WO1999041728A1 - Active labels for garments - Google Patents
Active labels for garments Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999041728A1 WO1999041728A1 PCT/US1997/024045 US9724045W WO9941728A1 WO 1999041728 A1 WO1999041728 A1 WO 1999041728A1 US 9724045 W US9724045 W US 9724045W WO 9941728 A1 WO9941728 A1 WO 9941728A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- display
- label
- garment
- screen
- information
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
- G09F9/30—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
- G09F9/35—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being liquid crystals
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F21/00—Mobile visual advertising
- G09F21/02—Mobile visual advertising by a carrier person or animal
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
- G09F3/10—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself by an adhesive layer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
- G09F3/18—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels
- G09F3/20—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels
- G09F3/208—Electronic labels, Labels integrating electronic displays
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
- G09G2380/00—Specific applications
- G09G2380/04—Electronic labels
Definitions
- shirt may carry a brand label which is placed in a visible location, and a neck
- the label includes a thin, flexible LCD panel on which
- the LCD panel is
- the label can be attached to the garment.
- Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of
- Figure 2 is a section view of the active label.
- Figure 3 is a front view showing one embodiment of the active label.
- Figure 4a-4c are front elevation views of an active label having multiple
- Figure 5 is a front elevation view of another active label including a
- Figure 6 is a front elevation view of an active label including a solar cell
- Figure 7 is a front elevation of a shirt with an active label attached
- the active label includes an electronic display 20 for displaying information.
- the label information may consist simply
- the electronic display 20 is preferably a liquid crystal-type display.
- the display 20 comprises a display panel 22, a backlight panel 28 to backlight
- the display panel 22 is, as already mentioned, a liquid crystal-type display
- Display elements are formed by etching a conductive film deposit
- the display may be either a monochrome display or a color display. Also, the display
- panel could be a passive matrix or active matrix display.
- present invention including reflective, transmissive, or transflective panels.
- transflective LCD's are best suited for practicing the present
- displays include a backlighting panel 28 to backlight the display panel 22.
- LEDs 28 provide a light source which is transmitted by
- backlighting is preferred, however, because of its longevity.
- 4 28a can be manually activated and deactivated by an illumination button 50
- the backlight can be activated by a
- touch-sensitive input i.e. touch screen
- the circuit board 30 contains ail of the circuitry necessary to drive the
- the circuit board contains an integrated circuit which
- the microprocessor 32 includes a microprocessor 32, display driver 34 and power supply 36.
- circuit board 30 includes a series of terminals 38 which are electrically
- connection may be made for example by means of a conventional
- zebra-strip or similar conductive element. In certain cases, it may be
- circuit 34 can be connected to the display panel 22 by a conventional flex
- the case 40 comprises a base panel 42 and a window frame 44 which
- window frame 44 are preferably made of an elastomeric material such as
- the display 20 is interposed
- the window frame 44 is
- the base panel 42 is larger than the window frame 44 so that a peripheral
- portion 48 of the base panel 42 extends outward from the window frame 44
- the perimeter portion 48 of the base panel 42 provides a
- Figure 3 has a generally square configuration. This embodiment uses only a
- An illumination button 50 is disposed along the bottom of the display panel 22
- FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the active label 10 which
- half of the display 20 is used to display information such as the material
- a button 50 is disposed along the bottom of the
- the button 50 is preferably a two-way toggle button. Pressing the left side of
- the toggle button 50 advances the screen image. Pressing the right side
- Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the active label 10. In this
- the display has an elongated, rectangular shape. The larger
- the touch screen 52 includes two touch
- the left pointer advances
- the right pointer turns the backlighting on and off.
- Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the active label 10. In this
- the label has a vertically oriented, rectangular configuration.
- the upper portion of the rectangle contains one or more solar cells 54 which
- the display can be used to power the display and/or recharge the display batteries.
- the touch screen can be used to advance the screen
- the label would typically be attached to the top
- the label 10 may be secured by hooks, buckles, snaps,
- VELCRO-type fasteners adhesives, or pins.
- the label 10 could also be
- the present invention overcomes the problems associated with
- present invention provides a method to convey more information to
- the label can be any one of
Abstract
A label (10) for a garment including an electronic display (20) such as a liquid crystal display for displaying label information. The label information may include company name or logo that identifies the source of the garment, product information such as the material content of the garment or care instructions, and manufacturer information. The label information can be contained in multiple screen images which can be stepped through by pressing a button (50) or touch-sensitive area of the display (20). The display (20) can also be programmed to display a series of related images in sequence to produce an animated logo.
Description
ACTIVE LABELS FOR GARMENTS
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 manufacturer's 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of
the active label of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a section view of the active label.
Figure 3 is a front view showing one embodiment of the active label.
Figure 4a-4c are front elevation views of an active label having multiple
display screens.
Figure 5 is a front elevation view of another active label including a
touch-sensitive input.
Figure 6 is a front elevation view of an active label including a solar cell
and touch-sensitive input.
Figure 7 is a front elevation of a shirt with an active label attached
thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1 , an active
label for garments or other clothing articles is shown and indicated generally
by the numeral 10. The active label includes an electronic display 20 for
displaying label information and a case 40. Preferably, both the electronic
display 20 and case 40 are flexible. The label information may consist simply
of a brand name or logo which identifies the source or origin of the garment.
The label information may also include product information such as the
material content of the garment and care instructions or manufacturer
information.
The electronic display 20 is preferably a liquid crystal-type display.
The display 20 comprises a display panel 22, a backlight panel 28 to backlight
the display panel 22, and a circuit board 30 containing an integrated circuit
which provides power, data, and control signals for operating the display 20.
The display panel 22 is, as already mentioned, a liquid crystal-type display
which comprises liquid crystal composites disposed between upper and lower
substrates. Display elements are formed by etching a conductive film deposit
on the inner surface of each substrate. Etched areas become the display
background; unetched areas become the display elements. When a voltage
potential is applied, the display elements becomes visible. The display
elements can be individually addressed (i.e. their conductive surfaces
energized) to selectively activate the display elements. The display panel
may be either a monochrome display or a color display. Also, the display
panel could be a passive matrix or active matrix display.
Numerous types of LCD panels can be used in connection with the
present invention including reflective, transmissive, or transflective panels.
However, transflective LCD's are best suited for practicing the present
invention because the display elements are visible in a wide variety of lighting
conditions including both outdoor and indoor lighting conditions. Transflective
displays include a backlighting panel 28 to backlight the display panel 22.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 28 provide a light source which is transmitted by
the backlight panel 28 which serves as a light guide. An electroluminescent
panel could also be used as a backlight for the display panel 22. LED
backlighting is preferred, however, because of its longevity. The backlight
4
28a can be manually activated and deactivated by an illumination button 50
(see Fig. 3) on the label 10. Alternatively, the backlight can be activated by a
touch-sensitive input (i.e. touch screen) on the display panel 22.
The circuit board 30 contains ail of the circuitry necessary to drive the
display panel 22. The circuit board contains an integrated circuit which
includes a microprocessor 32, display driver 34 and power supply 36. The
circuit board 30 includes a series of terminals 38 which are electrically
connected to corresponding terminals (not shown) on the display panel 22.
Such connection may be made for example by means of a conventional
zebra-strip or similar conductive element. In certain cases, it may be
necessary to locate the microprocessor 32 and driver circuits 34 remotely
from the display panel 22. In these cases, the microprocessor 32 and driver
circuit 34 can be connected to the display panel 22 by a conventional flex
connector which is disposed between two-layers of the garment. The
advantage of locating the circuit components remotely from the display panel
22 lies in the reduction of the size of label 20 making it possible to keep the
label 10 thin. The construction of LCD's is well-known to those skilled in the
art and therefore will not be described in detail herein.
The case 40 comprises a base panel 42 and a window frame 44 which
has a transparent window 46 for viewing the display 20. Both the base panel
42 and window frame 44 are preferably made of an elastomeric material such
a flexible, sewable rubber. During assembly, the display 20 is interposed
between the base panel 42 and window frame 44. The window frame 44 is
then glued or bonded to the base panel 42 to form a water-tight enclosure.
The base panel 42 is larger than the window frame 44 so that a peripheral
portion 48 of the base panel 42 extends outward from the window frame 44
on all sides. The perimeter portion 48 of the base panel 42 provides a
convenient location for stitching to secure the label 10 to a garment.
Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a front view of an active label
constructed in accordance with the present invention. The label 10 shown in
Figure 3 has a generally square configuration. This embodiment uses only a
single screen image for displaying a company logo and product information.
An illumination button 50 is disposed along the bottom of the display panel 22
to provide a means to turn the backlighting on and off.
Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the active label 10 which
includes multiple screen images and a button 50. The company's logo is
displayed in the upper left corner of each of the display screens. The bottom
half of the display 20 is used to display information such as the material
content of the garment, care instructions, manufacturer information, e-mail
address, telephone numbers, or other information which the manufacturer
wants to include on the label. A button 50 is disposed along the bottom of the
display to advance the screen image and to turn the backlighting on and off.
The button 50 is preferably a two-way toggle button. Pressing the left side of
the toggle button 50 advances the screen image. Pressing the right side
turns the backlighting on and off.
Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the active label 10. In this
embodiment, the display has an elongated, rectangular shape. The larger
area on the left is an information screen on which the label information is
displayed. The smaller area on the right where the company logo is
displayed is a touch screen 52. The touch screen 52 includes two touch
sensitive areas indicated by the triangular pointers. The left pointer advances
the display screen. The right pointer turns the backlighting on and off.
Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the active label 10. In this
embodiment, the label has a vertically oriented, rectangular configuration.
The upper portion of the rectangle contains one or more solar cells 54 which
can be used to power the display and/or recharge the display batteries. The
lower portion of the label where the company logo is displayed is a touch
screen 52. The middle portion of the label is an information screen. As in the
previous embodiment, the touch screen can be used to advance the screen
image and to turn the backlighting on and off.
In all of the embodiments described thus far, the label is designed to
be sewn onto the garment. The precise location of the label will depend on
the type of garment. In shirts, the label would typically be attached to the top
edge of a shirt pocket or to the chest area. In pants, the label would typically
be attached to a pocket or along the waistline.
Other methods of attaching the label 10 to the garment may also be
used. For example, the label 10 may be secured by hooks, buckles, snaps,
VELCRO-type fasteners, adhesives, or pins. The label 10 could also be
designed as a cartridge which slides in a pocket on the garment. Any
attachment technique known in the garment industry could be used.
The present invention overcomes the problems associated with
conventional woven or printed labels. Since the label can be programmed to
display multiple screen images, only a single label is needed. Thus, the
present invention provides a method to convey more information to
consumers without cluttering the garment with labels. Also, the label can be
easily programmed to automatically display a sequence of related images to
provide an animated logo rather than a static logo.
The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific
ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential
characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes
coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are
intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. A label for a garment comprising:
a) an electronic display panel for displaying label information; and
b) means for attaching said electronic display to said garment.
2. The label according to claim 1 wherein said display panel is a
liquid crystal display.
3. The label according to claim 2 wherein said liquid crystal display
includes a backlight.
4. The label according to claim 3 further including a power switch
to alternately turn the power to said backlight on and off.
5. The label according to claim 2 further including a plurality of
screen images associated with said display panel which can be selectively
displayed on the display panel by the user.
6. The label according to claim 5 further including an input device
to manually change the screen image.
7. The label according to claim 5 wherein said screen images
include a logo screen.
8. The label according to claim 5 wherein said screen images
include at least one product information screen.
9. A method for affixing a label to a garment comprising:
a) providing an electronic display;
b) programming said display to display label information; and
c) attaching said display to a garment.
9
10 The method according to claim 9 wherein the electronic
display is a liquid crystal display
11 The method according to claim 9 wherein the step of
programming said display comprises programming the display to display
multiple screen images
12 The method according to claim 11 wherein the electronic
display includes an input device to manually change said screen images
13 The method according to claim 11 wherein said screen images
change automatically without input from the user
14 The method according to claim 12 wherein said input device
comprises a pressure-activated button on said display
15 The method according to claim 12 wherein said input device
comprises a touch screen
16 An improved article of clothing comprising
a) a body covering garment, and
b) an electronic label including a display attached to said garment,
wherein said electronic label is programmed to display label
information
17 The clothing article of claim 16 wherein said display is a liquid
crystal display
18 The clothing article of claim 17 wherein said label is
programmed to display multiple screen images on said display
10
19. The clothing article of claim 18 wherein said label further
includes an input device to allow the user to manually change the screen
image on said display.
20. The clothing article of claim 19 wherein said input device is a
pressure-activated button.
21. The clothing article of claim 19 wherein said input device is a
touch screen.
11
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/024045 WO1999041728A1 (en) | 1998-02-11 | 1998-02-11 | Active labels for garments |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/024045 WO1999041728A1 (en) | 1998-02-11 | 1998-02-11 | Active labels for garments |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999041728A1 true WO1999041728A1 (en) | 1999-08-19 |
Family
ID=22262387
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/024045 WO1999041728A1 (en) | 1998-02-11 | 1998-02-11 | Active labels for garments |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
WO (1) | WO1999041728A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2335261A1 (en) * | 2009-11-18 | 2010-03-23 | Muñoz Bellvehi,Xavier | System for locating persons in relation with an object |
US8864362B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2014-10-21 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Illumination device having remotely powered lightguide |
US9990030B2 (en) | 2000-05-19 | 2018-06-05 | Edged Display Management Llc | Apparatus for the display of embedded information |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3802945A (en) * | 1971-10-14 | 1974-04-09 | B James | Heat sensitive novelty device |
US4556932A (en) * | 1983-03-28 | 1985-12-03 | Lehrer Bradley D | Lighted novelty item |
US4926572A (en) * | 1987-08-24 | 1990-05-22 | Professional Packaging Limited | Medication timing device |
US4974122A (en) * | 1989-03-28 | 1990-11-27 | Rockwell International Corporation | Compact LCD luminaire |
US4980679A (en) * | 1987-07-17 | 1990-12-25 | Klaubert Earl C | Time varying identification badge |
US5473337A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1995-12-05 | Berger; Bradley I. | Catalytic initiator |
-
1998
- 1998-02-11 WO PCT/US1997/024045 patent/WO1999041728A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3802945A (en) * | 1971-10-14 | 1974-04-09 | B James | Heat sensitive novelty device |
US4556932A (en) * | 1983-03-28 | 1985-12-03 | Lehrer Bradley D | Lighted novelty item |
US4980679A (en) * | 1987-07-17 | 1990-12-25 | Klaubert Earl C | Time varying identification badge |
US4926572A (en) * | 1987-08-24 | 1990-05-22 | Professional Packaging Limited | Medication timing device |
US4974122A (en) * | 1989-03-28 | 1990-11-27 | Rockwell International Corporation | Compact LCD luminaire |
US5473337A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1995-12-05 | Berger; Bradley I. | Catalytic initiator |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9990030B2 (en) | 2000-05-19 | 2018-06-05 | Edged Display Management Llc | Apparatus for the display of embedded information |
US8864362B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2014-10-21 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Illumination device having remotely powered lightguide |
WO2011053804A3 (en) * | 2009-10-30 | 2015-11-05 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Illumination device having remotely powered lightguide |
US9476637B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2016-10-25 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Illumination device having remotely powered lightguide |
ES2335261A1 (en) * | 2009-11-18 | 2010-03-23 | Muñoz Bellvehi,Xavier | System for locating persons in relation with an object |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6279170B1 (en) | Active labels for garments | |
US20010042262A1 (en) | Active labels for products | |
US6573880B1 (en) | Applications for electronic reusable paper | |
KR100901861B1 (en) | Merchandise display device with color-changing surface and method of fabricating the same | |
US20040187184A1 (en) | Apparel articles including flexible personal device and information displays | |
US7788834B2 (en) | Wearable article having a backlit lenticular display | |
US7210623B2 (en) | Printable shelf label | |
JP5159792B2 (en) | Signage device having a simple structure based on magnets for easy modification | |
US20060114197A1 (en) | Lighted display and method | |
US5838286A (en) | Display module | |
US20020140688A1 (en) | Low information content display | |
US6426758B2 (en) | User programmable scrolling display | |
WO1999041728A1 (en) | Active labels for garments | |
TW201921217A (en) | Cover of portable terminal and electronic device including the same | |
US6721022B1 (en) | Liquid crystal display with electro-luminescent cell having a double-face backlight effect | |
US20090056189A1 (en) | System and method for displaying information | |
CN109491167A (en) | The electronic console presented with improved dead-front | |
KR200188341Y1 (en) | Digital label | |
CN219642225U (en) | Display device and display panel | |
CN219871844U (en) | Backlight display device | |
CN219958209U (en) | Electromagnetic touch display screen and electronic equipment | |
CN211181513U (en) | Electronic paper display with thin film keys | |
KR102556240B1 (en) | Display film for electronic home appliance and method of making same | |
KR200242400Y1 (en) | Electronic name card | |
JPH0528329A (en) | Variable bar code panel |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BR CA CN JP KR MX RU |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE |
|
DFPE | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101) | ||
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: KR |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: CA |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |