WO2025006711A1

WO2025006711A1 - Tag including detachable label and methods thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2025006711A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/035763
Authority: WO
Inventors: Inge FLEUREN; Wim MOLENKAMP
Original assignee: Checkpoint Systems Inc
Current assignee: Checkpoint Systems Inc
Priority date: 2023-06-29
Filing date: 2024-06-27
Publication date: 2025-01-02
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-29

Abstract

Described are label and tag systems and methods that can provide more than one label or tag in the same assembly that are detachable or separable from each other for use and application to a single product. The labels and tags can be printed and/or encoded in the same process. The systems and methods can provide one or more (or all) of the following: at least two labels in the same assembly; a sewn-in label including a detachable adhesive label applicable to a product or secondary tag such as a hang tag; a pocket tag including a detachable adhesive label applicable to a product or secondary tag such as a hang tag; a tag including RFID technologies for asset tracking and EAS systems; and, a label including printed information associated with or linked to an RFID tag and able to register when an attached product is sold.

Description

PCT PATENT APPLICATION Inventors: Inge Fleuren Wim Molenkamp Docket No.: 44591-01945 TITLE TAG INCLUDING DETACHABLE LABEL AND METHODS THEREOF CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/523,977, filed on June 29, 2023, entitled “TAG INCLUDING DETACHABLE LABEL AND METHODS THEREOF,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a tag including a detachable label and methods of making and use thereof and, more particularly, to a printed tag assembly comprising radio frequency identification (RFID) and a printed detachable label, wherein the printing and encoding may be completed in the same process. BACKGROUND [0003] Labels are applied to products to build brand awareness, to describe the specifications of a product, to supply consumer information such as pricing, directions on product use, warnings, government-required content, to convey a quality message regarding the product, and the like. The information typically provided on a label is in the form of text, graphics, and images. For example, labels may be used to provide barcode information as well as brand and product identifying information. Labels may be formed as or attached to a tag and applied to a product. [0004] Labels may be applied to a product using adhesive or may be attached to a product by 1 33822225.1 other means, including being printed on or sewn into the product, attached to the product by a plastic, woven, or metal fastener, or part of a tag may loop through a part of the product. A single product may include multiple labels that include similar, related, or the same information, such as a hang tag attached to the product by a plastic, woven, metal, or looped fastener that may be removed after purchase by a consumer and a pocket or shirt tag that may be sewn into a product that generally remains attached to the product even as it is used by the consumer. The different labels may be applied to the same product at different times during the production, manufacturing, shipping, and distribution stages, for example. Labels, in providing an aesthetic appearance and in the ability to convey specific information to a consumer, are an important aspect in the industry. It is important that the different labels on a product are accurate with respect to the product. [0005] Labels and tags may also be used by retail stores for asset tracking and loss prevention. For example, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags may be used as a part of electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems. These RFID tags and EAS systems may be used to track inventory and/or alarm under specified conditions likely to be associated with an attempted theft without a point of sale, which can prevent and deter loss and theft of merchandise. Tags may be attached to merchandise pre-sale. In some applications, the tags may be removed by a specialized tool at a point of sale by a cashier. In other applications, the tags may be deactivated at a point of sale by a cashier. If the tags are not removed or otherwise deactivated, EAS antennas may alarm at the exit of a store if it detects an associated item moving through the exit of a store with an active tag. This alarm may signal attempted theft of items that have not been purchased, e.g., items that have not had the tags removed or deactivated. [0006] Conventionally, RFID tags are made, encoded, and applied to a product in separate processes compared to removable tags and sewn-in tags, since these require different 2 33822225.1 machines and infrastructure. Such separate processes can be redundant, time-consuming, and require double the manpower and effort as the information must be applied to all labels and every label manually matched to each other and the product multiple times. Such manual sorting to ensure the correct tags are each associated and attached to the correct product risks errors. Additionally, RFID tags generally cannot register when an attached product is sold, for example as the barcode or price tag which is scanned at a point of sale (at the same time the RFID tag is deactivated) is not associated with or linked to the RFID tag and vice versa where the RFID tag is not associated with or linked to the price tag or barcode scanned at a point of sale. SUMMARY [0007] The following presents a summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor define any limitations of embodiments or claims. Furthermore, this summary may provide a simplified overview of some aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure. Any of the described aspects may be isolated or combined with other described aspects without limitation to the same effect as if they had been