U.S. patent application number 14/052192 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-15 for molded container with a structured varnish coating.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Matthew Richard ALLEN.
Application Number | 20140131352 14/052192 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49485823 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140131352 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ALLEN; Matthew Richard |
May 15, 2014 |
Molded Container with a Structured Varnish Coating
Abstract
An integrally molded container having a structured cured varnish
coating that is in direct contact with the surface of the container
is provided. The structured cured varnish coating produces one or
more visual effects.
Inventors: |
ALLEN; Matthew Richard;
(Cincinnati, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
49485823 |
Appl. No.: |
14/052192 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61712658 |
Oct 11, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/62.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 23/0828 20130101;
B29C 2059/023 20130101; B44C 1/24 20130101; B29D 22/00 20130101;
B65D 1/40 20130101; B65D 2203/12 20130101; B29C 2035/0877 20130101;
B29C 2035/0827 20130101; B29C 2035/0844 20130101; B29C 59/026
20130101; B29D 22/003 20130101; B44F 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/62.11 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/40 20060101
B65D001/40 |
Claims
1. An integrally molded container comprising a structured cured
varnish coating that is in direct contact with the surface of said
container, wherein said structured cured varnish coating produces
one or more visual effects.
2. The integrally molded container of claim 1 wherein said
container has a fitment for a closure.
3. The integrally molded container of claim 1 wherein the container
is a consumer product or package or a component thereof.
4. The integrally molded container of claim 1 wherein said
container includes at least one curved surface and all or a portion
of said varnish coating is in direct contact with said curved
surface.
5. The integrally molded container of claim 1 wherein said
container includes at least one ruled surface and all or a portion
of said varnish coating is in direct contact with said ruled
surface.
6. The integrally molded container of claim 1 wherein said
container includes at least one planar surface and all or a portion
of said varnish coating is in direct contact with said planar
surface.
7. The integrally molded container of claim 1 further comprising an
article selected from the group consisting of covers, caps, and
lids wherein said article comprises a structured cured varnish
coating that is in direct contact with the surface of said
article.
8. The integrally molded container of claim 1 wherein the
structured cured varnish coating covers less than 80% of the
surface of the container.
9. The integrally molded container of claim 1 wherein said
container has the dimensions height (H), width (W) and depth (D)
wherein each dimension H, W and D has a length of at least 2
millimeters.
10. The integrally molded container of claim 1 wherein said
container comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers.
11. An integrally molded container comprising: a. one or more inks;
and b. a structured cured varnish coating; wherein said varnish
coating, said inks, or a combination thereof, are in direct contact
with the surface of said container, and further, wherein said
structured cured varnish coating produces one or more visual
effects.
12. The integrally molded container of claim 11 wherein the
container is a consumer product or package or a component
thereof.
13. The integrally molded container of claim 11 wherein said
container includes at least one curved surface and all or a portion
of said varnish coating is in direct contact with said curved
surface.
14. An article selected from the group consisting of covers, caps,
lids, housings and handles wherein the article comprises a
structured cured varnish coating that is in direct contact with the
surface of said article, wherein said structured cured varnish
coating produces one or more visual effect.
15. The article of claim 14 wherein said article is integrally
molded.
16. The article of claim 14 further comprising a hinge or a portion
of a hinge.
17. The article of claim 14 wherein said article comprises one or
more thermoplastic polymers.
18. An impact extruded article having a three dimensional shape
comprising a structured cured varnish coating that is in direct
contact with the surface of said article, wherein said structured
cured varnish coating produces one or more visual effects.
19. The impact extruded article of claim 18 wherein the article is
a consumer product or package or a component thereof.
20. The impact extruded article of claim 18 wherein the article is
a container or tube.
21. A impact extruded article having a three dimensional shape
comprising: a. one or more inks; and b. a structured cured varnish
coating; wherein said varnish coating, said inks, or a combination
thereof, are in direct contact with the surface of said article,
and further, wherein said structured cured varnish coating produces
one or more visual effects.
22. The impact extruded article of claim 21 wherein the article is
a consumer product or package or component thereof.
