U.S. patent application number 17/722739 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-11 for plastic label.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fuji Seal International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Akira Miyazaki.
Application Number | 20220250365 17/722739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220250365 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miyazaki; Akira |
August 11, 2022 |
PLASTIC LABEL
Abstract
A plastic label is provided having a substrate film, an ink
layer, and a coating layer interposed between the substrate film
and the ink layer. The coating layer contains a first resin and a
second resin, the first resin being an acrylic-acid copolymer resin
having a first glass transition temperature and the second resin
being an acrylic-acid copolymer resin having a second glass
transition temperature that is lower than the first glass
transition temperature. An apparent acid value of the coating layer
is 40 to 150 mg KOH/g or less, and a total content percentage of
the first resin and the second resin in the coating layer is 50 to
95 parts by mass.
Inventors: |
Miyazaki; Akira; (Osaka,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fuji Seal International, Inc. |
Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/722739 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16683563 |
Nov 14, 2019 |
11331889 |
|
|
17722739 |
|
|
|
|
62884786 |
Aug 9, 2019 |
|
|
|
International
Class: |
B32B 27/08 20060101
B32B027/08; B32B 7/027 20060101 B32B007/027 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A recycling method of a plastic label, wherein the plastic
label comprises a substrate film, an ink layer, and a coating layer
interposed between the substrate film and the ink layer, wherein
the coating layer contains a first resin and a second resin, the
first resin is an acrylic-acid copolymer resin having a first glass
transition temperature, the second resin is an acrylic-acid
copolymer resin having a second glass transition temperature that
is lower than the first glass transition temperature, an apparent
acid value of the coating layer is 40 mg KOH/g or greater and 150
mg KOH/g or less, and a total content percentage of the first resin
and the second resin in the coating layer is 50 parts by mass or
greater and 95 parts by mass or less, the method comprising the
step of: subjecting the plastic label to an alkali treatment to
desorb the ink layer from the plastic label.
12. The recycling method of claim 11, wherein the step of
subjecting the plastic label to an alkali treatment comprises
immersing the plastic label in an aqueous alkaline solution.
13. The recycling method of claim 11, wherein the step of
subjecting the plastic label to an alkali treatment comprises
spraying the plastic label with an aqueous alkaline solution.
14. The recycling method of claim 11, further comprising removing
the plastic label from a plastic container prior to subjecting the
plastic label to an alkali treatment to desorb the ink layer from
the plastic label.
15. The recycling method of claim 11, further comprising crushing
the plastic label prior to subjecting the plastic label to an
alkali treatment to desorb the ink layer from the plastic label.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/884,786, entitled "Plastic Label," filed on Aug.
9, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates to a plastic label.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In recent years, recycling plastic products is in high
demand from a standpoint of resource conservation, an environmental
standpoint, and the like. For example, for bottles made of
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (PET bottles), one such plastic
product, methods of chemical recycling and material recycling are
established.
[0004] Now, plastic products such as PET bottles are often affixed
with a label made of plastic (plastic label) whose surface is
coated with ink to display product information and the like.
Subjecting plastic products affixed with such a plastic label to
recycling causes the ink to become mixed in with recycled resin,
and this causes opacification, degradation of physical properties,
a reduced quality, and the like of a recycled product using the
recycled resin. As such, plastic labels are currently not being
recycled, and the reality is that they are disposed of after being
removed from plastic products.
[0005] In light of environmental problems in recent years, this
disposal of plastic labels is a problem that needs solving. As
such, for example, JP 2003-84670 A discloses a plastic label that
forms a coating layer that is soluble in an aqueous alkaline
solution between an ink layer made of ink and a substrate film that
is a substrate of the plastic label. According to this plastic
label, by dissolving the coating layer by an alkali treatment, the
ink layer and the substrate film can be separated with comparative
ease.
[0006] However, in the art disclosed in JP 2003-84670 A, the
presence of the coating layer sometimes reduces a printability of
the ink layer. A reduced printability of the ink layer tends to
reduce decorative properties of the plastic label. As such, it may
be desirable to provide a plastic label with excellent decorative
properties despite an ink layer having alkali desorption
properties.
SUMMARY
[0007] A plastic label is provided with a substrate film, an ink
layer, and a coating layer interposed between the substrate film
and the ink layer. The coating layer contains a first resin and a
second resin, the first resin being an acrylic-acid copolymer resin
having a first glass transition temperature and the second resin
being an acrylic-acid copolymer resin having a second glass
transition temperature that is lower than the first glass
transition temperature. An apparent acid value of the coating layer
is about 40 milligrams of potassium hydroxide per gram (mg KOH/g)
or greater and about 150 mg KOH/g or less (about 40 to about 150 mg
KOH/g), and a total content percentage of the first resin and the
second resin in the coating layer is about 50 to about 95 parts by
mass.
[0008] In the plastic label, the first glass transition temperature
may be about 90.degree. or higher and the second glass transition
temperature may be lower than about 80.degree. C.
[0009] In the plastic label, a difference between the first glass
transition temperature and the second glass transition temperature
may be about 20.degree. C. or greater.
[0010] In the plastic label, the first resin and the second resin
are a methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer.
[0011] In the plastic label, the coating layer further contains a
vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer.
[0012] In the plastic label, the coating layer further contains a
cellulose derivative.
[0013] A plastic container is a labeled plastic container affixed
with the above plastic label.
[0014] In the plastic container, a resin configuring the substrate
film of the plastic label and a resin configuring the plastic
container are resins of the same system.
[0015] A resin composition is a resin composition for the coating
layer, containing a first resin and a second resin. The first resin
is an acrylic-acid copolymer resin having a first glass transition
temperature, and the second resin is an acrylic-acid copolymer
resin having a second glass transition temperature that is lower
than the first glass transition temperature. An acid value of the
resin composition is about 40 to about 150 mg KOH/g, and a total
content percentage of the first resin and the second resin relative
to 100 parts by mass of a solid content is about 50 to about 95
parts by mass.