described separately and in every possible combination explicitly. [0008] Described are label and tag systems, and methods of making and use thereof, that can provide more than one label or tag in the same assembly that are detachable or separable from each other for use and application to a single product. Described are label and tag systems, and methods of making and use thereof, that can provide more than one label or tag in the same assembly and that can be printed and/or encoded in the same process. The label and tag systems, and methods of making and use, can provide one or more (or all) of the following: at least two labels in the same assembly; a sewn-in label including a detachable adhesive label (e.g., that may be applied to a secondary tag such as a hang tag); a pocket tag including a 3 33822225.1 detachable adhesive label (e.g., that may be applied to a secondary tag such as a hang tag); a tag that further includes RFID technologies for asset tracking and EAS systems, for example; a label that includes printed information that is associated with or linked to an RFID tag and able to register when an attached product is sold, etc. [0009] Disclosed is a tag assembly. In an embodiment, the tag assembly may comprise a tag comprising a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an RFID component disposed within the tag. In an embodiment, the first side of the tag may be printable with first printed information. In an embodiment, the RFID component may be encodable with encoded information. In an embodiment, the tag assembly may comprise a detachable label comprising a first side and a second side. In an embodiment, the first side of the detachable label may be printable with second printed information. In an embodiment, the second side of the detachable label may comprise an adhesive layer. In an embodiment, the detachable label may be disposed on the second side of the tag by the adhesive layer. In an embodiment, the detachable label may be selectively separable from the second side of the tag. In an embodiment, the first printed information and second printed information may comprise related information. [0010] In an embodiment, the tag may comprise a woven material. In an embodiment, the tag may be configured to be sewn onto a product. [0011] In an embodiment, the tag may be a hang tag configured to be attached to a product by hanging. [0012] In an embodiment, the detachable label may be selectively separable from the second side of the tag and reattachable to a product by the adhesive layer. [0013] In an embodiment, the detachable label may be selectively separable from the second side of the tag and reattachable to a secondary tag by the adhesive layer. 4 33822225.1 [0014] In an embodiment, the second side of the tag may comprise a release liner. In an embodiment, when the detachable label is separated from the second side of the tag, the second side of the tag may be free of adhesive. [0015] In an embodiment, the detachable label may be smaller than the tag. [0016] In an embodiment, the RFID component may be fully embedded in the tag. [0017] In an embodiment, the first printed information and second printed information may include the same printed information. [0018] In an embodiment, the RFID component may be configured to track inventory of a product to which the tag is attached. [0019] Disclosed is a method of making a tag assembly. In an embodiment, the method may comprise providing a tag sheet having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the tag sheet comprising a plurality of RFID components disposed within the tag sheet. In an embodiment, the method may comprise applying a sheet of detachable labels onto the second side of the tag sheet, the sheet of detachable labels comprising a first side, a second side, and an adhesive layer on the second side. In an embodiment, the method may comprise customizing the tag sheet and sheet of detachable labels with product information selected from printing the first side of the sheet of detachable labels with label printed information, encoding the RFID component with encoded information, printing the first side of the tag sheet with tag printed information, or a combination of two or more thereof. In an embodiment, the method may comprise cutting the customized tag sheet and sheet of detachable labels into individual tag assemblies, wherein each tag assembly comprises a tag comprising an RFID component and a detachable label. [0020] In an embodiment, customizing the tag sheet and sheet of detachable labels with product information may include all of the following steps in any order: printing the first side 5 33822225.1 of the sheet of detachable labels with label printed information, encoding the RFID component with encoded information, printing the first side of the tag sheet with tag printed information. [0021] In an embodiment, customizing the tag sheet and sheet of detachable labels with product information may include all of the following steps in the following order: printing the first side of the sheet of detachable labels with label printed information, encoding the RFID component with encoded information, printing the first side of the tag sheet with tag printed information. [0022] In an embodiment, the tag may comprise a woven material. In an embodiment, the tag may be configured to be sewn onto a product. [0023] In an embodiment, the tag may be a hang tag configured to be attached to a product by hanging. [0024] In an embodiment, the detachable label may be selectively separable from a second side of the tag and reattachable to a product by an adhesive layer on a second side of the detachable label. [0025] In an embodiment, the detachable label may be selectively separable from a second side of the tag and reattachable to a secondary tag by an adhesive layer on a second side of the detachable label. [0026] In an embodiment, a second side of the tag may comprise a release liner. In an embodiment, when the detachable label is separated from the second side of the tag, the second side of the tag may be free of adhesive. [0027] In an embodiment, the detachable label may be smaller than the tag. [0028] In an embodiment, the label printed information and the tag printed information may include the same printed information. In an embodiment, the RFID component may be 6 33822225.1 configured to track inventory of a product to which the tag is attached. [0029] The following description and the drawings disclose various illustrative aspects. Some improvements and novel aspects may be expressly identified, while others may be apparent from the description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] The present teachings may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein: [0031] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a tag assembly including a detachable label in accordance with various aspects disclosed herein; [0032] FIG. 2 is a back view of an embodiment of a tag assembly including a detachable label in accordance with various aspects disclosed herein; [0033] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the tag assembly of FIG.1 taken along line A-A in accordance with various aspects disclosed herein; [0034] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an embodiment of a method of making of a tag assembly including a detachable label in accordance with various aspects disclosed herein; [0035] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an embodiment of a method of making of a tag assembly including a detachable label in accordance with various aspects disclosed herein; [0036] FIG. 6 shows various views of an embodiment of a tag assembly including a detachable label in accordance with various aspects disclosed herein; and [0037] FIG. 7 shows various views of an embodiment of a detachable label and corresponding secondary tag in accordance with various aspects disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0038] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be 7 33822225.1 understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the present teachings. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the present teachings. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present teachings. In this disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments not necessarily including all aspects described herein, etc. [0039] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” means an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise. [0040] Further, unless context suggest otherwise, descriptions of shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, etc.) refer to shapes meeting the definition of such shapes and general representation of such shapes. For instance, a triangular shape or generally triangular shape may include a shape that has three sides and three vertices or a shape that generally represents a triangle, such as a shape having three major sides that may or may not have straight edges, triangular like shapes with rounded vertices, etc. [0041] Described are label and tag systems, and methods of making and use thereof, that can provide more than one label or tag in the same assembly that are detachable or separable from 8 33822225.1 each other for use and application to a single product. Described are label and tag systems, and methods of making and use thereof, that can provide more than one label or tag in the same assembly and that can be printed and/or encoded in the same process. The label and tag systems, and methods of making and use, can provide one or more (or all) of the following: at least two labels in the same assembly; a sewn-in label including a detachable adhesive label (e.g., that may be applied to a secondary tag such as a hang tag); a pocket tag including a detachable adhesive label (e.g., that may be applied to a secondary tag such as a hang tag); a tag that further includes RFID technologies for asset tracking and EAS systems, for example; a label that includes printed information that is associated with or linked to an RFID tag and able to register when an attached product is sold, etc. [0042] Turning to FIGs. 1-3 and 6-7, shown are embodiments of a tag and label assembly 100. The assembly 100 may comprise a tag 130 and a label 160, which may also be referred to as first and second tags 130, 160 and first and second labels 130, 160. In an embodiment, the label 160 may be detachable from the tag assembly 100 and tag 130. In an embodiment, the tag 130 and the label 160 may be applied to different portions of a single product. In an embodiment, the tag 130 and the label 160 may be printable. In an embodiment, the tag 130 and the label 160 may include printed information. The printed information on the tag 130 and the label 160 may be the same, related, or similar and may reference or relate to the same product, brand, or the like. For example, either the tag 130 or the label 160 may include a bar code, product name, and brand name, while the other may include a QR code and shortened product name or brand logo. Generally, the similar or related information may be to the same product, brand, or the like. FIG.6 shows examples of printed information that may be applied to a front side of the assembly 100, e.g., on the tag 130 and on a backside of the assembly 100, e.g., on the label 160. 