U.S. patent application number 10/903472 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for heat-transfer label well-suited for labeling fabrics and methods of making and using the same.
Invention is credited to Chiao, Yi-Hung, Dinescu, Liviu, He, Xiao-Ming, Heydarpour, Ramin, Hseih, Dong-Tsai, Morgenthau, Alan, Shu, Li, Tsai, Kuolih.
Application Number | 20050100689 10/903472 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32474557 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050100689 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
He, Xiao-Ming ; et
al. |
May 12, 2005 |
Heat-transfer label well-suited for labeling fabrics and methods of
making and using the same
Abstract
A method for labeling fabrics, such as fabric garments, and a
heat-transfer label well-suited for use in said method. In one
embodiment, the heat-transfer label comprises (i) a support
portion, the support portion comprising a carrier and a release
layer; (ii) a wax layer, the wax layer overcoating the release
layer; and (iii) a transfer portion, the transfer portion
comprising an adhesive layer printed onto the wax layer and an ink
design layer printed onto the adhesive layer. Preferably, at least
a portion of the ink design layer is printed using a variable
printing technique, such as thermal transfer printing.
Inventors: |
He, Xiao-Ming; (Arcadia,
CA) ; Dinescu, Liviu; (Chatsworth, CA) ; Tsai,
Kuolih; (Arcadia, CA) ; Hseih, Dong-Tsai;
(Arcadia, CA) ; Shu, Li; (Arcadia, CA) ;
Chiao, Yi-Hung; (Temple City, CA) ; Morgenthau,
Alan; (Keene, NH) ; Heydarpour, Ramin;
(Beverly Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KRIEGSMAN & KRIEGSMAN
665 Franklin Street
Framingham
MA
01702
US
|
Family ID: |
32474557 |
Appl. No.: |
10/903472 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10903472 |
Jul 30, 2004 |
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PCT/US03/38315 |
Dec 2, 2003 |
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60430216 |
Dec 2, 2002 |
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60453661 |
Mar 11, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/32.79 ;
428/347; 428/348 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 2375/00 20130101;
D06Q 1/12 20130101; B32B 2323/10 20130101; B32B 27/40 20130101;
B41M 5/506 20130101; Y10T 428/24802 20150115; B32B 2307/302
20130101; B44C 1/1712 20130101; Y10T 428/2822 20150115; D06P 5/007
20130101; B32B 2317/12 20130101; B32B 27/36 20130101; B32B 7/06
20130101; B32B 27/08 20130101; Y10T 428/2826 20150115; B41M 5/5254
20130101; D06P 5/003 20130101; G09F 2003/025 20130101; Y10T
428/2839 20150115; B32B 27/00 20130101; B65C 5/04 20130101; Y10S
428/914 20130101; B41M 3/14 20130101; Y10S 428/913 20130101; D06P
1/004 20130101; Y10T 428/2813 20150115; Y10T 428/2848 20150115;
G09F 3/00 20130101; G09F 3/02 20130101; G09F 3/10 20130101; B32B
2519/02 20130101; B32B 2367/00 20130101; B41M 5/508 20130101; B32B
7/12 20130101; Y10T 428/2817 20150115; B32B 27/32 20130101; D06H
1/02 20130101; G06K 19/027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/032.79 ;
428/347; 428/348 |
International
Class: |
B32B 007/12 |
Claims
1. A heat-transfer label well-suited for labeling an article of
fabric, the heat-transfer label comprising: (a) a support portion;
and (b) a transfer portion, the transfer portion being positioned
over the support portion for transfer of the transfer portion from
the support portion to an article of fabric, the transfer portion
comprising (i) a first printed marking, and (ii) a heat-activatable
adhesive layer, the heat-activatable adhesive layer having a
surface roughness not exceeding about 10 microns; (iii) wherein the
first printed marking and the heat-activatable adhesive layer are
positioned relative to one another so that one of the first printed
marking and the heat-activatable adhesive layer is positioned over
the other.
2. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first
printed marking is positioned over the heat-activatable adhesive
layer.
3. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first
printed marking is printed directly onto the heat-activatable
adhesive layer.
4. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first
printed marking is printed by a variable printing technique.
5. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 4 wherein the
variable printing technique is selected from the group consisting
of thermal transfer printing, inkjet printing, laser jet printing,
dye sublimation printing, electrographic printing, magnetographic
printing, ionographic printing, digital stencil duplicator
printing, imagesetter printing, platesetter printing, and direct
imaging conventional press printing.
6. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 5 wherein the
variable printing technique is direct thermal transfer
printing.
7. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first
printed marking is formed using a wax and resin-based thermal
transfer ribbon.
8. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first
printed marking is formed using a resin-based thermal transfer
ribbon.
9. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first
printed marking comprises a first ink layer, the first ink layer
having a thickness of about 1-20 microns.
10. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 9 wherein the first
ink layer has a thickness of about 1-10 microns.
11. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 10 wherein the
first ink layer has a thickness of about 4-8 microns.
12. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first
printed marking comprises a first ink layer and a first ink
diffusion barrier layer, one of the first ink layer and the first
ink diffusion barrier layer being positioned over the other.
13. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 12 wherein the
first ink diffusion barrier layer has a thickness of about 0.1 to
10 microns and is selected from the group consisting of
silicon-based oxide coatings, silicon-based nitride coatings,
titanium oxide coatings, and resin-based adhesive coatings.
14. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 12 wherein the
first ink layer is positioned over the first ink diffusion barrier
layer.
15. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 14 wherein the
first printed marking further comprises a second ink layer, the
second ink layer being positioned over the first ink layer.
16. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 14 wherein the
first ink diffusion barrier layer is positioned over the first ink
layer.
17. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 16 wherein the
first printed marking further comprises a second ink layer, the
first ink layer being positioned over the second ink layer.
18. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 17 wherein the
first printed marking further comprises a second ink diffusion
barrier layer, the second ink layer being positioned over the
second ink diffusion barrier layer.
19. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first
printed marking comprises at least a first ink layer and a second
ink layer, one of the first ink layer and the second ink layer
being positioned over the other, at least one of the first ink
layer and the second ink layer comprising a UV- or IR-activatable
ink.
20. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first
printed marking comprises a first ink layer and a second ink layer,
the first ink layer and the second ink layer being of different
colors.
21. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 6 wherein the
heat-activatable adhesive layer comprises a PVC resin.
22. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first
printed marking is printed by a printing technique selected from
the group consisting of screen printing, gravure printing and
flexographic printing.
23. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 22, the transfer
portion further comprising a second printed marking printed
directly onto the heat-activatable adhesive layer, the second
printed marking being printed by a variable printing technique
selected from the group consisting of thermal transfer printing,
ink jet printing, laser jet printing, dye sublimation printing,
electrographic printing, magnetographic printing, ionographic
printing, digital stencil duplicator printing, imagesetter
printing, platesetter printing, and direct imaging conventional
press printing.
24. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 23 wherein the
heat-activatable adhesive layer comprises a PVC resin, the first
printed marking is printed using a PVC ink and the second printed
marking is printed by thermal transfer printing.
25. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 2 wherein the
support portion comprises a carrier and a release coating
positioned directly on top of the carrier.
26. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 25 wherein the
heat-activatable adhesive layer is in direct contact with said
release coating.
27. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 26 wherein the
release coating is made of a non-wax, non-silicone, release
material.
28. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 25 further
comprising a wax layer over the release coating, the
heat-activatable adhesive layer being in direct contact with the
wax layer.
29. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 28 wherein the
transfer portion further comprises a second printed marking, the
second printed marking being printed directly onto the wax
layer.
30. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 29 wherein the
second printed marking is made by a variable printing technique
selected from the group consisting of thermal transfer printing,
inkjet printing, laser jet printing, dye sublimation printing,
electrographic printing, magnetographic printing, ionographic
printing, digital stencil duplicator printing, imagesetter
printing, platesetter printing, and direct imaging conventional
press printing.
31. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 30 wherein the
variable printing technique is direct thermal transfer
printing.
32. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 31 wherein the
second printed marking comprises a first ink diffusion barrier
layer printed directly onto the wax layer, a first ink layer
printed directly onto the first ink diffusion barrier layer, and a
second ink diffusion barrier layer printed directly onto the ink
layer.
33. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least
one of the first printed marking and the heat-activatable adhesive
layer includes at least one of a security ink and a security
additive.
34. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
heat-activatable adhesive layer has a surface roughness of no more
than about 5 microns.
35. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 34 wherein the
heat-activatable adhesive layer has a surface roughness of no more
than about 2 microns.
36. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
heat-activatable adhesive layer is prepared by at least a two
pass-through printing process.
37. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
heat-activatable adhesive layer is positioned over the first
printed marking.
38. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 37 wherein the
transfer portion further comprises a second printed marking, the
second printed marking being printed directly onto the
heat-activatable adhesive layer.
39. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 38 wherein the
second printed marking is printed by a variable printing
technique.
40. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 39 wherein the
variable printing technique is selected from the group consisting
of thermal transfer printing, ink jet printing, laser jet printing,
dye sublimation printing, electrographic printing, magnetographic
printing, ionographic printing, digital stencil duplicator
printing, imagesetter printing, platesetter printing, and direct
imaging conventional press printing.
41. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 40 wherein the
variable printing technique is direct thermal transfer
printing.
42. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 41 wherein the
first printed marking comprises a first ink layer and a first ink
diffusion barrier layer, one of the first ink layer and the first
ink diffusion barrier layer being positioned over the other.
43. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 42 wherein the
first printed marking further comprises a second ink diffusion
barrier layer, the first ink diffusion barrier layer being
positioned directly on top of the heat-activatable adhesive layer,
the first ink layer being positioned directly on top of the first
ink diffusion barrier layer, the second ink diffusion barrier layer
being positioned directly on top of the first ink layer.
44. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 41 wherein the
first printed marking is formed using a PVC ink and the
heat-activatable adhesive layer comprises a PVC resin.
45. A heat-transfer label well-suited for labeling an article of
fabric, the heat-transfer label comprising: (a) a support portion;
and (b) a transfer portion, the transfer portion being positioned
over the support portion for transfer of the transfer portion from
the support portion to an article of fabric, the transfer portion
comprising (i) a heat-activatable adhesive layer, the
heat-activatable adhesive layer having a surface roughness not
exceeding about 15 microns; and (ii) a design layer positioned
directly over the heat-activatable adhesive layer, the design layer
being printed entirely by a variable printing technique.
46. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 45 wherein the
design layer is printed entirely by direct thermal transfer
printing.
47. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 45 wherein the
heat-activatable adhesive layer has a surface roughness of no more
than about 5 microns.
48. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 47 wherein the
heat-activatable adhesive layer includes a PVC resin.
49. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 45 wherein the
design layer is printed using a wax and resin-based thermal
transfer ribbon.
50. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 45 wherein the
design layer is printed using a resin-based thermal transfer
ribbon.
51. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 45 wherein the
design layer comprises a first ink layer and a first ink diffusion
barrier layer, one of the first ink layer and the first ink
diffusion barrier layer being positioned over the other.
52. A heat-transfer label well-suited for labeling an article of
fabric, the heat-transfer label comprising: (a) a carrier; (b) a
release layer, the release layer being positioned over the carrier;
and (c) a first marking transferable to the article of fabric, the
first marking being positioned over the release layer, the first
marking being made by thermal transfer printing and comprising a
first ink layer and a first ink diffusion barrier layer, one of the
first ink layer and the first ink diffusion barrier layer being
positioned over the other.
53. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 52 wherein the
first marking further comprises a second ink diffusion barrier
layer, the first ink layer being positioned directly on top of the
first ink diffusion barrier layer, the second ink diffusion barrier
layer being positioned directly on top of the first ink layer.
54. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 52 wherein the
release layer is a non-wax, non-silicone, release material
positioned directly on top of the carrier and wherein the first
marking is printed directly onto the release layer.
55. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 52 wherein the
release layer is a non-wax, non-silicone, release material
positioned directly on top of the carrier, the heat-transfer label
further comprising a wax layer positioned directly on top of the
release layer, the first marking being printed directly onto the
wax layer.
56. The heat-transfer label as claimed in claim 52 further
comprising a second marking positioned over the release layer and
transferable to the article of fabric, the second marking being
printed by a printing technique selected from the group consisting
of screen printing, gravure printing and flexographic printing.
57-88. (canceled).