23. The impact extruded article of claim 21 wherein the article is
a container or tube.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an integrally molded
container having a structured cured varnish coating that is in
direct contact with the surface of the container. The structured
cured varnish coating produces one or more visual effects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are a variety of types of molded articles which are
useful in consumer products, both as packaging and as the consumer
product itself. Many packages function as both a practical means
for transporting/storing the product and as a communication link
between the seller and the consumer. Indicia such as labeling,
stylized graphics, use of color and contrast, and touch and feel
are all signals that can help consumers select the products they
desire and forge a strong bond between the consumers and the brands
of goods they purchase. When a molded article is the consumer
product itself, surface indicia can be a key element of the overall
aesthetics of the product.
[0003] Special packaging and labels have been created to increase
the visual impact on consumers. While some visual effects, such as
holographic effects, result in strong visual impact, they are also
expensive to produce. Therefore, a need still exists for molded
articles that have a strong visual impact at a more economical
cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An integrally molded container having a structured cured
varnish coating is provided. The structured cured varnish coating
produces one or more visual effects. The resulting printed
container can give a strong visual impact for both product
packaging and as a finished product.
[0005] In one embodiment, the container has a fitment for a
closure. In another embodiment, the container is a consumer product
or package or a component thereof. In a third embodiment, the
container includes at least one curved surface and all or a portion
of the varnish coating is in direct contact with the curved
surface.
[0006] In another embodiment, the container includes at least one
ruled surface and all or a portion of the varnish coating is in
direct contact with the ruled surface. In yet another embodiment,
the container includes at least one planar surface and all or a
portion of the varnish coating is in direct contact with the planar
surface.
[0007] In one embodiment, the integrally molded container comprises
an article selected from the group consisting of covers, caps, and
lids wherein the article has a structured cured varnish coating
that is in direct contact with the surface of said article.
[0008] In another embodiment, the integrally molded container has a
structured cured varnish coating that covers less than 80% of the
surface of the container. In an alternative embodiment, the
integrally molded container has a structured cured varnish coating
that covers more than 80% of the surface of the container. In yet
another embodiment, the integrally molded container has the
dimensions height (H), width (W) and depth (D) wherein each
dimension H, W and D has a length of at least 2 millimeters. In one
embodiment, the container comprises one or more thermoplastic
polymers.
[0009] In another embodiment, an integrally molded container is
provided that comprises one or more inks, and a structured cured
varnish coating. Furthermore, the varnish coating, inks, or a
combination thereof, are in direct contact with the surface of the
container. The structured cured varnish coating produces one or
more visual effects. In one embodiment, the article is integrally
molded. In another embodiment, the article further comprises a
hinge or a portion of a hinge. In another embodiment, the article
comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers.
[0010] In a further embodiment, an impact extruded article having a
three dimensional shape is provided comprising a structured cured
varnish coating that is in direct contact with the surface of the
article. The structured cured varnish coating produces one or more
visual effects. In one embodiment, the impact extruded article is a
consumer product or package or a component thereof. In another
embodiment, the impact extruded article is a container or tube.
[0011] In another embodiment, an impact extruded article having a
three dimensional shape is provided. It comprises one or more inks,
and a structured cured varnish coating. The varnish coating, the
inks, or a combination thereof, are in direct contact with the
surface of the article. Further, the structured cured varnish
coating produces one or more visual effects.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention relates to integrally molded
containers having a structured cured varnish coating. The benefits
of the invention can be enjoyed in virtually all applications in
which molded articles can be used. Molded articles can be used as
consumer products, containers, and the like.
[0013] As used herein, "cap" means a closure used on container such
as a bottle or tube.
[0014] As used herein, "closure" means a device used to close or
seal a container. Closures can be a cap, cover, lid, plug, film,
foil, membrane, etc.
[0015] As used herein, "consumable" means a consumer product.
[0016] As used herein, "consumer product" means a product intended
for use by an individual to clean, maintain and/or improve their
body, home, car or personal possessions. Consumer care products
include forms such as liquids, gels, suspensions, powders, and the
like. Consumer care products may be used in an individual's home or
car, or in professional, commercial and/or industrial settings. A
representative, non-limiting list of consumer product categories
includes antiperspirants, baby care, colognes, commercial products
(including wholesale, industrial, and commercial market analogs to
consumer-oriented consumer products), cosmetics, deodorants, dish
care, feminine protection, hair care, hair color, health care,
household cleaners, incontinence care, laundry, oral care, paper
products, personal cleansing, disposable absorbent articles, pet
health and nutrition, prescription drugs, prestige fragrances, skin
care, snacks and beverages, special fabric care, shaving and other
hair growth management products, small appliances, devices and
batteries. A variety of product forms may fall within each of these
product categories. Exemplary product forms and brands are
described on The Procter & Gamble Company's website www.pg.com,
and the linked sites found thereon. It is to be understood that
consumer products that are part of product categories other than
those listed above are also contemplated by the present invention,
and that alternative product forms and brands other than those
disclosed on the above-identified website are also encompassed by
the present invention.
