating then reveals a visual indication of deactivation. 
   An identification tag of still another embodiment of the present invention may be deactivated using a pull-tab assembly that is designed to deactivate at least a part of an electronic circuit portion when the pull-tab assembly is removed from the identification tag. The process of removing the pull-tag triggers a deactivation indicating portion, which may be a two-part color generating system that results in visual indication of the deactivation. 
   Thus, the present invention provides a device for deactivating an RFID portion of an identification tag and indicating that the RFID portion is deactivated. The device for deactivating the RFID portion provides visual indication that the RFID portion is deactivated. The visual indication occurs without the use of additional equipment or electronics and it is easy to interpret, so that a viewer will be able to quickly determine whether the RFID portion of the identification tag has been deactivated. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a top view of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation of an RFID portion in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 1A  is a cross sectional view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 1B  is a cross sectional view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
       FIG. 1C  is a top view of the identification tag of  FIG. 1 , wherein the RFID portion is visually deactivated by separating a first layer from a second layer; 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation of an RFID portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2A  is a top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 2 , wherein the RFID portion is deactivated; 
       FIG. 2B  is a top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 2 , wherein the RFID portion is deactivated and wherein such deactivation is visually detectable; 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation of an RFID portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  shows a top view of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation of an RFID portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  shows a top view of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation of an RFID portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  shows a top view of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation of an RFID portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6A  shows a top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 6 , wherein part of a removable coating has been removed; 
       FIG. 6B  shows a top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 6 , wherein the RFID portion is deactivated and wherein such deactivation is visually detectable; 
       FIG. 7  shows a cross sectional view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  shows an exploded perspective view of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation of an RFID portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  shows a cross sectional view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  shows a detail cross sectional view of a central portion of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  shows a detail cross sectional view of a central portion of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation of an RFID portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 9 , wherein the tape assembly has been removed to deactivate the RFID portion; 
       FIG. 14  shows a top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 13 , wherein the RFID portion is deactivated and wherein such deactivation is visually detectable through an indicating color; 
       FIG. 15  shows a top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 13 , wherein the RFID portion is deactivated and wherein such deactivation is visually detectable through an indicating indicia; 
       FIG. 16  shows an exploded perspective view of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation of an RFID portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 16 ; 
       FIG. 18  shows a cross sectional view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 19  shows a top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 17 , wherein the RFID portion has been deactivated and wherein such deactivation is visually detectable through an indicating color; 
       FIG. 20  shows a top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 17 , wherein the RFID portion has been deactivated and wherein such deactivation is visually detectable through an indicating indicia; 
       FIG. 21  shows an exploded perspective view of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation of a portion an antenna of an RFID portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 22  shows an exploded perspective view of an identification tag capable of visually detectable deactivation an RFID portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 23  shows a perspective view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 22 ; 
       FIG. 24  shows a cross sectional view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 23 ; 
       FIG. 25  shows a detail cross sectional view of a central portion of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 24 ; 
       FIG. 26  shows top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 23 , wherein the RFID portion has been deactivated and wherein such deactivation is visually detectable through an indicating color; 
       FIG. 27  shows a top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 23 , wherein the RFID portion has been deactivated and wherein such deactivation is visually detectable through another indicating color; and 
       FIG. 28  shows a top view of the identification tag depicted in  FIG. 23 , wherein the RFID portion has been deactivated and wherein such deactivation is visually detectable through an indicating indicia. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
   The present invention provides a device for deactivating an RFID tag. The present invention also provides a visual indication that the RFID tag has been successfully deactivated. In one embodiment, the RFID tag deactivation and accompanying visual indication occur simultaneously, such that a user may verify that the RFID tag has indeed been deactivated. In other embodiments, however, it may be appropriate to introduce a delay between RFID tag deactivation and the visual indication of such deactivation. In either case, visual indication of deactivation according to various embodiments of the invention is easy to interpret, simple, economical, and accurate as will be apparent in view of the disclosure provided below. 
   Referring collectively to  FIG. 1-1C , one embodiment of the present invention includes an identification tag  10  having a first layer  11  adhered to a deactivation indicating portion  50 . In the depicted embodiment, the deactivation indicating portion  50  comprises a second layer  12 . For purposes of the foregoing specification and appended claims the term “identification tag” refers to any system that includes a memory or identity and mechanism for communicating remotely with a reader/encoder, such as remotely detectable tags that incorporate RFID or other similar technologies. For example, identification tags may include EAS tags, magnetic tags, RFID tags, RFID labels, smart cards, optical communication tags, capacitive tags, and the like. In the depicted embodiment, the first layer  11  includes a tab  16  typically disposed at one corner. The tab  16  is comprised of a flap of material extending from a portion of the first layer  11  such that a user, or a deactivation device may manipulate the tab  16 . In other embodiments, the tab  16  may be attached to a portion of the first layer  11 . In the depicted embodiment, the second layer  12  of the identification tag  10  includes an RFID portion  13  having an antenna  15 . The depicted antenna  15  is a single layer antenna disposed in a concentric pattern surrounding a circuit chip  14 , however, in alternate embodiments, other antenna structures may be used including multi-layered antennas and antennas of any shape. The antenna  15  may be constructed by any method as is known in the art, such as by printing, etching, or by deposition. 
   It should be noted that the term deactivation device as used herein is defined as any material, device, mechanism, tool, and/or combinations of the above that disrupts the operability of the electrical circuit, either mechanically or otherwise. The deactivation device may include, but is not limited to “tear tapes”, severing cords, fuses, and rudimentary tools. The deactivation device may also include attachment of a portion of the electrical circuit to one component and another portion of the electrical circuit to another component, where the other component is separable from the first component. 
   In various embodiments, the second layer  12  of the identification tag  10  may include an adhesive (not shown) on a bottom surface  18  for securing the identification tag  10  to a retail product or other item  19 . In one embodiment, the first layer  11  may be adhered to the second layer  12  by a second adhesive (not shown) that is less aggressive than the first adhesive such that the first layer  11  may be separated from the second layer  12  without removing the second layer  12  from the item  19 . It should be noted that in other embodiments, a patterned adhesive could be used so as to provide tamper evidencing. 
     FIG. 1B  shows the identification label  10  having the first layer  11  peeled away from the second layer  12 . In one embodiment, a severing device, such as a cord  17 , is located adjacent to at least a part of the RFID portion  13  of the identification tag  10 . More particularly, in the depicted embodiment, the severing cord  17  is disposed beneath the circuit chip  14  and antenna  15  as shown. In alternate embodiments, however, the severing cord  17  may pass exclusively beneath either the antenna or circuit chip (not shown). Also, the severing cord  17  may be embedded in a dielectric substrate  9  that supports the RFID portion  13  as shown. In alternate embodiments, the severing cord  17  may be fixed beneath the RFID portion  13  by an adhesive or other coating. 
   In the depicted embodiment, the severing cord  17  is constructed of nylon similar to a fishing line; however, in alternate embodiments, the severing cord may be constructed of such materials as plastics, polymers such as polypropylene, metal wire, fiber strings, woven nylon, Mylar®, paper, or other strong materials. In other embodiments, the severing cord  17  may comprise the antenna  15 . In various embodiments, a first end  17 A of the severing cord  17  may be attached to tab  16  of first layer  11  such that when the first layer  11  is peeled from the second layer  12 , the severing cord  17  remains attached to the first layer  11 . In this regard, a user desiring to deactivate the RFID portion  13  of the identification tag  10  simply manipulates the tab  16  and at least partially peels the first layer  11  away from the second layer  12 . This could be done manually and may also be done with a deactivation device capable of manipulating the tab  16  so as to at least partially peel the first layer  11  away from the second layer  12 . The severing cord  17  is pulled upwardly with the first layer  11 , thus tearing through the RFID portion  13  and mechanically severing the circuit chip  14  and/or antenna  15  as shown in  FIG. 1C . Advantageously, severing cords  17  used in accordance with the depicted embodiment permanently deactivate the RFID portion  13  of the identification tag  10 . 