9 33822225.1 [0043] In an embodiment, tag 130 may include an RFID component 140. The RFID component 140 may be chosen from any now known or later discovered RFID components as may be suitable or desired. In an embodiment, the RFID component 140 may be encoded with certain information, such as information related to a product that the tag 130 is associated with or thereto attached or any other identifying information as may be suitable or desired. In an embodiment, the RFID component 140 may be referred to as or include one or more (or all) of: an antenna, chip, integrated circuit, substrate, inlay, and/or transponder circuitry. An RFID system may include a scanning antenna, a transceiver, and a transponder. In an embodiment, the RFID component 140 may be a passive component. For a passive component, the component may receive its power from an RFID reader, whose electromagnetic wave may induce a current in the antenna of the RFID component. In an example, a typical RFID reader may energize the transponder circuitry in the component by transmitting a power signal. The power signal may convey data, which can be stored in a transponder memory, or the transponder circuitry may transmit a response signal containing data previously stored in its memory. If the transponder circuitry transmits a response signal, the RFID reader may receive the response signal and interpret the stored data. The data may be transmitted to a host computer for processing. [0044] The RFID component 140 and tag 130 thereof may be used for asset tracking and EAS systems. In combination with the label 160 (and/or secondary tags and assemblies 200, 250), the RFID component 140 may be encoded with certain information and the label 160 may be printed with certain related information so that the label 160 and RFID component 140 may be linked. In an embodiment, tag 130 and label 160 (and/or secondary tags and assemblies 200, 250) may be able to register when an attached product is sold. As described herein, the tag 130 and label 160 (and/or secondary tags and assemblies 200, 250) may be 10 33822225.1 applied to the same product. As described herein, the RFID component 140 of the tag 130 may be encoded and the label 160 may be printed in the same process. [0045] In an example, the tag 130 (and assembly 100) may be a tag that is configured to be sewn into a product. FIG. 6 shows tag 130 and label 160 separately and together forming assembly 100. In an example, the tag 130 (and assembly 100) may be a pocket tag. Such tags may also be referred to and understood as woven tags, fabric tags, brand tags, sewn-in tags, permanent tags, semi-permanent tags, and the like, in an example. Such tags may be applicable to any products as may be suitable or desired. Such tags may be applicable to products that include, for example, a fabric material or that are otherwise capable of having a tag sewn thereon without damaging or altering the product. For example, the tags may be applied to garments, clothing, handbags and other bag items, linens, bedding, mattresses, pillows, curtains, towels, chairs and couches, cushions, stuffed animals, and the like. Such tags may be removed by the consumer after purchase, e.g., by cutting the tag or the attached sewn thread, or the tags may be left on by the consumer after purchase even as the product is used. Although embodiments may describe tag 130 as a sewn-in or pocket tag, it is noted that tag 130 may be any other tag or label as may be suitable or desired. For example, tag 130 may be a hang tag, adhesive tag, etc. [0046] In an example, the label 160 may be a label that is configured to detach from assembly 100 and be applied to a product directly or to another secondary tag 200 that is applied to a product. FIGs. 6-7 show label 160 as attached to tag 130 to form assembly 100, separated from tag 130, and reattached to secondary tag 200, forming secondary assembly 150. In an example, label 160 may include an adhesive layer 168 that releasably attaches the label 160 to the assembly 100 (e.g., to a side of tag 130). The label 160 including adhesive layer 168 may be detachable or releasable from the assembly 100 (e.g., the side of tag 130). The adhesive layer 168 may allow for the label 160 to be selectively reattached to the product 11 33822225.1 or the other secondary tag 200 through the adhesive layer 168. Although embodiments may describe label 160 as an adhesive label, it is noted that label 160 may be any other tag or label as may be suitable or desired. For example, label 160 may be a hang tag, pocket tag, etc. [0047] In an embodiment, the adhesive layer 168, and label 160 attached thereto, may be directly applied to the product. In an embodiment, the adhesive layer 168, and label 160 attached thereto, may be applied to a secondary tag 200 and the secondary tag 200 may be attached to the product. The secondary tag 200, in an example, may be a hang tag. As a hang tag, the secondary tag 200 may be attached to the product by a plastic, woven, metal, or looped fastener, for example, such as a plastic t-tab, thread, safety pins, a looped portion of the hang tag, etc. Although embodiments may describe secondary tag 200 as a hang tag, it is noted that secondary tag 200 may be any other tag or label as may be suitable or desired. For example, secondary tag 200 may be an adhesive tag, pocket tag, etc. FIG. 7 shows an example of secondary tag 200 where secondary tag 200 is a hang tag. [0048] The adhesive layer 168 may be a self-adhesive. The adhesive layer 168 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Adhesive 168 may be a permanent adhesive when attached to the secondary tag 200, for example, or the adhesive may be a removable adhesive if attached directly to a product, for example. The adhesive is not particularly limited and can be chosen from any now known or later discovered adhesive material as may be suitable or desired. Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, random copolymer adhesives such as those based upon acrylate and/or methacrylate copolymers, alpha-olefin copolymers, silicone copolymers, chloroprene/acrylonitrile copolymers, and the like; and block copolymer adhesives including those based upon linear block copolymers (i.e., A-B and A-B-A type), branched block copolymers, star block copolymers, grafted or radial block copolymers, etc., and natural and synthetic rubber adhesives. 