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of
presently-pending International Application No. PCT/US03/38315,
with an international filing date of Dec. 2, 2003, which, in turn,
claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/430,216, filed Dec. 2, 2002, and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application SerialNo. 60/453,661, filed
Mar. 11, 2003. All of the foregoing applications are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to heat-transfer
labels and relates more particularly to heat-transfer labels
well-suited for labeling fabrics.
[0003] It is customary for manufacturers of garments and other
finished fabrics (e.g., towels, bed linens, tablecloths, etc.) to
attach thereto one or more labels that display various items of
information, such as article size, fiber content, instructions for
care, and the manufacturer's name or trademark. Such labels, which
are to be contrasted with hanging price tags and the like, are
typically not intended to be removed by the consumer after the
purchase of the article, but rather, are intended to be permanently
affixed to the article. In fact, such labels are commonly known in
the industry as permanent care labels and typically comprise a
small piece of cloth which is sewn directly onto the article, said
small piece of cloth bearing the information described above.
[0004] Unfortunately, the presence of a permanent care label on
certain articles, such as undergarments or other garments in which
the label is in direct contact with the wearer's skin, can become
irritating to the wearer. As a result, it is not uncommon for a
wearer of such a garment to remove the permanent care label,
typically by cutting or simply by ripping the permanent care label
from the garment. However, as can readily be appreciated, such a
practice not only results in a loss of the information contained on
the label but the act of cutting or ripping the permanent care
label from the garment can also result in significant damage to the
garment, itself.
[0005] One approach to this problem has been to replace the
aforementioned permanent care cloth label sewn onto the garment
with a heat-transfer label applied to the garment. One such type of
heat-transfer label construction comprises (a) a support portion,
said support portion including (i) a polyester film carrier having
a thickness of about 4 mil; and (ii) a polyacrylate/ester/silicone
release of about 3 microns applied to the top of said carrier; and
(b) a transfer portion, said transfer portion including (i) a
protective layer, said protective layer being positioned directly
on top of the release layer and having a thickness of about 3.5
microns; (ii) one or more ink layers positioned on top of the
protective layer and having a thickness of about 5-9 microns; and
(iii) a heat-activatable polyester/ester/silicone adhesive layer,
said adhesive layer being positioned on top of the one or more ink
layers and having a thickness of about 2 mil and a melting
temperature of about 102-113.degree. C. Typically, the support
portion is in the form of an elongated web, with a plurality of
discrete transfer portions being spaced thereover. In use, the
garment to be labeled is set on a mandrel, and the heat-transfer
label construction is inverted so that the adhesive layer of one of
its transfer portions is positioned over the garment. A heated
press is then brought down on top of the support portion to press
the adhesive layer of the transfer portion against the garment and
to heat the label construction through the support portion. The
heating of the construction causes the activation of the adhesive
layer against the garment. The heated press is then removed from
the support portion, and the heated construction is allowed to cool
on the garment. Once the heated construction has cooled
sufficiently, the support portion is peeled away from the transfer
portion, resulting in a labeled garment. The label construction may
then be advanced so that another transfer portion is aligned with
the mandrel, and the process may then be repeated for another
garment.
[0006] One problem with the heat-transfer label described above is
that the transfer portion, once applied to a garment, must be
allowed to cool prior to the peeling away of the support portion
therefrom. If such a period of time is not provided to permit the
heated transfer portion to cool, the release of the transfer
portion from the support portion will not be clean, and the
transfer portion will not transfer completely to the garment. This
is problematic because the cooling step, which can have a duration
in the range of several seconds up to one or more minutes, adds
time to the labeling process, thereby limiting the throughput of
the process.
[0007] Another problem with the heat-transfer label described above
is that, once the transfer portion of the heat-transfer label has
been printed, the particular array of information displayed by the
label is fixed and cannot thereafter be altered or supplemented. As
can readily be appreciated, where a garment labeler (e.g. garment
manufacturer, garment distributor, etc.) needs to label more than
one type and/or size of garment, such an absence of flexibility in
label content is undesirable since it requires the garment labeler
to have on-hand pre-printed labels of every possible type in
sufficient quantity to label every article with an appropriate
label. Such a requirement for labels of every type in sufficient
quantity often results in the undesirable purchase and storage of
more labels than are actually used. Clearly, it would be desirable
to have labels that are customizable in content, preferably printed
with variable information by the garment labeler, so that such
labels may be printed as needed.
[0008] Documents relating to the labeling of garments using
heat-transfer technology include the following U.S. patents: U.S.
Pat. No. 6,423,466, inventors Hare et al., which issued Jul. 23,
2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,710, inventors Hare et al., which issued
May 7, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,772, inventors Magill et al.,
which issued Sep. 29, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,783, inventor Mahn,
Jr., which issued May 2, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,349, inventor
Mahn, Sr., which issued Nov. 22, 1988; U.S. Pat. No. 4,256,795,
inventors Day et al., which issued Mar. 17, 1981; U.S. Pat. No.
3,992,559, inventors Day et al., which issued Nov. 16, 1976; U.S.
Pat. No. 3,959,555, inventors Day et al., which issued May 25,
1976; U.S. Pat. No. 3,920,499, inventors Day et al., which issued
Nov. 18, 1975; and U.S. Reissue Patent No. 28,542, inventor Meyer,
which reissued Sep. 2, 1975.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new
heat-transfer label.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new heat-transfer label that is well-suited for labeling articles,
such as, but not limited to, fabric garments.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
heat-transfer label as described above that overcomes at least some
of the shortcomings discussed above in connection with existing
heat-transfer labels.
[0012] In furtherance of the above and other objects to be set
forth or to become apparent from the description to follow, and
according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a
heat-transfer label well-suited for labeling an article of fabric,
the heat-transfer label comprising (a) a support portion; and (b) a
transfer portion, the transfer portion being positioned over the
support portion for transfer of the transfer portion from the
support portion to an article of fabric, the transfer portion
comprising (i) a first printed marking, and (ii) a heat-activatable
adhesive layer, the heat-activatable adhesive layer having a
surface roughness not exceeding about 15 microns, preferably 10
microns; (iii) wherein the first printed marking and the
heat-activatable adhesive layer are positioned relative to one
another so that one of the first printed marking and the
heat-activatable adhesive layer is positioned over the other.
[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided heat-transfer label well-suited for labeling an article of
fabric, the heat-transfer label comprising (a) a support portion;
and (b) a transfer portion, the transfer portion being positioned
over the support portion for transfer of the transfer portion from
the support portion to an article of fabric, the transfer portion
comprising (i) a heat-activatable adhesive layer, the
heat-activatable adhesive layer having a surface roughness not
exceeding about 15 microns; and (ii) a design layer positioned
directly over the heat-activatable adhesive layer, the design layer
being printed entirely by a variable printing technique.
[0014] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided heat-transfer label well-suited for labeling an article of
fabric, the heat-transfer label comprising (a) a carrier; (b) a
release layer, the release layer being positioned over the carrier;
and (c) a first marking transferable to the article of fabric, the
first marking being positioned over the release layer, the first
marking being made by thermal transfer printing and comprising a
first ink layer and a first ink diffusion barrier layer, one of the
first ink layer and the first ink diffusion barrier layer being
positioned over the other.
[0015] According to still yet another aspect of the invention,
there is provided a method of labeling an article using a
heat-transfer label, such a method comprising the steps of (a)
providing a heat-transfer label, the heat-transfer label comprising
(i) a carrier, and (ii) a release material, the release material
being positioned over the carrier; (b) then, forming a first
marking over the release material, the first marking being made by
thermal transfer printing; and (c) then, directly contacting the
first marking with a garment and transferring the first marking
from the carrier to the garment under conditions of heat and
pressure.
[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of making a heat-transfer label, such a method
comprising the steps of (a) providing a releasable support; (b)
printing a heat-activatable adhesive layer over the releasable
support, the heat-activatable adhesive having a surface roughness
not exceeding about 15 microns; and (c) printing a design layer
directly onto the heat-activatable adhesive layer.
[0017] According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of making a heat-transfer label, such a method
comprising the steps of (a) providing a releasable support; (b)
then, printing a design layer over the releasable support; (c)
then, printing a heat-activatable adhesive layer over the ink
design layer; and (d) then, printing a marking directly onto the
heat-activatable adhesive layer.
[0018] According to still yet a further aspect of the invention,
there is provided a thermal transfer printing ribbon, such a
thermal transfer printing ribbon comprising (a) a carrier; (b) a
wax release layer over the carrier; (c) a first ink diffusion
barrier layer over the wax release layer; (d) a first ink layer
over the first ink diffusion barrier layer; and (e) a second ink
diffusion barrier layer over the first ink layer.
[0019] According to still yet a further aspect of the invention,
there is provided a thermal transfer printing ribbon, the thermal
transfer printing ribbon comprising (a) a releasable support; (b) a
first ink layer positioned over the releasable support; (c) a first
ink diffusion barrier layer positioned over the releasable support,
one of the first ink layer and the first ink diffusion barrier
layer being positioned over the other; and (d) a heat-activatable
adhesive layer positioned over the higher positioned of the first
ink layer and the first ink diffusion barrier layer.
[0020] For purposes of the present specification and claims, it is
to be understood that certain terms used herein, such as "on" or
"over," when used to denote the relative positions of two or more
layers of a heat-transfer label, are primarily used to denote such
relative positions in the context of how those layers are situated
prior to transfer of the transfer portion of the label to an
article since, after transfer, the arrangement of layers is
inverted as those layers which were furthest removed from the
associated support sheet are now closest to the labeled
article.
[0021] Additional objects, as well as features, advantages and
aspects of the present invention, will be set forth in part in the
description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the
description or may be learned by practice of the invention. In the
description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which
form a part thereof and in which is shown by way of illustration
specific embodiments for practicing the invention. These
embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those
skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore,
not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present
invention is best defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are hereby incorporated
into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate
preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In
the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like
parts:
[0023] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic section view of a first embodiment
of a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles
of fabric;
[0024] FIG. 1(b) is a top view, broken away in part, of the
heat-transfer label of FIG. 1(a);
[0025] FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic section views showing how
the heat-transfer label of FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) may be used to label
a fabric garment;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic section view of a second embodiment of
a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles of
fabric;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic section view of a third embodiment of
a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles of
fabric;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic section view of one embodiment of a
thermal transfer ribbon suitable for use in making the variable
information marking shown in FIG. 4;
[0029] FIG. 5(a) is a schematic section view of an alternative
embodiment to the thermal transfer ribbon of FIG. 5;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a schematic section view of a fourth embodiment of
a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles of
fabric;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic section view of a fifth embodiment of
a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles of
fabric;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a schematic section view of a sixth embodiment of
a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles of
fabric;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a schematic section view of a seventh embodiment
of a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles
of fabric;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a schematic section view of one embodiment of a
thermal transfer ribbon suitable for use in making the variable
information marking shown in FIG. 9;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a schematic section view of an eighth embodiment
of a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles
of fabric;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a schematic section view of a ninth embodiment of
a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles of
fabric;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a schematic section view of a tenth embodiment of
a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles of
fabric;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a schematic section view of an eleventh
embodiment of a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling
articles of fabric; and
[0039] FIG. 15 is a schematic section view of a twelfth embodiment
of a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling articles
of fabric.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), there are shown
schematic section and top views, respectively, of a first
embodiment of a heat-transfer label well-suited for use in labeling
articles of fabric, said heat-transfer label being constructed
according to the teachings of the present invention and being
represented generally by reference numeral 11.
[0041] Label 11 comprises a support portion 13. Support portion 13,
in turn, comprises a carrier 15. Carrier 15 may be a paper
substrate, a polymer-coated paper substrate, or a polymer film
substrate. Preferably, carrier 15 is a polymer film substrate
having a glass transition temperature in the range of 60.degree. C.
to 250.degree. C. and having a storage modulus in the range of
1.0.times.10.sup.10 dynes/cm.sup.2 to 2.0.times.10.sup.10
dynes/cm.sup.2 at ambient temperature and a storage modulus in the
range of 5.0.times.10.sup.7 to 1.5.times.10.sup.10 dynes/cm.sup.2
at 100.degree. C. Examples of materials particularly preferred for
use as carrier 15 include polyester films, particularly
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films and poly(ethylene
2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) (PEN) films, and oriented
polypropylene films, particularly heat-stabilized, oriented
polypropylene films. This is because, at least as compared to some
other plastic materials like polyethylene and non-oriented
polypropylene, polyester has better mechanical properties and makes
a better substrate to be printed onto. In addition, unlike
polyethylene, polyester does not tend to soften and become tacky at
the types of temperatures typically encountered during
heat-transfer.
