U.S. patent application number 10/175028 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for variably printed tape and system for printing and applying tape onto surfaces.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. Invention is credited to Faust, Michael C., Martin, Keith M., Vasilakes, Lloyd S., Wood, Thomas L..
Application Number | 20030124345 10/175028 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22772052 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030124345 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Faust, Michael C. ; et
al. |
July 3, 2003 |
Variably printed tape and system for printing and applying tape
onto surfaces
Abstract
An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form
a tape segment, cutting the tape segment to form a tag, and
applying the tag onto an object includes a printer for printing
information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the
printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto
the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for
application onto the object and is cut. An adhesive tape can have
variable information printed on it and can be applied onto an
object. The tape includes a backing layer and an adhesive layer on
the first side of the backing layer. At least one of the backing
layer and the adhesive layer are colored to yield a tape opacity of
greater than 60. The tape can have a scan rating of at least C when
applied on a black background and an opacity of at least 65. The
tape can achieve specific scan ratings when adhered to surfaces
that have color coordinates including combinations of a*, b*, and
L* that are selected in combination with each other.
Inventors: |
Faust, Michael C.; (White
Bear Lake, MN) ; Martin, Keith M.; (Penrith, AU)
; Vasilakes, Lloyd S.; (Stillwater, MN) ; Wood,
Thomas L.; (Maplewood, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Office of Intellectual Property Counsel
3M Innovative Properties Company
P.O. Box 33427
St. Paul
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
|
Family ID: |
22772052 |
Appl. No.: |
10/175028 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10175028 |
Jun 18, 2002 |
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09207801 |
Dec 9, 1998 |
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6432528 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/354 ;
428/343; 428/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65C 9/1807 20130101;
Y10T 428/2848 20150115; B65C 9/46 20130101; B65C 2009/0081
20130101; B65B 51/067 20130101; C09J 7/20 20180101; Y10T 428/2843
20150115; B65C 1/025 20130101; Y10T 428/28 20150115; Y10T 428/2809
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/354 ;
428/343; 428/345 |
International
Class: |
B32B 015/04; B32B
007/12 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form
a tape segment, for cutting the tape segment to form a tag, and for
applying the tag onto an object comprising: a printer for printing
information onto the tape; controlling means for controlling the
printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto
the tape; transport means for transporting the printed tape segment
to a location for application onto the object; cutting means for
cutting the tape segment to form the tag; and applying means for
applying the printed tag onto the object.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the transport means transports
the tag to the applying means to perform next tag out
application.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the object onto which the tag
is to be applied is a box having sides, corners, and seams along
which the box is sealed, and the applying means comprises means for
applying the tag onto at least one of the sides, the corners, and
the seams of the box.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the applying means comprises
means for applying the tag along at least one of the seams of the
box to seal the box with a tag that is printed with information
that was variably printed.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the means for applying the tag
along at least one of the seams of the box to seal the box provides
a seal that maintains the box closed during shipping and
handling.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the printer comprises means for
at least one of thermal transfer printing, inkjet printing, and
laser printing.
7. A case sealing apparatus for sealing boxes using tape and
comprising the apparatus of claim 1.
8. An adhesive tape capable of having variable information printed
thereon to form a tag and capable of being applied onto an object
comprising: a non-paper backing layer having a first side and a
second side; an adhesive layer located on the first side of the
backing layer; and means for yielding a good resolution comprising:
at least one of the backing layer and the adhesive layer being
colored to yield a tape opacity of greater than 60.
9. The adhesive tape of claim 8 further comprising ink printed on
the side of the tape opposite the adhesive layer.
10. The adhesive tape of claim 8 wherein the means for yielding a
good resolution comprises a flood coat of ink located at at least
one of: between the backing layer and the adhesive layer, and on
the second side of the backing layer.
11. The adhesive tape of claim 8 wherein the tag has a scan rating
of at least C when applied on a black background and an opacity of
at least 65.
12. The adhesive tape of claim 8 wherein the tag has a scan rating
of A when applied on a black background and an opacity of at least
80.
13. The adhesive of claim 12 wherein the tag has a rub resistance
of at least Good.
14. The adhesive tape of claim 8 wherein the color of at least one
of the backing layer and the adhesive layer is white.
15. The adhesive tape of claim 8 wherein the tag can serve as a box
sealing tape.
16. The adhesive tape of claim 8 further comprising a low adhesion
backsize layer located on the second side of the backing layer.
17. The adhesive tape of claim 16 wherein the low adhesion backsize
layer comprises at least one of a silicone, an alkyl,
fluorochemical constituents, and combinations of these.
18. The adhesive tape of claim 8 wherein the backing layer is
treated by at least one of: a primer, flame, and corona.
19. An object having the adhesive tape of claim 8.
20. An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape
according to claim 8 and applying the tag onto an object.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 comprising: a printer for printing
information onto a tape; controlling means for controlling the
printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto
the tape; transport means for transporting the tape segment to a
location for application onto the object; cutting means for cutting
the tape segment; and applying means for applying the tag onto the
object.
22. An adhesive tape capable of having variable information printed
thereon to form a tag and capable of being applied onto an object
comprising a non-paper backing layer having a first side and a
second side; and an adhesive layer located on the first side of the
backing layer, wherein the tag is capable of achieving a scan
rating of at least F when adhered to every surface regardless of a
surface's color coordinates.
23. The adhesive tape of claim 22 wherein the tag is capable of
achieving a scan rating of A when adhered to surfaces that have
color coordinates including any a*, any b*, and any L*.
24. The adhesive tape of claim 22 wherein the tag is capable of
achieving a scan rating of at least D when adhered to surfaces that
have color coordinates that satisfy the equation:
1>[-2.1+0.054(L*)+0.033(a*)].
25. The adhesive tape of claim 22 wherein the tag is capable of
achieving a scan rating of at least C when adhered to surfaces that
have color coordinates that satisfy the equation:
2>[-2.1+0.054(L*)+0.033(a*)].
26. The adhesive tape of claim 22 wherein the tag is capable of
achieving a scan rating of at least B when adhered to surfaces that
have color coordinates that satisfy the equation:
3>[-2.1+0.054(L*)+0.033(a*)].
27. The adhesive tape of claim 22 wherein the tag is capable of
achieving a scan rating of A when adhered to surfaces that have
color coordinates that satisfy the equation:
4>[-2.1+0.054(L*)+0.033(a*)].
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to tape. More particularly,
the present invention relates to printing on tape and applying the
tape onto surfaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Containers, packages, cartons, and cases, (referred to as
"boxes") for storing and shipping products typically use box
sealing tape, an adhesive tape, to secure the flaps or covers so
that the box will not accidentally open during normal shipment,
handling, and storage. Box sealing tape maintains the integrity of
a box throughout its entire distribution cycle. Box sealing tape
can be used on other parts of boxes and on other substrates and can
be used to function similarly to labels. These tapes can be made in
roll or pad form. They can be transparent, translucent, or opaque,
and can have information printed or otherwise applied to the
tape.
[0003] These boxes generally contain information about the
contents. This information, most commonly located on the box, might
include lot numbers, date codes, product identification
information, and bar codes. The information can be placed onto the
box using a number of methods. These might include preprinting the
box when it is manufactured, printing this information onto the box
at the point of use with an inkjet coder that sprays a pattern of
ink dots to form the image, or by using a flexographic ink rolling
coder system. Other approaches include the use of labels, typically
white paper with preprinted information either applied manually, or
with an online automatic label applicator.
