Identification tag

Abstract

An identification tag is described in which a first tag member is formed of a polymer and includes a front surface. A second tag member, also formed of a polymer but that visually contrasts with the first tag member, includes slots formed as visual indicia that extend through the second tag member. The second tag member is welded to the first tag member to expose the front surface of the first tag member through the slots.

1 . An identification tag, comprising: 
 a first tag member formed of a polymer and including a front surface;    a second tag member formed of a polymer that visually contrasts with the first tag member;    wherein the second tag member includes slots formed as visual indicia, extending through the second tag member and exposing the front surface of the first tag member through the slots; and    wherein the second tag member is welded to the front surface of the first tag member with the slots opening against the front surface of the first tag member.    
     
     
         2 . An identification tag, as claimed by  claim 1 , wherein the first tag member includes a back surface and further comprising a third tag member with slots forming visual indicia and welded to the back surface.  
     
     
         3 . An identification tag, as claimed by  claim 1 , wherein the first and second tag members are secured together by radio frequency welding.  
     
     
         4 . An identification tag, as claimed by  claim 1 , wherein the first and second tag members are formed of thermoplastic elastomeric material and are secured together by radio frequency welding.  
     
     
         5 . An identification tag, as claimed by  claim 1 , wherein the slots are laser cut through the second tag member.  
     
     
         6 . An identification tag, as claimed by  claim 1 , wherein the first and second tag members are formed of at least substantially similar thermoplastic materials.  
     
     
         7 . An identification tag, as claimed by  claim 1 , wherein the first tag member includes a recessed surface along the front surface and wherein the second tag member is welded to the first tag member within the recessed surface.  
     
     
         8 . An identification tag, as claimed by  claim 1 , wherein the first tag member includes a recessed surface along the front surface and wherein the second tag member is welded to the first tag member is radio frequency welded to the first tag member within the recessed surface.  
     
     
         9 . An identification tag, comprising: 
 a first tag member formed of flexible thermoplastic material including a front surface with a recess surface formed therein and bounded by a marginal peripheral recess edge extending from the recess surface to the front surface;    a second tag member having outward edge surfaces and formed of flexible thermoplastic material but visually contrasting with the first tag member;    wherein the second tag member is radio frequency welded to the first tag member against the recess surface and with the outward edge surfaces adjacent the marginal peripheral recess edge; and    wherein the second tag member includes laser cut through slots formed as visual indicia, extending through the second tag member.    
     
     
         10 . An identification tag, as claimed by  claim 9 , wherein the second tag member includes a thickness dimension that is less than a distance dimension from the recess surface to the front surface of the first tag member.  
     
     
         11 . An identification tag, as claimed by  claim 9 , wherein the first and second tag members are formed of polyurethane.  
     
     
         12 . A process for producing an identification tag, comprising the steps of: 
 obtaining a first tag member including a front surface;    laser cutting indicia through a second tag member; and    radio frequency welding the second tag member to the first tag member front surface.    
     
     
         13 . The process for producing an identification tag, as defined by  claim 12  comprising the further step of placing the second tag member into a recess formed in the first tag.  
     
     
         14 . The process for producing an identification tag, as defined by  claim 12  comprising the further step of pre-heating at least the first tag member prior to the step of radio frequency welding the second tag member to the first tag member.  
     
     
         15 . The process for producing an identification tag, as defined by  claim 12  comprising the further step of pre-heating at least the first tag member to a temperature of between approximately 120° and 180° F. prior to the step of radio frequency welding the second tag member to the first tag member.  
     
     
         16 . The process for producing an identification tag, as defined by  claim 12  comprising the further step of pre-heating at least the first tag member to a temperature of approximately 150° F. prior to the step of radio frequency welding the second tag member to the first tag member.  
     
     
         17 . The process for producing an identification tag, as defined by  claim 12  comprising the further step of pressing the second tag member against the front surface of the first tag member following the step of laser cutting indicia through a second tag member.  
     
     
         18 . The process for producing an identification tag, as defined by  claim 12  comprising the further steps of: 
 pressing the second tag member against the front surface of the first tag member following the step of laser cutting indicia through a second tag member; and  
 pre-heating at least the first tag member to a temperature of approximately 150° F. prior to the step of radio frequency welding the second tag member to the first tag member.  
 
     
     
         19 . The process for producing an identification tag, as defined by  claim 12  wherein the step of radio frequency welding the second tag member to the first tag member is accomplished using a radio frequency of less than approximately 50 megahertz at a power intensity of between approximately 10 and 20 kilowatts.  
     
     
         20 . The process for producing an identification tag, as defined by  claim 12  wherein the step of radio frequency welding the second tag member to the first tag member is accomplished using a radio frequency of approximately 27 megahertz at a power intensity of between approximately 10 and 20 kilowatts.