Patent Description:
Many events, gatherings, businesses, and hospitals use bands such as wristbands to signal various types of authorizations or for identification purposes. In many cases, the bands can be designed to perform both functions simultaneously. Such bands frequently come in strip form and are formed into a loop either by the locking of a clasp or by the use of adhesive. Typically, the loop is formed to the desired length while placing the band around the wearer and is made small enough that it should not be possible to remove the band (e.g., sliding it over a hand or foot) without breaking or cutting the band.

However, such conventional bands are problematic in that a wearer might chose not to remove the band and could attempt to use it in an unauthorized or non-permitted way at a later time or location. Often times, depending on the security schema, it may not be easy to detect such misuse visually and quickly. Further still, if user is able to get the band removed (for example, by sliding a closed band off his or her wrist or by defeating the clasp or adhesive mechanism in such a way that the band could be re-secured into a loop again), then the band potentially could be reused by another person impermissibly.

Certain band systems may include printed information on them such as the individual's name, the time of validity, and/or the location of validity to prevent such misuse, but this may require close inspection of the band by someone reviewing it, which can be costly and labor intensive. While certain developments have also been made in "smart" bands, which may, for example, employ RFID or other near field communication that can be read by a reader, such smart bands are relatively expensive to product and require supporting technology infrastructure.

<CIT> discloses an identification wristband wherein after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the initial activation of the band, the band exhibits a visual signal which can be easily and rapidly viewed.

<CIT> discloses a patterned indicator which contains latent information. The patterned indicator includes a first substrate having first and second surfaces, the first surface having a uniform pattern printed on an ink thereon. A second transparent substrate having first and second surfaces is provided. An adhesive activator is provided on the first surface of the second substrate.

<CIT> discloses an overlapping wrap-around label for adhesively attaching around the circumference of an article, said label having a first indicator component and a second indicator component, which by being brought into contact with one another form an indicator arrangement. The first indicator component is arranged in a first portion of the area of the overlapping wrap-around label and the second indicator component is arranged in a second portion of the area of the overlapping wrap-around label. The second portion is offset from the first portion along a first direction and is thereby arranged separately from the first indicator component.

In view of the state of the art, there remains a strong unmet need, thus an object, for a relatively inexpensive, but secure band that can better help to establish impermissible use conditions without complicated infrastructure.

The object is solved by the subject matter defined in the pending independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>. Disclosed herein are an improved wristband, in particular an looped self-expiring identification band, and an associated method for using the looped self-expiring identification band. The wristband is designed to provide a visual indication some pre-determined amount of time after the band has been activated. Such activation could involve a conventional adhesive band attachment in which the adhesive includes a chemical composition that coacts with another chemical composition in the surface it is being attached to in order to initiate a time-dependent reaction. In this way, the attachment of the band and the activation occur contemporaneously. Then, after a predetermined amount of time, a viewable surface of the band exhibits a visible change (e.g., changes to a bright color or displays a text messages such as "VOID" or "EXPIRED") that indicates the band has expired.

In some modified forms of this concept, the activation may not be directly tied to the attachment or securing means for the band, but rather may be a separate flap that can be folded over to initiate the coaction or a separate sticker that is attached that creates a change in time. Depending on the use case, these mechanisms may be preferable to one that activates during attachment, since the time of attachment may not be a factor in assessing the time of indicated expiration.

Still further, these time-expiring band are of such a construction - that is thin and sheet like) that they may be readily printable to include further information about the wearer or conditions under which the band is a valid in addition to providing the expiratory function.

Exemplarily, a looped self-expiring identification band is provided which is not part of the present invention. The band includes a facestock that is elongated in the longitudinal direction between a pair of ends and having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first chemical composition is disposed on at least a portion of the top surface of the facestock and a second chemical composition is disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of the facestock. The facestock is wrapped on itself to form a loop with the top surface of the band facing away from the object and the ends of the facestock overlapping each other to form an overlapped portion. In at least a part of the overlapped portion, the first chemical composition and the second chemical composition contact each other and coact to form one or more expiration zones that provide a visually perceptible change at a pre-established time after contact. For any given <NUM> degree section of the looped self-expiring identification band, one or more of the one or more expiration zones are positioned at least in part in that respective <NUM> degree section. Put differently, at any given viewing angle of the top surface or outer surface of the looped band, one or more expiration zones may be viewable upon expiration. To be clear, this does not necessarily apply to a specific expiration zone being viewable at all viewing angles (although a single expiration zone extending more than <NUM> degrees would be), but that some of the expiration zone(s) should be visible irrespective of the angle viewed.

Exemplarily, a self-expiring identification band is provided which is not part of the present invention. The self-expiring identification band includes a facestock that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and has a top surface and a bottom surface. A first chemical composition is disposed on at least a portion of the top surface of the facestock. This portion of the top surface runs at least a third of a length of the facestock. A second chemical composition is disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of the facestock. This portion also runs at least a third of the length of the facestock. These first and second chemical compositions are coactable to cause a visually perceptible change to the top surface of the facestock.

In some forms, the band may be wrappable around an object such that the top surface of the band faces away from the object, the ends of the facestock overlap each other to form an overlapped portion, and the first and second chemical compositions contact each other in at least a part of the overlapped portion to form an expiration zone. In this form, when the band is wrapped around an object such that a loop is formed, at least some of the expiration zone (or zones) may be visible from two opposing views of the band. The expiration zone may run along at least <NUM>% of the length of the facestock after being formed into a loop.

In some forms, the first chemical composition may be an ink (for example, comprising anthraquinone dyes and compositions made thereof) that is soluble in the second chemical composition and the second chemical composition may comprise an adhesive.

In some forms, the facestock may include lateral edges and a central portion. The first chemical composition may be disposed proximate to the lateral edges of the facestock with a central portion being void of the first chemical composition.

In some forms, portions of the facestock bearing the first chemical composition may have a larger width than portions of the facestock not bearing the first chemical composition.

Exemplarily, a self-expiring identification band is provided which is not part of the present invention. Again, the band includes a facestock that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The band also includes a first chemical composition that is disposed on multiple, noncontiguous portions of the top surface of the facestock that are separated from each other by portions of the top surface of the facestock that do not bear the first chemical composition. The band further includes a second chemical composition disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of the facestock. The first and second chemical compositions are coactable to cause a visually perceptible change to the top surface of the facestock.

In some forms, the portions of the top surface of the facestock that do not bear the first chemical composition may separate the portions of the top surface of the facestock that do bear the first chemical composition along the longitudinal axis of the facestock.

In some forms, the band may be wrappable around an object, such that the top surface of the band faces away from the object, the ends of the facestock overlap each other to form an overlapped portion, and the second chemical composition contact each other in at least a part of the overlapped portion to form an expiration zone. The top surface of the band may define or extend <NUM> degrees when the band is wrapped around an object and the largest portion of the facestock that does not bear the first chemical composition may not occupy more than <NUM> degrees of the wrapped band. In some cases, there may be at least three expiration zones.

In some forms, the facestock may include lateral edges and a central portion. In such forms, the first chemical composition may be disposed proximate to the lateral edges of the facestock with the central portion being void of the first chemical composition.

According to the present invention, a self-expiring identification band is provided. The band again includes a facestock that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and having a top surface and a bottom surface. In this case, the band also has a foldable tab disposed along at least part of an edge of the facestock. A first chemical composition is disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of the foldable tab and a second chemical composition is disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of the facestock. The first and second chemical compositions are coactable to cause a visually perceptible change to the top surface of the facestock.

