Hang tag and method of applying hang tag to an elongated object

A method of permanently and automatically applying a hang tag to an elongated object with a machine that is suitable for applying a securement strap to an object, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a hang tag having a slot defined therein, wherein said slot has minimum dimensions of at least about 0.25 inches by at least about 1 inch;
• providing a securement strap comprising a head portion defining an aperture therein and a tail portion;
• aligning said hang tag with said machine so that, upon deployment of said machine, the securement strap is ejected from said machine so that the tail portion passes through said slot and aperture in said head portion, and attaches said hang tag to said elongated object;
• and
• deploying said machine so as to automatically thread the tail of the securement strap through the aperture in the head portion and the slot so as to apply said hang tag to said elongated object at a predetermined tension level.

An apparatus for permanently and automatically applying a hang tag having a slot therein to an elongated object by way of a securement strap, said apparatus comprising:

• a mounting apparatus;
• a tag template capable of receiving a hang tag, said tag template fixed to said mounting apparatus and having a first end and a second end, said tag template having an opening therein corresponding to a position where the slot of said hang tag can be placed when the hang tag is received in said tag template;
• and
• a machine suitable for applying a securement strap to an object, the securement strap comprising a head portion defining an aperture therein and a tail portion, said machine coupled to said mounting apparatus, said machine aligned so as to be capable of ejecting said securement strap in such a way that the tail portion of said securement strap can be threaded through the slot and the aperture in the head portion, and around said elongated object so as to automatically apply said hang tag to said elongated object at a predetermined tension level.