阅读说明：本技术 并入无线通信装置的货物标签 (Cargo tag incorporating wireless communication device ) 是由 I·J·方斯特 于 2014-12-29 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的名称是并入无线通信装置的货物标签。提供用于利用无线通信装置标贴货物件的系统和方法。除了无线通信装置之外,货物标签还包括由可清洗的织物材料制成的相关联标贴。无线通信装置被并入标贴并且包括RFID芯片和槽环混合天线,其中天线包括限定槽的导体片。标贴在缝合线处被固定至货物件,其中缝合线将标贴分为上部分和下部分。RFID芯片和天线的槽定位在标贴的上部分内,其自身可以定位在货物件的接缝或领口或腰带内。(The invention provides a cargo tag incorporating a wireless communication device. Systems and methods for labeling items of merchandise with a wireless communication device are provided. In addition to the wireless communication device, the merchandise tag also includes an associated sticker made of washable fabric material. A wireless communication device is incorporated into a label and includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna, where the antenna includes a conductor sheet defining a slot. The sticker is secured to the item of merchandise at a stitch line, wherein the stitch line divides the sticker into an upper portion and a lower portion. The slot of the RFID chip and antenna is positioned within the upper portion of the label, which itself may be positioned within the seam or collar or waistband of the item of merchandise.)

1. A merchandise tag, comprising:

a label formed from a fabric material;

a wireless communication device incorporated into the sticker and comprising:

an RFID chip, and

a slot-loop hybrid antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip and including a conductor sheet defining a slot, the conductor sheet having an upper portion and a lower portion; and

a suture where the sticker is secured to a piece of merchandise, wherein

The suture divides the tag into a fixed upper portion and a free lower portion,

said fixed upper portion of said sticker being smaller than said free lower portion of said sticker, and

the RFID chip and the slot of the antenna are positioned within the fixed upper portion of the label.

2. The merchandise tag of claim 1, wherein the conductor sheet is positioned at least partially within the stitch line.

3. The merchandise tag of claim 1, wherein the conductor sheet is positioned at least partially within the lower portion of the label.

4. The merchandise tag of claim 1, wherein the conductor sheet has a width approximately equal to a width of the label and a height approximately equal to a height of the label.

5. A labeled piece of merchandise, comprising:

an article of merchandise comprising a seam or collar or waistband;

a cargo tag secured to the piece of cargo at a seam that divides the cargo tag into a fixed upper portion and a free lower portion, the fixed upper portion positioned within the seam or collar or waistband and the free lower portion positioned outside of the seam or collar or waistband, the cargo tag comprising

A label formed from a fabric material;

a wireless communication device incorporated into the label and including an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip and including a conductor sheet defining a slot, the conductor sheet having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the RFID chip and the slot of the antenna are positioned within the fixed upper portion of the label.

6. The labeled piece of merchandise of claim 5, wherein the upper portion of the label is smaller than the lower portion of the label.

7. The labeled piece of merchandise of claim 5, wherein the conductor sheet is positioned at least partially within the stitch line.

8. The labeled piece of merchandise of claim 5, wherein the conductor sheet is positioned at least partially within the lower portion of the label.

9. The labeled piece of merchandise of claim 5, wherein the conductor sheet has a width approximately equal to a width of the label and a height approximately equal to a height of the label.

10. The labeled piece of merchandise of claim 5, wherein the conductor sheet is formed from two pieces having different stiffness.

11. The labeled piece of merchandise of claim 10, wherein the slot is defined in a piece of the conductor sheet, the piece having a greater stiffness than another piece of the conductor sheet.

12. A method of labeling a piece of merchandise, comprising:

providing an object;

providing a merchandise tag including a label formed from a fabric material and a wireless communication device incorporated into the label, the wireless communication device including an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip and including a conductor sheet defining a slot, the conductor sheet having an upper portion and a lower portion; and

securing the merchandise tag to the piece of merchandise at a stitch line that divides the tag into a fixed upper portion and a free lower portion, wherein the merchandise tag is secured to the piece of merchandise such that

Said fixed upper portion of said sticker being smaller than said free lower portion of said sticker, and

the slot is defined in the fixed upper portion of the conductor sheet.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the piece of merchandise includes a seam or collar or waistband, and the securing the merchandise tag to the piece of merchandise includes securing the merchandise tag to the piece of merchandise such that the upper portion of the label is positioned within the seam or collar or waistband.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the securing the cargo tag to the piece of cargo comprises securing the cargo tag to the piece of cargo such that the conductor sheet is at least partially positioned within the stitch line.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein securing the merchandise tag to the piece of merchandise includes securing the merchandise tag to the piece of merchandise such that the conductor sheet is at least partially positioned within the lower portion of the label.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the conductor sheet has a width approximately equal to a width of the label and a height approximately equal to a height of the label.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein said providing a merchandise tag comprises providing a merchandise tag formed from two pieces having different stiffness.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the slot is defined in a piece of the conductor sheet, the piece having a greater stiffness than another piece of the conductor sheet.