In some forms, when the tab is folded such that a portion of the top surface of the tab bearing the first chemical composition contacts at least part of a portion of the top surface of the facestock bearing the second chemical composition, an overlapped portion may be formed in which the first chemical composition and the second chemical composition contact each other in at least a part of the overlapping portion to form at least one expiration zone. In the expiration zone(s), the first and second chemical compositions can coact to cause the visually perceptible change to the band in the expiration zone. The overlapped portion may run along less than an entire length of the facestock; for example, the overlapped portion may run along less than <NUM>% of a length of the facestock.

In some forms, the tab may be disposed along at least part of a lateral edge of the facestock while, in other form, the tab may be disposed along at least part of a longitudinal edge of the facestock.

Exemplarily, a self-expiring identification band is provided which is not part of the present invention. This band again includes a facestock that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and having a top surface and a bottom surface and further includes an adhesive article having a bottom surface and a top surface. The adhesive article initially is detachable or separate from the elongated band. A first chemical composition is disposed on at least a portion of the top surface of the facestock and a second chemical composition is disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface of the adhesive article. The adhesive article is applicable to the facestock such that at least part of the bottom surface of the adhesive article contacts at least part of the top surface of the facestock to form an overlapped portion. The first and second chemical compositions are coactable to cause a visually perceptible change to the top surface of the adhesive article.

In some forms, when the adhesive article is applied to the facestock such that a portion of the bottom surface of the adhesive article bearing the second chemical composition contacts at least part of a portion of the top surface of the facestock bearing the first chemical composition, an overlapped portion may be formed. The first chemical composition and the second chemical composition can contact each other in at least a part of the overlapping portion to form at least one expiration zone and coact to cause the visually perceptible change to the band in the expiration zone.

Further, a method of using a self-expiring identification band is provided. Information is printed on a portion of the self-expiring identification band of the types above (in which the self-expiring identification band includes a facestock that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and the self-expiring identification further includes one or both of a first and a second chemical composition). The self-expiring identification band is manipulated such that the first chemical composition and second chemical composition contact each other. The first and second chemical compositions coact for a predetermined amount of time, such that after said predetermined amount of time there is a visibly perceptible change on the top surface of band.

In some forms, the method may further include machine printing information on a portion of the self-expiring identification band.

In some forms, the method further may include the step of wrapping the self-expiring identification band around an object or a body part (such as, for example, a wrist), such that at least a portion of the band overlaps itself.

In some forms, the method may further include wrapping the self-expiring identification band around a body part, such that at least a portion of the band overlaps itself.

These and still other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings. What follows is merely a description of some preferred embodiments of the present invention. To assess the full scope of the invention the claims should be looked to as these preferred embodiments are not intended to be the only embodiments within the scope of the claims.

Before the present invention is described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. The scope of the present invention will be limited only by the claims. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural embodiments unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many additional modifications beside those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts. In interpreting this disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. Variations of the term "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, so the referenced elements, components, or steps may be combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Embodiments referenced as "comprising" certain elements are also contemplated as "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of" those elements.

In places where ranges of values are given, this disclosure explicitly contemplates other combinations of the lower and upper limits of those ranges that are not explicitly recited. For example, recitation of a value between <NUM> and <NUM> or between <NUM> and <NUM> also contemplates a value between <NUM> and <NUM> or between <NUM> and <NUM>. Ranges identified as being "between" two values are inclusive of the end-point values. For example, recitation of a value between <NUM> and <NUM> includes the values <NUM> and <NUM>.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

As used herein, the terms "length," "width," and "height" (or "thickness") are used to describe the dimensions of the band. As the bands are generally elongate in form, "length" refers to the longer dimension on the generally planar faces of the band, while "width" is used to describe the shorter dimension on the generally planar faces. "Height" or "thickness" refers to the dimension between the generally planar faces on opposing sides of the band and is effectively the dimension of the stacked layers.

As used herein, the terms "top surface" and "bottom surface" of the band refer to a planes or sides of the band that define the major faces of the band when the band is laid flat as a strip. As used herein, the terms "top surface" and "bottom surface" may be interchangeable and can be context dependent, for example depending on the orientation of the object to which the terms refer. However, in many instances, when the band is formed into a loop, the top surface will become the generally radially outward facing surface and the bottom surface will become the generally radially inward facing surface.

As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to a direction along the length dimension and the term "lateral edges" or "lateral sides" refer to the pair of generally longer sides on each of the sides of the width. As used herein, the term "horizontal edges" or "horizontal ends" refers to sides or edge of the major faces having the shorter ends, with the horizontal ends generally including a head end and a tail end that are wrapped back onto one another to form a loop.

As used herein, the terms "overlapped portion" and "overlapping portion" refer to the portion(s) of a band that comprise at least two parts, portions, or components of said band overlapping each other with at least one surface from each overlapping part, portion or component contacting at least one surface from the other overlapping part, portion, or component. Unless otherwise stated, the amount of an overlapping portion(s) of a band are defined in terms of the length of the band along which they run.

As used herein, the term "coact" refers to an interaction between at least two objects or compositions, particularly chemical compositions, that has some property or affect which none of the compositions could create individually. As used herein, a coaction between two (or more) compositions could be a chemical reaction. As used herein, a coaction between two (or more) compositions could be one composition dissolving in another composition.

As used herein, the terms "expiration zone", "expiring zone", "expiration portion", and "expiring portion" refer to areas within an overlapped or overlapping portion of a band where a first chemical compound and a second chemical compound contact each other and coact to form a visibly perceivable change on the top surface of the band.

The disclosed self-expiring identification bands are capable of self-expiring after a pre-determined amount of time from an activation event via a chemical interaction between at least a first chemical compound and at least a second chemical compound that results in a visibly perceptible change on the top surface of the band.

Such bands can take one of a variety of forms that are conceptually described below. After this conceptual explanation, some detail regarding the materials and components are provided, followed by specific examples providing exemplary embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the general concepts.

At the highest level of understanding, the bands disclosed herein marry the concept of identification bands with expiration-indication. Such bands are typically elongated bodies including a facestock layer. The band itself carries at least one chemical composition that is contactable with another chemical composition to create visual indication of expiration after a period of time has elapsed.

In many forms, the band will carry both chemical compositions. Those compositions may be placed, for example, in regions that will contact one another during the forming of a loop from the band such as between an adhesive end for attachment and a surface onto which that adhesive end will be affixed. In this way, activation can be made contemporaneous with attachment.

Alternatively, it is contemplated that a non-loop forming attachment location may provide basis for creating the visual indication of expiration. For example, a projection or tab on an edge of the band may be folded onto the band to initiate the reaction with the chemical compositions being on the tab and on the surface onto which the tab is subsequently folded. Still further, it is contemplated the tab could be separable from band and/or a separately adhered sticker. In these various ways, the visual indication of expiration could be made independent of the loop-forming attachment mechanism of the band.

Such bands may include the aforementioned facestock layer and the chemical compositions and may include a release liner, a timing layer in which one of the chemical compositions may be disposed, and/or an enhancement layer. These components of the band are now described in further detail before providing some specific examples and embodiments including such constituent components.

The facestock serves as the substrate of the bands. The facestock has a top surface and a bottom surface and is elongated in the longitudinal direction between a head end and a tail end. When head end and the tail end are brought together and joined, the facestock can form a band.

The facestock may be made from any suitable material including, but not limited to, direct thermal film, direct thermal paper, ink jet printable nonwovens (e.g., Tyvek), thermal transfer printable materials, and plastic or polymer films such as polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), and so forth.