[0017] As used herein, "container" means an item used to hold or
include a product within its volume for storage, dispensing or
transportation of that product.
[0018] As used herein, "curved surface" means a surface where at
least one cross-section of that surface is not a straight line
[0019] As used herein, "fiber-formed" means a part produce from a
process where a fibrous material, typically containing pulp fibers,
is formed to a specific shape in a mold.
[0020] As used herein, "forged" means a manufacturing process where
metal is shaped by either heating the metal and beating or
hammering it into shape or by applying high pressure using a
mechanical or hydraulic press.
[0021] As used herein, "handle" means a grip attached to an object
for using or moving an object. A handle can be integrated directly
into an object such as in a detergent bottle, or it can be a
separate piece that is fastened to another object.
[0022] As used herein, "housing" means an enclosure consisting of 2
or more components that have fastening elements to provide an outer
shell that contains functioning components of a device, mechanism,
etc.
[0023] As used herein, the term "indicia" refers to markings or
indications that can be used to convey a message. The message
conveyed can be an indication of source, the characteristics of a
product in a package, the quantity of a product in a package, the
quality of a product in a package, or any other message. Indicia
can be a single color such as a light pink to indicate the source
of a particular building insulation. Indicia can be a symbol such
as a graphic resembling a target used for training archers to
indicate a particular retail store. Indicia can be text in any
language or combination of languages representative of verbal
communication. Indicia can be patterns of colors, lines, or
combinations thereof such as that often appearing on Scottish kilts
and possibly used to indicate the source of an adhesive tape.
Indicia can be illustrations of tangible objects such as an apple
indicating the source of a particular brand of computer. Indicia
can be artwork depicting tangible objects or imaginary compositions
or any kind of marking. A single dot of a single color can be
indicia. Indicia can be the type, texture, smell, or sound when
rustled of the material used to form a package. Indicia can be a
combination of any and all of the indicia described previously.
[0024] As used herein, "ink" means a liquid or a paste that carries
color carrying components (pigments, dyes, etc.) that is used to
color a surface to produce and image, text, or design. Typical inks
used in industry are UV (ultra-violet) cured, EB (electron beam)
cured, radiation cured, solvent and aqueous. Often inks are in a
liquid form and contain at least one pigment or dye. Chemically,
many inks are suspensions of organic or inorganic pigments, which
are embedded in a polymer resin for stabilization. The carriers of
these systems are solvents. Solvents can be water, hydrocarbons or
mixtures thereof (e.g. alcohol, esters, acetates, ethers), drying
is done thermally or via infrared (IR).
[0025] Ink can be placed using any methods known in the art
including but not limited to gravure printing, flexographic
printing, and offset printing, letter press, lithography,
plateless, post press, digital, pad and screen printing. Gravure
printing is the direct transfer of liquid ink to substrate from a
metal image carrier. The image is lower than the surface of the
image carrier base. Flexography printing is the direct transfer of
liquid ink to substrate from a photopolymer image carrier. The
image is raised above the surface of the image carrier base. Offset
printing is the indirect transfer of paste ink to substrate from a
rubber `blanket` that is intermediate to substrate and the thin
metal image carrier. Examples of plateless printing include
electronic printing, ink jet printing, magnetography, ion
deposition printing, direct charge deposition printing, and the
Mead Cycolor Photocapsule process.
[0026] Solvent-based inks can be dried thermally. Once a first ink
layer is applied to the film, the solvent contained therein is
allowed to or caused to evaporate. Where a printing system such as
that described in the aforementioned patent is employed, the
solvent preferably is caused to evaporate by means of heat or
forced air so as to reduce the amount of time prior to the next ink
layers are applied. Once the first ink layer is applied, all
subsequent ink layers (if any) are applied in a similar, standard
manner.
[0027] As used herein, "integrally" means formed from: a single
molding operation; and/or using a single piece of material such as
a slug, etc; and/or a single shot or co-shot of material.
[0028] As used herein, "impact extruded" means a part produced by
pushing or drawing a material through a die resulting often in a
fixed cross-sectional profile. Starting materials include, but are
not limited to, slugs of various metals or thermoplastics in the
shape of a disk, cube or other geometry.
[0029] As used herein, "molded" means any article produced through
a process using a meltable material, commonly thermoplastic
polymers, most often starting in the form of small beads or
pellets, that are heated until it becomes a molten resin which is
then transported, by any of multiple means, into a mold cavity
having a particular cavity shape. The plastic is held in the mold
cavity, cooled, and then removed as a solidified part having a
shape that essentially duplicates the cavity shape of the mold.
[0030] As used herein, "non-ruled surface" is defined as a surface
meeting the following description: a surface S wherein there is any
point on S through which a straight line that lies on S does not
exist.
[0031] As used herein, "package" means any combination of materials
that's function is to hold and protect a product and also serve as
a carrier for artwork and visual effects.
[0032] As used herein, "planar surface" means a flat
two-dimensional surface.
[0033] As used herein, the term "primer" refers to a material laid
down on a substrate using common printing processes, its main
functions being to create (a) adhesion (b) a barrier between the
material layer below and a following layer printed thereafter. In
this case, promoting "adhesion" means creating a firm connection
between the material layer below and a following layer printed
thereafter, such that the materials are connected to each other and
do not separate under normal usage. Chemically, primers are
suspensions of polymer resins in a solvent matrix (mixtures of
several hydrocarbons) or suspensions of polymer resins in water.
Primers can come as 1-component or 2-component systems, with or
without polymerization (thermal drying only). Polymerisation can be
triggered chemically (e.g. iso cyanate and urethane), or by
radiation (radical or kationic, radiation sources, UV,
Electron-beam or other).
[0034] As used herein, "radiation curing" refers to exposing a
material to ionizing radiation. This polymerizes and/or crosslinks
the materials. Useful types of ionizing radiation include UV-light,
electron beam (e-beam), X-ray, corona discharge, and the like, with
the former being preferred. Regardless of source, the dose of
ionizing radiation preferably is sufficiently high to polymerize
and crosslink the varnish sufficiently yet not so high so as to
degrade the underlying printed markings or the surface of the
film
[0035] As used herein, "ruled surface" is defined as a surface
meeting the following description: a surface S wherein through
every point of S there is a straight line that lies on S.
[0036] As used herein, "structured cured varnish coating" means a
layer of varnish that has been patterned and cured in such a
fashion that a nano or micro structure exists on the surface of the
layer, wherein the structure forms a visual effect, most commonly
produced by light diffraction. The structure exists on the surface
of the coating that is opposite the part/varnish interface.
[0037] As used herein, "thermoformed" means a part produced from a
process where a plastic sheet is heated to a pliable forming
temperature, and formed to a specific shape with a mold and/or a
plug.
[0038] As used herein, "three dimensional shape" means a continuous
shape that when measured across the totality of the shape, has
non-zero dimension in the x, y, and z directions.
[0039] As used herein, the term "varnish" refers to a pigment-free,
usually liquid, material that can be cured. Varnishes that are
useful in the present invention can be patterned into a diffraction
grating and hold that diffraction grating after being cured. The
varnish is usually radiation-curable. Preferably, the varnish is
UV-curable, meaning it is cured using ultraviolet radiation, or the
varnish is EB-cured, meaning it is cured using electron beam
radiation. Varnish is transparent, but tints and other coloring
agents can be added to the varnish to provide some level of color.
In one embodiment, the varnish will be the top layer of any
combination of inks+varnish.
[0040] As used herein, "visual effect" means a pattern of light
that is reflected, diffracted, refracted, or any other optical
phenomenon which produces some pattern of light which is visible to
the human eye other than typical reflected color. Typical visual
effects include holograms, mirror reflectance, color, etc.
[0041] As used herein, "welded" means a part formed by joining
multiple edges of a single piece of material, or by joining
separate pieces of material together by liquefying the places where
they are to be bonded allowing the coalesced liquid to solidify
resulting such that the bonded area is now a continuous solid.
Techniques for welding polymeric parts include energy derived from
heat, sonic and frictional sources.
[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, an integrally
molded container is provided that comprises a structured cured
varnish coating that is in direct contact with the surface of the
container. The structured cured varnish coating produces one or
more visual effects.
[0043] In another embodiment, the integrally molded container has a
fitment for a closure. In another embodiment, the container is a
consumer product or package or a component thereof.
[0044] In one embodiment, the integrally molded container comprises
an article selected from the group consisting of covers, caps, and
lids wherein the article has a structured cured varnish coating
that is in direct contact with the surface of said article.
[0045] In another embodiment, the container includes at least one
curved surface and all or a portion of said varnish coating is in
direct contact with said curved surface. In one embodiment, the
container includes at least one ruled surface and all or a portion
of the varnish coating is in direct contact with the ruled
surface.
[0046] In another embodiment, the container includes at least one
planar surface and all or a portion of the varnish coating is in
direct contact with the planar surface. In one embodiment, the
container includes at least one curved surface and all or a portion
of the varnish coating is in direct contact with the curved
surface.
[0047] In another embodiment, the structured cured varnish coating
covers less than 80% of the surface of the container. In one
embodiment, the container has the dimensions height (H), width (W)
and depth (D) wherein each dimension H, W and D has a length of at
least 2 millimeters.
[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention, an
integrally molded container is provided that comprises one or more
inks; and a structured cured varnish coating; wherein the varnish
coating, the inks, or a combination thereof, are in direct contact
with the surface of the container. Further, the structured cured
varnish coating produces one or more visual effects. In one
embodiment, the container is a consumer product or package or a
component thereof.
[0049] In another embodiment, the container includes at least one
curved surface and all or a portion of the varnish coating is in
direct contact with the curved surface. In another embodiment of
the present invention, an article is provided that is selected from
the group consisting of covers, caps, lids a housing and a handle.
The article comprises a structured cured varnish coating that is in
direct contact with the surface of the article and the structured
cured varnish coating produces one or more visual effect. In one
embodiment, the article is integrally molded. In another
embodiment, the article further comprises a hinge or a portion of a
hinge. In one embodiment, the article selected from the group
consisting of covers, caps, lids a housing and a handle comprises
one or more thermoplastic polymers
[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, an impact
extruded article is provided having a three dimensional shape
comprising a structured cured varnish coating that is in direct
contact with the surface of the article and the structured cured
varnish coating produces one or more visual effects. In another
embodiment, the article is a consumer product or package or a
component thereof. In one embodiment, the article is a container or
tube.
[0051] In another embodiment, an impact extruded article is
provided having a three dimensional shape comprising one or more
inks; and a structured cured varnish coating; wherein the varnish
coating, the inks, or a combination thereof, are in direct contact
with the surface of the article. The structured cured varnish
coating produces one or more visual effects. In another embodiment,
the article is a consumer product or package or component thereof.
In another embodiment, the article is a container or tube.
[0052] In one embodiment, the structured cured varnish coating is
formed by the steps of: 1) providing an article or container; 2)
applying a layer of radiation-curable varnish to the article 3)
impressing a pattern into the varnish, such as by using a
structured master film, into the layer of radiation-curable
varnish; 4) curing the varnish while the master film is impressed
in the varnish layer; 5) removing the master film.
[0053] In another embodiment, the structured cured varnish coating
is formed by the steps of: 1) providing an article; 2) applying
ink, or a combination of ink and a layer of varnish to the article;
3) if ink was applied without varnish, applying a layer of
radiation-curable varnish to the article 4) impressing a structured
master film into the layer of radiation-curable varnish; 5) curing
the varnish while the master film is impressed in the varnish
layer; 6) removing the master film.
[0054] To improve the adhesion of the ink to the surface of the
article or container, the surface of the article or container may
be treated or modified before printing. Surface treatments and
modifications include: i) mechanical treatments, such as corona
treatment, plasma treatment, and flame treatment, and ii) primer
treatment. Surface treatments and modifications are known to those
of skill in the art.
[0055] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0056] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application and any patent application or
patent to which this application claims priority or benefit
thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any
document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to
any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in
any combination with any other reference or references, teaches,
suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent
that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts
with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document
incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to
that term in this document shall govern.
[0057] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *
References