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

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

Another method of producing a RFID device directly on to a substrate, provides for the advancing of a substrate, coating the substrate with an adhesive and then deadening areas of the adhesive which will not be needed in connection with adhering the antenna to the substrate. Alternatively, the adhesive can be pattern coated on to the substrate in the shape and configuration of an antenna. Next, an aluminum or other metal foil is applied over the adhesive and adheres only in those areas were an exposed and tacky adhesive remains. The aluminum foil can be further cut such as through a rotary die cutter or laser cutting device to define the shape of the antenna and the remaining matrix of the aluminum is then removed allowing only the final antenna shape to be adhered to the substrate. A chip or strap is then applied over the contact ends of the antenna structure, such as with a dipole type antenna through the use of a conductive adhesive. A cover layer may be provided over the top of the chip or strap or alternatively over the entire area covered by the antenna. Document <CIT> discloses a medium to be printed comprising a sheet to be printed which is composed of a first area and a second area having a line-symmetrical shape with respect to a linear boundary line X and a third area adjacent to the second area; an inlet which has a non-contact IC circuit mounted on a substrate having almost the same shape as the first area and adheres to a rear face of the first area by an adhesive; a pasteboard temporarily stuck by an adhesive applied to rear faces of the second and third areas. The second and third areas are printed, and then the pasteboard is peeled, and the first and second areas are stuck to each other to prepare a label. Document <CIT> discloses a transponder label for attachment to an object, the transponder label comprising a substantially rectangular carrier section with two opposite longitudinal edges and two transverse edges extending transversely thereto, and a flat transponder being applied to a partial region of this carrier section, the carrier section having, on the side of the transponder, an adhesive layer covered by a removable protective film. Document <CIT> discloses a labelling system for hanging utensils set out for sale on shop shelves, the system being characterised in that it consists of a label comprising two parts folded against each other and comprising an opening through which to insert the hook in order to display it on the display stand, and also a slot situated on the rear of the label to take the hook of the handle of the utensil on display. The two parts of the label are joined together by any known means such as staple, glue, adhesive tape, etc.
Document <CIT> discloses dividing a display region into a first display region, a second display region and an RFID tag region and printing only in the first display region and the second display region. The RFID tag region is folded to the back surface of the first display region at a first fold line, and the second display region can be folded and laminated on the front surface of the RFID tag region at a second fold line. <CIT> describes a product that comprises a mounting hole or a preform for the mounting hole and a radio frequency identification transponder for wireless identification. Said transponder comprising at least an integrated circuit and wiring, wherein the wiring of the transponder at least partly encircles the mounting hole or the preform.

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

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

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

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

The claimed subject-matter is defined by a self-adhesive label according to claim <NUM> and a method of incorporating a RFID inly into a self-adhesive label according to claim <NUM>. Disclosed herein, is a self-adhesive tag or label, such as a hang tag or "J" tag configuration incorporating embedded trigger technology, such as an RFID inlay. The tag or label can be manufactured in a flat form, similar to a standard self-adhesive label, using a low cost method, such as a roll to roll process. The tag or label substrate may be paper, cardstock, plastics such as PET, or other suitable materials. As the tag is initially supplied in a flat format it can be printed on using methods such as thermal transfer, inkjet or laser printing. In addition, the RFID device incorporated in the label may be programmed with information.

The self-adhesive tag or label comprises a hole for hanging the tag or label on a display rack. The RFID inlay is incorporated around the hole of the tag or label and secured within the fold of the tag or label when the tag or label is partially folded on itself.

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

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

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

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

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

In a further embodiment, the chip of the RFID device can be encoded with information relating to the product that it will be connected with and then the substrate can be printed with high quality graphics or other information relating to the retailer, brand owner or manufacturer of the product. The printing may be done before or after the application of the RFID device. Referring generally to <FIG>, it is shown how the RFID inlay <NUM> is attached and secured to the label <NUM>. Specifically, <FIG> discloses the label <NUM> cut by a CO2 laser or other suitable means for cutting the label <NUM>. The label <NUM> is cut by the laser into a layer of adhesive ticket material, or other suitable material as is known in the art. An additional perforation <NUM> can also be added to help with manual alignment. The first perforation <NUM> is needed to allow the label <NUM> to be folded over on itself. For example, the label <NUM> is generally <NUM> in length and <NUM> in width. Typically, <NUM> from the top <NUM> of the label <NUM> is positioned the first perforation <NUM>. Thus, <NUM> of the <NUM> overlap onto <NUM> to secure the RFID inlay <NUM> within the folds, leaving approximately <NUM> of the label <NUM> to be adhered to a product or item.

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

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

Claim 1:
A self-adhesive label (<NUM>) incorporating an RFID inlay (<NUM>) comprising:
a substrate having a top face with an adhesive layer on the top face, the substrate having a top section and a bottom section (<NUM>), wherein the top section is folded on itself securing the RFID inlay (<NUM>) within the fold, wherein the folded top section has at least one opening (<NUM>) allowing the self-adhesive label (<NUM>) to be hooked to a display, wherein the RFID inlay (<NUM>) is incorporated around the at least one opening (<NUM>) in the folded top section, and the bottom section (<NUM>) is not folded on itself and is configured to be adhered to an article.