Labeling apparatus with elastic loop

Abstract

An elastic article forming a stretchable closed loop with at least a portion used as or attached to a label, such as a writing surface that is receptive to written text. The label portion may be personalized and used to identify items being held together, such as rolled prints, bulk-foods, items in inventory, mail, pre-packaged goods, etc.

1 . A labeling apparatus comprising: 
 an elastomer at least partially defining a first loop, said elastomer being characterized by a first modulus of elasticity; and    a label formed of a material having a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of elasticity, the label being operatively connected to the first loop.    
   
   
       2 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the label is flexible and includes a first portion and a second portion; said first portion being affixed to said second portion such that the label defines a second loop, and wherein at least a portion of said first loop extends through said second loop.  
   
   
       3 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising an adhesive affixing said second portion to said first portion.  
   
   
       4 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said elastomer is selectively movable through said second loop.  
   
   
       5 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said label is affixed to a first segment of said elastomer such that said label restricts elastic deformation of said first segment of said elastomer.  
   
   
       6 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said label is adhesively bonded to said first segment.  
   
   
       7 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said first segment is characterized by a first width, and wherein said elastomer includes a second segment characterized by a second width smaller than the first width.  
   
   
       8 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said label further defines said first loop.  
   
   
       9 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said elastomer includes a first end affixed to said label and a second end affixed to said label.  
   
   
       10 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one member to which the label is affixed.  
   
   
       11 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one member defines a second loop, and wherein at least part of said first loop extends through said second loop, and wherein said first loop is selectively movable through said second loop.  
   
   
       12 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one member at least partially defines the first loop.  
   
   
       13 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said label is an RFID tag.  
   
   
       14 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said label is characterized by photoluminescence.  
   
   
       15 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said label is characterized by a change in color in response to applied energy.  
   
   
       16 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said label is one of photochromic, thermochromic, and electrochromic.  
   
   
       17 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said label is a sensor.  
   
   
       18 . The labeling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said label comprises a polymeric material for resistance to tearing.  
   
   
       19 . A device for bundling and labeling comprising: 
 an elastomer at least partially defining a first loop, said elastomer being characterized by a first modulus of elasticity; and    a label comprised of a polymer and having a second modulus of elasticity greater than the first modulus of elasticity, wherein the label is flexible and includes a first portion and a second portion; said first portion being affixed to said second portion such that the label defines a second loop, and wherein at least a portion of said first loop extends through said second loop.    
   
   
       20 . A device for bundling and labeling comprising: 
 an elastomer at least partially defining a loop; and    a radio frequency identification transponder operatively connected to the loop.