[0042] More preferably, carrier 15 is a plastic film of the type
described above that is additionally optically clear. As can
readily be appreciated, one benefit to using a clear material as
carrier 15 is that, if desired, one can inspect the quality of the
printed matter of the label by looking at said printed matter
through carrier 15 (from which perspective said printed matter
appears as it will on the labelled article), as opposed to looking
at said printed matter through the adhesive layer of the label
(from which perspective said printed matter appears as the mirror
image of what will appear on the labeled article).
[0043] Carrier 15 preferably has a thickness of about 0.5-7 mil,
more preferably about 0.9-3.0 mil, even more preferably about 1.4-2
mil.
[0044] Support portion 13 also includes a release layer or coating
17, coating 17 preferably being applied directly to the top of
carrier 15. Coating 17 is a release material that preferably
separates cleanly from the below-described transfer portion of
label 11 and is not transferred, to any visually discernible
degree, with said transfer portion of label 11 onto an article
being labeled. (For purposes of the present specification and
claims, the term "visually discernible" is to be construed in terms
of an unaided or naked human eye.) Moreover, in addition to
separating cleanly from the transfer portion of label 11, coating
17 preferably permits the separation of the transfer portion of
label 111 from coating 17 soon (i.e., within a few seconds) after
said transfer portion has been applied to an article of fabric.
Preferably, release coating 17 is clear for the same types of
reasons given above in connection with carrier 15.
[0045] Coating 17 preferably has a thickness of about 0.01 to 10
microns, more preferably about 0.02 to 1 micron, even more
preferably about 0.1 micron.
[0046] Preferably, coating 17 and carrier 15 are selected so that
the release force required to peel a unit width of pressure
sensitive tape from coating 17 at 180 degrees is in the range of
about 0.5-5.0 lb/inch, more preferably about 1.5-3.5 lb/inch, even
more preferably about 2.1-2.4 lb/inch. For purposes of the present
specification and claims, the release force required to peel a unit
width of pressure sensitive tape from coating 17 at 180 degrees is
determined in accordance with Adhesion Test Method PSTC-4B, which
is described in Test Methods for Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes,
13.sup.th Edition, published by Pressure Sensitive Tape Council,
Northbrook, Ill. (2000), and which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0047] A variety of different substances may be applied to carrier
15 to form coating 17. One such substance is an olefinic material
that does not contain any waxes or any silicones, except to the
limited extent provided below. (The terms "non-wax" and
"non-silicone," when used in the present specification and claims
to describe or to define a release layer or coating formed from
such a substance, are defined herein to exclude from said release
layer or coating the presence of any and all waxes and silicones
not encompassed by the limited exceptions provided below.) The
coating formed from said olefinic substance has a total surface
energy of about 25 to 35 mN/m (preferably about 30 mN/m), of which
about 0.1 to 4 mN/m (preferably about 1.3 mN/m) is polar surface
energy. When analyzed by XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy),
said coating has a carbon content (by atomic %) of about 90 to
99.9% (preferably about 97%) and an oxygen content (by atomic %) of
about 0.1 to 10% (preferably about 3%). Examples of a support
portion 13 that includes a carrier 15 and a coating 17 as described
above are commercially available from DuPont Teijin Films
(Hopewell, Va.) as Mylar.RTM. A701-142 gauge film and Mylar.RTM.
A701-200 gauge film. The release force required to peel, at 180
degrees, a unit width of pressure sensitive tape from coating 17 of
Mylar.RTM. A701-142 gauge film is about 2.1 lb/inch and from
coating 17 of Mylar.RTM. A701-200 gauge film is about 2.4
lb/inch.
[0048] Because it is common to wind a continuous web of
heat-transfer labels into a roll, one advantage to using a non-wax,
non-silicone release coating of the type described above in a
heat-transfer label construction is that there is no chance of the
release coating contaminating the transfer portion of the label
with wax or silicone. This may be a substantial benefit as the
transfer of a wax or silicone residue onto the transfer portion may
adversely affect the adhesive properties of the transfer portion
during label transfer.
[0049] Another advantage of a non-wax release coating over a wax
release coating is that a non-wax release coating is typically
capable of being used over a broader range of operating
temperatures than is a wax release coating, which typically must be
heated to its melting temperature.
[0050] Another advantage of a non-silicone release coating over a
silicone release coating is that a non-silicone release coating
typically has better printability than does a silicone release
coating.
[0051] Notwithstanding the above, instead of being formed from the
non-wax, non-silicone, olefinic substance described above, release
coating 17 may comprise a phosphate ester coating, such as RA-150W
release coat (Mayzo, Inc., Norcross, Ga.), a carbamate coating, a
silicone coating, a fluorocarbon coating or a wax coating, such as
a polyethylene-based wax coating of the type described below.
[0052] Still other types of coated polymer films which may be used
as support portion 13 are described in PCT Application No.
PCT/US00/17703, which was published on Jan. 18, 2001, and in
European Patent Application No. 819,726, published Jan. 21, 1998,
both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Both of the
aforementioned patent applications teach a coated film structure
preferably comprising:
[0053] (i) polymers selected from the group consisting of
polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and poly(ethylene
2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate); polyolefins such as polyethylene
and polypropylene; and polyamides; wherein said polymers form a
polymeric film surface; and
[0054] (ii) a primer coating comprising:
[0055] (A) functionalized .alpha.-olefin containing copolymers,
preferably acid functionalized .alpha.-olefin containing
copolymers, selected from the group consisting of ethylene/acrylic
acid copolymers; ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymers;
ethylene/vinylacetate/acrylic acid terpolymers;
ethylene/methacrylamide copolymers; ethylene/glycidyl methacrylate
copolymers; ethylene/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymers;
ethylene/2-hydroxyethyl acrylate copolymers; propylene/acrylic acid
copolymers; etc. and
[0056] (B) crosslinking agents selected from the group consisting
of amino formaldehyde resins, polyvalent metal salts, isocyanates,
blocked isocyanates, epoxy resins and polyfunctional
aziridines;
[0057] (iii) wherein said primer coating is applied as a primer to
the polymeric film surface, preferably in its amorphous or
semi-oriented state and reacted with newly generated polymeric film
surfaces formed during uniaxial or biaxial stretching and heat
setting.
[0058] Another example of a suitable support portion 13 may be
found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,406, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0059] Additives such as coating aids, wetting aids such as
surfactants (including silicone surfactants), slip additives,
antistatic agents may be incorporated into release coating 17 in
levels from 0 to 50% based on the total weight of additive-free
coating solids.
[0060] The above-described release coating 17 may additionally be
applied to the bottom surface of the polymeric carrier 15 for use
in preventing the transfer portion from adhering to the underside
of carrier 15 when a label assembly comprising a plurality of
transfer portions on a single support portion 13 is wound into a
roll.
[0061] Label 11 additionally comprises a wax layer 19, wax layer 19
being printed onto a desired area of release layer 17 of support
portion 13. Wax layer 19, which serves to facilitate the release of
the transfer portion to be described below from support portion 13,
preferably has a thickness of about 1 to 20 microns, more
preferably about 4 to 15 microns, and preferably has a melting
point of about 60 to 130.degree. C., more preferably about 80 to
120.degree. C. Wax layer 19 also enhances the color density of the
ink design layer of the transfer portion, particularly in the case
of light-colored ink design layers used to label dark-colored
articles. Wax layer 19 preferably comprises a polyethylene-based
wax and may be printed (preferably by screen printing) from a
composition comprising 1350 parts Acumist D5 powdered wax
(Honeywell, Morristown, N.J.), 450 parts ME 48040 M2 wax emulsion
(Michaelman, Cincinnati, Ohio), 300 parts Tafigel PUR 61 thickener
(Ultra Additives, Clover, S.C.), 36 parts Dehydran 1620 defoamer
(Cognis, Ambler, Pa.), 24 parts of Zonyl FSA wetting agent (DuPont,
Wilmington, Del.), and 5400 parts water.
[0062] Preferably, the aforementioned formulation is prepared using
a Hockmeyer mixer (Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation, Elizabeth City,
N.C.) to form a uniform, stable wax slurry, which is storage stable
under ambient conditions in a closed container. Screen printing of
the formulation may be performed using a 250 mesh screen at a print
speed of 2100 imprints per hour. The printed wax layer may be dried
and melted by heat from UV and IR lamps of a Smag press (Smag
Graphique, Savigny-Sur-Orge Cedex, France). Solidification and
crystallization of the wax may be achieved by forced air cooling
after exiting the heating zone.
[0063] It should be understood that it may not be necessary in all
instances to include both release layer 17 and wax layer 19 in
label 11 in order to achieve the desired release of the transfer
portion from the support portion 13. Therefore, in such instances,
one may omit one of layers 17 and 19 from label 11.
[0064] Label 11 further comprises a transfer portion 21 (it being
understood that, even though only a single transfer portion 21 is
shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), one need not position only one
transfer portion 21 per support portion 13, but rather, one may
space apart at regular intervals a plurality of identical or
different transfer portions 21 on an elongated common web of
support portion 13).
[0065] Transfer portion 21 comprises a heat transfer or
heat-activatable adhesive layer 23 printed directly onto wax layer
19 and an ink design layer 25 printed directly onto adhesive layer
23, ink design layer 25 not exceeding the footprint of adhesive
layer 23.
[0066] Adhesive layer 23, which may comprise at least one of a
polyester adhesive resin, a polyacrylate adhesive resin, a
polyurethane adhesive resin, a polyamide adhesive resin and a
polyvinyl chloride adhesive resin, preferably has a thickness of
about 10 to 200 microns (more preferably about 20 to 80 microns,
even more preferably about 20 to 50 microns) and a melting point of
polyester resin and polyamide resin in the range of about 60 to
150.degree. C. (more preferably about 80 to 120.degree. C.) and is
capable of bonding securely to fabrics. In addition, adhesive layer
23 has a sufficiently smooth top surface to enable the legible
printing of ink design layer 25 thereonto. The present inventors
have determined that, to obtain a desirably smooth top surface for
printing, the surface roughness of adhesive layer 23 preferably
should not exceed about 15 microns, more preferably not more than
about 10 microns, even more preferably not more than about 5
microns, still even more preferably not more than about 2
microns.
[0067] Accordingly, an example of a suitable adhesive composition
comprises 450 parts HMP 5184 V polyester powder resin
(Bostik-Findley, Middleton, Mass.) as an adhesive, 150 parts PKHW
35 phenoxy dispersion (InChem Corp., Rock Hill, S.C.) as a binder,
110 parts Tafigel PUR 61 thickener (Ultra Additives, Inc., Clover,
S.C.), 12 parts Dehydran 1620 defoamer (Cognis Corp., Ambler, Pa.),
6 parts Zonyl FSA wetting agent (DuPont, Wilmington, Del.), and
1800 parts water. Such a polyester-containing adhesive composition
results in an adhesive layer having a surface roughness of about
6-10 microns. Another example of a suitable adhesive composition
comprises 100 parts Geon 137 PVC resin (PolyOne, Avon Lake, Ohio),
55 parts Santicizer 160 plasticizer (Ferro, Cleveland, Ohio) and 55
parts dioctyl phthalate plasticizer (ChemCentral, Bedford Park,
Ill.). Such a PVC-containing adhesive composition has been found to
yield an adhesive layer having a surface roughness of less than
about 2 microns. If desired, the aforementioned PVC-contained
adhesive composition may be modified, such as by cross-linking, to
increase its stiffness and to reduce its tackiness. In this manner,
different inks may be compatible with adhesive layer 23.
[0068] Because the PVC-containing adhesive layer produced by the
latter composition yields a smoother top surface than does the
polyester-containing adhesive layer produced by the former
composition, said PVC-containing adhesive layer is better for
printing images and lettering of small size or requiring high
resolution. In addition, the above-described PVC-containing
adhesive layer appears to be more resistant to cracking, following
repeated washing cycles, than the above-described
polyester-containing adhesive layer.
[0069] Adhesive layer 23 is preferably formed by depositing, by
screen printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing or the
like, onto wax layer 19 an adhesive composition of the type
described above and then evaporating the volatile component(s) of
the composition leaving only the non-volatile solid component(s)
thereof to form layer 23. Preferably, the deposition of adhesive
layer 23 onto wax layer 19 is performed in at least a two
pass-through printing process (i.e., the layered printing of two or
more adhesive layers of identical composition and approximately
equal thickness), as opposed to a single pass-through printing
process (i.e., the printing of a single adhesive layer), as the
present inventors have found that adhesive layers printed in at
least a two pass-through printing process have a smoother, more
uniform surface with fewer defects than do adhesive layers printed
in a single pass-through printing process.