12 33822225.1 [0049] Although adhesive layers are herein described, it is noted that other attachable, detachable, and re-attachable mechanisms may be utilized. For example, assembly 100 may include perforations that attach the label 160 to the tag 130 and the perforations may be broken to release the label 160 from the assembly 100. For example, assembly 100 may include a cut line that indicates the label 160 and the tag 130 and the cut line may be cut to release the label 160 from the assembly 100. Once detached, the label 160 may be used as a hang tag itself and applied to a product, in an example. Once detached, double-sided adhesive may be applied to the label 160 and attached to a product, in an example. [0050] As described, in an example, the label 160 may be an adhesive label and the secondary tag 200 may be a hang tag. Together, the label 160 selectively attached to the secondary tag 200 may form a secondary assembly 250. The secondary assembly 250 may be referred to and understood as a hang tag when secondary tag 200 is a hang tag just as assembly 100 may be referred to and understood as a pocket tag when tag 130 is a pocket tag. Both the secondary tag 200 and the tag 130 may have the label 160 attached thereto (thereby forming corresponding assembly 100, 250) depending on the stage of production, manufacturing, shipping, and distribution stages, for example. All label and tag components may be attached to the same product (directly or through a secondary tag). Both tag 130 (as assembly 100 and itself) and secondary tag 200 (as assembly 250 or itself) may be attached to the same product. Label 160 may be transferred from tag 130 to secondary tag 200 on the same product. [0051] In an embodiment, assembly 100 including tag 130 and label 160 may be attached to a product. In an embodiment, the label 160 may be thereafter detached from assembly 100, leaving tag 130 remaining attached to the product as is. It is noted that, alternatively, label 160 may be detached from the assembly 100 prior to attachment of the assembly 100 or tag 130 to a product and that after detachment of the label 160, tag 130 may be attached to the 13 33822225.1 product separately. In an embodiment, label 160 may be applied to secondary tag 200. In an embodiment, secondary tag 200 may already be attached to the product, or secondary tag 200 and label 160, i.e., secondary assembly 250, may be attached to the product together. It is noted that all alternative embodiments described herein related to the tags and labels may be applied in any combination to this described method of use as may be suitable or desired and as if explicitly repeated. [0052] Secondary assembly 250 and tag 200 may be referred to and understood as paper tags, price tags, removable tags, disposable tags, non-permanent tags and the like, in an example. Such tags may be removed by the consumer after purchase. As with assembly 100, assembly 250 may be applicable to any products as may be suitable or desired. As with assembly 100, assembly 250 may be applied to garments, clothing, handbags and other bag items, linens, bedding, mattresses, pillows, curtains, towels, chairs and couches, cushions, stuffed animals, and the like. [0053] In an embodiment, the printed information on label 160 may be related to pre-sale and point of sale information, such as barcodes, pricing, branding, sizing, and the like. In an embodiment, the printed information on tag 130 may be related to post-sale information, such as branding, sizing, washing or care instructions, fabric materials, and the like. It is noted that some of the printed information may be the same on each of the label 160 and tag 130 and that some of the printed information may be different. As described, both may be printed with certain identifying or serialized information (e.g., a QR code) that may be related to each other and/or the RFID component 140 to allow tracking of the product through sale and by scanning. [0054] The tag 130, label 160, and secondary tag 200 can be formed from any suitable material as may be desired for a particular purpose or intended application. The tag 130, label 160, and secondary tag 200 may be made of the same, similar, or different materials. Each of 14 33822225.1 the tag 130, label 160, and secondary tag 200 may independently selected from a non-woven or woven material, fiber-based material, a textile or non-textile substrate, or may comprise any other suitable material. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, films or paper-based materials such as facestock, cardboard, or any appropriate polymeric material such as polyethylene (polyolefin), polyester (mylar), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), oriented polypropylene (OPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), cross-laminated polyethylene films, flashspun high-density polyethylene fibers, spunbonded olefin sheets, nylon, nylon taffeta, etc., or any blend of two or more thereof. [0055] In an example, tag 130 may comprise two layers of material that surround or sandwich the RFID component 140. This RFID containing assembly may be referred to as a base material. In an example, tag 130 may comprise a base material or base stock that may comprise two layers of glued or adhered cardboard or textile material between which the RFID component 140 (e.g., an RFID chip and antenna) are positioned. As described, one side of the base material or tag 130 may be coated to allow removal of an adhesive label (e.g., label 160) from the tag 130. As described, the other side of the base material or tag 130 may include a coating for printing or may otherwise be printable. As described, the side opposite the adhesive or outwardly facing side of the label 160 may similarly include a coating for printing or may otherwise be printable. [0056] FIGs. 1-2 show front and back sides of assembly 100 comprising tag 130 and label 160. FIG.3 shows a cross-section of the assembly 100 in FIG.1 taken along line A-A. [0057] As shown, tag 130 may comprise a first substrate layer 132 and a second substrate layer 133. The first substrate layer 132 may have a surface or side 135 that is printable or that includes printed information as herein described. The second substrate layer 133 