The invention relates to a security or tamper-indicating tag, i.e. a tag that indicates that it has been removed after an initial application to an item. More particularly, it relates to a tamper-indicating tag having two panels that adhere to each other, and a strap that encircles a portion of the object being labelled.
Tags having two indicia-receiving panels that adhere to each other are well known. One particular type of two-panel tag has a strap made of the same material as the two tag panels. This strap extends between the tag panels to automatically form a loop about an item, such as a ring, when the two panels are adhered to each other. A similar tag (commonly known as a "rat-tail") has two panels foldably connected to each other and a tail of the same material projecting from one end on one of the panels. The opposite, initially free, end of the tail forms a loop when it is placed between the panels before they are adhered to each other.
Single-panel tamper-indicating tags are also known. The indicia-receiving panels of such tags have more than one layer. The layers are chosen so that, after the panel is adhered to an item, the layers will delaminate when the tag is removed. This delamination either destroys the tag layer carrying the indicia with which the tag labelled the item, or visibly defaces the indicia layer.
Such tamper-indicating tags have many uses. Their most common use involves the permanent placement of a manufacturer's serial number, warranty, or other identification upon an item. Anyone wishing to transfer the tag to another item would find this task impeded by the delamination of the tamper-indicating tag, with some layers being removed while others remain behind, still adhered to the original item.
The use of particular interest here is as a price tag, to prevent customers from switching a tag marked with a lower price indicia from one item to another item of higher price.
Because such single-panel tamper-indicating tags are adhered to the item, they are not as suitable for use with small or irregularly shaped items, such as rings, for example, as are two-panel tags.
A further disadvantage exists when a single panel tamper-indicating tag is used for purposes like price marking which ordinarily require complete removal of said tag. The removal of a one-panel tamper-indicating tag necessarily leaves a portion of the tag, including some adhesive, on the item when the tag delaminates upon removal. This residue is undesirably messy and difficult to remove.