[0004] A recent trend in conveying information related to the
product is the requirement to have the information specific for
each box. For example, each box could carry specific information
about its contents and the final destination of the product,
including lot numbers, serial numbers, and customer order numbers.
The information is typically provided on labels which are
customized and printed on demand at the point of application onto
the box. This is typically known as the ability to print "variable"
information onto a label before it is applied onto the box. Two
patents that disclose printed labels are U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,292,713
and 5,661,099.
[0005] One system for printing variable information involves
thermal transfer ink printing onto labels using an ink ribbon and a
special heat transfer printing head. A computer controls the
printing head by providing input to the head which heats discrete
locations on the ink ribbon. The ink ribbon directly contacts the
label so that when a discrete area is heated the ink melts and is
transferred to the label. Another approach using this system is to
use labels that change color when heat is applied (thermal labels).
In another system, variable information is directly printed onto a
box by an inkjet coder. The ink pattern sprayed onto the box or
onto a label can be controlled by a computer.
[0006] Both thermal transfer and inkjet systems produce sharp
images. Inkjet systems include piezo, thermal, continuous, and
drop-on-demand. With both inkjet and thermal transfer systems, the
print quality depends on the surface on which the ink is sprayed.
It appears that the best system for printing variable information
is one in which the ink and the print substrate can be properly
matched to produce a repeatable quality image, especially bar
codes, that must be read by an electronic scanner with a high
degree of reliability.
[0007] A variety of applying systems are available that incorporate
a printing system, computer-controlled heated printing head, and
guiding systems for the thermal transfer ink ribbon label and the
liner. The PA/4020 Dual Panel Printer/Applicator made by Diagraph
Corp. (Earth City Mo.), the 2138 Printer/applicator made by
Label-Aire Inc. (Fullerton, Calif.), and the 2800 Print/apply
corner applicator made by Labeling Systems, Inc. (Oakland, N.J.)
are some examples. These systems print on linered labels. The liner
is the carrier for the label material. These systems print discrete
messages onto the label, strip the label from its liner, and
transfer the printed label onto a box. Although there are other
materials available, such as polyesters, from which labels can be
made, paper labelstock is the most popular because of its ready
acceptance of thermal transfer ink and its low cost.
[0008] "Labelstock" is a multiple layer product having a facestock
material that is typically paper in the range of 45-50 pound paper
stock. One surface contains pressure sensitive adhesive. The
non-adhesive surface of the label is free of any release treatments
to allow for durable anchoring of the ink image. Because there is
no release treatment, the adhesive side of the labelstock cannot
contact the other side. To allow the material to be provided in a
roll format requires a liner material, typically paper treated with
a release layer. This lamination of facestock and release liner
forms the labelstock.
[0009] To provide discrete labels from this continuous roll, the
labelstock must first be converted on a machine that cuts the
facestock (but not the release liner) to a specific length and
width separating it from the continuous web. The width of the label
must be narrower than the width of the input labelstock. To allow
for dispensing in an applicator there must be a continuous length
of uncut facestock, or at least a length of liner, along each edge
of the labelstock. The length of the label depends on the
application requirements but adjacent labels must be the same
length. If different label sizes are required for labeling
applications, different supply rolls containing the die cut size
label must be used.
[0010] When a label is applied to the box and is exposed to the
typical shipping environment (scuffing against boxes or other fixed
objects such as conveyor belts, pallets, and shipping trucks)
damage can occur. The label can be damaged such that the printed
message cannot be read and any bar code images are not reliably
scannable. Also, labeled boxes may not be recyclable and are not
easily separated from corrugated boxes during the recycling
process. Typically these labels use an acrylic adhesive. During
recycling, the backing and the adhesive cannot always be removed
from the corrugated box base material being recycled. This produces
a pulp product with contaminants that do not allow for reuse in
producing a new, high quality box.
[0011] Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul Minn.
(3M) has sold an automatic system for applying pre-printed tape
(with non-variable information) with bar codes since 1994 (Model
Nos. TA 1340, TA1341, and TA1342). This system can apply a corner
label onto a box while the box is conveyed through a case sealer,
or it can apply pre-printed tape onto a flattened box before the
box is opened. This system offers an inexpensive, simple
alternative to linered labels.
[0012] Printable tapes for applying on boxes, such as those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,421,817, 5,242,888, 5,354,588,
5,478,880, and 5,560,293, are known. However, these tapes are not
capable of sealing boxes and receiving printed information of very
high quality. There is a need for a system that can print variable
information onto tape and apply the tape onto boxes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention is an apparatus for printing variable
information on a tape to form a tape segment, cutting the tape
segment to form a tag, and applying the tag onto an object. The
apparatus includes a printer for printing information onto the tape
and a controller for controlling the printer in response to input
to vary the information printed onto the tape. The tape segment is
transported to a location for application onto the object and the
tape segment is cut. Finally, the printed tag is applied onto the
object.
[0014] The apparatus can transport the tape segment to be applied
to perform next tag out application. The apparatus can be part of a
case sealing apparatus for sealing boxes using tape.
[0015] The object onto which the tag is to be applied can be a box
having sides, corners, and seams along which the box is sealed. The
tag can be applied onto at least one of the sides, the corners, and
the seams of the box. Also, the tag can be applied along at least
one of the seams of the box to seal the box with a tag that is
printed with information that was variably printed. This tag can
maintain the box closed during shipping and handling.
[0016] The printer can use thermal transfer printing, inkjet
printing, or laser printing.
[0017] The invention is also an adhesive tape capable of having
variable information printed on a segment of the tape and capable
of being applied as a tag onto an object. The tape includes a
non-paper backing layer having a first side and a second side. An
adhesive layer is located on the first side of the backing layer.
At least one of the backing layer and the adhesive layer are
colored to yield a tape opacity of greater than 60.
[0018] Ink can be printed on the side of the tape opposite the
adhesive layer. Also, the ink can be flood coated between the
backing layer and the adhesive layer or on top of the backing
layer. The color of at least one of the backing layer and the
adhesive layer can be white.
[0019] The tag can have a scan rating of at least C when applied on
a black background and an opacity of at least 65. The tag can have
a scan rating of A when applied on a black background and an
opacity of at least 80. Also, the tag can have a rub resistance of
at least Good.
[0020] The tag can serve as a box sealing tape. The backing layer
can be treated by at least one of a primer, flame, and corona. The
tape can include a low adhesion backsize layer located on the
second side of the backing layer. The low adhesion backsize layer
can include a silicone, an alkyl, fluorochemical constituents, and
combinations of these.
[0021] The tag can achieve specific scan ratings when adhered to
surfaces that have color coordinates including combinations of a*,
b*, and L* that are selected in combination with each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a contour plot of the scan rating of a bar
code-printed tag on color chip cards as a function of the L* and a*
color coordinates of the cards.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The invention includes a system for providing information on
a surface or an object. The object can be a box, such as a box or
case. The invention also includes a self-wound roll of tape from
which tags are made, and a print and applying system for applying
the tags onto boxes. This differs from known systems which use
pre-measured, precut labels of a fixed size or which can not
variably print on tape.