may have a surface or side 136 that is configured to allow for the label 160 to be releasably attached or adhered to the tag. For example, the surface 136 can be provided with a release coating (e.g., 15 33822225.1 a silicone release material) or other coating that allows for the adhesive to be releasably attached to the tag. The second substrate layer 133 may be configured to have a release surface across the entirety of the surface 136, a majority of the surface 136, a portion of the surface 136 that is greater than the corresponding adhesive 168 of label 160, a portion of the surface 136 that is generally equal to the corresponding adhesive 168 of label 160, and the like. In an embodiment, surface 135 may be the front or topside side of the tag 130. In an embodiment, surface 136 may be the back or underside side of the tag 130. Between the first substrate layer 132 and the second substrate layer 133, tag 130 may further include RFID component 140. The first substrate layer 132 and the second substrate layer 133 may have generally the same size and shape. The first substrate layer 132 and the second substrate layer 133 may be any size and shape as suitable or desired, including round, square, rectangular, geometric, irregular, and the like. [0058] As shown, label 160 may comprise a label substrate layer 163. The label substrate layer 160 may have a surface or side 165 that is printable or that includes printed information as herein described. The label substrate layer 163 may have a surface or side 166 that includes adhesive 168. In an embodiment, surface 165 may be the front or topside side of the label 160. In an embodiment, surface 166 may be the back or underside side of the label 160. Adhesive 168 may extend across the entire label substrate layer 163 or a portion thereof. Adhesive 168 and label substrate layer 163 may be releasable from tag 130 to form label 160. It is noted that the label substrate layer 163 may be the same as label 160 in size and shape or the label substrate layer 163 may be larger and the label 160 die-cut thereon. Adhesive 168 may allow attachment of the label 160 to a product directly or through a secondary tag 200. [0059] Methods 800, 900 of forming assembly 100 including tag 130 and label 160 for separation and attachment to a product are shown in FIGs.4-5. 16 33822225.1 [0060] As shown in FIG. 4, in an embodiment, label 160 may be made by forming a label substrate 163 at step 802 and depositing an adhesive 168 onto the label substrate 163 at step 804, e.g., on the backside 166 of label substrate 163. In an embodiment, at step 808, tag 130 may be formed including substrate layers and an RFID component, e.g., substrate layers 132, 133 and RFID component 140 sandwiched in between the substrate layers 132, 133. The label 160 may be applied to the tag 130 at step 810, e.g., on the backside 136 of tag 130, through the adhesive 168 on the label 160. [0061] Printing of the tag 130 and/or label 160, e.g., on the frontside 135 of the tag 130 and on the frontside 165 of the label 160 and/or encoding of the RFID component 140 may be carried out at step 820. It is noted that step 820 may be carried out during any time during method 800, including preceding, following, or at the same time as any of steps 802, 808 , 804, 810. It is noted that step 820 may be understood as being 1, 2, or 3 steps (or more), for the printing of the tag 130 with identifying information, printing of the label 160 with identifying information, and/or encoding of the RFID component 140. Each of these steps in 820 may be carried out at the same time, at different times, and preceding, following, or at the same time as any of steps 802, 808 , 804, 810. It is noted that label 160 may be die-cut (at any point in method 800) from the label substrate 163 or the label substrate may be the same size and shape as the label 160 initially. Method 800 may include siliconizing the backside 136 of tag 130. [0062] As shown in FIG. 5, in an embodiment, base material used for tag 130 may be unwound and contain a fully integrated RFID component 140 at step 910. A label substrate 163 containing a self-adhesive 168 may be applied to the base material or tag 130 at step 920. A liner material may be removed from the self-adhesive 168 prior to applying to the base material or tag 130. At step 933, the label substrate 163 or label 160 may be printed with identifying information, on the frontside 165 of the label substrate 163 or label 160. At step 17 33822225.1 936, the RFID component 140 may be encoded. At step 939, the tag 130 may be printed with identifying information, e.g., on the frontside 135 of the tag 130. It is noted that all of the steps 933, 936, 939 may be carried out in method 900 or that two or more may be carried out in step 900. For example, some embodiments may print only the label 160 and encode the RFID component 140. For example, some embodiments may print only the tag 130 and encode the RFID component 140. For example, some embodiments may not include an RFID component 140 and may include printing of the label 160 and printing of the tag 130. For example, some embodiments may include printing the label 160, printing the tag 130, and encoding the RFID component 140. Each of the steps 933, 936, 939 may be carried out during any time during method 900, including preceding, following, or at the same time as any of steps shown in FIG. 5. Each of these steps in 933, 936, and 939 may be carried out at the same time, at different times, and preceding, following, or at the same time as any of steps shown in FIG. 5. It is noted that label 160 may be die-cut (at any point in method 900, such as cutting step 940) from the label substrate 163 or the label substrate may be the same size and shape as the label 160 initially. Method 900 may include siliconizing the backside 136 of tag 130. [0063] Methods 800, 900 may further including sorting steps and quality assurance steps to separate good tags and rejected tags. [0064] The described