Method and apparatus for production of RF labels

Abstract

The present invention includes a method for producing individual folded labels incorporating a radio frequency device, the method comprising the steps of providing a ribbon of labels containing a woven logo or text. A carrier strip with a plurality of radio frequency devices spaced thereon is provided and the plurality of radio frequency devices are joined to the ribbon of labels. The ribbon of labels is then folded so as to form at least one folded portion. The folded ribbon is subjected to sufficient heat and pressure to set the at least one folded portion. The ribbon of labels is subdivided into individual folded labels. The present invention also relates to a label-making apparatus including a dispenser for a carrier strip having a plurality of radio frequency devices disposed thereon at spaced intervals. A mechanism linearly advances a ribbon of labels, the ribbon of labels containing a woven logo or text. Means join the plurality of radio frequency devices with the ribbon of labels. A cutting station subdivides an individual label from the ribbon of labels and plurality of radio frequency devices. A sensor in communication with the linear advance mechanism controls the advance of a length of the ribbon of labels to provide proper spacing between the radio frequency devices, cut-edges and a logo on the label. The sensor can sense the position of the RF device or the logo or text of the ribbon of labels.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 06 / 290,652 filed May 15, 2001 and 60 / 336,573 filed Dec. 4, 2001. [0002] This application is also related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 603,234 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Production of Labels.”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the production of folded radio frequency (RF) labels for application to clothing, linens, towels, and other goods, and more particularly to a label incorporating radio frequency (RF) devices produced by the apparatus and method of the invention. [0005] 2. Description of the Related Art [0006] The attachment of labels to cloth goods such as clothing, linens and towels is a common practice used to set forth information such as trademarks and trade names, material identification and characteristics, sizes, care instructions, and so forth. In a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The present invention has been developed with the view towards substantially changing the way that labels are used and developed. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide steps for producing a ribbon of labels with RF devices encapsulated therein, and subdividing the ribbon into individual RF labels using ultrasonic means resulting in individual folded RF labels that are both soft to the touch, i.e., having edges that are generally scratchless to the apparel consumer, and capable of storing and transmitting identifying information and at the same time virtually free of defects.

[0015] The feel of the labels produced in accordance with the present invention assures that the RF labels will remain on the garment when the customer is ready to reorder. Additionally, the use of ultrasonic means to subdivide the RF labels results in a label having the front and back folds sealed together thus preventing the label from being skewed when sewed into a garment. This makes the sewing step more efficient and results in a reduced number of finished goods being classified as seconds, thus providing added cost savings to the garment manufacturer. Furthermore, the present invention allows for the production of RF labels at a rate of 200 to over 1000 per minute, at efficiencies of better than 90%, and at a waste of less than 4%. This is significantly higher than the 40-220 labels per minute produced using the current “cut and fold” technique.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for inserting a radio frequency device into a ribbon of labels and registering the cut of the ribbon of labels by sensing the edge or part of the radio frequency device located therein. In this manner, when subdividing the label of ribbons, the actual RF device is detected and not the logo or text message on the label, which decreases the chance of ruining the more expensive RF devices.

[0022] In accomplishing these and other objects of the present invention, there is also provided a label-making apparatus comprising a dispenser for a carrier strip having a plurality- of radio frequency devices disposed thereon at spaced intervals. A mechanism linearly advances a ribbon of labels, the ribbon of labels containing a woven logo or text. Means join the plurality of radio frequency devices with the ribbon of labels. A cutting station subdivides an individual label from the ribbon of labels and plurality of radio frequency devices. A sensor in communication with the linear advance mechanism controls the advance of a length of the ribbon of labels to provide proper spacing between the radio frequency devices, cut-edges and a logo on the label.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, it is not unusual for a label, especially a skin contact clothing label, to irritate the customer.

This can result in the customer forming a negative attitude regarding the quality of the entire garment.

This not only prevents the customer from having the proper care instructions, it also removes the product identification from the garment, further reducing repeat sales.

The most common defect being a distorted fold resulting in the ends of the label not aligning properly.

Other defects include turned corners, fanning, and protruding fold-unders.

Defective labels can significantly increase the cost of the goods.

Many labels, especially centerfold, have a tendency to skew while being sewed, thereby increasing the chance for a poor impression.

Moreover, RF devices range in cost from three cents to over one dollar.

Thus, a defective label can add tremendous cost.

Significantly, if the identification of the defective label is missed it is likely to be recognizable by the customer and adversely affect the overall impression of the goods.

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