[0026] Throughout this description, the term "tape," as used here,
is limited to a substrate that is linerless; that can be supplied
in a roll form (in which it is self-wound) or other form; and that
is not precut. The term "tag" will be used to mean something that
can convey information (such as by printing), that can be affixed
to a surface, and that is severed from the rest of the tape. Before
the tag is severed from the remainder of the strand or roll of
tape, the portion of the tape that will become the tag (whether
printed or not) will be referred to as a tape segment. Tags,
therefore, are a subset of tape segments, which, in turn, are a
subset of tapes.
[0027] Tags distinguish this invention from existing products and
systems that use precut labels. (The tags provide the same
information conveying function as known labels.) There is no known
system which uses tape as a component of a variable print and apply
system. Throughout this description, the term "variable" printing
means printing customized information on demand to form a tape
segment (such as at the point of application of the tag).
Information is any information, including words, symbols, graphics,
symbols, and bar codes. The term "ink" includes dyes and pigments
added to a medium, and any printing media that can include
solvents, non-solvents, and toners. Ink can be provided to the tape
by any known method including using a ribbon as a carrier.
[0028] The invention facilitates labeling surfaces using tags. The
system prints information onto a tape to form a tape segment, and
can vary the information placed on each tape segment to allow for
an infinite variation of tag content and lengths to be produced
from one supply roll of tape. The system can apply the printed tag
onto the box either while the box is stationary or while the box is
moving (such as while the box is being closed and sealed). The
system applies the tag either on the side of the box to serve as
only a conveyor of information; applies the tag as an L-clip onto
the corner of the box to convey information, to serve as a box
closure device (without print), or a combination conveyor of
information and box closure device; or applies the tag along a seam
of the box to serve as either a box closure device (without print)
or a combination conveyor of information and box closure
device.
[0029] The invention improves recyclability of used boxes, reduces
the amount of material required to provide a tag carrying variable
information, can combine sealing the box and providing information,
and is more durable at lower cost than current labeling systems.
The system can automatically apply the tag onto boxes, as discussed
above or the printed tag can be dispensed for manual
application.
[0030] Tests of known tape constructions have found that existing
off-the-shelf tapes have inconsistent quality print on the finished
product. Scannability is one governing criterion for acceptability
because it is a higher standard than mere readability by the
unaided eye and it is an objectively measurable quantity. Of
course, bar codes are not the only form of information to be
printed. Any other information can be printed onto tapes.
[0031] Tape opacity is a property that affects the scan ratings of
printed information. Typically, the greater the opacity, the better
the tape performs. Opacities greater than 60-65 have been found to
be satisfactory. However, through testing, it was discovered that
to achieve A scan ratings, the tape should have an opacity of
greater than 80, preferably at least 83, and more preferably at
least 85. Known tapes had scan ratings of from A to F, with the
ratings decreasing in quality from A to B to C to D to F. A result
worse than F, achieved by some known tapes, is "no decode," which
means that the bar code cannot be read. Although A ratings are
preferred, even D ratings, and sometimes F ratings, are acceptable
in some situations.
[0032] Many conventional box sealing tapes will work on white boxes
and in environments where there is little wear on the tape (such as
scuffing). However, these tapes, even when made with white film and
white adhesive and in thicknesses of 0.004 cm (0.0016 in) do not
achieve A scan ratings on black backgrounds and are subject to
significantly decreased scan ratings when subjected to real world
conditions such as rubbing and scuffing. Testing against black
backgrounds is important because tags are used on boxes that are
preprinted with black ink and the tags must be read after
application over the black portions. The scan rating and resolution
characteristics are measured against a black background, a more
stringent test than measuring against a white background.
[0033] Current box sealing tapes are not printed with precise
logistics information such as barcodes; thus, their opacity is not
a concern. The inventors recognized that to print barcodes on tape,
the resolution of the printing and high contrast are important. In
response, the inventors have developed new tapes that have
sufficient opacity and contrast (including brightness and
reflectiveness) and are capable of A scan ratings when printed with
bar codes. These tapes are superior to known box sealing tapes and
linerless labels.
[0034] The inventors have created a tape construction that
overcomes the disadvantages of the known tapes. The tape 14 can be
a single-coated pressure sensitive adhesive tape made of a multiple
layer construction. The backing layer can be, for example, a single
or multiple layer plastic film backing. Suitable plastic film
backings include polypropylene, polyethylene, copolymers of
polypropylene and polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyesters, and vinyl acetates. The polypropylene can include
monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented
polypropylene (BOPP), or sequentially or simultaneously biaxially
oriented polypropylene (SBOPP). The backing material can be
compostible, degradable, colored, printed, and can be of different
surface textures or embossed. Pressure sensitive adhesive is coated
onto one side of the backing and a release coating (a low adhesion
backsize (LAB) coating) is optionally coated on the opposite side
to allow the tape to unwind from itself when wound in a roll.
[0035] Because certain release coatings on pressure sensitive
adhesive tapes are not intended to be printed, the ink may not
securely anchor because it is poorly bonded to the surface of the
release coating. The ink may be easily scuffed, marred, or
distorted under normal use conditions. The release coating on the
tape of the invention can accept ink, such as from a flexographic
process or from a thermal transfer method. The release coating can
prevent dirt from adhering in the pores of the film layer and
affecting the scannability of the tape. Testing has shown that
thermal transfer printing using a compatible ink transfer ribbon
onto the release coating can provide sufficiently high anchorage
levels that the ink can not be scuffed off. The rub resistance test
described in the examples is one indicator of scuff resistance. And
this tape is less expensive than known labels. The release coating
composition should be compatible with the adhesive composition and
does not degrade the adhesive properties of the tape such as by
being transferred to the adhesive composition.
[0036] Release coating compositions for the LAB layer of tapes in
roll form may include silicone, alkyl, or fluorochemical
constituents, or combinations as the release imparting component.
Useful release coating compositions for the invention include
silicone containing polymers, such as silicone polyurethanes,
silicone polyureas and silicone polyurethane/ureas, such as those
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,214,119, 5,290,615, 5,750,630, and
5,356,706, and silicone acrylate grafted copolymers described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,032,460, 5,202,190, and 4,728,571. Other useful
release coating compositions include fluorochemical containing
polymers such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,318,852, and
polymers containing long alkyl side chains such as polyvinyl
N-alkyl carbamates (e.g., polyvinyl N-octadecyl carbamates) as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,532,011, and copolymers containing
higher alkyl acrylates (e.g., octadecyl acrylate or behenyl
acrylate), such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,607,711, or
alkyl methacrylates (e.g., stearyl methacrylate) such as those
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,502,497 and 4,241,198, where the
alkyl side chain includes from about 16 to 22 carbon atoms.
[0037] These release polymers can be blended with each other and
with thermosetting resins or thermoplastic film forming polymers to
form the release coating composition. In addition, other additives
may be used in the release coating compositions such as fillers,
pigments, wetting agents, viscosity modifiers, stabilizers,
anti-oxidants, and cross-linking agents.
[0038] Numerous other layers can be added to the tape, such as
primers to increase adhesive layer adhesion to the backing layer.
Also, printed material can be located on the first side of the
backing layer under or over the adhesive, or on the second side of
the backing layer under or over any LAB layer. This printed
material can be any information like advertising or instructions.
Also, an additional flood layer of ink or similar coating can be
used to alter the opacity of the tape. The tape could contain
deodorants, perfumes, antistatic materials, and encapsulated
cleaning chemicals. Also, the release properties of the backing can
be modified such that the backing and the adhesive cooperate to
achieve desired unwind characteristics. The release properties of
the backing can be modified by applying a low surface energy
composition, priming, corona discharge, flame treatment,
roughening, etching, and combinations.
[0039] Many types of adhesives can be used. The adhesive can
include hotmelt-coated formulations, transfer-coated formulations,
solvent-coated formulations, water-based, and latex formulations.
Examples of adhesives useful in the invention include those based
on general compositions of polyacrylate; polyvinyl ether;
diene-containing rubber such as natural rubber, polyisoprene, and
polyisobutylene; polychloroprene; butyl rubber;
butadiene-acrylonitrile polymer; thermoplastic elastomer; block
copolymers such as styrene-isoprene and styrene-isoprene-styrene
block copolymers, ethylene-propylene-diene polymers, and
styrene-butadiene polymer; poly-alpha-olefin; amorphous polyolefin;
silicone; ethylene-containing copolymer such as ethylene vinyl
acetate, ethylacrylate, and ethyl methacrylate; polyurethane;
polyamide; epoxy; polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinylpyrrolidone
copolymers; polyesters; and mixtures of the above. Additionally,
the adhesives can contain additives such as tackifiers,
plasticizers, fillers, antioxidants, stabilizers, pigments,
diffusing particles, curatives, and solvents.
[0040] Useful adhesives according to the present invention can be
pressure sensitive adhesives. Pressure sensitive adhesives are
normally tacky at room temperature and can be adhered to a surface
by application of, at most, light finger pressure. A general
description of useful pressure sensitive adhesives may be found in
Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Vol. 13,
Wiley-Interscience Publishers (New York, 1988). Additional
description of useful pressure sensitive adhesives may be found in
Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, Vol. 1,
Interscience Publishers (New York, 1964).
[0041] In addition to having an opacity of at least 85 and A scan
ratings, the tapes of the invention should also have other
desirable characteristics. They should have a "good" dry and wet
rub resistance, as measured by the Sutherland Rub Test. This means
that at 25 strokes with a 1.8 kg (4 lb.sub.m) test block using
kraft paper there is no sign of ink transfer or abrasion. They have
a wet smear resistance, as measured by a smear test. This means
that at 25 strokes with a 0.9 kg (2 lb.sub.m) test block using a
wet muslin cloth, there is no sign of ink transfer or smearing.
They also have a dirt resistance, as shown by applying toner powder
from a laser printer or copy machine to a dry muslin cloth and
smearing the toner powder onto the tape. The result is visually
observed and rated as "Good" if no toner powder was transferred to
the tape, "Average" if some tone powder was transferred to the
tape, and "Poor" if a lot of toner powder was transferred to the
tape.
[0042] The tapes of the invention should also exhibit an overall
good resolution or image quality (as described in the examples).
This means a clear sharp image with no voids or frayed edges
visible. This also means that two-dimensional bar codes can be
printed with the desired precision. (Two-dimensional bar codes use
both horizontal and vertical encoding to achieve character
densities of up to 310 characters/cm.sup.2 (2000
characters/in.sup.2).
[0043] Good resolution is attained, as described, by at least one
of the backing layer, the adhesive layer, and the low adhesion
backsize layer being colored. This could also be attained by other
methods including increasing the reflectance through the tape by
using a retroreflective layer between the backing and the LAB or
using a diamond grade layer between the backing and the LAB;
decreasing the transmittance through the tape or controlling the
reflectance of the tape by making the tape more opaque, such as by
adding pigment, making the tape thicker (whether with a single or
any number of multiple layers), or using a metallized layer between
the adhesive and the backing; decreasing the light absorption of
the tape by increasing the opacity; controlling the reflectance of
the tape by using a matting agent in the LAB or embossing the
backing; or increasing the tape's receptiveness to ink by using an
adhesion promoter or top coat on the LAB.
[0044] Another way to define the invention is to quantify the
backgrounds on which the tag will operate satisfactorily.
Satisfactory operation can be defined one way as one where, if the
tag has a bar code, the bar code has any readable scan rating (of
at least F). The environments in which this can occur can be
defined by the color attributes of the surface on which the tag is
adhered. (See the Examples.) The color space (a three-dimensional
color coordinate system that defines all colors) that was used to
define the color attributes includes the opponent-colors system
which measures colors using the qualities of black-to-gray-to-white
(or lightness) (L*), red-to-green (a*), and blue-to-yellow (b*).
(These coordinates are sometimes referred to as L, a, and b, and
have ranges of from 0 to 100, -120 to +120, and -120 to +120,
respectively.
[0045] The tape 14 can be self-wound after printing variable
information to form a tape segment and upon unwind, there is almost
no picking when evaluated using the percent picking test described
in the Examples. That is, none of the ink transfers to the
adhesive. Also, the tape can be preprinted in color along part of
its width and can be selectively variably printed along the
remaining width.
[0046] One printing method used was the thermal transfer method
that uses an ink-carrying ribbon. Printing directly onto tape
having an LAB release coating and obtaining a scuff resistant bond
onto this release coating with an A scan rating is new. The
inventors tested many ribbons for use with a thermal transfer
printing system. (It is known that it is necessary to choose
compatible materials in the donor (ribbon) and receptor (tape)
components to meet solubility parameters.) Most would not achieve
the desired level of scannability. Several commercially available
ribbons were found to result in printed tape with an A scan rating
as well as good rub resistance. As discussed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,242,888, it is known to choose compatible materials for the
thermal print head, the thermal transfer ribbon, and ink receptor
sheets to optimize performance.
[0047] By using a supply roll 16 of tape 14 to create the tags 8,
the system can vary the length of the tag for each application
using a cutting mechanism triggered by a mark seen by a detector.
(The existing systems use a die cut label on a liner which requires
the customer to determine what label size is needed and stock this
size label for each application.) One aspect of this invention is
the ability to apply an infinite number of different tag lengths
using one input roll of tape. The length of the tag will depend on
where a registration mark is printed. This allows not only printing
variable information onto the tape, but also adjusting each tag
length to match the requirements of the printed message. The tag
width remains constant from the same supply roll source.
[0048] Tape 14 can be printed and applied to any surface of a box 6
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This can be performed several ways. All of
these versions of the variable print and apply system 10 include
several subcomponents that can be mounted to a case sealer 9. These
figures schematically show the system 10 in which several tags 8
are in cue between the printer and the point of application on the
box 6. A first tape handling system 12 receives a length of
adhesive tape 14, such as from a supply roll 16, unwinds the tape
14 if necessary, and feeds the tape into a printer 18. The printer
18 itself can be the mechanism that pulls the tape 14 from the
supply roll 16.
[0049] Next, the printer 18 prints the desired information on the
tape 14 to form tape segments (not shown independently in the
figures). The printer 18 can be an off-the-shelf printer, such as
Model DMX PE42 from Datamax Bar Code Products (Eden Prairie,
Minn.), or a similar printer or print engine with or without
modification, mounted onto the case sealer 9. A controller 20 tells
the printer 18 what to print on the tape 14 and how long the tags
should be.
[0050] An applying mechanism 22 takes the tape segment from the
printer 18 and applies it onto a surface of the box 6. This can be
performed either before or after cutting the tape segment to form
the tag 8. The same or a different controller 20 can control the
application of the printed tag 8 onto the box 6. The applying
mechanism 22 can include an accumulator 24, which can include a
dancer arm 26, and an applicator arm 28. The dancer arm 26 can
provide the amount of tape 14 necessary to make up for the
difference in speed between the case sealer 9 (38.1 cm/s (15 in/s))
and the printer 18 (20.3-25.4 cm/s (8-10 in/s), depending on the
resolution). Also the dancer arm 26 keeps the tension essentially
uniform at the output of the printer 18 to eliminate inaccuracies
caused by overpulling the tape 14. Alternatively, the case sealer 9
could run slower so that no dancer arm 26 is needed. An alternative
to the dancer arm 26 is an open loop system (not shown), where the
tape 14 is fed out of the printer 18, winds around a loop, then
travels to the taping head. A detector, such as a photosensor
determines when the minimum loop is reached and allows the printer
18 to resume printing.
[0051] After leaving the dancer arm 26 (or open loop), the printed
tape 14 (as tape segments) moves to the applicator arm 28. When a
box 6 being conveyed through the case sealer 9 contacts the
applicator arm 28 on which the tape segment resides, the printed
tape segment adheres to the box 6. The motion of the box 6 causes
the applicator arm 28 to pivot to apply the tape segment along one
side of the box 6. For an L-clip, when the roller on the applicator
arm 28 reaches the corner of the box 6 it rolls around the corner
and applies the same piece of tape around the corner and to the
adjacent side of the box 6. This method can be used on the upper
taping head, the lower taping head, or on side mounted heads.
[0052] The tape segment is severed into tags 8 by a cutting
mechanism 30. In one embodiment, when a registration mark (printed
along with required tag information) passes by a detector, such as
a photosensor, an air cylinder is actuated, causing the applicator
arm 28 to retract and change the tape path. The new tape path
crosses the plane of the cutting mechanism 30. Continued movement
of the box 6 causes the tape segment to be cut, and the box
continues until it exits the machine. When the photosensor is
clear, the air cylinder returns to its home position. The printer
18 prints as required during the application cycle independent of
the application process.
[0053] In another embodiment, a flat surface applicator (FSA) can
be used to apply tape to the sides of boxes. A printer and dancer
arm are in the web path before the applicator. With this system,
one or more tags of varying length and information can be applied
to the same side of a box. A registration mark on the tape
determines the length of the tag. A mark on the box or timer
initiates the application.
[0054] Vacuum belt and vacuum wheel systems also can be used. In a
vacuum wheel system, after the tape is printed by the printer 18 to
form a tape segment, it is captured by the vacuum wheel and the
tape segment is cut to form the tag 8. The vacuum wheel rotates or
moves on an arm, as necessary, to position the tag 8. The wheel
moves between two positions, a first position in which the wheel
receives the tag 8 and a second position in which the tag 8 is
applied onto a surface, such as a box. The controller 20 can be
used to govern when the vacuum wheel is moved to the second
position to apply the tag, for how long the vacuum wheel resides
adjacent the surface, and when the vacuum wheel returns to the
first position to receive another tag. This system can be adapted
to apply both side tags as well as corner tags.
[0055] A synergistic feature of the invention is the ability to
print variable information onto the pressure sensitive adhesive
tape that also seals the box. This combined capability eliminates
the need for a secondary information-bearing tag. The tape that
seals the box also provides the information. This reduces the
amount of tape that is used and eliminates a major sub-component of
the case sealer. This tape, therefore, must combine the required
sealing properties with the property of being able to receive and
hold ink. Also, information can be applied on the portion of the
tape which forms the leg of the seal on the side of the box so that
it can be read (or scanned) without having to see the top of the
box.
[0056] The apparatus could operate with a given tape segment that
is printed and is not immediately applied onto the next box. The
tape segment is wound through a path, such as a festoon, because it
will be applied to a box that is several boxes upstream at the time
immediately following printing. Several previously-printed tape
segments must be applied after the given tape segment is printed
and before the given tape segment is applied. Alternatively, the
apparatus can operate on a "next tag out" protocol. That is, after
the tape segments are printed, they are not placed in a cue to
allow one or more previously-printed segments of tape to be
applied. In the next tag out system, a tape segment is printed and
is either the next or the second segment to be applied. There is no
festooning of printed tags.
EXAMPLES
[0057] The following examples are provided to aid in understanding
the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the
scope. Unless otherwise indicated, "printed information" includes
both bar codes, letters, and other information. All example numbers
having a "C-" preceding the number are comparative examples; all
other example numbers are examples of the invention.
Test Procedures
[0058] The following test procedures are used in the examples.
[0059] Opacity
[0060] Opacity values were obtained with a "LABSCAN 6000" Tester
using a HunterLab Master Color Data program (Hunter Associates
Laboratory Inc., Reston, Va.). Opacity is measured as an absolute
number from 0 to 100. The measurement of opacity is a ratio of the
reflectance with 100% reflectance being most opaque, having an
opacity of 100.
[0061] Scan Rating
[0062] Scan rating was determined using a Symbol Laserchek II Bar
Code Scanner (Symbol Technologies Inc., Bohemia, N.Y.). Scan rating
was determined as described in ANSI X3.182-1990. Scan rating is on
a scale of A to F; A is the best rating in terms of edge
determination, symbol contrast, edge contrast, decodability,
defects, and modulation.
[0063] Percent Picking
[0064] Ink picking was visually evaluated and rated from 0 to 100%
by inspecting the tape sample with the unaided eye. The tape sample
was prepared by putting together two portions of tape from the same
source. The portions were put together, adhesive to film backing,
and rolled down with a small roller using moderate hand pressure.
One edge of the upper tape portion was folded under for ease of
later separation. The laminated tape sample was placed on a hot
plate preheated to 71.degree. C. with the film surface on the hot
plate and kept on the hot plate for 10-20 seconds. The sample was
removed from the hot plate and allowed to cool to room temperature.
The two tape portions of the laminated sample were pulled apart by
hand, grasping the folded over portion of the upper tape portion.
The separated tape sample was visually inspected to determine how
much of the ink from the lower tape portion transferred to the
adhesive of the upper tape portion. The sample was held 30-60 cm
from the unaided eye for inspection and percent picking rated on a
scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being no picking.
[0065] Rub Resistance
[0066] The printed image on the tape was rubbed with a fingernail
using moderate pressure. Rub resistance was rated "Good" (G) when
no print was removed, "Medium" (M) when it was difficult to remove
print, and "Poor" (P) when it was easy to remove print.
[0067] Image Quality
[0068] The quality of the printed image on the tape construction
was evaluated by viewing the tape construction printed with #8
point size True Type Fonts information. The printed tape was viewed
at 30 times magnification using a #FF-393 microscope (from
Panasonic, Japan). The tape sample was visually rated as
follows:
[0069] A=all printed information was sharp and clear (near
perfect);
[0070] B=all printed information was slightly out of focus;
[0071] C=all printed information was out of focus (difficult to
read);
[0072] D=all printed information was very out of focus with at
least a slight amount of ink missing;
[0073] F=information did not print or a lot of ink was missing;
and
[0074] S=the ribbon used in the printer would not follow the tape
due to too much slippage of the ribbon against the film surface of
the tape.
[0075] EXAMPLES 1-64
[0076] Tape Constructions A-N in Table 1 were coated with a release
coating composition on one side of the film backing and a synthetic
rubber resin adhesive on the side of the film opposite the
release-coated side. The release coating composition was an
organopolysiloxane-polyurea block copolymer as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,290,615 prepared in solvent from 15 weight percent of a
polydimethylsiloxane diamine having a number average molecular
weight of about 5000, 60 weight percent of a urea condensate of a
polypropylene oxide diamine having a number average molecular
weight of about 900, 4.6 weight percent dipiperidyl propane, and
20.4 weight percent of isophorone diisocyanate.
[0077] For Tape Constructions A-F, M, and N, either a "Clear" or
"White" adhesive (having a coating thickness of about 17 microns)
was applied to the film backing opposite the release-coated side.
Clear adhesive had an opacity reading of about 0. White adhesive
was prepared by adding sufficient TiO.sub.2 Stan-Tone HCC-7974
White Pigment Dispersion from Harwick Chemical Corporation (Akron,
Ohio) to the clear adhesive to obtain an adhesive with an opacity
reading of about 50.
[0078] For Tape Constructions G-L, the side of the film backing
opposite the release coating was coated with a 3-4 micron thick
layer of P-160970 high opacity ink (from Sun Chemicals, Neenah,
Wis.). The flood coat of ink was applied with a hand proofer
roller. The ink air dried. If more than one coat was applied,
subsequent coats were applied within seconds following the previous
coat.
[0079] For Tape Constructions G-L, Scotch.TM. 467 MP linered
transfer adhesive (3M) was laminated to the flood-coated film on
the side of the film backing opposite the release coating. The
adhesive was laminated to the film using a small roller with
moderate hand pressure.
[0080] Tape Constructions O-T were used as obtained from the
manufacturer. Tape Constructions O-R had a release coating
composition on one side of the film backing. On the side of the
film backing opposite the release coating composition, Tape
Constructions 0 and P had an acrylate adhesive and Tape
Constructions Q and R had a synthetic rubber resin adhesive.
1 TABLE 1 Tape Construction Film Backing Adhesive A 30 micron white
Clear Polypropylene (PP) B 30 micron clear PP White C 40 micron
white PP Clear D 40 micron white PP White E 30 micron white
Amtopp.sup.1 Clear F 30 micron white Amtopp White G 30 micron clear
PP with one Clear white flood coat H 30 micron clear PP with two
Clear white flood coats I 30 micron clear PP with Clear three white
flood coats J 40 micron clear PP with one Clear white flood coat K
40 micron white PP with two Clear white flood coats L 30 micron
white Amtopp with Clear 1 white flood coat M 50 micron white Nan
Ya.sup.2 Clear N 35 micron white PP AEP.sup.3 Clear O - 3M
355.sup.4 50 micron clear Polyethylene Clear Terephthalate P - 3M
375.sup.5 50 micron clear PP Clear Q - 3M 600.sup.6 40 micron clear
Polyvinyl Clear Chloride R - 3M 800.sup.7 40 micron clear Acetate
Clear S - Vibac.sup.8 30 micron clear PP White T - Davik.sup.9 30
micron clear PP White .sup.1Amtopp = Amtopp WA30T; 3-layer PP film
with a total film thickness of 30 microns; (Rocheux International,
Carteret, NJ). .sup.2Nan Ya = Nan Ya BW9; 3-layer PP film with a
total film thickness of 50 microns; (Rocheux International).
.sup.3AEP = AEP-CS542; 3-layer PP film with a total film thickness
of 35 microns; (AEP .TM. Industries, South Hackensack, NJ).
.sup.43M 355 = Scotch .TM. Brand Superior Performance Box Sealing
Tape (3M). .sup.5M 375 = Scotch .TM. Brand Superior Performance Box
Sealing Tape (3M). .sup.63M 600 = Scotch .TM. Brand Transparent
Film Tape (3M). .sup.73M 800 = Scotch .TM. Brand Prescription Label
Tape (3M). .sup.8Vibac = Vibac PP6502 (Vibac Tape Corp., Montreal,
Canada). .sup.9Davik = Presto Print 840 PP Tape (Davik LTD,
Israel).
[0081] In Table 1, Tape Constructions C, D, E, F, H, I, J, K, L, M,
and N are tape 14 according to the invention. Tape Constructions,
A, B, G, O, P, Q, R, S, and T are comparative tape constructions.
Various commercially available thermal transfer printer ribbons
were used to print on eight of the Tape Constructions identified in
Table 1. Each ribbon is identified by the Identification Number as
supplied by the manufacturer (ID#). The general ribbon type as to
Resin (Re), Wax (W), or Wax/Resin (W/Re) is set forth in column 1
of Table 2. The printer was a Zebra 170si Thermal Transfer Printer
(Zebra Corporation, Vernon Hills, Ill.). After being printed with
information, each comparative Tape Construction in Table 2 was
evaluated in terms of Image Quality, Percent Picking, and Rub
Resistance using the Test Procedures detailed above.
2TABLE 2 Tape Construction Ribbon (Image Quality, Percent Picking,
Rub Resistance) (ID #, Type) A B O P Q R S T ICS4099-1.sup.1, Re A,
60, G A, 5, G C, 10, P D, 80, P A, 5, M C, 5, M C, 5, G B, 40, G
ICS4099-2.sup.1, W/Re B, 80, G B, 50, G C, 5, P F, 80, P D, 5, M D,
80, M C, 10, M C, 5, M Sony4085.sup.2, W A, 80, P A, 50, P C, 10, M
C, 50, M C, 20, M C, 80, M C, 15, P C, 15, P Sony4050.sup.2, W F,
80, P F, 80, P D, 10, P D, 70, P D, 20, P C, 50, P C, 20, P C, 20,
P Sony4041.sup.2, R F, 90, M F, 90, M C, 80, P C, 90, P D, 90, P C,
90, P B, 50, M B, 50, M Sony5050.sup.2, W/R F, 60, M F, 50, M C,
60, P C, 30, P D, 60, M B, 70, P C, 20, M C, 10, M Sony4088.sup.2,
W/R F, 50, M F, 50, M D, 50, P D, 30, P D, 50, M B, 50, P D, 10, M
D, 20, M Sony4070.sup.2, Re B, 80, G B, 50, G D, 50, G C, 90, G B,
20, G A, 50, G C, 50, G B, 90, G Sony4075.sup.2, Re A, 90, G A, 50,
G A, 10, G B, 90, G A, 10, G A, 10, G B, 2, G A, 1, G
Advent501.sup.3, Re B, 90, G B, 10, G C, 50, G F, 90, G B, 10, G A,
20, P B, 2, G A, 10, G Advent301.sup.3, Re C, 90, M C, 50, M D, 40,
M D, 70, M D, 30, M C, 30, M D, 2, G D, 30, G RicolR110c.sup.4, Re
A, 80, G A, 10, G A, 5, G A, 90, G A, 5, G A, 30, G B, 5, G A, 90,
G ArmorAxr7.sup.5, Re B, 90, M B, 50, M D, 70, M D, 90, M C, 90, M
D, 70, M C, 20, G C, 90, G ArmorAxr7+.sup.5, Re S, 30, G S, 50, G
C, 50, G D, 90, G A, 10, G B, 10, G C, 20, G B, 90, G Ubi501.sup.6,
Re A, 90, G A, 50, G C, 20, G D, 90, G A, 5, G A, 5, G C, 10, G B,
10, G Zebra5175.sup.7, Re D, 90, G F, 50, G B, 50, G F, 90, G A,
60, G D, 70, G B, 10, G A, 90, G Zebra5099.sup.7, Re A, 70, G A, 5,
G B, 60, G D, 90, G A, 70, G D, 70, G C, 10, G A, 90, G
Markem717.sup.8, Re A, 80, M A, 10, M B, 90, P B, 90, P A, 60, P B,
70, M B, 5, G B, 60, G Cg180.sup.9, Re B, 90, G B, 10, G B, 1, G B,
90, G B, 0, G A, 0, G C, 1, G B, 1, G Cg180he.sup.9, Re D, 90, G F,
50, G A, 5, G F, 90, G A, 10, G A, 10, G A, 1, G A, 1, G Ncr
Matrix.sup.10, Re D, 30, G D, 20, G D, 50, G D, 50, G D, 30, M D,
20, M D, 20, G D, 30, G Ncr Pro2.sup.10, Re D, 60, M D, 20, M D,
95, P D, 90, P D, 90, P D, 90, P C, 10, G A, 5, G Iimak
sh36.sup.11, Re A, 90, G A, 50, G A, 30, G A, 90, G A, 60, G A, 90,
M B, 20, G A, 95, G Iimak hd68.sup.11, Re A, 50, G S, 20, G C, 5, G
C, 90, G B, 5, G S, 20, G C, 20, G B, 20, G Iimak sp330.sup.11, Re
D, 90, G A, 50, G C, 40, G D, 90, G A, 10, G A, 5, G C, 50, G B,
90, G Sato prem1.sup.12, Re S, 90, G S, 50, G B, 50, G C, 90, G B,
90, G A, 5, G C, 5, G B, 90, G Int053858.sup.13, Re S, 50, G S, 10,
G B, 40, G B, 90, G A, 40, G A, 90, G B, 10, G A, 90, G
Int053258.sup.13 Re A, 60, G A, 5, G B, 30, G C, 90, G A, 80, G A,
90, G B, 5, G A, 90, G Japan r1.sup.14, Re S, 50, G S, 10, G C, 40,
G D, 90, G C, 40, G D, 90, G C, 5, G C, 90, G Japan Heavy.sup.14,
Re A, 50, G A, 5, G A, 40, G B, 90, G A, 90, G A, 90, G A, 5, G A,
90, G Japan ri130.sup.4, Re S, 50, G S, 10, G C, 40, G D, 90, G C,
50, G D, 90, G C, 10, G C, 90, G .sup.1Obtained from ICS
Corporation (Neu-Anspach, Germany). .sup.2Obtained from Sony
Chemicals Corporation of America (Wooddale, IL). .sup.3Obtained
from Advent Corporation (Concord, SC). .sup.4Obtained from Ricol
(Santa Ana, CA). .sup.5Obtained from Armor (Cedex, France).
.sup.6Obtained from UBI Printer AB (Molndal, Sweden).
.sup.7Obtained from Zebra Technologies Corporation. .sup.8Obtained
from Markem (Keene, NH). .sup.9Obtained from Mid-City Columbia Inc.
(Dayton, OH). .sup.10Obtained from NCR Corporation (Dayton, OH).
.sup.11Obtained from Paxar Corporation (Amherst, NY).
.sup.12Obtained from Sato Corporation (Sunnyvale, CA).
.sup.13Obtained from Intermac (Fairfield, OH). .sup.14Obtained from
Japan Pulp & Paper Corporation (Tucker, GA).
[0082] Sixteen of the Tape Constructions identified in Table 1 were
printed with information using a Zebra 5099 resin ribbon in a Zebra
170xi Thermal Transfer Printer (Zebra Technologies
Corporation).
[0083] Each of the Tape Constructions described in Table 3 was
evaluated in terms of opacity, scan rating on a black background,
scan rating on a white background, scan rating on a corrugated
background, scan rating on a printed corrugated background, and rub
resistance.
[0084] Each example was scanned according to the Scan Rating Test
Procedure detailed above. The adhesion of the print to the tape
construction was evaluated using the Rub Resistance Test Procedure
detailed above. For each example, the Rub Resistance Test rating
was Good. In Table 3, Example Numbers 3-6, and 8-14 are tape 14 of
the invention.
3TABLE 3 Tape Con- struc- Exam- tion O- Scan Rating on Background
ple From pac- Printed No. Table 1 ity Black.sup.1 White.sup.2
Corrugated.sup.3 Corrugated.sup.4 C-1 A 54 F A D F C-2 B 60 F A D F
3 C 65 D A C D 4 D 81 B A B C 5 E 80 B A B B 6 F 87 A A A A C-7 G
57 F A D F 8 H 77 C A B D 9 I 83 B A B B 10 J 83 B A B B 11 K 87 A
A A A 12 L 93 A A A A 13 M 94 A A A A 14 N 89 A A A A C-15 S 32
F-ND.sup.5 A F F-ND C-16 T 46 F-ND A D F .sup.1Black = black square
on standard opacity chart Form 2A from The Lenata Company (HoHoKus,
NJ). The L* color coordinate of the black was 0. .sup.2White =
white square on standard opacity chart Form 2A from The Lenata
Company. The L* color coordinate of the white was 93.
.sup.3Corrugated = square of standard shipping box from Packaging
Corporation of America (Trexlertown, PA). .sup.4Printed Corrugated
= square of standard corrugated shipping box with an area of about
6 cm .times. 25 cm containing 12 point black printing covering at
least about 80% of the scanned area. .sup.5F-ND = no decode; no
scan rating was obtained.
[0085] The examples of tape 14 of the invention have a scan rating
of D or better on a black background. As explained above and as
evident from Table 3, testing on a black background is more
rigorous than testing on a white background.
[0086] Comparative Examples 17-64 in Table 4 detail the superiority
of the tape of the invention in a different way. These examples
show the backgrounds on which the tape 14 will work and on which
the comparative tapes will not work. Forty-eight color chip cards
identified in Table 4 were obtained from Valspar Corporation,
Wheeling, Ill. The color chip cards ranged from light to dark for
each color.
[0087] The L*, a*, and b* color coordinate values for each color
chip card were determined according to the CIE 1976 L*a*b* (CIELAB)
color determination methods described in Billmeyer & Saltzman,
Principles of Color Technology, 2.sup.nd Ed., pp. 62-65 (1981). The
color coordinates for standard daylight conditions (Illumination
Standard D65, described below) were measured for each color chip
card using the "LABSCAN 6000" Tester and using a HunterLab Master
Color Data program. The sample port was 12.7 mm in diameter, the
observer was set at D65, and the observer angle was set at 10
degrees. The L*, a*, and b* reflection color coordinates were
obtained by placing each color chip card in the sample port. The
L*, a*, and b* values for each color chip card are reported in
Table 4.
[0088] The measurements of L*, a*, and b* were made using the
Illumination Standard D65. This standard includes a continuous
spectrum of light having wavelengths of 300 nm to 830 nm. This
includes human visible light, near ultraviolet light, and near
infrared light. The laser scanner uses a single component of light
having a wavelength of 680 nm. The wavelength intensity of the red
and infrared regions is relatively constant. This means that the
results in the infrared regions would be functionally the same as
in the visible light regions. In the studied areas, the L*, a*, and
b* readings show that the laser scanner can properly read contrast
in materials which have negative a* values. The areas which have
positive a* values are where the scan ratings were low.
[0089] Using a Datamax PE43 Thermal Transfer Printer (Data Max
Corp., Orlando, Fla.), a single bar code was printed on the side of
the tape opposite the adhesive-coated side. The tape was Tape
Construction T from Table 1. A laminate of each color chip card and
bar code-printed tape segment was formed by placing the printed
tape segment on the color surface of each color chip card and
rolling the tape down with a roller using moderate hand
pressure.
[0090] Each laminate was scanned using the Scan Rating Test
Procedure above. The scan rating is listed in the last column of
Table 4. The data in Table 4 were analyzed using a regression
analysis of the scan rating as a function of the L*, a*, and b*
color coordinates. The scan rating was converted to a numerical
value, and a model linear in L*, a*, and b* was used. The method of
regression analysis of data is described in N. Draper and H. Smith,
Applied Regression Analysis, 2.sup.nd Ed., Chapters 2 and 6 (1966).
The analysis of the regression results showed that the coefficient
for b* was not statistically significant; the scan rating could be
predicted on a model based on L* and a* independent of b*. b* is
insignificant because the ability to scan is independent of the
blue and yellow components of the background color. The amount of
red, however, is important.
[0091] The regression model is:
scan rating=-2.1+0.054(L*)+0.033(a*)
[0092] when the scan rating is defined as A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, and
F=0. The regression model has a correlation coefficient of 0.87.
From the regression model, to obtain an A scan rating, for example,
using Tape Construction T, the background must satisfy the
equation:
4=-2.1+0.054(L*)+0.033(a*).
[0093] A contour plot of the scan rating as a function of L* and a*
is shown in FIG. 3. (The axes of the graph were chosen based on the
location of the measured data points.) This shows the regions of L*
and a* combinations which are predicted to provide the various scan
ratings. Thus, for an A scan rating the background would need to be
in the upper right portion of the graph. B or better scan ratings
are found against backgrounds which are to the right of the "B"
line in FIG. 3, and so on.
[0094] Although FIG. 3 graphs Tape Construction T, a graph of Tape
Construction C would have a similar plot, due to their similar
characteristics. Similarly, a regression model for Tape
Construction C would be similar to that for Tape Construction T.
Tape Construction T was chosen because it is the best performing
comparative tape.
4TABLE 4 Example Color Chip Scan No. Color Identification L* a* b*
Rating C-17 Yellow 203-1 96.41 -0.36 20.37 A C-18 Yellow 203-2
96.01 0.51 33.28 A C-19 Yellow 203-3 92.59 2.23 47.17 B C-20 Yellow
203-4 90.03 6.96 63.13 B C-21 Yellow 203-5 84.99 13.51 79.75 B C-22
Yellow 203-6 81.12 17.25 86.01 C C-23 Orange 205-1 93.86 3.37 20.19
A C-24 Orange 205-2 89.62 8.73 33.03 A C-25 Orange 205-3 84.92
14.64 43.36 B C-26 Orange 205-4 78.98 21.91 53.02 B C-27 Orange
205-5 74.69 27.34 58.88 B C-28 Orange 205-6 69.73 31.11 67.28 C
C-29 Red 209-1 93.51 7.76 2.02 B C-30 Red 209-2 89.15 13.32 2.29 B
C-31 Red 209-3 83.96 19.71 3.55 B C-32 Red 209-4 76.41 28.55 5.76 B
C-33 Red 209-5 66.46 37.62 10.72 B C-34 Red 209-6 53.57 44.93 28.01
C C-35 Purple 213-1 90.53 5.13 -4.86 B C-36 Purple 213-2 87.02 7.32
-8.14 B C-37 Purple 213-3 82.73 9.69 -12.62 B C-38 Purple 213-4
70.18 14.78 -20.75 C C-39 Purple 213-5 55.16 18.98 -28.74 D C-40
Purple 213-6 39.79 21.33 -29.96 D C-41 Brown 228-1 86.92 3.61 8.54
C C-42 Brown 228-2 82.41 4.46 9.69 C C-43 Brown 228-3 69.88 6.58
12.97 C C-44 Brown 228-4 58.62 7.61 14.21 D C-45 Brown 228-5 47.96
8.01 14.61 F C-46 Brown 228-6 37.86 8.25 16.54 F C-47 Black 338-1
85.38 -0.58 -0.37 C C-48 Black 338-2 76.74 -0.69 -1.85 D C-49 Black
338-3 66.36 -0.79 -3.01 D C-50 Black 338-4 50.44 -0.91 -4.47 F C-51
Black 338-5 42.96 -0.91 -4.48 F C-52 Black 339-6 32.22 -0.51 -2.12
F C-53 Blue 248-1 88.58 -2.89 -10.58 B C-54 Blue 248-2 81.03 -4.04
-19.85 C C-55 Blue 248-3 69.41 -4.35 -32.46 D C-56 Blue 248-4 58.65
-3.63 -41.21 F C-57 Blue 248-5 51.19 -2.45 -44.21 F C-58 Blue 248-6
34.01 2.71 -43.64 F C-59 Green 225-1 92.44 -8.43 3.49 C C-60 Green
225-2 86.77 -15.64 5.24 C C-61 Green 225-3 78.05 -23.68 9.01 F C-62
Green 225-4 68.82 -29.63 10.89 F C-63 Green 225-5 62.04 -31.97
11.68 F C-64 Green 225-6 55.46 -33.91 13.11 F
[0095] In contrast to the examples of comparative tapes which have
distinct, relatively narrow ranges of satisfactory scannability,
the adhesive tape of the invention can attain good scan ratings in
a range of color coordinates where comparative tapes could not
attain such scan ratings.
[0096] Tests of several tapes according to the invention show that,
even against backgrounds in which the comparative tapes (Example
Numbers C-1, C-2, C-7, C-15, and C-16) had F scan ratings (refer to
Table 3 in which the black background for the test had an L* of 0),
the tape 14 attained at least D scan ratings and examples 6, 11,
12, 13, and 14 had A scan ratings. (As shown in Table 4, Tape
Construction T had F scan ratings on much lighter backgrounds.)
This means that, unlike the comparative tapes, the tape of the
invention can attain A scan ratings regardless of the background to
which it is adhered. The tape can actually attain A ratings when
adhered to surfaces that have color coordinates including any a*,
any b*, and any L*.
[0097] To quantify this another way, the tape of the invention,
therefore, is capable of achieving a readable scan rating when
adhered to every surface regardless of the color coordinates of a
particular surface. The tape can achieve a scan rating of at least
D when adhered to surfaces that have color coordinates that satisfy
the equation:
1>[-2.1+0.054(L*)+0.033(a*)];
[0098] a scan rating of at least C when adhered to surfaces that
have color coordinates that satisfy the equation:
2>[-2.1+0.054(L*)+0.033(a*)];
[0099] a scan rating of at least B when adhered to surfaces that
have color coordinates that satisfy the equation:
3>[-2.1+0.054(L*)+0.033(a*)];
[0100] and a scan rating of A when adhered to surfaces that have
color coordinates that satisfy the equation:
4>[-2.1+0.054(L*)+0.033(a*)].
[0101] Various changes and modifications can be made in the
invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the
invention. For example, although the illustrated embodiments use
thermal ribbon printing, inkjet coding systems and other printing
systems also can be used. Also, printing could occur on the
adhesive portion of the tape. The disclosures of all patents
mentioned in this application are incorporated by reference.
* * * * *