assemblies and methods (and tags and labels thereof) can provide RFID technologies on a tag (for example, a pocket tag attached to or embedded in fabric materials, clothing, or garments, and the like, such as tag 130) and can provide other printed information, such as an RFID electronic product code (EPC) data on a separate label or tag, such as on label 160 which may be applied to secondary tag 200. The RFID tag 130 and the printed label 160 may be provided together and may be separable for attachment to a single product. The printed RFID EPC data may be provided in the form of a QR code, data matrix, 18 33822225.1 barcode, etc., for example. In an embodiment, label 160 and/or secondary tag 200 may be a price tag. It is noted that tag 130 may also include the same, similar, related, or different printed information. [0065] Such printed information on label 160 and/or secondary tag 200 may link the label 160 to the associated RFID on tag 130. When a product containing these tags and labels is purchased, the price tag (e.g., the label 160 and/or secondary tag 200) scanned at the point of sale can register the RFID as being sold. These tags and labels can similarly identify if a product is not sold, returned, etc. based on if and what circumstances the price tag (e.g., the label 160 and/or secondary tag 200) is scanned. In conventional systems, the price tags may not include a serialized EPC or other identifying tracking information and would not be able to register a particular RFID item as being sold, not sold, returned, etc. The described assemblies and methods (and tags and labels thereof) can provide linked identifying or serialized information printed on the label 160 and encoded in the RFID in tag 130 so that the printed label 160 and encoded RFID tag 130 can be tracked or associated with each other. [0066] Moreover, in conventional processes, label printing and assembly and RFID encoding and assembly are completed by different processes, requiring different machines and infrastructures, so that any printed labels and encoded RFID tags would be have to be made and processed separately and then manually matched with one another. This requires additional time, manpower, and risks errors in sorting. The described assemblies and methods (and tags and labels thereof) can provide an RFID label/tag and a non-RFID label/tag, with linked identifying or serialized information, as a single item or unit so that manual matching or sorting of the two labels/tags is not needed. The RFID label/tag may be encoded at the same time or in the same process as the printing of the other label/tag. In an embodiment, this may be simultaneous or relatively simultaneous. The two labels/tags can then be separated and applied to the same product (or applied to the product as a single unit, separated, and then 19 33822225.1 the separated label/tag applied to the same product). It is noted that application to the product may be direct or the labels/tags may be applied to a secondary tag, which is applied to the product. [0067] The described assemblies and methods (and tags and labels thereof) may also provide a three-way match on variable data including printed information on tag 130, printed information on label 160, and RFID encoding of tag 130. Both the tag 130 and the label 160, may include the same printed information such as the same QR code, data matrix, barcode, etc. This same printed information may relate to the RFID encoding of tag 130. It is noted that the tag 130 and the label 160 may also include different printed information, such as price, size, washing or care instructions, fabric materials, and the like, in addition to having the same printed information. The same printed information may be referred to as linked, associated, serialized, identifying, RFID-related, etc., information. All the printed tag 130, encoded RFID 140, and printed label 160 may be provided as a single item or unit so that manual matching or sorting of the three labels/tags is not needed. The RFID label/tag may be encoded at the same time or in the same process as the printing of the other tags/labels. In an embodiment, this may be simultaneous or relatively simultaneous. The encoded RFID/printed label/tag and the other printed label/tag can then be separated and applied to the same product (or applied to the product as a single unit, separated, and then the separated label/tag applied to the same product). It is noted that application to the product may be direct or the labels/tags may be applied to a secondary tag, which is applied to the product. [0068] Although embodiments herein may describe an RFID tag or component, it is noted that the two printed labels/tags may also be used and provided without the RFID tag or component. The described assemblies and methods (and tags and labels thereof) may provide printed information on tag 130 and printed information on label 160. Both the tag 130 and the label 160, may include the same printed information such as the same QR code, data matrix, 20 33822225.1 barcode, etc. The printed tag 130 and printed label 160 may be provided as a single item or unit so that manual matching or sorting of the two labels/tags is not needed. The labels/tags may be printed at same time or in the same process. In an embodiment, this may be simultaneous or relatively simultaneous The printed labels/tags can then be separated and applied to the same product (or applied to the product as a single unit, separated, and then the separated label/tag applied to the same product). It is noted that application to the product may be direct or the labels/tags may be applied to a secondary tag, which is applied to the product. [0069] Although the embodiments of the present teachings have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present teachings are not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the present teachings described herein are capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof. 21 33822225.1

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A tag assembly, comprising: a tag comprising a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an RFID component disposed within the tag, wherein the first side is printable with first printed information and wherein the RFID component is encodable with encoded information; a detachable label comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is printable with second printed information and the second side of the detachable label comprises an adhesive layer; and wherein the detachable label is disposed on the second side of the tag by the adhesive layer; wherein the detachable label is selectively separable from the second side of the tag, and wherein the first printed information and second printed information comprise related information.

2. The tag assembly of claim 1, wherein the tag comprises a woven material and is configured to be sewn onto a product.

3. The tag assembly of claim 1, wherein the tag is a hang tag configured to be attached to a product by hanging.

4. The tag assembly of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detachable label is selectively separable from the second side of the tag and reattachable to a product by the adhesive layer.

5. The tag assembly of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detachable label is selectively separable from the second side of the tag and reattachable to a secondary tag by the adhesive layer.

6. The tag assembly of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second side of the tag comprises a release liner and when the detachable label is separated from the second side of the tag, the second side of the tag is free of adhesive. 22 33822225.1

7. The tag assembly of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detachable label is smaller than the tag.

8. The tag label assembly of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the RFID component is fully embedded in the tag.

9. The tag assembly of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first printed information and second printed information include the same printed information.

10. The tag assembly of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the RFID component is configured to track inventory of a product to which the tag is attached.

11. A method of making a tag assembly, comprising: providing a tag sheet having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the tag sheet comprising a plurality of RFID components disposed within the tag sheet; applying a sheet of detachable labels onto the second side of the tag sheet, the sheet of detachable labels comprising a first side, a second side, and an adhesive layer on the second side; customizing the tag sheet and sheet of detachable labels with product information selected from printing the first side of the sheet of detachable labels with label printed information, encoding the RFID component with encoded information, printing the first side of the tag sheet with tag printed information, or a combination of two or more thereof; cutting the customized tag sheet and sheet of detachable labels into individual tag assemblies, wherein each tag assembly comprises a tag comprising an RFID component and a detachable label.

12. The method of making a tag assembly of claim 11, wherein customizing the tag sheet and sheet of detachable labels with product information includes all of the following steps in any order: printing the first side of the sheet of detachable labels with label printed 23 33822225.1 information, encoding the RFID component with encoded information, printing the first side of the tag sheet with tag printed information.

13. The method of making a tag assembly of claim 11, wherein customizing the tag sheet and sheet of detachable labels with product information includes all of the following steps in the following order: printing the first side of the sheet of detachable labels with label printed information, encoding the RFID component with encoded information, printing the first side of the tag sheet with tag printed information.

14. The method of making a tag assembly of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the tag comprises a woven material and is configured to be sewn onto a product.

15. The method of making a tag assembly of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the tag is a hang tag configured to be attached to a product by hanging.

16. The method of making a tag assembly of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the detachable label is selectively separable from a second side of the tag and reattachable to a product by an adhesive layer on a second side of the detachable label.

17. The method of making a tag assembly of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the detachable label is selectively separable from a second side of the tag and reattachable to a secondary tag by an adhesive layer on a second side of the detachable label.

18. The method of making a tag assembly of any of claims 11 to 17, wherein a second side of the tag comprises a release liner and when the detachable label is separated from the second side of the tag, the second side of the tag is free of adhesive.

19. The method of making a tag assembly of any of claims 11 to 18, wherein the detachable label is smaller than the tag.

20. The method of making a tag assembly of any of claims 11 to 19, wherein the label printed information and the tag printed information include the same printed information. 24 33822225.1

21. The method of making a tag assembly of any of claims 11 to 20, wherein the RFID component is configured to track inventory of a product to which the tag is attached. 25 33822225.1