Identification tag and related identification tag system

Abstract

An identification tag and related tag system are provided for securely mounting the identification tag onto a selected wearer or object, such as mounting onto a wearer's wrist or the like. The identification tag is adapted to receive wearer-related identification and other information in human readable and / or machine readable form, and for slide-fit assembly onto an elongated flexible strap such as a wristband or bracelet for mounting onto the selected wearer or object. In one preferred form, the identification tag includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit adapted for communicating wearer-related information with a remote reader. The tag system, including the identification tag assembled with the flexible strap, is particularly useful with a small wearer or object, such as an infant, to provided a relatively extensive and relatively flat information-bearing surface area.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to improvements in identification appliances such as identification tags, and to a related system including means such as a wristband or bracelet or the like for convenient and comfortable mounting of an identification tag onto a selected wearer or object. More specifically, this invention provides an improved identification tag and related system designed particularly for use with a small wearer or object, such as an infant or small child, to provided a relatively extensive information-bearing surface area having a size sufficient to accommodate a range of important identification data in human readable and / or machine readable form, and further wherein the information-bearing area is relatively flat for facilitated and improved read-out of machine readable data. [0002] Identification bands such as a wristbands or bracelets or other closed loop elements are generally known in the art, wherein the identification band...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In accordance with the invention, an identification tag and related tag system are provided for securely mounting the identification tag onto a selected wearer or object, such as mounting onto a wearer's wrist or the like. The identification tag comprises a relatively compact, substantially planar structure adapted to receive wearer-related identification and other information in human readable and / or machine readable form. This information-bearing tag is adapted for quick and easy assembly onto an elongated flexible strap or band such as a wristband or bracelet for mounting onto the selected wearer or object. In one preferred form, the identification tag incorporates a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit adapted for communicating wearer-related information with a remote reader. The tag system, including the identification tag assembled with the flexible strap, is particularly useful with a small wearer or object, such as an infant or small child, to provided a relatively extensive and relatively flat information-bearing surface area.

[0011] The identification tag is formed for quick and easy assembly with the flexible strap or band, which is preferably constructed from a lightweight and inexpensive material such as a vinyl-based plastic chosen for substantially optimized comfort when worn about the wrist or ankle or the like of an individual. In one form, the identification tag includes a pair of spaced-apart and generally parallel strap slots for quick and easy slide-fit assembly onto the flexible strap, prior to wrapping the strap about the wrist or the like of a specific wearer and appropriate engagement of a fastening element or elements to retain the strap in a closed loop configuration on the wearer. In accordance with one important aspect of the invention, the identification tag is mounted on the exterior of the strap, and defines an information-bearing surface having a relatively extensive surface area with a width exceeding the strap width. The overall size and shape of the identification tag, and its orientation relative to the strap when mounted thereon, is selected so that at least a substantial portion of the tag sufficiently retains its substantially planar shape for facilitated and reliable read-out of machine readable wear-related information, as by means of a bar code reader and / or by wireless communication of the RFID circuit with a remote reader.

Problems solved by technology

Despite the benefits and advantages derived from the incorporation of machine readable information on or within a flexible identification band, practical implementation of machine readable technologies has been accompanied by a number of significant drawbacks and disadvantages.

While the degree of band curvature and resultant distortion of the bar coded information may be insufficient to interfere with data read-out, when the band is mounted onto an adult of average size, this is often not the case with relatively small identification bands sized to fit a small person such as an infant or small child.

In addition, the band curvature may also impact the transmission or broadcast range of an RFID circuit for communication with a remote reader, wherein such communication with the RFID circuit can be significantly impaired in the case of small-sized bands suitable for an infant or small child.

Moreover, for small-sized identification bands dimensioned for wearer comfort, the band width may provide inadequate surface area for receiving human readable information in a size suitable for quick and easily visual reading, or for receiving machine readable bar coded information having a size suitable for facilitated read-out by means of a bar code reader.

Similarly, small-sized identification bands may be too small for conveniently carrying and supporting an RFID circuit or chip.

As a result, such identification bands tend to be relatively stiff, exhibit relatively abrasive and sharp edges, and thus can be somewhat uncomfortable for a user to wear over an extended period of time.

Further, while such identification bands are frequently designed for encasing or protecting printed information and / or an RFID circuit against damage attributable to water intrusion, band bending and flexing associated with looped securement about a wearer's wrist or the like in combination with additional bending and flexing during a normal usage cycle often causes the edges of the band to wrinkle and separate, thereby undesirably admitting water into the band interior.

Such water intrusion can cause printed information to smear and distort in a manner that renders the printed information unreadable, and / or causes damage to the encased RFID circuit.

Images