Technical Field

The present subject matter relates to merchandise tags. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to washable tags having wireless communication devices incorporated therein with improved durability and resistance to cracking and breaking.

Background

Devices incorporating wireless communication means, including remote frequency identification ("RFID") technology, are widely used in a variety of different applications, including the incorporation of cargo tags for inventory management, tracking, and security purposes. Such systems are well known in the retail industry, including in connection with garment inventory management and security from theft and other loss.

RFID devices incorporated into cargo tags may have a variety of integrated components in which the RFID chip contains data, such as an identification code for the product type and even for the precise piece of merchandise associated with the unique identification code. Other components may include an antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip that is responsible for transmitting and/or receiving signals to and/or from another RFID device, such as an RFID reader system. The antenna may take any of a variety of forms, including in some cases a hybrid loop antenna or a hybrid loop antenna, which is commonly referred to as a "single mast" antenna. The configuration of these types of hybrid or single mast antennas is shown in U.S. Pat. nos. 7,298,343 and 8,072,334, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

For example, garment labels are frequently subjected to stress when associated articles of clothing are washed or folded or otherwise manipulated. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a washable tag that is more durable and can be repeatedly washed, folded, or otherwise manipulated without the associated antenna breaking or otherwise suffering irreparable damage.

Disclosure of Invention

There are several aspects of the present subject matter that may be implemented separately or together in the apparatus and systems described and claimed below. These aspects may be employed alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects together is not intended to preclude the use of such aspects alone or the protection of such aspects in various combinations as may be recited in the appended claims.

In one aspect, the merchandise tag includes a label (label) formed from a fabric material, the wireless communication device being incorporated into the label. The wireless communication device includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip. The antenna includes a conductor sheet defining a slot. The suture, where the sticker is secured to the piece of merchandise, divides the sticker into a smaller upper portion and a larger lower portion. The slot for the RFID chip and antenna is positioned within the upper portion of the label.

In another aspect, the labeled piece of merchandise includes an item of merchandise and a merchandise label. The cargo item comprises a seam or a collar or a waistband. The cargo tag is secured to the cargo piece at a seam that divides the cargo tag into an upper portion positioned within the seam or neckline or waistband and a lower portion positioned outside of the seam or neckline or waistband. The merchandise tag includes a label formed from a fabric material, with the wireless communication device incorporated into the label. The wireless communication device includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip. The antenna includes a conductor sheet defining a slot, wherein the RFID chip and the slot of the antenna are positioned within the upper portion of the label.

In yet another aspect, a method of labeling a merchandise item includes providing the merchandise item and a merchandise label. The merchandise tag includes a label formed from a fabric material, with the wireless communication device incorporated into the label. The wireless communication device includes an RFID chip and a slot-loop hybrid antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip. The antenna includes a conductor sheet defining a slot. The merchandise tag is secured to the piece of merchandise at a seam that divides the tag into a smaller upper portion and a larger lower portion, wherein the RFID chip and the slot of the antenna are positioned within the upper portion of the tag.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a top view of a merchandise tag according to conventional design;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a wireless communication device adapted to incorporate a cargo tag according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a merchandise tag according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the merchandise tag of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the merchandise tag of FIG. 3 secured to an article of merchandise;

fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a wireless communication device according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

fig. 7 is a rear perspective view showing the cargo tag of fig. 3 using a conductive wire as a conductive element.

Detailed Description

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed manner.

The merchandise tag described herein is both durable and washable, and has a relatively low thickness. With these properties, the label is particularly suitable for use in labels, patches, labels, decorative overlays (overlays) and the like for clothing or other articles of merchandise. Garments may be subjected to processes including washing and so-called stone washing during their processing or production. The tag is therefore durable and durable when in use, particularly with respect to potential breakage of the antenna of the wireless communication device incorporating the tag. The present cargo tag is able to withstand washing and other processes, such as stone washing, without having to incorporate additional thickness of material that would make the tag stiffer than desired, also affecting garment scuff resistance.

Cargo tags according to the present disclosure may address a number of issues. For example, one problem is the destruction of the antenna of the wireless communication device, which can be broken or torn during manufacture, processing and use. Fig. 1 illustrates a merchandise tag T according to conventional design. The goods tag T comprises a label L formed of a washable fabric material and a wireless communication device W comprising an RFID chip R and an associated dipole-type antenna a. The merchandise tag T includes a seam S that represents the location where the merchandise tag T is secured to the piece of merchandise, such as by a sewing or bonding process. The suture S is positioned adjacent one end of the sticker L, thereby dividing the sticker L into an upper portion U and a lower portion B.

As shown in fig. 1, most of the wireless communication device W, including the RFID chip R and the antenna a, is positioned within the lower portion B of the label L. The lower portion B of the label L is more likely to be damaged than the upper portion U (which is attached to the goods) during manufacture, processing and use of the associated piece of goods. If the lower portion B of the label L is separated from the piece of merchandise at the seam S, the RFID chip R and antenna a will be disassociated from the piece of merchandise, thereby becoming inoperable as desired. Even minor damage to or handling of the label L may irreparably damage the wireless communication device W, where the antenna a is of the dipole type, which may be relatively thin and fragile and susceptible to cracking or breaking.

Fig. 2 illustrates a wireless communication device 10 according to the present disclosure. The wireless communication device includes an RFID chip 12, and an antenna 14 electrically connected to the RFID chip 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the antenna 14 is of the hybrid slot antenna type, commonly referred to as a "single mast" antenna. The antenna 14 is formed from a conductor sheet 16 defining a slot 18, where the slot 18 (along with the RFID chip 12) is the "active" component of the wireless communication device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor strip 16 is generally rectangular in shape with the slot 18 positioned at an upper edge or end 20 of the conductor strip 16. Preferably, the conductor sheet 16 is formed of a relatively thin conductive material, such as a conductive foil. As illustrated, the slot 18 may extend between a closed end 22 and an open end 24 associated with the upper end or edge 20 of the conductor sheet 16. In one embodiment, the slot 18 may be cut from the sheet of conductive material of the conductor sheet 16 in a manner that orients the slot 18 substantially horizontally (in the orientation of fig. 2) rather than vertically (as oriented with the antenna a in fig. 1) such that the slot 18 is positioned adjacent an upper end or edge 20 of the conductor sheet 16. For example, it may be advantageous (for reasons that will be described in greater detail herein) to define the slot 18 within the upper 10-20% of the height of the conductor sheet 16 (in the orientation of fig. 2).

Preferably, the conductor sheet 16 is relatively large to improve the performance of the single mast antenna 14. For example, the conductor sheet 16 may have a height and width comparable to the height and width of the label of the associated merchandise tag. For example, a merchandise tag 26 incorporating the wireless communication device 10 of fig. 2 is shown in fig. 3 and 4, wherein fig. 4 shows a conductor sheet 16 having an outer perimeter with a shape, width and height that is about or substantially the same as the shape, width and height of an associated fabric label 28. Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment in which the conductor sheet 16 is substantially identical in size and shape (except for the presence of the slot 18) to the fabric label 28, wherein the height of the conductor sheet 16 and label 28 (i.e., the vertical dimension of the label 28 and conductor sheet 16 in the orientation of fig. 3 and 4) is greater than the width of the conductor sheet 16 and label 28 (i.e., the horizontal dimension of the label 28 and conductor sheet 16 in the orientation of fig. 3 and 4) to provide a substantially rectangular label 28 and wireless communication device 10. While the illustrated embodiment may be advantageous, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the height of the label 28 and the conductor sheet 16 to be less than the width or for the height and width of the label 28 and the conductor sheet 16 to be substantially the same. Further, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the label 28 and the conductor sheet 16 are substantially non-rectangular and/or that the label 28 and the conductor sheet 16 have different sizes and shapes, including embodiments in which the conductor sheet 16 extends beyond the perimeter of the label 28.

In the illustrated embodiment, the merchandise tag 26 is formed from a single fabric label 28 secured to the wireless communication device 10. In other embodiments, multiple fabric layers may be provided, such as a front fabric layer and a back fabric layer, with the wireless communication device 10 sandwiched or positioned between the two fabric layers. As shown in fig. 3, the fabric label 28 may be provided with information (e.g., care instructions and identification information) and symbols printed thereon. In this case, the relatively large conductor sheet 16 may enhance the appearance of the resulting merchandise tag 26, since the conductor sheet 16 provides a flat surface that is more rigid than the associated label 28 (which is typically formed of a thin, flexible fabric material), thereby reducing the amount of distortion of anything printed on the fabric label 28.

The relatively large conductor sheet 16 may also improve the operation of the wireless communication device 10 and the single mast antenna 14 in a number of ways. For example, breaking a large conductor patch 16 may be more difficult than breaking a thin line or other structure in a typical dipole type antenna a, such as illustrated in fig. 1. Additionally, the breakage of the large conductor strip 16 is less likely to cause a severe degradation of the functionality of the antenna 14 and its wireless communication capability. For example, a horizontal break through the middle of the conductor strip 16 of fig. 2 will result in some degraded performance, while the same horizontal break through the middle of the wireless communication device W of fig. 1 will completely destroy and disable the prior art antenna a. The relatively large conductor sheet 16 may also serve to strengthen and protect the joint between the antenna 14 and the RFID chip 12.

Turning now back to RFID chip 12, it may take any of numerous forms, including those of the type commonly referred to by those skilled in the art as a "chip" or "strap," including any of numerous possible components and configurations to perform any of numerous possible functions. For example, in one embodiment, RFID chip 12 includes an integrated circuit for controlling RF communication and other functions of wireless communication device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, two ends or points 30 and 32 of the RFID chip 12 are connected to the conductor sheet 16 at opposite sides of the slot 18, which serve to electrically connect the RFID chip 12 to the conductor sheet 16. In this particular embodiment, the RFID chip 12 is positioned adjacent the open end 24 of the slot 18 and the upper end or edge 20 of the conductor sheet 16, with the RFID chip 12 having a larger dimension oriented horizontally (in the orientation of fig. 2) rather than vertically (as oriented for the RFID chip R in fig. 1). In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 2 and 4, the RFID chip 12 may be positioned directly adjacent the upper end or edge 20 of the conductor sheet 16, such as entirely within the upper 10-20% of the height of the conductor sheet 16 (in the orientation of fig. 2 and 4).

Fig. 4 illustrates the effect of positioning the slot 18 and RFID chip 12 adjacent one of the ends or edges (illustrated as the upper edge or end 20) of the conductor sheet 16. In particular, by positioning the slot 18 and the RFID chip 12 adjacent one of the ends or edges of the conductor sheet 16, the slot 18 and the RFID chip 12 (i.e., the "active" component of the wireless communication device 10) may be positioned entirely on one side of the stitch line 34 (shown in phantom in fig. 4) of the merchandise tag 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the stitching 34 effectively separates the merchandise tag 26, the label 28, and the wireless communication device 10 into an upper portion 36 (in which the slot 18 and the RFID chip 12 are disposed) and a lower portion 38. The lower portion 38 is intended to be viewed by a customer or user, so it may be preferable for the suture 34 to be oriented in a manner that results in the lower portion 38 being larger than the upper portion 36, which allows more information to be printed, affixed, or otherwise displayed on the lower portion 38 of the sticker 28. Thus, the upper portion 36 may be referred to as a secondary or fixed portion of the merchandise tag 26 (as it is the portion attached to the merchandise), while the lower portion 38 may be referred to as a primary or free portion.

Locating the slot 18 and the RFID chip 12 in the upper portion 36 of the merchandise tag 26 significantly increases the durability of the wireless communication device 10. For example, the upper portion 36 may be fixedly secured to the piece of cargo, while the lower portion 38 is generally not secured to the piece of cargo, allowing the lower portion 38 to freely bend or deform during manufacturing, handling, and use. Thus, the lower portion 38 is subjected to greater stress, pressure and impact than the upper portion 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor sheet 16 extends from the upper portion 36 into the suture 34 and into the lower portion 38, thereby increasing its size (for reasons described in more detail above); however, as mentioned above, damaging or even breaking portions of the conductor sheet 16 does not prevent the wireless communication device 10 from operating because the RFID chip 12, the slot 18, and the portion of the conductor sheet 16 surrounding the slot 18 remain intact and operable within the upper portion 36.

The conductive material 16 may include a conductive fabric or alternatively may use a conductive wire woven into a label, such as a nursing label that functions as an antenna and is connected to a wireless device. Any kind of pattern of conductive lines may be used in the label or tag.