   In another embodiment of the present invention, the second layer  12  is coated by an environmentally reactive dye  22 . Upon peeling and removal of the first layer  11 , the second layer  12  becomes exposed to the environment. The environmentally reactive dye  22  is designed to react with an environmental stimulus such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, moisture, temperature, light, and the like. In one embodiment, the reaction may occur approximately as the reactive dye  22  is exposed to the environmental stimulus, however in other embodiments, the reaction may occur after a delay, or in still other embodiments, the reaction may occur after exposure to a combination of environmental stimuli. In alternate embodiments, the deactivation device itself may provide the environmental condition that triggers the reaction, such as by generating heat. 
   In the depicted embodiment, the reaction between the dye  22  and the environmental stimulus produces a color change in the dye  22  that results in an indicating color that indicates to a user that the RFID portion  13  of the identification tag  10  has been deactivated. The indicating color may be any color, such as one that is distinguishable from the color of an exterior surface of the previously removed first layer  11  so that a user may readily identify a deactivated tag from one in which the first layer has yet to be removed. For example, in various embodiments the environmentally reactive dye  22  may produce a red, orange, or black, “deactivated” color against a pale (e.g., white, yellow, etc.) exterior first layer color. The above color scheme may of course be reversed as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above disclosure. Alternatively, the color change may be a color that is visible under alternate lighting conditions, such as under ultraviolet or infrared light. 
   In an alternate embodiment, the environmentally reactive dye  22  may be disposed in a pattern to form indicating indicia (not shown) such as text or figures. The indicating indicia may also include certain symbols, or any combination of colors, text, figures, and symbols. In one embodiment, the indicia may include words that clearly indicate to a viewer that the RFID portion  13  has been successfully deactivated, including but not limited to “DISABLED,” “DEACTIVATED,” and “SAFE.” Upon peeling the first layer  11  from the second layer  12 , the environmentally reactive dye  22  reacts to the environmental stimulus as referenced above thereby revealing the indicia to a user. In alternate embodiments, the text may be printed in reverse, so as to be readable using a mirror or through a bottle. 
   In another alternative embodiment, the second layer may include preprinted indicating colors and/or indicia such that when the first layer is removed, the preprinted colors and/or indicia are revealed. 
     FIGS. 2-2B  depict an identification tag  110  capable of visual deactivation in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The depicted identification tag  110  includes an RFID portion  113  having a circuit chip  114  and an antenna  115 . In one embodiment, the RFID portion  113  may include a fuse  119  disposed between the circuit chip  114  and the antenna  115 . In other embodiments, the fuse  119  may be disposed anywhere along the antenna  115  as will be apparent in view of the disclosure provided below. The depicted identification tag  110  includes an exothermic dye  125  that coats an area proximate the fuse  119 . In one embodiment, the exothermic dye  125  may completely cover the fuse  119  as shown. 
   In various embodiments, the fuse  119  is structured to produce heat or light when the identification tag  110  is selected for deactivation by a user. In one embodiment, the fuse  119  may be a weakened or narrowed portion of the RFID antenna  115  that shorts out when the identification tag  110  is placed in an electromagnetic field over a certain magnitude. As the fuse  119  is shorted or otherwise activated, the fuse  119  produces heat or light as referenced above and thereby triggers an exothermal chemical reaction that changes the color of the exothermic dye  125  as shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 2B  collectively. The color change may produce any color that will indicate to a user that the RFID portion  113  of the identification tag  110  has been deactivated. 
   Other embodiments of the present invention are shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . Common to each of these embodiments are identification tags  210 ,  410 ,  510 ,  310  each having an RFID portion  213 ,  413 ,  513 ,  313 . The RFID portions  213 ,  413 ,  513 ,  313  include circuit chips  214 ,  414 ,  514 ,  314  and antennas  215 ,  415 ,  515 ,  315 .  FIG. 3  depicts an identification tag  210  having a dye portion  226  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In the depicted embodiment, the dye portion  226  is comprised of an exothermic dye  225  and is structured to cover only a portion of the substrate  209  of the identification tag  210 . In one embodiment, the dye portion  226  may possess a color substantially similar to the substrate of the identification tag  210  before deactivation of the RFID portion  213 . After deactivation of the RFID portion  213 , the exothermic reaction described above causes the exothermic dye  225  to change color, thereby visibly distinguishing the dye portion  226  from the remainder of the identification tag substrate  209 . Such embodiments may be useful for products that have colors that may be confusingly similar to the color chosen to indicate deactivation, thus providing a contrasting border that surrounds a deactivated RFID portion  213 . In alternate embodiments of the present invention, it may be advantageous to choose a color change that will allow another automatic identification method to be used after visual indication of RFID deactivation has taken place. One such embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 4 . In the depicted embodiment, the identification tag  410  also includes a barcode  421 . Upon deactivation of the RFID portion  413  as described above, an exothermic dye  425  causes the identification tag  410  to change color, thereby visibly indicating that the RFID portion  413  is deactivated. The color change resulting from the exothermic reaction is such that the barcode  421  can still be read by a barcode scanner (not shown) after the exothermic reaction has taken place. An example of such a color may be yellow, however the color change may be any color change that will allow a barcode scanner to read the barcode  421  after the exothermal reaction has taken place. As noted above, in other embodiments the color change may be visible under alternate lighting conditions, such as under ultraviolet or infrared light. Also, the color change may only be located in certain parts of the identification tag. Embodiments such as this may be useful in applications that may require later identification of an item using other automatic identification technologies, such as barcode scanning after the RFID circuit has been disabled. 
   This embodiment is of particular importance in instances where redundancy is needed. If the RFID tag becomes faulty for some reason, a user could deactivate the tag which will reveal the bar code for subsequent identification of the article to which the tag is connected. 
     FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, upon deactivation of the RFID portion  513  by heating a fuse  519 , an exothermic reaction with an exothermic dye  525  causes indicia  522 , such as text or figures, to appear on the surface of the identification tag  510  in substitution of a color change as described above. In another embodiment, the indicia  522  may be appear in conjunction with a color change as described above. In one embodiment, the indicia may include words that clearly indicate to a viewer that the RFID portion  513  has been successfully deactivated, as described above. 
     FIGS. 6-7  show another embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, RFID portion  313  is supported by substrate  309 , which is similar to that described above. Substrate  309  supports a circuit chip  314  that is connected to antenna  315 . In the depicted embodiment, antenna  315  is located in a layer above circuit chip  314 . A deactivation indication layer  351  serves as a deactivation indication portion and is located between circuit chip  314  and  315 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . A removable coating  320  is also shown in  FIGS. 6-7 . The removable coating  320  may be any coating that is capable of being mechanically removed by a user or deactivation device. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the removable coating  320  may be removed with the edge of a coin. Such removable coatings are known in the art and typically comprise foil or ultraviolet curable coatings. In the depicted embodiment, the removable coating  320  surrounds antenna  315 , although in other embodiments, the removable coating  320  may be in close proximity to the antenna  315 , such as covering antenna  315  or located below antenna  315 . When a user removes the removable coating  320 , antenna  315  becomes detached from circuit chip  314 , thereby deactivating the RFID portion  313 . Upon removing the removable coating  320 , an indicating indicia  322  and/or an indicating color (not shown), which has been pre-preprinted onto deactivation indicating layer  351 , is revealed. As noted above, the indicating indicia may include color, text, figures, symbols, or combinations of the above. In the depicted embodiment, the indicating indicia  322  is a universal “no” symbol characterized by a red circle and slash, overlapping a symbol referencing radio waves. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 8-11 . In the depicted embodiment, an identification tag  610  is shown having multiple layers that together visually indicate deactivation when the identification tag  610  has been deactivated. In the depicted embodiment, the identification tag  610  generally includes an RFID portion  613  and a deactivation indicating portion  650 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the deactivation indicating portion includes a dual indicating layer  671  and a deactivation device. In the depicted embodiment, the deactivation device is a tape assembly  655 . As will be discussed in detail below, the RFID portion  613  is deactivated when the tape assembly  655  is removed from the identification tag  610 . 
   In general, the RFID portion  613  is located between a first layer  611  and a second layer  612 . In the depicted embodiment, the first layer  611  comprises an outer layer  616 , and the second layer  612  comprises the dual indicating layer  671  and a dielectric substrate layer  609 . The outer layer  616  is constructed of a destructible vinyl or polypropylene material that is designed to fracture upon tearing, however it may be constructed of any material capable of severing when the tape assembly  655  is removed from the identification tag  610 . A dielectric substrate layer  609  is included to support the RFID portion  613 . It should also be noted that in other embodiments, the outer layer  616  and the dielectric substrate layer  609  may be omitted without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the RFID portion  613  and the tape assembly  655  are located between the outer layer  616  and the dual indicating layer  671 , and the RFID portion  613  is adhered to the dual indicating layer  671 . It should be noted that in order to simplify the figures,  FIG. 10  (as well as other like figures throughout) shows the first layer  611  separated from the RFID portion  613 , however in practice, the outer layer  616  contacts and is adhered to the RFID portion  613 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 8 , the tape assembly  655  includes a pull-tab  656  and a tape portion  657 . The tape portion  657  is made of a polypropylene material as is common in commercially available “tear tapes.” However, the tape portion may be made of any material suitable for severing the layers of the identification tag  610 , including polyester, cellophane, laminates, and other materials including those described with respect to the severing cord above. The pull-tab  656  may be integral with the tape portion  657  or it may be a separate component that is attached to the pull-tab  656  such that when the tape assembly  655  is removed from the identification tag  610 , the tape portion  657  remains attached to the pull-tab  656 . As such, the pull-tab  656  may be made of a polypropylene film or other like material, including those described with respect to the tape portion  657 , that allows for removing the tape assembly  655  from the identification tag  610 . In the depicted embodiment, at least a part of the tape assembly  655  is attached to the RFID portion  613 . The tape portion  657  may be attached in close proximity to the circuit chip  614  with an adhesive  658 . In the depicted embodiment, the tape portion  657  is attached above the circuit chip  314 . It should be noted that although the identification tag  610  is depicted as having a particular geometry, the identification tag  610  may have any shape that is suitable for supporting the RFID portion  613 , including but not limited to a triangular shape and a circular shape. Additionally, although the pull-tab  656  is depicted as having a particular geometry, it may also have any shape that is suitable for a user or deactivation device to grab in order to remove the tape assembly  655  from the identification tag  610 . 
   As noted above, in the depicted embodiment, the deactivation indicating portion  650  also includes a dual indicating layer  671 . The dual indicating layer  671  comprises a two-component color generating system as is commonly known in the commercial paper industry with regard to pressure sensitive copying paper and carbonless papers, as generally described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,730,456 and 2,730,457 to Green et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. These patents describe two-component color generating systems in which an encapsulated ink reacts with a reactant coating to produce coloration. The capsules may be specifically designed to react with an associated reactant coating. When the capsules are ruptured, the ink reacts with the reactant coating to produce coloration. Along these lines, the dual indicating layer  671  of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 8-11  generally comprises a two-component color generating system. Referring to  FIG. 11 , a layer of capsules  661 , containing indicating ink  665 , is applied to a top surface of the dual indicating layer  671 . Likewise, a reactant coating  662  is also applied to the top surface of the dual indicating layer  671 . In several embodiments, the reactant coating  662  may coat areas of the top surface of the dual indicating layer  671  that contain capsules  661 , or the reactant coating  662  may coat areas surrounding various areas containing the capsules  661 . In an another embodiment depicted in  FIG. 12 , the dual indicating layer  671  may be substituted with a two-layer system comprising a top indicating layer  751  and a bottom indicating layer  752 . In this embodiment, the top indicating layer  751  includes capsules  761  containing indicating ink  765  on a bottom side of the top indicating layer  751 , and the bottom indicating layer  752  includes a reactant coating  762  on a top side of the bottom indicating layer  752 . 
   Referring to the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 8-11 , and as indicated above, the RFID portion  613  is located between the outer layer  616  and the dual indicating layer  671 . The tape portion  657  of the tape assembly  655  is attached to the top of the circuit chip  614  of the RFID portion  613  with an adhesive  658 . In various embodiments, the second layer  612  of the identification tag  610  may include an adhesive (not shown) on a bottom surface for securing the identification tag  610  to a retail product or other item. In various embodiments, a user desiring to deactivate the identification tag  610  manipulates the pull-tab  656  and pulls the tape assembly  655  across the identification tag  610 . The pull-tab  656  may be manipulated manually or through the use of a tool or other similar mechanism capable of manipulating the pull-tab  656 . As such, the pull-tab  656  may include various indicia  659  instructing a user regarding how to pull the tape assembly  655  in order to deactivate the identification tag  610 . Likewise, the top surface of the outer layer  616  may also include indicia (not shown) instructing a user regarding deactivation of the identification tag  610 . 
   In the depicted embodiment, upon pulling the tape assembly  655  across the identification tag  610 , the circuit chip  614  remains attached to the tape portion  657  such that the circuit chip  614  is detached from the antenna  615 , thereby permanently deactivating the RFID portion  613  of the identification tag  610 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . As the tape assembly  655  is removed from the identification tag  610 , the circuit chip  614  ruptures the capsules  661  containing the indicating ink  665  underneath the circuit chip  614 . As the capsules  661  containing the indicating ink  665  are ruptured, the released indicating ink  665  is then exposed to the reactant coating  662  included on the dual indicating layer  671  in the area in which the capsules  661  were ruptured. The reaction between the indicating ink  665  and the reactant then produces a visual indicating color  673 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The color may be any color, and may be a color that is distinguishable from the color of an exterior surface of the identification tag such that a user may readily identify a deactivated tag from one in which the pull tag assembly  655  has not been removed from the identification tag  610 . For example, in various embodiments the indicating color  673  may be a red, orange, or black, “deactivated” color against a pale (e.g., white, yellow, etc.) exterior first layer color. The above color scheme may of course be reversed as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above disclosure. 
   Alternatively, the reaction between the indicating ink  665  and the reactant coating  662  may produce an indicating indicia  674 . The indicating indicia  674  may include text or figures that clearly indicate to a viewer that the RFID portion  613  of the identification tag  610  has been successfully deactivated, including but not limited to “DISABLED,” “DEACTIVATED,” and “SAFE,” as shown by example in  FIG. 15 . 
   Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 16-18 . In the depicted embodiment, an identification tag  810  is shown having multiple layers that together visually indicate deactivation when at least a part of an RFID portion  813  of the identification tag  810  has been deactivated. The depicted embodiment is generally similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 8-11 , however, in this embodiment, the tape portion  857  is attached below the circuit chip  814  with an adhesive  858 . Additionally, the tape portion  857  is also adhered to a dual indicating layer  871 , which contains a similar two-part color generating system as the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 8-11 . It should be noted that in other embodiments of this invention, the dual indicating layer  871  may be substituted with a two-layer system as described above. 
   In various embodiments, a user desiring to deactivate the identification tag  810  manipulates the pull-tab  856  as described above and pulls the tape assembly  855  across the identification tag  810  in a similar manner as the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 8-11 . Upon pulling the tape assembly  855  across the identification tag  810 , the circuit chip  814  remains attached to the tape portion  857  such that the circuit chip  814  is detached from the antenna  815 , thereby permanently deactivating the RFID portion  813  of the identification tag  810 , in a similar manner as that shown in  FIG. 13 . In the depicted embodiment, as the tape assembly  855  is removed from the identification tag  810 , the tape portion  857  ruptures the capsules  861  containing the indicating ink  865  underneath the tape portion  857  of the tape assembly  855 . As the capsules  861  containing the indicating ink  865  are ruptured, the released indicating ink  865  is then exposed to the reactant coating  862  included on the dual indicating layer  871  in the area in which the capsules  861  were ruptured. The reaction between the indicating ink  865  and the reactant coating  862  then produces a visual indicating color  873 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . As noted above, the color may be any color, and may be a color that is distinguishable from the color of an exterior surface of the identification tag such that a user may readily identify a deactivated tag from one in which the tape assembly  855  has not been removed from the identification tag  810 . Alternatively, the reaction between the indicating ink  865  and the reactant coating  862  may produce an indicating indicia  874 . The indicating indicia  874  may include text or figures that clearly indicate to a viewer that the RFID portion  813  of the identification tag  810  has been successfully deactivated, as described above, and as shown by example in  FIG. 20 . 
   Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIG. 21 . In the depicted embodiment, an identification tag  910  is shown having multiple layers that together visually indicate deactivation when at least a part of an RFID portion  913  of the identification tag  910  has been deactivated. The depicted embodiment is generally similar to the embodiments depicted above, however, the tape portion  957  is attached adjacent to a portion of the antenna  915 , with the tape portion  957  also being adhered to a dual indicating layer  971  (or, in other embodiments, a two-layer two-component color generating system as described above). In various embodiments, a user desiring to deactivate the identification tag  910  simply manipulates the pull-tab  956  and pulls the tape assembly  955  across the identification tag  910 , in a similar manner as described above. Upon pulling the tape assembly  955  across the identification tag  910 , a portion of the antenna  915  located adjacent to the tape portion  951  is severed from the remaining portion of the antenna  915 , thereby changing the frequency response of the RFID portion  913  of the identification tag  910 . In the depicted embodiment, as the tape assembly  955  is removed from the identification tag  910 , the tape portion  952  ruptures the capsules  961  containing the indicating ink  965  underneath the tape portion  952  of the tape assembly  955 . As the capsules  961  containing the indicating ink  965  are ruptured, the released indicating ink  965  is then exposed to the reactant coating  962  in a similar manner as described above. Visual indication similar to that described above may then be produced to indicate that a portion of the RFID portion  913  has been deactivated. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 22-25 . The identification tag  1010  of the depicted embodiment is similar to those embodiments described above, however the RFID portion  1013  is located between a first layer  1011 , which comprises an outer layer  1016  and a top indicating layer  1051 , and a second layer  1012 , which comprises the bottom indicating layer  1052  and a dielectric substrate layer  1009 . As described above, the outer layer  1016  and the top indicating layer  1051  may be constructed of a destructible vinyl or polypropylene material that is designed to fracture upon tearing, however each or both of the outer layer  1016  and the top indicating layer  1051  may be constructed of any material capable of severing when the tape assembly  1055  is removed from the identification tag  1010 . As noted above, in other embodiments, the outer layer  1016  and dielectric substrate layer  1009  may be omitted without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. 
   The deactivation indicating portion  1050  of the depicted embodiment includes the top indicating layer  1051  and the bottom indicating layer  1052 . Together the top indicating layer  1051  and the bottom indicating layer  1052  create a separated two part two-component color generating system. Referring to  FIG. 25 , a layer of capsules  1061  containing indicating ink  1065  is applied to a bottom surface of the top indicating layer  1051 . Likewise, a reactant coating  1062  is applied to a top surface of the bottom indicating layer  1052 . 
   The RFID portion  1013  is located between the top indicating layer  1051  and the bottom indicating layer  1052 . In the depicted embodiment, the tape portion  1057  of the tape assembly  1055  is attached to the top of the circuit chip  1014  of the RFID portion, however as described above, the tape portion  1057  may alternatively be located below the RFID portion  1013 . In the depicted embodiment, upon pulling the tape assembly  1055  across the identification tag  1010 , the circuit chip  1014  remains attached to the tape portion  1057  such that the RFID portion  1013  is deactivated. As the tape assembly  1055  is removed from the identification tag  1010 , the tape portion  1057  severs the top indicating layer  1051 . As the top indicating layer  1051  is severed, capsules  1061  containing the indicating ink  1065  are ruptured along tear lines  1081  (shown in  FIGS. 26-28 ). The released indicating ink  1065  is then exposed to the reactant coating  1062  included on the bottom indicating layer  1052 . In one embodiment, relatively small capsules  1061  are used on the first indicating layer  1051  such that the reaction between the indicating ink and the reactant produces a visual indicating color  1073  along the tear lines  1081 , as shown in  FIG. 26 . In another embodiment, larger capsules  1061  are used on the top indicating layer  1051  such that the indicating ink is exposed to a greater area of the reactant coating  1062  on the bottom indicating layer  1052  resulting in an indicating color  1073 A covering a larger area, as shown in  FIG. 27 . Alternatively, the reaction between the indicating ink  1065  and the reactant coating  1062  may produce an indicating indicia  1074 , as shown in  FIG. 28 . 
   In response to privacy concerns with regard to the increased use of RFID technology, the present invention provides a device for deactivating an RFID portion located on an identification tag, and also provides visual indication that an RFID portion has been deactivated. Deactivation of the RFID portion triggers a visual indication that the RFID portion is deactivated, thus resulting in an accurate representation of RFID deactivation. So designed, deactivation of an RFID portion will be apparent to a viewer without the use of additional equipment or electronics. 
   Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6