The facestock may have multiple sections or tabs. For example, over its longitudinal length, the band may have some sections of greater width than other sections to support the printing of indicia or text or for the attachment of an adhesive label. In some embodiments, the facestock can have one or foldable tab that are involved in the activation. Still further and in some embodiments, there may be a section or tab that is detachable from the facestock by, for example, tearing at a perforation.

In addition to being self-expiring, embodiments may be capable of bearing indicia of identification and/or other information. Information that may be added include, but is not limited to, letters, numerals, words, symbols, barcodes, and combinations thereof. This information may be added to a surface of the band or, more specifically, to a surface of the facestock or a layer further supported by the facestock. Thus, it is contemplated that either the facestock itself or a layer attached thereto can be print-receptive and made from a print-receptive material.

Indicia or information could be added to a surface of the band via any suitable method. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, handwriting, machine printing, stamping, engraving, carving, etching, heat transfer, and so forth. In one particularly advantageous form, indicia or information may be added to a surface of the band by machine printing such as by a printer. If the band itself is machine printable, this provides great advantage in that it can prevent the need to separately print and attach, for example, a printed adhesive label bearing the indicia or information. For the sake of clarity, even if newly contemplated band is printed, it would still be two steps - first print and then attach. This can provide the advantage that on-demand information can be printed at the point of attachment (for example, date of birth, identifying information, barcodes, and so forth that are specific to the wearer, site, time, and so forth).

The band itself and/or items attached to the band for activation can include or support two chemical compositions which are initially separate and then contactable to activate the band. It is contemplated that the first chemical composition may be an ink and that the second chemical composition is able to solubilize, at least partially the ink.

One workable ink is, for instance, Disperse Red <NUM> or any other disperse dyes from the anthraquinone dye family intended for use in hydrophobic compositions, suspensions and dispersions. For example, Pyro Script sublimation inks, or disperse red inks or pigments from the Pylam Products Company, Inc. , Tempe, AZ <NUM>), or Subli red <NUM> from Sensient Colors Inc. are also workable. Other inks are certainly contemplated as being workable as well, and these are provided only by way of example.

If a solubilizable ink is the first chemical composition, then the second chemical composition can be an adhesive that is able to solubilize the ink. As one example, this second composition may come in the form of a pressure sensitive adhesive. As this second chemical composition may be in the form of an adhesive, it is worth again impressing that this second chemical composition, in addition to coacting with the first chemical composition to visually indicate that a predetermined amount of time has passed since contacting them, can provide the added benefit of being used to close the band. The second chemical composition may also be a mixture or a blend that includes an adhesive. For example, the second composition may be a mixture or a blend of a pressure sensitive adhesive, a plasticizer, and a pigment adhesive. In one workable form, the second chemical composition may include a pressure sensitive adhesive such as AROSET® PS6393, a plasticizer such as PLASTHALL® <NUM> and a pigment adhesive like TINT-AYD ST <NUM> titanium dioxide dispersion. In one form, the second chemical composition may comprise from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of the pressure sensitive adhesive, from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of the plasticizer, and from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of the pigment adhesive.

The first chemical composition and the second chemical composition are disposed to be contactable with one another for activation; however, the particular form and locations of these compositions may vary. For example, the first chemical composition may be disposed on the top surface of the facestock and the second chemical composition may be disposed on the bottom surface of the facestock such that, when a loop is formed from the band in which the top surface and the bottom surface contact one another, the two chemical compositions come into contact with one another. Alternatively, the first chemical composition and the second chemical composition may be on the same side (e.g., the top surface or the bottom surface) of the facestock, but discretely separated from each other initially. Then, the facestock may be folded onto itself to contact the chemical compositions with one another. Still further, it is contemplated that one of the chemical compositions may be on the facestock while a sticker or tag may contain the other of the chemical compositions. In this case, the sticker or tag may be attached to the facestock to bring the two chemical compositions together.

While an ink and ink-solubilizing composition have been described in which their coaction results in a visually perceivable color change after a predetermined time interval; the chemicals are not so limited and it is contemplated that other chemicals and modes of reaction could be employed to similar effect. For example, dye-based time indicating ink systems such as those described in <CIT>, which is incorporated by references for all purposes as if set forth herein, could be used in such bands even though in that patent they are described as being applicable to labels. Moreover, they may masking (e.g., a black mask layer at which the soluble ink is disposed to hide its initial migration, as is generally depicted in the examples) or enhancement or timing layers to provide better performance and/or presentation.

A release liner is a layer that may be readily removed, at least in part, by a user, for example, to reveal an underlying adhesive. A release liner may be made of any suitable material including, but are not limited to glassine paper liner, SCK liner or polymer film (PP, PET, and so forth) liner.

Some forms of the band may include one or more release liners including, potentially, segmented release liners. For example, a release liner may be disposed on top of the first and/or second chemical composition in order to protect it from contamination or activation. Most commonly, a release liner will be disposed on top of an adhesive.

Various release liner configurations and structures could be employed. For example, it is contemplated that one or more release liners could be present on the top and/or bottom surface of the facestock. Still further, depending on the use case, the release liner (or segments thereof) may cover portions or all of the length of the surface of the facestock on which it is disposed.

In some forms of the disclosed band, the entire release liner may be removable or only portions thereof. If only part of the release liner is removable, then a score line may separate the portion of the release liner that is readily removable by a user from the portion that is not. In cases where the release liner is segmented, there may be multiple scope lines to demarcate and separate these sections.

Some embodiments of the band may comprise a timing layer. A timing layer affects how long a band will take to expire. The timing layer may be configured such that the embodiment will expire after any desired pre-determined amount of time, for example <NUM> hour, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, and so forth.

A timing layer may be configured such that the entire band expires at a single pre-determined amount of time. Alternatively, a timing layer may be configured such that portions of the band may each expire at different pre-determined amounts of time. For example, a first section may expire after one hour, a second section may expire after three hours, and third section may expire after three hours, even when the first, second, and third sections are all disposed on the same self-expiring band.

The timing layer may be disposed on a surface of the facestock. The timing layer may be combined with the adhesive or may be separate from, but adjacent to, the adhesive.

Some embodiments of the disclosed band may comprise an enhancement layer. The enhancement layer may make the visually perceptible change that occurs on the top surface of the band upon its expiration appear brighter, clearer, and/or more defined. The enhancement layer may be disposed along all or less than all of a length of the surface of the facestock on which it is disposed.

An enhancement layer may be made from any suitable material including, but are not limited to, a blend of a pressure sensitive adhesive such (<NUM>%) and a plasticizer (<NUM>%) in which the blend comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a pressure sensitive adhesive and from <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a plasticizer. One example of the pressure sensitive adhesive is Aroset PS6393 and one example of the plasticizer is Plasthall <NUM>. The plasticizer should be compatible with and able to solubilize the first chemical composition which is a soluble ink.

After the chemical compositions are brought into contact with one another, they coact to present a visual indication of expiration in one or more expiration zones on the band. The positioning and extent of such expiration zone bears significance as they help to provide a quick visual indication that the band has expired. In contrast, the current state of the art bands may often require close inspection of indicia to confirm expiration or are not "dynamic" in that they do not have a first visible appearance when valid or non-expired and a second visible appearance when invalid or expired.

Notably, the bands described herein provide one or more expiration zone that is or are designed to be readily viewable, even from a distance. To enhance such viewability, the structure of the band may be altered to in turn impact the placement of the expiration zone or zones on the band.