[0070] Ink design layer 25 comprises a first marking 27 and a
second marking 29, first marking 27 and second marking 29 being
printed adjacent to one another and each directly onto adhesive 23.
(Although first marking 27 and second marking 29 are shown and
described herein as separate elements on adhesive layer 23, it can
readily be appreciated that markings 27 and 29 function together to
produce a unitary design on adhesive layer 23. In addition, it
should be understood that, although, for ease of illustration, each
of markings 27 and 29 is shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) as a single,
continuous element on adhesive layer 23, markings 27 and 29 are not
typically in the form of single, continuous elements, but rather,
are typically in the form of pluralities of discrete elements
making up the desired image and/or text of the label.) First
marking 27, which preferably conveys fixed or non-variable label
information for a class of articles (e.g., manufacturer trademark,
care instructions for articles differing only in size, etc.), is
formed by depositing, preferably by screen printing, a suitable ink
composition onto one or more desired areas of adhesive layer 23
and, thereafter, allowing any volatile component(s) of the ink
composition(s) to evaporate, leaving only the non-volatile ink
components to form first marking 27. Preferably, first marking 27
has a thickness of about 0.1 to 30 microns, more preferably about 1
to 20 microns.
[0071] In order to maintain the structural integrity of the
transferred label, first marking 27 must be compatible with
adhesive layer 23. Accordingly, where adhesive layer 23 is a
PVC-containing adhesive layer, first marking 27 is preferably
formed using a PVC-based ink. An example of a suitable
PVC-containing ink composition for use in making first marking 27
comprises 720 parts Geon 137 PVC resin (Polyone Corporation, Avon
Lake, Ohio), 350 parts Santicizer 160 plasticizer (Ferro,
Cleveland, Ohio), 350 parts dioctyl phthalate plasticizer
(ChemCentral, Bedford Park, Ill.), 140.4 parts Violet PC colorant
(PolyOne Corporation, Avon Lake, Ohio), 77.4 parts Blue PC colorant
(Polyone Corporation, Avon Lake, Ohio) and 25.2 parts Bright Yellow
PC colorant (PolyOne Corporation, Avon Lake, Ohio). As can readily
be seen, such an ink composition is very similar in composition to
the above-described PVC adhesive composition, and first marking 27
itself bonds to the fabric or other item to which label 11 is
applied. Because the above-described PVC-containing ink includes no
volatile components, after the ink has been deposited, the printed
layer must be heated, typically in an IR or UV oven, to fuse or
"cure" the layer.
[0072] Second marking 29, which also must be compatible with
adhesive layer 23 to maintain the integrity of the transferred
label, preferably conveys human-readable information and/or
machine-readable information (such as a bar-code) that is specific
to a single label or to a subset of labels (i.e., "variable
information"), as opposed to the more common or "non-variable"
information conveyed by first marking 27. Examples of information
that may be included in second marking 29 include: (a) serial
numbers uniquely identifying each label; (b) product
characteristics, such as the size of each such article of clothing
(e.g., S, M, L, etc.), style, fiber type, etc.; (c) pricing
information; (d) identification or location of the manufacturer or
distributor; and (e) authenticity information.
[0073] Preferably, marking 29 is formed using a variable printing
technique, i.e., using a direct or indirect thermal transfer
printer, ink jet printer, laser jet printer, dye sublimation
printer, electrographic printer, magnetographic printer,
ionographic printer, digital stencil duplicator, imagesetter,
platesetter, direct imaging conventional press, photographic
exposure, dry press transfer, hand drawing/coloring or the like, so
that a custom label can be created as needed. (Marking 29 may also
be made by other printing techniques, such as gravure printing,
screen printing, and flexographic printing, but these techniques do
not lend themselves as easily to the printing of variable
information.) As can readily be appreciated, variable printers of
the type described above (e.g., thermal transfer printers, laser
printers, inkjet printers, etc.) may be connected to a computer in
such a manner that a digital image generated by or selected using
the computer may be printed with the printer. Such a computer may
be a stand-alone personal computer or may be a computer connected
to a network through a mainframe, through the Internet, etc.
[0074] In a further embodiment of the invention for variable
imprinting of patterns and image elements on a heat transfer
adhesive, the printer is adapted to pattern-deposit adhesive in
substantially the same configuration as the outline of image
elements, but optionally can be slightly larger than the image
elements to be imprinted. Various printing technologies are known
for pattern deposition of adhesive, including contact methods such
as the use of stencil and squeegie and non-contact methods such as
jetting. Following pattern deposition of the adhesive, the adhesive
optionally may be allowed to dry and an image then imprinted within
the outline of the adhesive pattern. Using this method, the
patterned adhesive may be deposited in the same imaging process as
the printing of variable images, with potential improvements to the
quality of the printed images.
[0075] As noted above, the legibility of matter printed on adhesive
layer 23 is largely a function of the surface roughness of adhesive
layer 23, the thickness of the marking printed onto adhesive layer
23, and the chemistry of the ink used to make the printed marking
on adhesive layer. Consequently, if the printing surface of
adhesive layer 23 has a surface roughness of greater than about 15
microns and if marking 29 is made by a printing technique that
produces a relatively thin layer of ink (e.g., thermal transfer
printing, ink jet printing, laser jet printing, etc.), the print
quality of marking 29 tends to be rather poor. Therefore, the
surface roughness of adhesive layer 23 is preferably no greater
than about 15 microns, more preferably no greater than about 10
microns, and even more preferably no greater than about 5 microns
if one wishes to print graphics (as opposed to text) or text of
small lettering using thermal transfer printing or the like.
Accordingly, for applications where high resolution is required,
the PVC-based adhesive described above is preferably used, said
PVC-based adhesive having a surface roughness of no more than about
2 microns. By contrast, where such high resolution is not required,
the polyester-based adhesive described above may alternatively be
used, said polyester-based adhesive having a surface roughness of
about 6-10 microns.
[0076] Alternatively viewed, the legibility of marking 29 on
adhesive 23 is best where the ink coverage of marking 29 on
adhesive layer 23 is high. In particular, where marking 29 is made
by thermal transfer printing, the ink coverage of marking 29 on
adhesive 23 is preferably at least about 85%, more preferably at
least about 90%, even more preferably at least about 98%. It is
believed by the present inventors that, when using the
above-described PVC-containing adhesive composition to make
adhesive layer 23 and when using thermal transfer ribbons, such as,
but not limited to, most conventional thermal transfer ribbons, to
make marking 29, such ink coverage levels may be achieved.
[0077] It should further be noted that, where thermal transfer
printing is used to make marking 29, the present inventors have
found that certain types of thermal transfer printing ribbons are
preferred over other types of thermal transfer printing ribbons,
depending upon the printing application. For example, where one
wishes to achieve comparatively high image quality, color density
and thermal stability in a marking, the present inventors have
found that thermal transfer ribbons having a relatively thick ink
layer and a resin-based ink formulation are preferred.
Consequently, thermal transfer ribbons having an ink layer
thickness of about 1-20 microns are preferred, with thermal
transfer ribbons having an ink layer thickness of about 1-10
microns being more preferred, and thermal transfer ribbons having
an ink layer thickness of about 4-8 microns being even more
preferred.
[0078] In addition, for applications involving the printing of
dark-colored images on light-colored fabrics in which marking 29 is
formed using a thermal transfer ribbon, the present inventors have
found that thermal transfer ribbons that are wax and resin-based
are preferred for producing markings having good color density
whereas thermal transfer ribbons that are resin-based are preferred
for producing markings that have high resolution and that adhere
well to fabric. Therefore, depending upon whether one desires
better resolution and fabric adherence or better color density, one
can choose an appropriate thermal transfer ribbon for dark-colored
images on light-colored fabrics. By contrast, for applications
involving the printing of light-colored images on dark-colored
fabrics in which marking 29 is formed using a thermal transfer
ribbon, the present inventors have found that preferred thermal
transfer ribbons are those that are resin-based and, in particular,
have a comparatively high concentration of resin. Moreover, such
ribbons preferably have an ink layer thickness of at least 4
microns and a color contrast of at least 72%. Examples of suitable
thermal transfer ribbons for labeling dark-colored articles with
light-colored images include D300 white specialty resin ribbon
(Iimak Company, Buffalo, N.Y.).
[0079] It is presently envisioned that first marking 27 will
typically be applied to adhesive layer 23 by the label manufacturer
and that second marking 29 will thereafter be applied by an
industrial user of the label (sometimes called a label converter;
for example, a clothing manufacturer) just prior to label transfer.
In this manner, custom labels may be produced, and the amount of
label stock that must be kept on hand by the manufacturer can be
significantly decreased. More generally, however, first marking 27
may be imprinted in-line with second marking 29; second marking 29
may be imprinted at the same location but different printing line
used to form first marking 27; or first marking 27 and second
marking 29 may be imprinted at different locations, typically by
different manufacturers.
[0080] Where the aforementioned variable printing technique used is
thermal transfer printing, said thermal transfer printing is
preferably performed using a near-edge head thermal transfer
printer or a flat head thermal transfer printer. A near-edge head
thermal transfer printer is particularly well-suited for printing
information with good visual resolution and at a high printing
speed and also is particularly well-suited for printing
dark-colored markings on light-colored articles. By contrast, a
flat head thermal transfer printer is particularly well-suited for
use with resin-based thermal transfer ribbons having thick ink
layers and may be used for printing onto stiff and smooth surfaces
with high color density and resolution. In addition, a flat head
thermal transfer printer is particularly well-suited for printing
light-colored markings on dark-colored articles. Examples of
suitable thermal transfer printers include computer-controlled
thermal transfer printers, such as, but not limited to, Avery
Dennison near edge thermal transfer printers (such as Avery
Dennison 64-04 near edge thermal transfer printer, Avery Dennison
Corporation, Pasadena, Calif.) and Avery Dennison flat head thermal
transfer printers (such as Avery Dennison TTX-350 and TTK-300 flat
head thermal transfer printers, Avery Dennison Corporation,
Pasadena, Calif.).
[0081] The aforementioned thermal transfer printing may be
performed at room temperature or at another temperature that is
selected to optimize printing quality. Similarly, the thermal
transfer printing may be performed at a low pressure or at another
pressure that is selected to optimize printing quality. It has been
found by the present inventors that excellent printing quality can
be obtained by using the above-mentioned Avery Dennison 64-04
printer with wax and resin-based ribbons like APR600 thermal
transfer ribbon (Armor Company, Nantes Cedex, France) at speeds of
about 4-16 ips, with temperature settings (also referred to as
"darkness numbers") of 1-110 and pressure settings of 1-3, and with
wax and resin-based ribbons like Fujicopian TTM-681 B and TTM-679R
(Fujicopian Co., Osaka, Japan) at speeds of 4-10 ips, with
temperature settings of 30-99 and pressure settings of 1-3.
Alternatively, the above-mentioned Avery Dennison 64-04 printer may
be used with resin-based ribbons like AXR600 thermal transfer
ribbon (Armor Company, Nantes Cedex, France) at speeds of about
4-10 ips.
[0082] For the above-mentioned Avery Dennison TTX-350 and TTK-300
flat-head printers, preferred printing speeds are in the range of
about 2-5 ips for both wax and resin-based ribbons and resin-based
ribbons. Examples of suitable ribbons for use in said flat-head
printers include the following Fujicopian resin-based ribbons:
FTC-300, TW60, TW61 TW62, TW63, DG-1 dark grey ribbon, DG-12 dark
grey ribbon, TW-112 dark grey ribbon, TW-113 dark grey ribbon, TW
114 dark grey ribbon, LG-11 light grey ribbon, LG-12 light grey
ribbon, LG-13 light grey ribbon and LG-14 light grey ribbon
(Fujicopian Co., Osaka, Japan); Iimak D300 ribbon and Sony TR3370
ribbon (Sony Chemicals Corporation of America, Mt. Pleasant, Pa.).
The preferred printing speed for these ribbons is about 4-5 ips,
with temperature settings of 50-99 and pressure settings of
1-2.
[0083] As noted above, although label 11 is shown in the present
embodiment having a single transfer portion 21 positioned on
support portion 13, it can readily be appreciated that one may
space apart at regular intervals a plurality of identical or
different transfer portions 21 on a common support portion 13 to
form a label assembly. Such a label assembly is preferably wound
into a roll, said roll thereafter being fed into a printer for the
printing of markings 29 thereonto. The roll preferably has
registration markings at various locations to cue the printer as to
where markings 29 should be printed. For example, as in the case of
label 11, such registration markings are markings 30-1 and 30-2
printed onto support portion 13 using an IR dye and/or the like.
(It should be noted that, although registration markings 30-1 and
30-2 are shown in the present embodiment as printed directly onto
support portion 13, registration marks 30-1 and 30-2 could
alternatively be printed onto wax layer 19 or onto adhesive layer
23.) As can readily be appreciated, however, if said roll is not
wound accurately (i.e., the lateral edges 13-1 and 13-2 of support
portion 13 are not aligned, causing the roll to "telescope"), the
registration markings may not be read properly by the printer and
markings 29 may not be printed in the right locations. Therefore,
in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the roll
is preferably wound so that the lateral edges of support portion 13
are aligned to a tolerance of no more than about 0.1-2 mm, more
preferably no more than about 0.2-1 mm, even more preferably no
more than about 0.2-0.5 mm.
[0084] Also, although ink design layer 25 is shown in the present
embodiment as a single layer, it should be understood that at least
one of first marking 27 and second marking 29 may comprise a
plurality of markings successively printed on top of one
another.
[0085] In addition, it should be understood that one or more of
adhesive layer 23, first marking 27 and second marking 29 could
include one or more security materials for product security, such
as counterfeit detection. Such security materials may comprise
security inks and/or security additives that are added to or
included in a single component of the label (such as a marking or
adhesive layer) or multiple components of the label so as to
interact to provide a security indication. Readily apparent (or
"overt") security indicators are generally preferred to covert
security.
[0086] Security inks include, but are not limited to,
IR-activatable inks, UV-activatable inks, visible light-activatable
inks, heat-activatable inks, electrically-activatable inks,
magnetically-activatable inks, chemically-activatable inks,
humidity-activatable inks, pressure-activatable inks, dichroic
inks, time-controlled inks.
[0087] Security additives include, for example, microscopic tracer
particles (or "taggants") that may be incorporated into, e.g., the
adhesive layer of the heat-transfer label. Certain molecules can be
coded by their physical material composition, color, alpha-numeric
characters and other methods. An electronic reader would be used to
verify the molecular composition in the heat-transfer label.
[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), there is shown the
manner in which label 11 may be used to label an article, such as a
garment G. Garment G may be made of one or more fabrics, such
fabrics being formed from natural or synthetic materials (e.g.,
cotton, nylon, polyester, rayon, Lycra, Spandex or combinations
thereof); alternatively, garment G may be made of non-fabric
materials, such as leather or the like. As seen in FIG. 2(a), one
first places label 11 against garment G, with ink layer 25 of
transfer portion 21 directly contacting garment G and carrier 15 of
support portion 13 facing away from garment G. To bond transfer
portion 21 to garment G, label 11 is pressed firmly against garment
G while heat is applied up through support portion 13 to ink layer
25 and adhesive layer 23 until ink layer 25 and adhesive layer 23
bond to garment G. Preferably, the aforementioned application of
heat and pressure to label 11 is effected using a heat-transfer
bonding machine at a bonding temperature of about 200.degree.
F.-500.degree. F., more preferably about 300.degree. F.-450.degree.
F., even more preferably about 350.degree. F.-400.degree. F., at a
bonding pressure of about 20-100 psi, more preferably about 50-80
psi, even more preferably about 60 psi, for a bonding time of about
1-10 seconds, more preferably about 2-6 seconds, even more
preferably about 2-3 seconds. (Where label 11 is being used to
label dark-colored articles and marking 29 has been formed using
thermal transfer ribbons like FTC-300 resin-based ribbon
(Fujicopian Co., Osaka, Japan) and Sony TR3370 resin-based ribbon
(Sony Chemicals Corporation of America, Mt. Pleasant, Pa.), it has
been found that the color of the image on the labeled article is
brightest when the bonding temperature is about 350.degree.
F.-365.degree. F. and fades when the bonding temperature exceeds
400.degree. F. and the bonding time exceeds 2 seconds.) Suitable
bonding machines include, but are not limited to, Avery Dennison
Heat Transfer Bonder Model Nos. HT-2000 and M79200-00-3 (Avery
Dennison Corporation, Pasadena, Calif.) and Hastings heat transfer
bonder model no. US3-HT (Hastings Manufacturing Inc., St. Louis,
Mo.). For example, one may use an Avery Dennison Heat Transfer
Bonder Model No. M79200-00-3 set at 40-60 psi at 400.degree. F. for
2 seconds. As seen in FIG. 2(b), with transfer portion 21 thus
bonded to garment G, support portion 13 is then peeled away,
leaving only transfer portion 21 (and, possibly, a portion of wax
layer 19) on garment G.
[0089] One can adjust the type of finish transfer portion 21
exhibits on the labeled article either by peeling support portion
13 from transfer portion 21 immediately after transfer ("hot
release") to yield a matte finish or by peeling support portion 13
from transfer portion 21 after a short cooling period following
transfer to yield a glossy finish.
[0090] The present inventors have noted that, when label 11 is used
to decorate fabric articles, a good degree of label adherence and
abrasion resistance can be achieved. For example, once applied to
fabric, transfer portion 21 can endure (i) numerous (e.g., at least
50) washing cycles without breaking down significantly or losing
image quality (e.g., becoming faded or distorted), (ii) stretching
three times with its associated fabric to equal to or more than
about 70% beyond its original size without becoming damaged, and
(iii) crock-rubbing for at least 500 cycles in a dry or wet state
without becoming damaged. In addition, label 11 results in transfer
portion 21 forming a smooth surface on the labeled article, without
any puckering on the article, and results in a "soft-feeling" label
to the touch. Furthermore, label 11 does not leave a visually
discernible residue on the fabric, thereby affording a
"no-label-look" to the labeled article.
[0091] Moreover, one of the advantages associated with labels 11,
as compared to existing heat-transfer labels for fabric, is that
support portion 13 can be peeled away from transfer portion 21 soon
(i.e., within a few seconds or less) after transfer portion 21 has
been applied to fabric under conditions of heat and pressure.
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic section
view of a second embodiment of a heat-transfer label constructed
according to the teachings of the present invention, said
heat-transfer label being represented generally by reference
numeral 111.
[0093] Heat-transfer label 111 is similar in many respects to
heat-transfer label 11, the principal difference between the two
labels being that first marking 27 and second marking 29 of label
11 are replaced with marking 125 in heat-transfer label 111. (It
should be understood that, even though only a single transfer
portion 121 is shown in FIG. 3, one need not position only one
transfer portion 121 per support portion 13, but rather, one may
space apart at regular intervals a plurality of identical or
different transfer portions 121 on an elongated common web of
support portion 13. It should also be understood that, although,
for ease of illustration, marking 125 is shown in FIG. 3 as a
single, continuous element on adhesive layer 23, marking 125 is not
typically in the form of a single, continuous element, but rather,
is typically in the form of a plurality of discrete elements making
up the desired image and/or text of the label.) Marking 125, which
is formed using the same types of variable printing techniques that
may be used to make marking 29, preferably depicts both the common
or non-variable information typically depicted in marking 27 and
the variable information typically depicted in marking 29. As can
readily be appreciated, making 125 may also be used to make
entirely customizable or unique markings for each label
produced.
[0094] One advantage to incorporating all of the ink design in
marking 125, as opposed to having some of the ink design in marking
27 and the remainder of the ink design in marking 29 is that the
thickness of marking 125 is typically less than that of marking 27.
This reduction in thickness of the ink design layer results in the
transfer portion of the label being less perceptible to a wearer of
a labeled garment, thereby making the labeled garment more
comfortable to the wearer.
[0095] Where marking 125 is printed using a thermal transfer
printing ribbon, it should be understood that, instead of printing
adhesive layer 23 onto wax layer 19 and then printing marking 125
onto adhesive layer 23, one could incorporate adhesive layer 23
into the thermal transfer printing ribbon used to make marking 125
and, thereby, simultaneously print adhesive layer 23 and marking
125. Furthermore, one could additionally incorporate wax layer 19
into the thermal transfer ribbon used to make marking 125 and
adhesive layer 23.
[0096] It should also be understood that one or both of adhesive
layer 23 and second marking 125 could include one or more security
materials of the type described above.
[0097] Label 111 may be applied to an article in the same fashion
as label 11.
[0098] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a schematic section
view of a third embodiment of a heat-transfer label constructed
according to the teachings of the present invention, said
heat-transfer label being represented generally by reference
numeral 211.
[0099] Heat-transfer label 211 is similar in most respects to label
11, the principal difference between the two labels being that
second marking 29 of label 11 is replaced with a second marking 229
in label 211.
[0100] Second marking 229 comprises a first barrier layer 231
positioned directly on top of adhesive layer 23, an ink layer 233
positioned directly on top of first barrier layer 231, and a second
barrier layer 235 positioned directly on top of ink layer 233.
First barrier layer 231 serves to limit diffusion, during label
transfer, of ink layer 233 into adhesive layer 23, and second
barrier layer 235 serves to limit diffusion, during label transfer,
of ink layer 233 into the garment or other article being labeled.
By thus limiting the diffusion of ink layer 233, barrier layers 231
and 235 curtail the loss of resolution and color density of ink
layer 233. (Such a curtailment is particularly desirable where ink
layer 233 involves a light-colored ink used to label a dark-colored
article.) Examples of materials suitable for use as barrier layers
231 and 235 include silicon-based oxide or nitride coatings,
titanium oxide coatings, and resin-based adhesive coatings, all
such coatings preferably having a thickness of about 0.1-10
microns, more preferably about 0.2-2 microns.
[0101] Ink layer 233 may be identical in composition to the ink
used to form marking 29 and preferably is made by thermal transfer
printing using a suitable thermal transfer ribbon. First barrier
layer 231, ink layer 233, and second barrier layer 235 may be
printed separately (for example, using different thermal transfer
ribbons and a multi-head thermal transfer printer) or may be
printed together onto adhesive layer 23 using a single thermal
transfer ribbon including all three layers of material. An example
of such a thermal transfer ribbon is shown in FIG. 5 and is
represented generally as ribbon 241. Ribbon 241 includes a carrier
243 that is preferably in the form of a polymeric film, a wax
release layer 245 deposited directly onto carrier 243, a barrier
layer 247 deposited directly onto wax release layer 245, an ink
layer 249 deposited directly onto barrier layer 247, and a barrier
layer 251 deposited directly onto ink layer 249. In addition, a
lubricating coating 253 is deposited directly onto the bottom of
carrier 243 to prevent barrier layer 251 from adhering to the
bottom of carrier 243 when ribbon is wound into a roll.
[0102] When making a marking 229 on adhesive layer 23 of label 211
using ribbon 241, barrier layer 251 is placed in direct contact
with adhesive layer 23 and a portion thereof is used to form first
barrier layer 231, with corresponding portions of ink layer 249 and
barrier layer 247 simultaneously separating from wax release layer
245 and carrier 243 to become ink layer 233 and second barrier
layer 235, respectively, of marking 229.
[0103] It should be understood that one could modify label 211 by
omitting either barrier layer 231 or barrier layer 235 from marking
229. (The omission of both barrier layers 231 and 235 would result
in a label similar to label 111.) The omission of barrier layer 231
or barrier layer 235 may be done, for example, by omitting barrier
layer 251 or barrier layer 247, respectively, from ribbon 241. An
example of a thermal transfer ribbon like ribbon 241 in which
barrier layer 251 has been omitted is commercially available as
Sony TR 4042 thermal transfer ribbon.
[0104] It should also be understood that label 211 could be
modified to omit entirely first marking 27, with the information of
first marking 27 being incorporated into second marking 229. Where
first marking 27 is thus omitted and marking 229 is printed using a
thermal transfer printing ribbon, one could incorporate adhesive
layer 23 into the thermal transfer printing ribbon used to make
marking 229 and simultaneously print adhesive layer 23 and marking
229. An example of such a thermal transfer ribbon that includes an
adhesive layer is shown in FIG. 5(a), said ribbon being represented
generally by reference numeral 261. Ribbon 261 is identical to
ribbon 241, except for the inclusion of an adhesive layer 263 over
barrier layer 251, adhesive layer 263 being identical in
composition and thickness to adhesive layer 23.
[0105] It should further be understood that one or more of adhesive
layer 23, first marking 27 and second marking 229 could include one
or more security materials of the type described above.
[0106] Label 211 may be applied to an article in the same fashion
as label 11.
[0107] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a schematic section
view of a fourth embodiment of a heat-transfer label constructed
according to the teachings of the present invention, said
heat-transfer label being represented generally by reference
numeral 271.
[0108] Heat-transfer label 271 is very similar to heat-transfer
label 211, the only difference between the two labels being that
label 271 does not include a layer corresponding to wax layer 19 of
label 211.
[0109] It should be understood that label 271 could be modified to
omit entirely first marking 27, with the information of first
marking 27 being incorporated into second marking 229. Where first
marking 27 is thus omitted and marking 229 is printed using a
thermal transfer printing ribbon, one could incorporate adhesive
layer 23 into the thermal transfer printing ribbon used to make
marking 229 and simultaneously print adhesive layer 23 and marking
229.
[0110] It should also be understood that label 271 could be
modified to omit one or both of barrier layers 231 and 235 from
marking 229.
[0111] It should further be understood that one or more of adhesive
layer 23, first marking 27 and second marking 229 could include one
or more security materials of the type described above.
[0112] Heat-transfer label 271 may be applied to an article in the
same fashion as label 11.
[0113] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a schematic section
view of a fifth embodiment of a heat-transfer label constructed
according to the teachings of the present invention, said
heat-transfer label being represented generally by reference
numeral 311.
[0114] Heat-transfer label 311 is very similar to heat-transfer
label 211, the only difference between the two labels being that
label 311 does not include a layer corresponding to adhesive layer
23 of label 211.
[0115] It should be understood that label 311 could be modified to
omit entirely first marking 27, with the information of first
marking 27 being incorporated into second marking 229.
[0116] It should also be understood that label 311 could be
modified to omit one or both of barrier layers 231 and 235 from
marking 229.
[0117] It should further be understood that one or both of first
marking 27 and second marking 229 could include one or more
security materials of the type described above.
[0118] Label 311 may be applied to an article in the same manner as
label 211. One advantage of label 311 over label 211 is that label
311 does not include an adhesive layer. As a result, the
manufacturing process for producing label 311 is less involved than
that for producing label 211, thereby resulting in a reduction of
materials needed and in manufacturing time and expense. In
addition, because label 311 does not include an adhesive layer, its
transfer portion has a reduced thickness or bulk as compared to
that of label 211, making the transfer portion of label 311 less
irritating to the skin of a wearer of a labeled garment.
[0119] On the other hand, the lack of an adhesive layer in label
311 below markings 27 and 229 tends to cause the ink of markings 27
and 229 to diffuse during label transfer. (Such diffusion is even
greater for marking 229 in the event that barrier layer 231 is also
omitted.) As a result, the resolution of the image transferred by
label 311 tends to be poorer than that transferred by label 211.
Consequently, label 311 is not as well suited as label 211 for
printing images or lettering of small size.
[0120] Also, as can readily be appreciated, the lack of an adhesive
layer in label 311 typically renders the transferred label less
resistant to washing or to otherwise being removed from its
associated article. This is undesirable where one wishes to form a
lasting image on the article but may be desirable if one wishes to
form only a temporary image on the article.
[0121] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a schematic section
view of a sixth embodiment of a heat-transfer label well-suited for
use in labeling articles of fabric, said heat-transfer label being
constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and
being represented generally by reference numeral 411.
[0122] Heat-transfer label 411 is very similar to heat-transfer
label 311, the only difference between the two labels being that
label 411 does not include a layer corresponding to wax layer 19 of
label 311. As can readily be appreciated, because label 311 does
not include an adhesive layer or a wax layer, markings 27 and 229
must be inherently capable of adhering to some degree to the
article to which they are applied. (This is also true to a large
extent for markings 27 and 229 of label 311, whose adherence is
assisted only by wax layer 19.)
[0123] It should be understood that label 411 could be modified to
omit entirely first marking 27, with the information of first
marking 27 being incorporated into second marking 229.
[0124] It should also be understood that label 411 could be
modified to omit one or both of barrier layers 231 and 235 from
marking 229.
[0125] It should further be understood that one or both of first
marking 27 and second marking 229 could include one or more
security materials of the type described above.
[0126] Label 411 may be applied to an article in the same manner as
label 311.
[0127] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a schematic section
view of a seventh embodiment of a heat-transfer label well-suited
for use in labeling articles of fabric, said heat-transfer label
being constructed according to the teachings of the present
invention and being represented generally by reference numeral
511.
[0128] Heat-transfer label 511 is similar in most respects to label
211, the principal difference between the two labels being that
second marking 229 of label 211 is replaced with a second marking
529 in label 511.
[0129] Second marking 529 comprises a first barrier layer 531
positioned directly on top of adhesive layer 23, a first ink layer
533 positioned directly on top of first barrier layer 531, a second
ink layer 535 positioned directly on top of first ink layer 533,
and a second barrier layer 537 positioned directly on top of second
ink layer 535. First barrier layer 531 and second barrier layer 537
are identical in composition to and serve the same function as
first barrier layer 231 and second barrier layer 235, respectively.
First ink layer 533 and/or second ink layer 535 may be identical in
composition to and serve a similar function as ink layer 233 of
marking 229. (Although each of first ink layer 533 and second ink
layer 535 is shown in FIG. 9 as a single, continuous element of a
given surface area, each of first and second ink layers 533 and 535
may be made up of a plurality of discrete elements, with portions
of second ink layer 535 positioned over open areas of first ink
layer 533 and vice versa.) As a first alternative, first ink layer
533 may be made from an ink of a first color and second ink layer
535 may be made from an ink of a second color so that a
multi-colored or blended-color ink design may be produced. As a
second alternative, at least one of first ink layer 533 and second
ink layer 535 may be made from a UV or IR ink so that said at least
one ink layer is capable of functioning as a security element. (It
should also be noted that, in addition to ink layers 533 and 535,
one or more other ink layers may be added to marking 529 so that
marking 529 includes three or more ink layers.)
[0130] Each of first barrier layer 531, first ink layer 533, second
ink layer 535 and second barrier layer 537 may be printed
separately, for example, by thermal transfer printing using
suitable thermal transfer ribbons and a multi-head thermal transfer
printer. More preferably, first barrier layer 531, first ink layer
533, second ink layer 535, and second barrier layer 537 are printed
together onto adhesive layer 23 using a single thermal transfer
ribbon including all four layers of material. An example of such a
thermal transfer ribbon is shown in FIG. 10 and is represented
generally as ribbon 541. Ribbon 541 includes a carrier 543 that is
preferably in the form of a polymeric film, a wax release layer 545
deposited directly onto carrier 543, a barrier layer 547 deposited
directly onto wax release layer 545, a first ink layer 549
deposited directly onto barrier layer 547, a second ink layer 550
deposited directly onto first ink layer 549, and a barrier layer
551 deposited directly onto second ink layer 550. (First ink layer
549 may include, for example, an ink that is transparent or
colorless under normal light conditions and that emits light when
irradiated with UV or IR light, and second ink layer 550 may
include, for example, an ink that appears colored under normal
light conditions.) In addition, a lubricating coating 553 is
deposited directly onto the bottom of carrier 543 to prevent
barrier layer 551 from adhering to the bottom of carrier 543 when
ribbon is wound into a roll.
[0131] When making a marking 529 on adhesive layer 23 of label 511
using ribbon 541, barrier layer 551 is placed in direct contact
with adhesive layer 23 and a portion thereof is used to form first
barrier layer 531, with corresponding portions of ink layer 550,
ink layer 549 and barrier layer 547 simultaneously separating from
wax release layer 545 and carrier 543 to become first ink layer
533, second ink layer 535, and second barrier layer 537,
respectively, of marking 529.
[0132] It should be understood that one could modify label 511 by
omitting one or both of barrier layers 531 and 537 from marking 529
and/or by omitting one or both of adhesive layer 23 and wax layer
19.
[0133] It should also be understood that label 511 could
alternatively or additionally be modified by omitting entirely
first marking 27, with the information of first marking 27 being
incorporated into second marking 529. Where first marking 27 is
thus omitted and marking 529 is printed using a thermal transfer
printing ribbon, one could incorporate adhesive layer 23 into the
thermal transfer printing ribbon used to make marking 529 and
simultaneously print adhesive layer 23 and marking 529.
[0134] It should further be understood that, independently of
marking 529, one or both of adhesive layer 23 and first marking 27
could include one or more security materials of the type described
above.
[0135] Label 511 may be applied to an article in the same fashion
as label 11.
[0136] Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a schematic section
view of an eighth embodiment of a heat-transfer label well-suited
for use in labeling articles of fabric, said heat-transfer label
being constructed according to the teachings of the present
invention and being represented generally by reference numeral
611.
[0137] Label 611 is similar in many respects to label 511, the
principal difference between the two labels being that, in label
611, marking 529 is printed directly onto wax layer 19 whereas, in
label 511, marking 529 is printed directly onto adhesive layer 23.
Because marking 529 of label 611 is printed directly onto wax layer
19, instead of being printed onto adhesive layer 23, marking 529 of
label 611 typically does not adhere as well to the article being
labeled as does marking 27 of label 611. However, this may be
desirable, for example, where the article being labeled is a
garment and one wishes to have some information (e.g., price
information) be removable from the garment upon washing of the
garment and other information (e.g., permanent care instructions)
not be removable from the garment upon washing of the garment.
[0138] It should be understood that one could modify label 611 by
omitting one or both of barrier layers 531 and 537 from marking 529
and/or by omitting ink layer 533 or ink layer 535 from marking
529.
[0139] It should further be understood that, independently of
marking 529, one or both of adhesive layer 23 and first marking 27
could include one or more security materials of the type described
above.
[0140] Label 611 may be applied to an article in the same fashion
as label 11.
[0141] Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a schematic section
view of a ninth embodiment of a heat-transfer label well-suited for
use in labeling articles of fabric, said heat-transfer label being
constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and
being represented generally by reference numeral 711.
[0142] Label 711 is similar in many respects to label 211, the two
labels differing in that, whereas the ink design layer of label 211
includes one first marking 27 and one second marking 229, the ink
design of label 711 includes (i) a pair of first markings 27-1 and
27-2 printed on adhesive layer 23, markings 27-1 and 27-2 of label
711 being identical in composition to marking 27 of label 211, (ii)
a pair of second markings 229-1 and 229-2 printed on adhesive layer
23, second markings 229-1 and 229-2 being identical in composition
to second marking 229, and (iii) a third marking 713 printed over
markings 27-1 and 27-2 and markings 229-1 and 229-2, third marking
713 including a first ink layer 725 and a second ink layer 727.
Preferably, third marking 713 is made by a variable printing
technique, such as by thermal transfer printing. Where thermal
transfer printing is used, first and second ink layers 725 and 727
may be printed simultaneously from a single thermal transfer ribbon
or may be printed separately from separate thermal transfer ribbons
that may be installed in a multi-head thermal transfer printer.
[0143] Label 711 may be applied to an article in the same fashion
as label 11.
[0144] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a schematic section
view of a tenth embodiment of a heat-transfer label well-suited for
use in labeling articles of fabric, said heat-transfer label being
constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and
being represented generally by reference numeral 811.
[0145] Heat-transfer label 811 comprises a support portion 813,
support portion 813 comprising a carrier 815 and a release layer
817. Carrier 815 is identical to carrier 15 of label 11, and
release layer 817 is identical to release layer 17 of label 11.
Heat-transfer label 811 also comprises a wax layer 819 printed over
release layer 817, wax layer 819 being identical to wax layer 19 of
label 11.
[0146] It should be understood that it may not be necessary in all
instances to include both release layer 817 and wax layer 819 in
label 811 in order to achieve the desired release of the transfer
portion from the support portion 813. Therefore, in such instances,
one may omit one of layers 817 and 819 from label 811.
[0147] Heat-transfer label 811 further comprises a transfer portion
821 (it being understood that, even though only a single transfer
portion 821 is shown in FIG. 13, one need not position only one
transfer portion 821 per support portion 813, but rather, one may
space apart at regular intervals a plurality of identical or
different transfer portions 821 on an elongated common web of
support portion 813). Transfer portion 821 preferably includes (i)
a first marking 825 printed directly onto a desired area of wax
layer 819, (ii) a primer layer 826 printed directly onto first
marking 825 (as well as onto any exposed areas of wax layer 819
within first marking 825) and onto a surrounding area of wax layer
819, (iii) a heat-activatable adhesive layer 827 printed directly
onto primer layer 826 and a surrounding area of wax layer 819; and
(iv) a second marking 828 printed directly onto adhesive layer
827.
[0148] First marking 825 of transfer portion 821 may actually
comprise either a single ink layer or a plurality of ink layers.
Preferably, first marking 825, which preferably has a thickness of
about 0.1 to 30 microns, more preferably about 1 to 20 microns, is
formed in the conventional manner by depositing, preferably by
screen printing, gravure printing or flexographic printing, one or
more ink compositions of the type described below onto one or more
desired areas of wax layer 819 and, thereafter, allowing the ink
composition to dry or curing the ink composition to form marking
825. Preferably, first marking 825 comprises a polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) resin that has been cross-linked using at least one
cross-linker, said at least one cross-linker preferably having more
than one functional group per molecule, said functional group being
at least one of isocyanate, aziridine, carbodiimide, alkoxymethyl
and methylol. (Without wishing to be limited to any particular
theory as to how the invention operates, the present inventors
believe that the cross-linking of the PVC resin in marking 825
impedes the diffusion of ink within marking 825 during heat
transfer.) An example of a suitable ink composition for use in
making marking 825 comprises 144 parts Geon 137 PVC resin (Polyone
Corporation, Avon Lake, Ohio), 80 parts CYMEL 303 hexamethoxymethyl
melamine crosslinker (Cytec Corp., West Paterson, N.J.), 54 parts
Santicizer 160 benzyl butyl phthalate plasticizer (Ferro,
Cleveland, Ohio), 54 parts dioctyl phthalate plasticizer
(ChemCentral, Bedford Park, Ill.), 25.2 parts CYCAT 296-9 catalyst
(Cytec Corp., West Paterson, N.J.), 20.08 parts Violet PC colorant
(Polyone Corporation, Avon Lake, Ohio), 15.48 parts Blue PC
colorant (Polyone Corporation, Avon Lake, Ohio) and 5.04 parts
Bright Yellow PC colorant (Polyone Corporation, Avon Lake,
Ohio).
[0149] As can readily be appreciated, depending upon the particular
use to which label 811 is put, first marking 825 may be used, for
example, to convey non-variable information of the type conveyed by
marking 27 of label 11.
[0150] Primer layer 826, which provides some structural support to
first marking 825 as adhesive layer 827 softens during heat
transfer (and, in so doing, impedes distortion of the design of
first marking 825), may comprise either a single primer layer or a
plurality of primer layers. Preferably, primer layer 826 comprises
a cross-linker and at least one of the following polymers: one or
more polyurethane polymers, one or more phenoxy polymers, and one
or more polyvinyl chloride polymers. Said cross-linker preferably
has more than one functional group per molecule, said functional
group being at least one of isocyanate, aziridine, carbodiimide,
alkoxymethyl and methylol. An example of a preferred primer
composition comprises 100 parts Geon 137 PVC resin (Polyone
Corporation, Avon Lake, Ohio), 55 parts Santicizer 160 plasticizer
(Ferro, Cleveland, Ohio), 55 parts dioctyl phthalate plasticizer
(ChemCentral, Bedford Park, Ill.), and 10.5 parts NB 80 adhesion
promoter (Nazdar, Shawnee, Kans.).
[0151] Primer layer 826, which preferably has a thickness of about
0.1 to 50 microns, more preferably about 1 to 20 microns, is formed
in the conventional manner by depositing, preferably by screen
printing, gravure printing or flexographic printing, the primer
composition of the type described above onto first marking 825, the
exposed areas of wax layer 819 within first marking 825, and an
area of wax layer 819 surrounding first marking 825 and,
thereafter, allowing the volatile component(s) of the primer
composition(s) to evaporate, leaving only the non-volatile primer
components to form layer 826.
[0152] Adhesive layer 827, which may comprise at least one of a
polyester adhesive resin, a polyamide adhesive resin, a
polyacrylate adhesive resin, a polyurethane adhesive resin, and a
polyvinyl chloride adhesive resin, preferably has a thickness of
about 10 to 200 microns (more preferably about 20 to 80 microns,
even more preferably about 20 to 50 microns), a melting point of
polyester resin and polyamide resin that is in the range of about
60 to 150.degree. C. (more preferably about 80 to 120.degree. C.)
and is capable of bonding securely to fabrics. In addition,
adhesive layer 827 has a sufficiently smooth top surface to enable
the legible printing of second marking 828 thereonto. As noted
above, the present inventors have determined that, to obtain a
desirably smooth top surface for printing, the surface roughness of
adhesive layer 827 preferably should not exceed about 10 microns,
more preferably not more than about 5 microns, even more preferably
not more than about 2 microns.
[0153] An example of an adhesive composition suitable for use in
forming adhesive layer 827 comprises 450 parts HMP 5184 V polyester
powder resin (Bostik-Findley, Middleton, Mass.) as an adhesive, 150
parts PKHW 35 phenoxy dispersion (InChem Corp., Rock Hill, S.C.) as
a binder, 110 parts Tafigel PUR 61 thickener (Ultra Additives,
Inc., Clover, S.C.), 12 parts Dehydran 1620 defoamer (Cognis Corp.,
Ambler, Pa.), 6 parts Zonyl FSA wetting agent (DuPont, Wilmington,
Del.), and 1800 parts water. Such a polyester-containing adhesive
composition results in an adhesive layer having a surface roughness
of about 6-10 microns. Another example of a suitable adhesive
composition comprises 100 parts Geon 137 PVC resin (PolyOne, Avon
Lake, Ohio), 55 parts Santicizer 160 plasticizer (Ferro, Cleveland,
Ohio) and 55 parts dioctyl phthalate plasticizer (ChemCentral,
Bedford Park, Ill.). Such a PVC-containing adhesive composition has
been found to yield an adhesive layer having a surface roughness of
less than 1 micron. If desired, the aforementioned PVC-contained
adhesive composition may be modified, such as by cross-linking, to
increase its stiffness and to reduce its tackiness. In this manner,
different inks may be compatible with adhesive layer 827.
[0154] Adhesive layer 827 is preferably formed by depositing, by
screen printing or the like, onto primer 826 and a surrounding area
of wax layer 819 an adhesive composition of the type described
above and then evaporating the volatile component(s) of the
composition leaving only the non-volatile solid component(s)
thereof to form layer 827. Preferably, the deposition of adhesive
layer 827 is performed in at least a two pass-through printing
process.
[0155] Second marking 828, which is printed onto adhesive layer
827, is preferably used to convey variable information.
Accordingly, second marking 828 is preferably formed by a variable
printing technique, such as thermal transfer printing, laser
printing, ink jet printing, bubble jet printing, etc. In the
present embodiment, second marking 828 is identical to marking 529
and includes a first barrier layer 831, a first ink layer 833, a
second ink layer 835 and a second barrier layer 837.
[0156] It should be understood that one could modify label 811 by
omitting one or both of barrier layers 831 and 837 from marking 828
and/or by omitting one of first ink layer 833 or second ink layer
835 from marking 828.
[0157] It should also be understood that label 811 could
alternatively or additionally be modified by omitting entirely
first marking 825, with the information of first marking 825 being
incorporated into second marking 828.
[0158] It should further be understood that, independently of
second marking 828, one or all of adhesive layer 827, primer layer
826 and first marking 825 could include one or more security
materials of the type described above.
[0159] Furthermore, although second marking 828 is shown in FIG. 13
as being aligned with an open area of first marking 825, one could
align second marking 828 with a portion or all of first marking
825, for example, to form an authenticity certificate or the
like.
[0160] Label 811 may be applied to an article in the same fashion
as label 11.
[0161] Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown a schematic section
view of an eleventh embodiment of a heat-transfer label well-suited
for use in labeling articles of fabric, said heat-transfer label
being constructed according to the teachings of the present
invention and being represented generally by reference numeral
851.
[0162] Heat-transfer label 851 comprises a support portion 853,
support portion 853 comprising a carrier 855 and a release layer
857. Carrier 855 is identical to carrier 15 of label 11, and
release layer 857 is identical to release layer 17 of label 11.
Heat-transfer label 851 also comprises a wax layer 859 printed onto
release layer 857, wax layer 859 being identical to wax layer 19 of
label 11.
[0163] It should be understood that it may not be necessary in all
instances to include both release layer 857 and wax layer 859 in
label 851 in order to achieve the desired release of the transfer
portion from the support portion 853. Therefore, in such instances,
one may omit one of layers 857 and 859 from label 851.
[0164] Heat-transfer label 851 further comprises a transfer portion
861 (it being understood that, even though only a single transfer
portion 861 is shown in FIG. 14, one need not position only one
transfer portion 861 per support portion 853, but rather, one may
space apart at regular intervals a plurality of identical or
different transfer portions 861 on an elongated common web of
support portion 853). Transfer portion 861 preferably includes (i)
a first heat-activatable adhesive layer 865 printed directly onto a
desired area of wax layer 859, (ii) a first marking 867 printed
onto first heat-activable adhesive layer 865, (iii) a second
heat-activatable adhesive layer 869 printed directly onto first
marking 867 and onto any exposed areas of first heat-activatable
adhesive layer 865; and (iv) a second marking 868 printed directly
onto adhesive layer 869.
[0165] First heat-activatable adhesive layer 865 and second
heat-activatable adhesive layer 869 must be compatible with one
another and may be, but need not be, identical to one another. Each
of adhesive layers 865 and 867 may be identical in composition to
adhesive layer 23 of label 11.
[0166] First marking 867 may be identical to marking 825 of label
811, and second marking 868 may be identical to marking 828 of
label 811.
[0167] Label 851 may be applied to an article in the same fashion
as label 11.
[0168] Referring now to FIG. 15, there is shown a schematic section
view of a twelfth embodiment of a heat-transfer label well-suited
for use in labeling articles of fabric, said heat-transfer label
being constructed according to the teachings of the present
invention and being represented generally by reference numeral
911.
[0169] Heat-transfer label 911 comprises a support portion 913,
support portion 913 comprising a carrier 915 and a release layer
917. Carrier 915 is identical to carrier 15 of label 11, and
release layer 917 is identical to release layer 17 of label 11.
Heat-transfer label 911 also comprises a wax layer 919 overcoating
release layer 917, wax layer 919 being identical to wax layer 19 of
label 11.
[0170] It should be understood that it may not be necessary in all
instances to include both release layer 917 and wax layer 919 in
label 911 in order to achieve the desired release of the transfer
portion from the support portion 913. Therefore, in such instances,
one may omit one of layers 917 and 919 from label 911.
[0171] Heat-transfer label 911 further comprises a transfer portion
921 (it being understood that, even though only a single transfer
portion 921 is shown in FIG. 15, one need not position only one
transfer portion 921 per support portion 913, but rather, one may
space apart at regular intervals a plurality of identical or
different transfer portions 921 on an elongated common web of
support portion 913). Transfer portion 921 preferably includes (i)
a protective lacquer layer 923 printed directly on top of a desired
area of wax layer 919, (ii) a first marking 925 printed directly
onto a desired area of lacquer layer 923, (iii) a primer layer 926
printed directly onto first marking 925, any exposed areas of
protective lacquer layer 923 (except where specified below), and a
surrounding area of wax layer 919, and (iv) a heat-activatable
adhesive layer 927 printed directly onto primer layer 926 (except
where specified below) and a surrounding area of wax layer 919.
[0172] Protective lacquer layer 923, which preferably has a
thickness of about 0.1 mil, may be formed from a wide variety of
different resins, both water-based and solvent-based, provided that
the resultant layer 923 possesses an acceptable degree of abrasion
resistance for a fabric article. A preferred formulation from which
protective lacquer layer 923 may be printed includes a combination
of a high Tg solvent-based phenoxy resin, such as PKHH phenoxy
resin (In Chem Corp., Rock Hill, S.C.), and a low Tg solvent-based
polyurethane resin, such as Estane 5715 polyurethane resin (Noveon,
Inc., Cleveland, Ohio), such resins preferably being combined in a
1 to 3 ratio with an organic solvent, such as cyclohexanone and/or
a dibasic ester (e.g., dimethyl adipate). In addition, an adhesion
promoter, such as NB 80 polymeric aliphatic isocyanate adhesion
promoter (Nazdar Ink, Shawnee, Kans.), is preferably included in
the formulation to enhance printing quality, said adhesion promoter
being present in an amount constituting about 0 to 10%, by weight,
more preferably 2 to 8%, by weight. A small amount (less than 1%)
of a surfactant, e.g., Zonyl FSO fluorosurfactant (DuPont,
Wilmington, Del.), may also be added to the formulation prior to
printing.
[0173] The aforementioned combination of a low T.sub.g polyurethane
polymer and a high T.sub.g phenoxy polymer is particularly
desirable as it results in a medium T.sub.g mixture that provides a
"soft" feeling with the right polymer modulus that prevents the
label construction from blocking when the label construction is
manufactured as a self-wound roll.
[0174] Another preferred formulation from which protective lacquer
layer 923 may be printed includes 100 parts Nazdar 9627 clear
overprint varnish (Nazdar Ink, Shawnee, Kans.) and 5 parts NB 80
adhesion promoter.
[0175] Other suitable protective lacquer layers 923 may be found in
the following patents, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,800,656; 6,033,763; 6,083,620; and
6,099,944.
[0176] To form protective lacquer layer 923, a lacquer dispersion
or solution of the type described above is deposited onto a desired
area of wax layer 919, preferably by screen printing, gravure
printing, flexographic printing or a similar technique.
(Considerations relevant in deciding whether to use screen
printing, gravure printing or flexographic printing to print a
given layer, such as lacquer layer 923, include the particle size
of the composition to be printed and the thickness of the layer one
wishes to print. Screen printing is most suitable for compositions
having a larger particle size (i.e., as great as about 100-200
microns) and where a thicker layer is desired (i.e., about 5-200
microns). Gravure printing is most suitable for compositions having
a smaller particle size (i.e., no more than a micron or two) and
where a thinner layer is desired (i.e., about 1-2 microns).
Flexographic printing is suitable for compositions having a
particle size of no more than several microns and where a thin
layer of about 1-10 microns is desired.) After deposition of the
lacquer composition onto the desired area of layer 919, the
volatile component(s) of the composition evaporate(s), leaving only
the non-volatile components thereof to make up lacquer layer
923.
[0177] First marking 925 of transfer portion 921, which layer may
actually comprise either a single ink layer or a plurality of ink
layers, may be formed from one or more of a wide variety of
different inks provided that the resultant marking 925 possesses an
acceptable degree of adhesion to both protective lacquer layer 923
and primer layer 926. For example, where protective lacquer layer
923 comprises a water-based resin, one may use a water-based ink,
such as the Nazdar 2700 series of Aquasafe Gloss P.O.P. water-based
screen inks (Nazdar, Shawnee, Kans.). By contrast, where protective
lacquer layer 923 comprises a solvent-based resin, one may use a
solvent-based ink, such as the Nazdar 9600 series of polyester
inks. (Where the Nazdar 9600 series of polyester inks are used,
such inks may be thinned, prior to printing, with about 5-10% of a
thinner, such as Nazdar 9630 thinner.) Preferably, an adhesion
promoter, such as NB 80 adhesion promoter, is included in the ink
formulation to enhance printing quality, said adhesion promoter
being present in an amount constituting about 0 to 10%, by weight,
more preferably 2 to 8%, by weight. An example of a preferred ink
formulation comprises 100 parts Nazdar 96PB22 blue ink and 5 parts
NB 80 adhesion promoter.
[0178] First marking 925, which preferably has a thickness of about
0.2 mil, is formed in the conventional manner by depositing,
preferably by screen printing, one or more ink compositions of the
type described above onto one or more desired areas of lacquer
layer 923 and, thereafter, allowing the volatile component(s) of
the ink composition(s) to evaporate, leaving only the non-volatile
ink components to form first marking 925.
[0179] It should be understood that, although, for ease of
illustration, first marking 925 is shown in FIG. 15 as a continuous
layer on lacquer layer 923, first marking 925 is typically not in
the form of a continuous layer, but rather, is typically in the
form of a plurality of discrete elements making up the desired
image and/or text of the label.
[0180] As can readily be appreciated, depending upon the particular
use to which label 911 is put, first marking 925 may be used, for
example, to convey non-variable information of the type conveyed by
marking 27 of label 11.
[0181] Primer layer 926, which promotes adhesion between first
marking 925 and adhesive layer 927, is preferably identical in
composition to protective layer 923 and may actually comprise
either a single primer layer or a plurality of primer layers.
Preferably, primer layer 926 has a thickness of about 0.2-0.5
mil.
[0182] Where the presence of both protective lacquer layer 923 and
primer layer 926 are not needed to maintain the structural
integrity and cohesiveness of transfer portion 921, either
protective lacquer layer 923 or primer 926 may be omitted.
[0183] Adhesive layer 927, which preferably has a thickness of
about 4-5 mil, comprises one or more heat-activatable resins, such
as polyester, polyamide, polyurethane and PVC resins, and is
capable of securely binding to fabric. One example of a suitable
adhesive composition for use in forming adhesive layer 927
comprises about 30 g of 5184p polyester powder adhesive
(Bostik-Findley, Middleton, Mass.), about 60 g water, about 10 g
PKHW 35 water-based phenoxy dispersion (InChem Corp., Rock Hill,
S.C.) as a binder, about 1 g of Dehydran 1620 defoamer (Cognis
Corp., Ambler, Pa.) and about 2-3 g of Tafigel PUR 61 thickener
(Ultra Additives, Inc., Clover, S.C.). Preferably, the
aforementioned polyester powder adhesive has a particle size of no
more than about 80.mu., more preferably no more than about 38-40%,
in order to facilitate the screen printing of the adhesive
formulation. (If the particle size of the polyester powder adhesive
is too big, it may be difficult to screen print the adhesive
formulation.)
[0184] Another adhesive composition differs from the foregoing
composition in that 10 g Sancure 1601 polyurethane dispersion
(Noveon Inc. Cleveland, Ohio) is used instead of the PKHW 35
water-based phenoxy binder; however, the former composition is much
preferred over the latter as the latter tends to cause a yellow
discoloration in the label after repeated washing cycles. It is
believed that such a discoloration is caused by an adverse reaction
between the polyurethane binder and the laundering conditions or
environment.
[0185] Adhesive layer 927 is preferably formed by depositing, by
screen printing or the like, onto (i) primer 926 or any exposed
portions of lacquer layer 923 and first marking 925 (except as
specified below) and (ii) a surrounding area of release coating 917
an adhesive composition of the type described above and then
evaporating the volatile component(s) of the composition leaving
only the non-volatile solid component(s) thereof to form layer
927.
[0186] Transfer portion 921 further includes a second marking 931,
second marking being deposited directly onto protective lacquer
layer 923 within a transverse window 932 extending through adhesive
layer 927, primer layer 926 and first marking 925. Second marking
931, which is identical in construction to second marking 828 of
label 811, includes a first barrier layer 933, a first ink layer
935, a second ink layer 937 and a second barrier layer 939.
[0187] Second marking 931 is preferably used to convey variable
information. Accordingly, second marking 931 is preferably formed
by a variable printing technique, such as thermal transfer
printing, laser printing, ink jet printing, bubble jet printing,
etc.
[0188] It should be understood that one could modify label 911 by
omitting one or both of barrier layers 931 and 937 from marking 931
and/or by omitting one of first ink layer 933 or second ink layer
935 from marking 931.
[0189] It should also be understood that label 911 could
alternatively or additionally be modified by omitting entirely
first marking 925, with the information of first marking 925 being
incorporated into second marking 931.
[0190] It should further be understood that, independently of
second marking 931, one or all of protective lacquer layer 923,
first marking 925, primer layer 926 and adhesive layer 927 could
include one or more security materials of the type described
above.
[0191] Label 911 may be applied to an article in the same fashion
as label 11.
[0192] The following examples are provided for illustrative
purposes only and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the
present invention:
EXAMPLE 1
[0193] The surface roughness of the exposed adhesive of each of (i)
a UNIMARK-brand 3D Flexistretch heat transfer paper with heat
transfer for fabric labeling (Matsui International Company, Inc.,
Gardena, Calif.); (ii) a POLYMARK-brand Polystretch heat transfer
paper with heat transfer for fabric labeling (Illinois Tool Works,
Glenview, Ill.); and (iii) Sample Nos. 1 and 2 (a pair of labels
like label 11 of the present invention wherein adhesive layer 23
was made from the above-described PVC-containing adhesive
composition) was investigated in the manner hereinafter
described.
[0194] The label samples were laid flat on a glass slide with a
double-sided tape. Using Dektak 8 stylus profiler (Veeco
Instruments, Woodbury, N.Y.), random scans were performed on three
different locations of each label over a length of 2000 um of the
requested areas. The average roughness, R.sub.a, was generated over
a length of 1800 um, with 100 um cut off from both the starting
point and the endpoint. The scan parameters were programmed as
follows: scan length=2000 um; duration=13 seconds; sample=3900
points; resolution=0.513 um/sample; stylus force=10 mg;
measurements range=655 KA; tower speed=high; stitching=off;
profile=hills and valleys; sampling=automatic.
[0195] The results of the above measurements are as shown in TABLE
I.
1TABLE I Label Type R.sub.a (um) Average/Standard Dev.
UNIMARK-brand 17.2; 16.7; 11.0 15.0/3.4 POLYMARK-brand 21.9; 22.3;
21.6 21.9/0.4 Sample No. 1 2.0; 1.9; 2.1 2.0/0.1 Sample No. 2 1.9;
2.0; 2.2 2.0/0.2
[0196] As can be seen above, the two labels of the present
invention had a much smoother adhesive surface than did the
POLYMARK-brand label and the UNIMARK-brand label, with the
POLYMARK-brand label having a surface roughness of about 21.9 um,
the UNIMARK-brand label having a surface roughness of about 15 um
and the two labels of the present invention having a surface
roughness of about 2.0 um.
EXAMPLE 2
[0197] The ink coverage achieved when a thermal transfer marking
was printed onto the exposed adhesive of each of (i) a
UNIMARK-brand 3D Flexistretch heat transfer paper with heat
transfer for fabric labeling (Matsui International Company, Inc.,
Gardena, Calif.); (ii) a POLYMARK-brand Polystretch heat transfer
paper with heat transfer for fabric labeling (Illinois Tool Works,
Glenview, Ill.); and (iii) Sample Nos. 3 and 4 (a pair of labels
like label 111 of the present invention wherein adhesive layer 23
was made from the above-described PVC-containing adhesive
composition) was investigated in the manner hereinafter
described.
[0198] Markings were made on an exposed area of the adhesive
surface of each of the aforementioned labels using an APR600 wax
and resin-based thermal ribbon (Armor, Nantes Cedex, France),
installed in an Avery 64-04 near-edge head printer run at 6 ips, at
a temperature setting of 99 and a pressure setting of 3.
[0199] The printed surface of each label was then imaged using an
Olympus BX60 optical microscope. Pictures of each surface were
taken at 10.times. objective with reflection light source. A
polarizing filter was used to obtain the best color contrast of the
ink. The pictures generated were then processed for ink coverage
using Image-Pro software version 3.0 (Media Cybernetics, Inc.,
Silver Spring, Md.). An intensity value was manually selected for
each picture to define the ink covered areas from the entire image.
Depending on the exposure conditions, the contrast of the white
objects from dark background or of the dark objects from white
background was manually defined to obtain the threshold intensity
value. Once the threshold intensity was chosen, the software
performed an automatic count to measure the ink coverage value of
the binary black and white image. The Image-Pro software parameter
of PerArea (ratio of area covered by ink to total area of image)
was employed for this measurement. The PerArea values are reported
herein as % ink coverage.
[0200] The results of the above measurements are as shown in TABLE
II.
2 Label Type % Ink Coverage UNIMARK-brand .about.65% POLYMARK-brand
.about.12% Sample No. 3 .about.98% Sample No. 4 .about.98%
[0201] As can be seen above, the two labels of the present
invention had a much better ink coverage than did the
POLYMARK-brand label and the UNIMARK-brand label, with the
POLYMARK-brand label having an ink coverage of about 65%, the
UNIMARK-brand label having an ink coverage of about 12% and the two
labels of the present invention having an ink coverage of about
98%.
[0202] The embodiments of the present invention recited herein are
intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art will
be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it
should be appreciated that one may add, either directly or through
trans-layer migration, trace or non-functional minor amounts of
waxes or silicones to the release layer described herein as
"non-wax" and "non-silicone" without being outside the scope of
applicants' invention. Thus, the terms "non-wax" and "non-silicone"
as used herein is intended to embrace this possibility. All such
variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of
the present invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *