Apparel – General structure – Trimmings
Reexamination Certificate
1996-12-19
2001-08-28
Worrell, Danny (Department: 3765)
Apparel
General structure
Trimmings
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279170
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of labels and tags for garments and more particularly to electronic labels for garments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is typical for the manufacturer of a garment to affix a label to the garment which bears the manufacturers brand name or logo. Labels are also used to describe the material contents of a garment, to give care instructions, or to display manufacturer information such as the manufacturer's RIN number. Because labels are typically small, they can carry only a limited amount of information. Therefore, it is not at all uncommon to find two or more labels affixed to different locations of a single garment. For example, a shirt may carry a brand label which is placed in a visible location, and a neck label to give product information. However, there is a small, finite limit to the number of labels which can be applied to a garment without cluttering the garment.
Another problem with conventional labels for garments is that only static designs and information can be contained in the label. Animated designs and logos are not possible with conventional woven, printed or stamped labels. Also, conventional labels cannot display information which may change over time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an active label which is characterized by a changeable display. The label includes a thin, flexible LCD panel on which various types of label information can be displayed. The LCD panel is contained in a water-tight encasement made from an elastomeric material which can be affixed to a garment. The preferred method of attachment is by sewing the label to the garment. Alternately, the label can be attached to garments by metal or plastic rivets, VELCRO-type fasteners, bartacks, adhesives, snaps, or any other attachment technique known in the garment manufacturing business.
The label information which is displayed can include a company name and/or logo, material content information, care instructions, manufacturer information, e-mail address, web page address, telephone numbers or other information which the manufacturer wants to include on the label. This information can be included in multiple screen images which can be advanced by pressing a button or touch-sensitive input on the display. Also, information which changes over time can be displayed.
The active label of the present invention obviates the need for placing multiple labels on garments as is the current practice. Moreover, the active label of the present invention can display animated logos or changing information which is not possible with current labels.
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Coats & Bennett PLLC
Worrell Danny
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