For example, in some forms, the first and second chemical compositions each may run at least one third of the overall length on opposing ends of the band before being contacted with one another during the formation of a loop to activate the band. In this way or in other ways, there could readily be <NUM>% or more of the periphery of the formed loop of the band that can be activated and form an expiration zone. By having <NUM>% or more of the looped band periphery serve as an expiration zone, a third party viewing the band should be able to see expiration from nearly any angle, since a portion of the expiration zone should fall within the visible field. However, increasing this amount beyond <NUM>% of the periphery can still further enhance viewability. For example, the self-expiring identification band could also have an expiration zone that runs along at least <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or the entirety of the length of the periphery of the looped/overlapped band.

In some forms, the first chemical composition and the second chemical composition may be disposed such that the self-expiring identification band form multiple, non-contiguous expiration zones about the periphery of the looped band. In this way, the expiration of the band might be made to see from a wider range of angles and viewpoints, without requiring that the expiration zone exists over the entire <NUM> degrees of the looped band. For example, in one form of this non-contiguous expiration zone design, the first chemical composition and second chemical composition may be arranged such that none of the gaps between the expiration zones runs along more than <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees of the looped band. Even in this non-contiguous design, it would be difficult for a wearer to hide and easy for an inspector to visually detect expiration. Still further, using non-continuous areas permits a reduction in the overall amount of the chemicals required to provide a visual indication over some or all of the periphery and the lengths and positons of the chemicals may be geometrically selected to ensure that at least some overlap occurs.

Beneficially, when the expiration zones are viewable over the range of the periphery of the formed loop and there are gaps between the expiration zones, those gaps may be well suited for printing of indicia or information.

In versions of the band with the foldable tab for activation, the tab can likewise have a length of sufficient to achieve the above-mentioned range of viewability. Still further, the tab might be foldable onto a side that will become the inner radial surface of the loop and therefore leave one side of the facestock available for printing which will subsequently indicate as expired.

Still further, in embodiments in which an activating adhesive article or sticker, the use of the adhesive article or sticker allows easy customization of the band by a user in regards to where the overlapped portion and/or the expiration zone will be located along the length of the band.

As mentioned throughout, the band is activated by manipulating component(s) of a band such that a first chemical compound and a second chemical compound, both disposed thereon, come in contact with each other. A pre-determined amount of time passes before the coaction of the first chemical composition and the second chemical composition causes a visibly perceptible change on the top surface of the band. Once the coaction between the first chemical composition and the second chemical composition is complete, such that there is a visibly perceptible change on the top surface of the band, the band has self-expired.

In some forms or use cases, even before activation or forming a loop, indicia and/or other information may be printed on the band while the band is still in a flat form. In some forms, the indicia and/or other information may be handwritten on the surface of the band, machine printed on the surface of the band, stamped on the surface of the band, or added by other suitable means.

Then after any printing is completed, the band may be looped and activated, which may be one in the same or different actions. For at least the activation step, the manipulations initially placing the first chemical composition and the second chemical composition in contact with each other may differ between different forms of the band. First, in bands (or associated stickers) in which a release liner covers one or both of the chemical compositions, at least a portion of or all of the release liner is first removed to expose one or more of the chemical components so they can be contacted with the other. With the chemical components exposed, the band can potentially be overlapped, folded, or moved, or a sticker applied, in order to bring the chemical components together to activate the band.

Below are examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention. The examples are offered for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

Whether so illustrated or not, each are formable into a loop so as to be attachable, for example, around a wrist.

<FIG> show a first example of a band with a soluble ink on top surface of a facestock of the band and an exposable adhesive on the bottom surface with a composition that is capable of solubizing the soluble ink when formed into a loop.

Looking first at <FIG>, a self-expiring identification band <NUM> has a facestock <NUM> with a top surface 12a and a bottom surface 12b. A first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink is disposed on the top surface 12a of the facestock <NUM> and a second chemical composition <NUM> that is an adhesive is disposed on the bottom surface 12b of the facestock <NUM>. Additionally, a release liner <NUM> is disposed on the bottom surface 12b of the facestock <NUM> such that the release liner <NUM> initially covers and overlaps the second chemical composition <NUM>. The release liner <NUM> has a score line <NUM> that spans the width of the band <NUM>. Both the first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition <NUM> are disposed on their respective surfaces of the facestock <NUM> such that they run along at least one third of the length or more of their respective surfaces of the facestock <NUM>.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, the first chemical composition <NUM> is only disposed on a portion of the top surface 12a of the facestock <NUM>. The remainder of the top surface 12a of the facestock <NUM> is void of the first chemical composition and can serve as a printable area <NUM>. The printable area <NUM> is a portion of a surface of the facestock <NUM> (or band <NUM>) on which information, such as indicia of identification, may be added. This information may be added by any suitable method, including handwriting, machine printing, and stamping. This information may include, but is not limited to, letters, words, symbols, drawings, colors, and mixtures therefore.

Turning now to <FIG>, these figures respectively show the band <NUM> formed into a loop to initiate activation and to show expiration.

To form the loop illustrated in <FIG>, at least a portion of the release liner <NUM> has been removed and the ends of facestock <NUM> have been manipulated such that they overlap each other, placing the self-expiring identification band <NUM> into a looped formation. When the self-expiring band <NUM> is in a looped formation, the facestock <NUM> has an overlapped portion <NUM> in which the top surface 12a of the facestock <NUM> contacts the bottom surface 12b of the facestock <NUM>. In at least part of this overlapped portion <NUM>, the first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink disposed on the top surface 12a of the facestock <NUM> contacts the second chemical composition <NUM> that is an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface 12b of the facestock <NUM>. The first and second chemical compositions coact in these areas to form expiration zones, which after they develop are shown in <FIG>.

Turning now to <FIG> shows the expiration zone <NUM> within the overlapped portion <NUM>, in which the first chemical composition <NUM> and second chemical composition <NUM> have coacted to produce a visibly perceptible change on the surface of the top surface 12a of the facestock <NUM>. The visually perceptible change may be a color change and may form a pattern (for example, the vertical-oriented red stripes as shown in <FIG>).

At least a portion of the top surface 12a or the facestock <NUM> does not bear an expiration zone <NUM>, but rather is a printable area <NUM> which in <FIG> was printed upon prior to forming the loop. In the illustrated example, the printable area <NUM> bears indicia including a name ("John Doe") and a date ("<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>"), but this could be any of the various kinds of indicia or information described elsewhere in this application and may be, for example, machine printed, an applied label, and/or handwritten.

<FIG> are a second example of a band <NUM> that is otherwise similar to the band <NUM> of the first example of <FIG>, except that there are multiple release tabs covering the adhesive instead of just one.

Looking first at <FIG>, a self-expiring identification band <NUM> again has facestock <NUM> with a top surface 32a and a bottom surface 32b. A first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink is disposed on the top surface 32a of the facestock <NUM> and a second chemical composition <NUM> that is an adhesive is disposed on the bottom surface 32b of the facestock <NUM>.

Also a release liner <NUM> disposed on the bottom surface 32b of the facestock <NUM> such that it initially covers and overlaps the second chemical composition <NUM>. Unlike the first example, the release liner <NUM> has multiple scores lines <NUM>. The multiple score line <NUM> form multiple release tabs <NUM> in the release liner <NUM> as best shown in <FIG>. The multiple release tabs <NUM> allow a user to manipulate the self-expiring identification band <NUM> by removing any one (or more) of the release tabs <NUM>. As with the first example, once the adhesive is removed, the flat strip of the band <NUM> can be formed into a loop similar to the one depicted in <FIG>.

One benefit of conferred by the multiple release tabs <NUM> is that the self-expiring identification band <NUM> can be easily adjusted by a user, such that it can wrap around objects of varying sizes and subsequently adhere to itself, in order to remain in a looped/overlapped formation and maximize the amount of contact between the second chemical composition <NUM> in the adhesive with the first chemical composition <NUM> on the top surface 32a of the facestock <NUM>.

<FIG> show a third example of a band that is similar to the first embodiment of <FIG>, except that there is a release coating disposed between a covering film and the facestock. While the release coating permits the separation of a portion of the covering film, the covering film is permanently adhered to the adhesive and facestock in the area outside of the release coating.

Looking at <FIG>, a self-expiring identification band <NUM> has a facestock <NUM> with a top surface 52a and a bottom surface 52b. A first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink is disposed on the top surface 52a of the facestock <NUM> and a second chemical composition <NUM> that is an adhesive is disposed on the bottom surface 52b of the facestock <NUM>.

In this example, a covering film <NUM> is disposed on the bottom surface 52b of the facestock <NUM> over the adhesive such that the covering film <NUM> covers and overlaps the second chemical composition <NUM>. The covering film <NUM> may be, for example, a plastic film or paper. Similar to the aforementioned release liners from the first two examples, the covering film <NUM> has a score line <NUM> with the area to the right of the score line <NUM> (as best depicted in <FIG>) being a covering film tab <NUM> that is removable to expose the underlying adhesive.

To accommodate this removability of the covering film tab <NUM>, the self-expiring identification band <NUM> also has a release coating <NUM> disposed between the second chemical composition <NUM> / adhesive and the covering film <NUM> in an area from the rightmost portion of the band <NUM> between the rightmost end of the band <NUM> that is proximate to the score line <NUM> and the score line <NUM> itself. This release coating <NUM> allows a user to remove the covering film <NUM> only from the area of that end up to where the score line <NUM> is located (that is, an area roughly corresponding to the covering film tab <NUM>). In the remainder of the interface between the covering film <NUM> and the adhesive, the covering film <NUM> will permanently bond to the second chemical composition <NUM> and the facestock <NUM> in the other area leading from the score line <NUM> to the opposite side of the band <NUM>.

With this design, the user is only able to remove a portion of the covering film <NUM> instead of there being the possibility of removing the entire release liner as in the earlier examples when removing the covering film tab <NUM> in anticipation of forming a loop for securement and activation.

<FIG> show a fourth example of a band that is similar to the first embodiment of <FIG> except that, instead of a large patch of soluble ink covering half of the top surface as in the first example, the soluble ink in this fourth example is disposed only near the lateral edges of the facestock with the center portion of the facestock between the lateral edges being void of the soluble ink.

Looking at <FIG>, a self-expiring identification band <NUM> has a facestock <NUM> with a top surface 72a and a bottom surface 72b. A first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink is disposed on the top surface 72a of the facestock <NUM> and a second chemical composition <NUM> that is an adhesive is disposed on the bottom surface 72b of the facestock <NUM>. As with the first two examples, a release liner <NUM> is disposed on the bottom surface 72b of the facestock <NUM> such that the release liner <NUM> initially covers and overlaps the second chemical composition <NUM>. The release liner <NUM> has a score line <NUM> to segment the liner <NUM>. As illustrated, both the first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition <NUM> are disposed on their respective surfaces of the facestock <NUM> such that they run along at least one-third of the length of their respective surface of the facestock <NUM> and, more preferably one half or the entirety of the length of the band <NUM>.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, the first chemical composition <NUM> is disposed proximate the lateral edges <NUM> of the facestock <NUM>, with a center portion <NUM> of the top surface 72a of the facestock <NUM> therebetween being void of the first chemical composition <NUM>. As such, both the center portion <NUM> of the top surface 72a of the facestock <NUM> which is void of the first chemical composition <NUM> and the portion of the top surface 72a of the facestock <NUM> along which the first chemical composition is not disposed are potentially printable areas <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the band <NUM> in a looped/overlapped formation, after activation, but before it expires. As illustrated, information has been also printed (prior to activation) in the printable areas <NUM>. To form the loop from the band <NUM>, a portion of the release liner <NUM> has been removed and the ends of facestock <NUM> have been manipulated such that they overlap each other in an overlapped portion <NUM> in which the top surface 72a of the facestock <NUM> contacts the bottom surface 72b of the facestock <NUM>. In at least part of the overlapped portion <NUM>, the first chemical composition <NUM> that is the soluble ink disposed on the top surface 72a of the facestock <NUM> contacts the second chemical composition <NUM> that is an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface 72b of the facestock <NUM>. The first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition <NUM> coact in these areas to form expiration zones <NUM>, as subsequently shown in <FIG>, in which there is a visibly perceptible change (e.g., a color change) on the surface of the band <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the embodiment of <FIG>, in a looped/overlapped formation, after expiration has occurred. <FIG> shows the expiration zones <NUM>, in which the first chemical composition <NUM> and second chemical composition <NUM> have coacted in the overlapped portion <NUM> to produce a visibly perceptible change on the surface of the top surface 72a of the facestock <NUM> in the overlapped portion <NUM>. Because the first chemical composition <NUM> extends longitudinally along the lateral sides of the width of the band <NUM> with no first chemical composition between those sides, the expiration zones <NUM> have a corresponding pattern that is also laterally disposed in two rows as illustrated.

Beneficially, the embodiment shown in <FIG> allows for expiration zones <NUM> and for the printable area <NUM> to run simultaneously along the greater lengths of the band, providing an excellent combination and balance between the amount of information that may be printed on a band and the visibility of an expired expiration zone. Still further, this design can reduce the amount of ink used as the first chemical component used while maintaining the longitudinal length over which the expiration zones <NUM> extend, because less of the width of the band <NUM> is covered by the ink (i.e., just the near the lateral sides or edges <NUM>).

<FIG> show a fifth embodiment of a band that is otherwise similar to the first embodiment of <FIG>, except that part of the facestock (i.e., a tail end) is tapered such that it can fit through a slit cut into the facestock (at the head end).

Looking at <FIG>, a self-expiring identification band <NUM> has facestock <NUM> with a top surface 112a and a bottom surface 112b. A first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink is disposed on the top surface 112a of the facestock <NUM> and a second chemical composition <NUM> that is an adhesive is disposed on the bottom surface 112b of the facestock <NUM>. A release liner <NUM> is disposed on the bottom surface 112b of the facestock <NUM> such that it initially covers and overlaps the second chemical composition <NUM>. The release liner <NUM> has a score line <NUM> to segment the liner <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the band <NUM> is divided into two portions, a tail portion and a head portion. As illustrated the first chemical composition <NUM> substantially covers the top surface 112a of the facestock <NUM> in the head portion, and the tail portion is substantially bear, providing a printable surface <NUM>.

The tail portion of the facestock <NUM> is tapered relative to the head portion such that the tail portion has a smaller width. In some embodiments, the tail portion of the facestock <NUM> may have a width that is at least <NUM>% less than the maximum width of the head portion of the facestock <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the width of the tail portion of the facestock <NUM> may be <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% less than the maximum width of the head end of the facestock <NUM>.

The head portion of facestock <NUM> at the end furthest from the tail end has a slit <NUM> extending widthwise cut centrally through it. The slit <NUM> has a width that is at least equal to the width of the tail portion of the facestock <NUM> such that the tail portion can be received through the slit <NUM> to create a loop.

<FIG> shows the band <NUM> in a looped/overlapped formation with the tail portion being pulled through the slit <NUM> and attached to the top surface 112a of the head portion of band <NUM> (after the release liner <NUM> is removed from at least a portion thereof), to activate the band <NUM>, but before the band <NUM> expires. When the self-expiring band <NUM> is in a looped formation, the facestock <NUM> has an overlapped portion <NUM> in which the top surface 112a of the facestock <NUM> on the head portion contacts the bottom surface 112b of the facestock <NUM> of the tail portion. In at least part of the overlapped portion <NUM>, the first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink disposed on the top surface 112a of the facestock contacts the second chemical composition <NUM> that is an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface 112b of the facestock <NUM>. The first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition <NUM> coact in these areas to form expiration zones <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, in which there is a visibly perceptible change on the surface of the band <NUM> over time.

<FIG> shows the band of <FIG>, after it has passed expiration. <FIG> shows the expiration zones <NUM>, in which the first chemical composition <NUM> and second chemical composition <NUM> have coacted to produce a visibly perceptible change on the surface of the top surface 112a of the facestock <NUM> in the form of a repeating set of circles along with the color change. As illustrated, a portion of the length of the top surface 112a or the facestock <NUM> does not bear an expiration zone <NUM>, but rather is a printable area <NUM>. As illustrated, this printable area <NUM> may be on a portion of the surface of the tail portion and may not have an expiration zone coincident with it.

<FIG> shows a sixth embodiment of a band that is similar to the first embodiment of <FIG>, except that the ink is disposed on multiple, noncontiguous portions of the facestock over the length of the band.

In <FIG>, a self-expiring identification band <NUM> having facestock <NUM> with a top surface 152a and a bottom surface 152b. A first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink is disposed on the top surface 152a of the facestock <NUM> and a second chemical composition <NUM> that is an adhesive is disposed on the bottom surface 152b of the facestock <NUM>. A release liner <NUM> is disposed on the bottom surface 152b of the facestock <NUM> such that the release liner <NUM> initially covers and overlaps the second chemical composition <NUM>. The release liner <NUM> has a score line <NUM> to segment the liner <NUM>.

Notably, this example is unique from the first example in that the first chemical composition <NUM> is disposed on multiple, noncontiguous portions of the top surface 152a of the facestock <NUM> spaced out over the length dimension. These portions of the top surface 152a of the facestock <NUM> are separated from each other by portions of the top surface 152a of the facestock <NUM> that do not bear the first chemical composition <NUM>, labelled as bare portions <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first chemical composition <NUM> may be disposed on <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more noncontiguous portions of the top surface 152a of the facestock <NUM>. Moreover, it is contemplated that - and as has been also depicted in various other examples - even within these non-continuous portions there could be groupings of discrete lines formed, for example by the overlaid patterns of the pair of chemical compositions.

The bare portions <NUM> may provide part of a printable area and this an additional printable area <NUM> may lay beyond the spaced regions of the first chemical composition <NUM> as best illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> show the band <NUM> in looped form before and after expiration has occurred, after at least a portion of the release liner <NUM> has been removed and the first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition <NUM> are brought into contact with one another. Again, the folding of the band <NUM> onto itself to form a loop creates an overlapped portion <NUM> in which at least some number of non-contiguous expiration zones <NUM> develop and reside, having bare portions <NUM> therebetween, in which the expiration zone <NUM> generally correspond in size and spacing to the positioning of the first chemical material <NUM>.

It is contemplated that there could be two or more noncontiguous parts of the overlapped portion <NUM> in which the first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink disposed on the top surface 152a of the facestock <NUM> contacts the second chemical composition <NUM> that is an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface 152b of the facestock <NUM>. As illustrated, there could be three non-contiguous sections; however, the band could be designed to have any number of non-contiguous sections so long as it fits in the area.

When there are two or more non-contiguous expiration zones, it is contemplated that the largest gap between these zones might be <NUM> degrees or less (e.g., <NUM> degrees or less, <NUM> degrees or less, <NUM> degrees or less, <NUM> degrees or less, <NUM> degrees or less, <NUM> degrees or less, <NUM> degrees or less or <NUM> degrees or less). Such spacing means can help to ensure that from at least some angles, a visual expiration indicator is viewable if the entire circumference of the band is activated and expired. Moreover, such close spacing may help to ensure that at least some portion of the adhesive / second chemical component contacts and coacts with the first chemical component based on even a minimum amount of engagement contact, despite the spacing of the first chemical composition on the facestock.

<FIG> show a seventh embodiment of a band, with a foldable tab on one of the lateral sides of the band that is folded onto the main length of the band in a clamshell style to activate the band.

In <FIG>, a self-expiring identification band <NUM> has facestock <NUM> that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and further has a foldable tab <NUM>, which is best shown in <FIG>, disposed along at least part of the length of a lateral edge of the facestock <NUM>. As with the other embodiments, the facestock <NUM> has a top surface 172a and a bottom surface 172b in which the bottom surface 172b had an adhesive <NUM> covering it and a release liner <NUM> covering the adhesive.

Also like the other embodiments, the self-expiring identification band <NUM> has a pair of coactable chemical compositions although, uniquely in this exemplary form, leverages existence of the foldable tab <NUM> as an activation mechanism by placement of the chemical compositions in proximity of one another at the tab <NUM>. In this example, the self-expiring identification band <NUM> has a first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink disposed on the bottom surface 188b of the tab <NUM> on the side of the release liner <NUM> opposite the adhesive <NUM>. The self-expiring identification band <NUM> also has a second chemical composition <NUM>, which is the adhesive <NUM>, and that is disposed on the bottom surface 172b of the facestock <NUM> and covered by the release liner <NUM>. The release liner <NUM> has a score line <NUM> near one of the ends and another score line <NUM> that separates the portion of the release liner <NUM> covering the tab <NUM> from the portion of the release liner <NUM> covering the rest of the facestock <NUM>.

The tab <NUM> is foldable, in that it can be folded under the rest of the facestock <NUM>, such that the bottom surface 188b of the tab <NUM> contacts the bottom surface 172b of the facestock <NUM> after the release liner <NUM> has been removed, forming an overlapped portion (<NUM>, shown in <FIG>). Notably, while the portion of the release liner <NUM> over the adhesive <NUM> may be removed over the main section of the band <NUM>, the score line <NUM> permits the portion of the release liner <NUM> over covering the adhesive of the tab <NUM> and which supports the first chemical composition <NUM> to remain in place on the bottom side of the tab <NUM>. When folded, the first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition <NUM> coact when brought into contact with each other, in order to create a visibly perceptible change on the top surface 172a of the facestock <NUM>. Areas of the top surface 172a of the facestock <NUM> in which a visibly perceptible change occurs are referred to herein as expiration zones <NUM>.

As illustrated, the facestock <NUM> has a longer length than the tab <NUM>. While it is a matter of degree as to what this difference may be, it is noted that for the illustrated example, having a longer length of the tab <NUM> (for example, exceeding on third or one half the length of the facestock <NUM>) can be advantageous in that, when ultimately the tab <NUM> is folded over and a loop is formed from the band <NUM>, the tab <NUM> extends a greater extent of the periphery the longer it is and is, thus, more easily viewed from various angles. That said, selecting the right the length of the tab <NUM> may a bit of a balancing act in that, if the tab is too long, then it may prove an impediment to forming a loop with the adhesive at the longitudinal ends of the band <NUM> because that adhesive may be not be available for looped securement if covered by the folded tab. Likewise, the top surface <NUM> of the tab <NUM> will then be disposed on the bottom side of the facestock 172b and can be used to substantially cover the adhesive <NUM> over the portions of the length it contacts, such that adhesive <NUM> of the band <NUM> does is not exposed over the length of the as-folded tab <NUM> and will not stick to, for example, the wearer's wrist. In this regard, the other sections of the release liner <NUM> may also continue to cover the some or all of the adhesive <NUM>, even if the adhesive <NUM> is locally exposed in the region of the tab <NUM> for activation.

<FIG> shows the embodiment of <FIG>, in a looped/overlapped formation, before it expires. The self-expiring identification band <NUM> has had the tab <NUM> folded under (after removal of the liner <NUM> to permit contact of the chemical compositions) such that soluble ink of the tab <NUM> is in contact with the facestock <NUM>. Accordingly, the first chemical composition and the second chemical composition are disposed such that they contact each other in at least part of the overlapped portion <NUM>. Within the overlapped potion <NUM>, where the first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition contact <NUM> contact each other, they coact, and after a predetermined amount of time, they create a visibly perceptible change on the top surface 172a of the facestock <NUM>. Portion of the top surface 172a of the facestock <NUM> that bear such a visibly perceptible change are referred to as expiration zones <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. It is noted that, as illustrated, there is different patterning on <FIG> (reading "VOID") and in <FIG> (having parallel lines). In actuality, the visible indication on the expiration zone should match the ink pattern; however, two slight variations are show between <FIG> and <FIG>.

As with the other embodiments, at least a portion of the top surface 172a of the facestock <NUM> can provide a printable area <NUM>. In some forms, the entire top surface 172a of the facestock <NUM> can be a printable area <NUM>. The printable area <NUM> shown in <FIG> bears indicia of identification, including a name (John Doe) and a date (<NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>). A particular advantage of this exemplary form is that the entire top surface remains available for printing, while it also can be activated by the folded tab <NUM> on the inner side of the loop.

<FIG> shows the embodiment of <FIG>, in a looped/overlapped formation, after it expires. <FIG> shows the expiration zones <NUM>, in which the first chemical composition <NUM> and second chemical composition <NUM> have coacted to produce a visibly perceptible change on a portion of the top surface 172a of the facestock <NUM>. The visually perceptible change in the expiration zones <NUM> may be a color change. The expiration zones <NUM> exists within the overlapped portion <NUM>. <FIG> also shows a printable area <NUM> on the top surface 172a of the facestock <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, it is possible for at least a portion of the top surface 172a of the facestock <NUM> to be simultaneously both a printable area <NUM> and an expiration zone <NUM>.

<FIG> show an eighth example of a band with a peripheral tab similar in concept to the seventh embodiment of <FIG>, except that the tab is at a longitudinal end of the band (i.e., not along a lateral edge of the facestock), the ink is on the top surface of the facestock proximate that tab, the adhesive composition is on the top surface of the tab, and an additional separate adhesive composition is on the top surface at the other longitudinal end of the face stock.

Looking at <FIG>, a self-expiring identification band <NUM> having facestock <NUM> that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and a foldable tab <NUM> disposed at one longitudinal end of the facestock <NUM>. As in prior examples, the facestock <NUM> has a top surface 202a and a bottom surface 202b. The tab <NUM> also has a top surface 218a and a bottom surface 218b.

The self-expiring identification band <NUM> has a first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink. The first chemical composition is disposed on a portion of the top surface 202a of the facestock <NUM> proximate the longitudinal end of the facestock <NUM> along which the tab <NUM> is disposed. Accordingly, the first chemical composition <NUM> is not disposed along substantially all of the length of the facestock <NUM> nor need it be; indeed, only a small percentage of the length of the facestock <NUM> may have the first chemical composition <NUM> on it commensurate with the length of the tab <NUM>. It is contemplated that the first chemical composition <NUM> may be disposed on less than <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the overall length of the facestock <NUM> (not including the tab <NUM>), for example. As the length of the first chemical composition <NUM> generally corresponds to the length of the tab <NUM> which will be folded onto it, it also follows that the length of the tab <NUM> can be appreciably less than the length of the portion of the facestock <NUM> (not including the tab <NUM>) with the tab <NUM> being similar percentages of the length of the facestock <NUM> (excluding the tab <NUM>) when compared to the length of the facestock <NUM>.

The self-expiring identification band <NUM> also has a second chemical composition <NUM>, which is an adhesive or adhesive-based (which as illustrated in <FIG> is on the rightmost longitudinal end of the band <NUM>). The second chemical composition <NUM> is disposed on the top surface 218a of the tab <NUM>.

In the form illustrated, the self-expiring identification band <NUM> also has additional adhesive disposed on the top surface 202a of the facestock <NUM>. This adhesive may be the same adhesive as the second chemical composition <NUM> or may be a different adhesive that would not be coactive with the first chemical composition <NUM>.

The self-expiring identification band <NUM> also has a release liner 208a disposed on the top surface 218a of the tab <NUM> such that covers and overlaps the second chemical composition <NUM>. On the other longitudinal end of the band <NUM>, there is also a release liner 208b covering the additional adhesive.

In used, the tab <NUM> is foldable at a line <NUM> (which may be a perforation line) in a clamshell manner, such that the top surface 218a of the tab <NUM> can be folded over onto the top surface 202a of the facestock <NUM>, thereby forming an overlapped portion <NUM>, best shown in <FIG>. When brought into contact with each other, the first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition <NUM> carried thereon coact with one another, to activate the band <NUM> and ultimately to create a visibly perceptible change upon timed expiration. This visibly perceptible change may be described as occurring at either the top surface 202a of the facestock <NUM> or the (initially) bottom surface 218b of the tab <NUM>, after the tab <NUM> has been folded over. Areas of the top surface the band <NUM> in which a visibly perceptible change occurs upon the expiration shown in <FIG> are referred to herein as expiration zones <NUM>.

In addition to the activation, the other release liner 208b can be removed to reveal the secondary attachment adhesive on the other longitudinal end. This adhesive may be independently used to form the loop by contacting the bottom side 202b of the facestock <NUM>. Notably, the loop-forming and activation functions in this example are separate and independent from one another. This can mean, for example, that the band <NUM> may be activated at a pre-established time and will then expire after a certain duration has passed, regardless of whether the band <NUM> is actually worn or not by forming the band into a loop using the secondary attachment adhesive.

Again, as with the other examples, at least a portion of the top surface 202a of the facestock <NUM> offers a printable area <NUM>. Printable areas <NUM> are disposed on the available top surface 202a of the band <NUM> and which would generally exclude the area of overlap of the tab <NUM> and the facestock <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the embodiment of <FIG> after the tab <NUM> has been folded over for activation and after the secondary adhesive has been used to form a loop, before the band <NUM> expires. For activation, the release liner 208a has been removed and the tab <NUM> has been folded over the facestock <NUM> such that the tab <NUM> is in contact with the facestock <NUM>. In this folded-over position, the first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition <NUM> (exposed upon removal of the release liner 208a) are disposed such that they contact each other in at least part of the overlapped portion <NUM>. Within the overlapped potion <NUM>, where the first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition contact <NUM> contact each other, they coact, and after a predetermined amount of time, they create a visibly perceptible change on the top surface the self-expiring identification band <NUM> that is then visible in the expired band view of <FIG>. Again, the portions of the top surface the self-expiring identification band <NUM> that bear such a visibly perceptible change are referred to as expiration zones <NUM>).

<FIG> show a ninth example of a band with a separate adhesive article that is separate (or could be separable) from the facestock for attachment to the band for activation.

In <FIG>, a self-expiring identification band <NUM> has facestock <NUM> that is elongated in the longitudinal direction. The facestock <NUM> has a top surface 222a and a bottom surface 222b. The self-expiring identification band <NUM> also has a first chemical composition <NUM> that is a soluble ink. The first chemical composition is disposed on a portion of the top surface 222a of the facestock <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the first chemical composition <NUM> is disposed across the entire top surface 222a of the facestock <NUM> (or substantially close to the entirety of the top surface 222a). An adhesive <NUM> is disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface 222b of the facestock <NUM>. As illustrated, the adhesive <NUM> is disposed proximate one lateral end of the facestock <NUM>, but it is contemplated that it could extend a greater length of the facestock <NUM> as in earlier examples.

In this particular example, the adhesive <NUM> on the bottom surface 222b of the facestock <NUM> may or may not contain the second chemical composition. The reason for this is that the activation in this example is primarily contemplated as being obtained by the affixation of an adhesive article <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, on the first chemical composition <NUM> on the top surface 222a of the facestock <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> on the bottom side 222b of facestock <NUM> is primarily is used to form the secure loop of <FIG> after the release liner <NUM> is removed from it. However, it is considered that both affixation of an adhesive article <NUM> as well as the securement using adhesive <NUM> could be made to serve as activating events depending on a particularly desired use case.

With respect to the adhesive article <NUM>, the adhesive article <NUM> may be provided either as being separate from or as being separable from the self-expiring identification band <NUM> (for example, the adhesive article <NUM> may be joined to a peripheral edge of the facestock <NUM> and separable therefrom at a perforation line). While just a single adhesive article <NUM> is shown as being used to activate the band <NUM> in this example, it is contemplated that there may be multiple adhesive articles <NUM> provided for attachment to the band <NUM>, some of which could have different expiratory lengths.

With respect to the adhesive article <NUM>, the adhesive article <NUM> can supports on one face of it the second chemical composition (not shown) in the form of an adhesive. As stated elsewhere throughout this disclosure, the first chemical composition (ink) is then readily soluble in this second chemical composition of the adhesive. It is contemplated that the chemicals, in one or both locations can have patterns or words formed in them by the use of negative space lacking at least one of the chemicals, so that upon coaction a pattern or word appears such as, for example, the word "VOID" as illustrated in <FIG>.

To activate the band <NUM>, the adhesive article <NUM> can be applied to the top surface 222a of the facestock <NUM>, such that the bottom surface of the adhesive article <NUM> contacts the top surface 222a of the facestock <NUM> to place the first and second chemical components into contact with one another such that they coact. This application could be at a predetermined location on the band <NUM> or may be anywhere over its length depending on the how the chemical composition is place on the surface of the band <NUM>. During this placement, an overlapping portion <NUM> is formed in which the adhesive article <NUM> overlaps the top surface of the facestock 222a. When the adhesive article <NUM> is applied to the facestock <NUM>, the adhesive article <NUM> becomes a component of the self-expiring identification band <NUM>.

After a pre-determined amount of time, the first chemical composition <NUM> and the second chemical composition from the adhesive article coact to create a visible perceptible change on the top surface of the self-expiring identification band <NUM> as is illustrated in <FIG>. The portions of the top surface of the self-expiring identification band where such a visibly perceptible change occurs serve as one or more expiration zone(s) <NUM>.

Again, at least a portion of the top surface 222a of the facestock <NUM> can also serve as a printable area <NUM>. The printable area <NUM> shown in <FIG> does not bear any information or indicia of identification, but the looped forms of <FIG> do show such printing having occurred before forming the loop.

<FIG> show a tenth example of a band that shares some similarities with the ninth embodiment of <FIG>, except that in this tenth example, the so-called adhesive article or section has roughly the same dimensions as the face stock and is pre-attached to a base section with an intermediate release liner positioned therebetween so as to separate and form a barrier between the chemical components prior to activation.

In this form, there is an underlying band structure similar to the first example in which a facestock <NUM> has a first chemical composition <NUM> (soluble ink) on a top surface 252a thereof and an adhesive <NUM> on a bottom side 252b thereof (initially covered by release liner <NUM> which may be scored at a score line <NUM> as previously mentioned). The adhesive <NUM> in this case need not contain the second chemical composition for activation, but rather the adhesive <NUM> in this example is primarily used for formation of the loop as shown in <FIG>.

Notably, the tenth example is unique in that there is a release liner <NUM> that also overlays the first chemical composition <NUM> and, on the opposing side of this release liner <NUM>, there is an adhesive article for activation that, as illustrated, is sized to match the size facestock <NUM>.

This adhesive article includes a second facestock <NUM> which has an adhesive <NUM> on a lower surface 254a thereof. This adhesive <NUM> also serves as the second chemical component that is capable of solubilizing the ink of the first chemical component. The adhesive <NUM> stacked upon the aforementioned intermediate release liner <NUM> on a side of the release liner <NUM> opposite the side against the first chemical composition <NUM> or ink.

In this case, to activate the band <NUM>, the adhesive article section (including layers <NUM> and <NUM>) are peeled back from the base section (including layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>). Once the layers of the adhesive article section and the base section are separated from one another, the intermediate release liner <NUM> is removed and the adhesive <NUM> carrying the second chemical composition is placed into direct contact with the ink or first chemical composition <NUM> to begin activation and coaction of the chemical components. Because the adhesive article section and the base section can be substantially the same size, this effectively can be an overlamination process at a region of overlap <NUM>.

It is contemplated that in some forms, there these sections (i.e., the adhesive article section and the base section) could be separate from one another or they could be joined at a peripheral joint, edge, or fold to open and close in a clamshell or book-like manner. The advantage of a peripheral joint, edge, or fold is that it would assist with alignment of the two sections when they are contacted back together. In such case, certain differently numbered components may actually be the same component. For example, the facestock sections <NUM> and <NUM> may be continuous and joined at a fold and the ink, adhesive layers, and release liners may be placed on surfaces thereof to form the desired stack ups.

It is also contemplated that the "overlamination" process need not run the entire length, rather, it could be just a section, akin to the previous describe lateral tab examples.

After activation, the bottom release liner <NUM> (or a segment thereof) may be removed and a loop formed therefrom as illustrated in <FIG>. Prior to such activation or loop forming, the entire top surface 254b of the adhesive article section may be available for printing.

After a pre-established duration of time, some or all of the recombined band may will then exhibit a visual change in expiration zones <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The particular regions of the expiration zones <NUM> will depend on the particular placement of the chemicals on the two sections and may take various forms including patterns, words, symbols, solid blocks, and so forth. As previously mentioned, it could extend for wide extents of the periphery or sections thereof (whether contiguous or not). Still further, the expiration zones <NUM> could be apart from or (as shown in <FIG>) coincide with regions having printing.

Claim 1:
A self-expiring identification band (<NUM>) comprising:
a facestock (<NUM>) that is elongated in the longitudinal direction, having a top surface (172a) and a bottom surface (172b);
a foldable tab (<NUM>) disposed along at least part of an edge of the facestock (<NUM>);
a first chemical composition (<NUM>) disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface (188b) of the foldable tab (<NUM>); and
a second chemical (<NUM>) composition disposed on the bottom surface (172b) of the facestock (<NUM>); wherein the first and second chemical compositions (<NUM>, <NUM>) are coactable to cause a visually perceptible change to the top surface (170a) of the facestock (<NUM>).