Additionally, positioning the RFID chip 12 and slot 18 within the upper portion 36 may allow the cargo item itself to help protect the RFID chip 12 and slot 18. For example, if the item of merchandise 40 includes a seam or collar or waistband 42 (fig. 5), the merchandise tag 26 may be secured to the item of merchandise 40 in such a manner that the upper portion 36 of the merchandise tag 26 (and thus the RFID chip 12 and slot 18) is positioned within the seam or collar or waistband 42. The seam or collar or waistband 42 may be defined by a material or fabric folded onto itself, which may be closed by the stitching 34 when the cargo tag 26 is secured to the cargo piece 40 (or may be closed separately). This form of the item of merchandise 40 effectively creates a pocket or sleeve (sleeve) in which the upper portion 36 of the merchandise tag 26 (and thus the RFID chip 12 and slot 18) may be positioned, which cushions and protects the RFID chip 12 and slot 18.

In addition, positioning the RFID chip 12 and the slot 18 within the upper portion 36 of the cargo tag 26 may more readily allow the use of a support material to further protect the RFID chip 12 and the slot 18. The seam or neckline or waistband 42 of the merchandise item 40 is generally more accustomed to the customer or user being more rigid or less flexible than the portion of the associated merchandise tag 26 (i.e., the lower portion 38) positioned outside of the seam or neckline or waistband 42. Thus, the addition of a support material having greater stiffness or rigidity than the fabric of the label 28 to all or part of one or both of the upper portion 36 and/or the stitching 34 provides additional protection to the RFID chip 12 and the slot 18 without undermining the desire of the customer or user to be relatively soft and flexible with respect to the seam or neck opening or waistband 42 and the free portion 38 of the associated cargo tag 26 positioned outside of the seam or neck opening or waistband 42. Examples of support materials include polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") films attached by any suitable means, such as applying a sealant, adhesive, heat, pressure, and/or sonic seal, or as an over-laminate, or the like. An additional advantage of the support material is its ability to help prevent or limit water or chemical agents, including detergents and processing chemicals, from contacting and damaging the RFID chip 12 and the tank 18 (e.g., while the piece of merchandise 40 is being washed or cleaned).

In one embodiment, the support material may define and replace portions of the conductor sheet. For example, fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a wireless communication device 44 in which a composite conductor sheet 46 is formed from two separate conductive sub-sheets or pieces 48 and 50. The first piece 48 of the conductor sheet 46 may define at least an upper portion 52 of the conductor sheet 46 (i.e., the portion of the conductor sheet 46 that defines the slot 54 therein and in which the RFID chip 56 is disposed) and is formed of a relatively stiff support material. The second piece 50 of the conductor sheet 46 may be formed of a relatively flexible material, such as fabric, and defines at least a lower portion of the conductor sheet 46 (i.e., a portion that is not typically secured to an associated piece of cargo). If so provided, the two pieces 48 and 50 of the conductor sheet 46 may be secured and electrically connected together at an overlapping section 60, which overlapping section 60 may generally correspond to the location of the suture 62 (as in fig. 6) or may be located away from the suture 62. In addition to the composite conductor sheet 46, the wireless communication device 44 of fig. 6 may be configured and operated in accordance with the foregoing description of the wireless communication device 10 of fig. 2, wherein a cargo tag incorporating the wireless communication device 44 of fig. 6 is configured and operated in accordance with the foregoing description of the cargo tag 26 of fig. 3-5.

In a further embodiment of fig. 6, the conductive fabric may be a fabric coated with a conductive material or conductor via vapor deposition, printing, electroless plating, and the like. In addition, the top portion of 48 of label 44 may be constructed of or coated with an insoluble material, and the bottom portion 46 may be subject to damage or deterioration during normal laundry washing or rinsing. In this manner, the upper portion may still function as a near field RFID tag, which may then be used to return and manage reinsertion of items into inventory, or for such other applications as loyalty programs and the like.

Turning now to fig. 7, conductive wires 39 may be woven in any particular pattern and used as conductors, as opposed to coating second portion 38 with a conductive material. This may provide additional flexibility to the sticker and may also be used to add aesthetic elements, for example if copper or gold conductive wires are used, these then being visible in the sticker, which adds a further glossy appearance to the sticker. The conductive wires may be woven in any suitable manner.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present subject matter. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter, including those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein. For these reasons, its scope is not limited to the above description but is as recited in the appended claims, and it is to be understood that the claims may be directed to features thereof, including combinations of features disclosed herein either individually or as claimed.