[0016] A recycling method of the present disclosure is a recycling
method of the above plastic label, provided with the step of
subjecting the plastic label to an alkali treatment to desorb the
ink layer from the plastic label.
[0017] According to the plastic label of the disclosure, decorative
properties can be improved despite the ink layer having alkali
desorption properties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] It is believed the present invention will be better
understood from the following description of certain examples taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic of a plastic
label.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional schematic of the plastic
label of FIG. 1 having an overcoating layer.
[0021] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and
it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be
carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not
necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings
incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate
several aspects of the present invention, and together with the
description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it
being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following description of certain examples of the
invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present
invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and
advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following description, which is by way of
illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out
the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of
other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
[0023] It is further understood that any one or more of the
teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described
herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings,
expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein.
The following-described teachings, expressions, embodiments,
examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative
to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein
may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and
variations are intended to be included within the scope of the
claims.
[0024] A plastic label of the disclosure is a label that can impart
displayability, decoration, functionality, and the like to a
plastic container when affixed on the plastic container.
I. EXEMPLARY PLASTIC LABEL
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a plastic label 1 is provided with a
substrate film 2, an ink layer 4, and a coating layer 3 interposed
between the substrate film 2 and the ink layer 4. The present
embodiment illustrates the ink layer 4 and the coating layer 3
provided on one face of the substrate film 2, but a configuration
of the plastic label 1 is not limited thereto. For example, the ink
layer 4 and the coating layer 3 may be respectively provided on one
face of the substrate film 2 and another face on an opposite side
of this face.
[0026] A. Substrate Film
[0027] The substrate film 2 configures a base of the plastic label
1 and is a carrier (support) of the coating layer 3 and the ink
layer 4. In other words, the substrate film 2 provides
characteristics such as rigidity and shrinkability of the plastic
label 1.
[0028] A type of resin forming the substrate film 2 can be selected
as appropriate according to application or the like. For example, a
polyester resin (such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene
naphthalate, or polylactic acid), a polystyrene resin (such as
polystyrene or a styrene-butadiene copolymer), a polyolefin resin
(such as polyethylene or polypropylene), a polyvinyl chloride
resin, a polyamide resin, an aramid resin, a polyimide resin, a
polyphenylene sulfide resin, an acrylic resin, and the like can be
mentioned. The substrate film 2 may be configured from one type
among these resins or from two or more types. When the substrate
film is configured from two or more types of resins, the resins may
be of the same resin system (that is, resins of the same system) or
of different resin systems (that is, resins of different
systems).
[0029] Here, "resins of the same system" signifies resins whose
main repeating units are the same, and these are essentially
compatible resins. As such, polyester resins are resins of the same
type, styrene resins are resins of the same type, and polyolefin
resins are resins of the same type. Note that "main repeating unit"
refers to a repeating unit included at a percentage of 50 mol % or
greater--such as 60 mol % or greater and 70 mol % or greater--among
all components configuring the resin. When there are two or more
types of monomers serving as the main repeating units as in a
copolymer resin, this range is a percentage of a total of the two
or more types of monomers.
[0030] The substrate film 2 is configured from a resin of the same
system as a resin configuring a plastic container whereon the
plastic label 1 is affixed. For example, when the plastic container
is a PET bottle, the resin configuring the substrate film 2 is a
polyester resin--in particular, PET. When this is the case, there
is a merit of obtaining a recycled resin made of resins of the same
system when a labeled plastic container is subjected to recycling
without separating the plastic container and the plastic label.
Moreover, PET is also suitable because it has an established
recycling system.
[0031] Here, PET is specifically a polyester wherein a main
component of a dicarboxylic-acid component is terephthalic acid and
a main component of a diol component is ethylene glycol. Moreover,
as another component, a dicarboxylic acid component such as
isophthalic acid, phthalic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, or
naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or a diol component such as
diethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, polyalkylene glycol, or
1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol may be included.
[0032] The substrate film 2 is a film having heat shrinkability
(heat-shrinkable film). When the substrate film 2 is a
heat-shrinkable film, decoration and workability (conformability to
the container) are excellent and a wide display area can be had.
Note that "heat-shrinkable film" signifies a substrate film whose
heat-shrinkage factor at 90.degree. C. over 10 seconds (also
"heat-shrinkage factor (90.degree. C., 10 s)") in a main
orientation direction of the substrate film 2 is 15 to 90% and
whose heat-shrinkage factor (90.degree. C., 10 s) in a direction
orthogonal to the main orientation direction is -3 to 15%. Note
that the main orientation direction is a direction wherein the
heat-shrinkage factor is the greatest.
[0033] The substrate film 2 may be a single-layer film made of one
layer or a multilayer film made of two or more layers. When it is a
multilayer film, it may include layers made of different types of
resins. However, from a standpoint of recycling, it is configured
of resins of the same system. Moreover, a thickness of the
substrate film 2 is not particularly limited and may be 5 to 100
.mu.m--such as 10 to 80 .mu.m. Note that a known surface treatment
such as a corona discharge treatment, a plasma treatment, a flame
treatment, or an acid treatment may be applied as necessary to a
surface of the substrate film 2.
[0034] B. Coating Layer
[0035] The coating layer 3 is a layer made by solidifying a
coating-layer resin composition, (1) to (4) below being
characteristic features thereof:
[0036] (1) contains a first resin that is an acrylic-acid copolymer
resin having a first glass transition temperature T1;
[0037] (2) contains a second resin that is an acrylic-acid
copolymer resin having a second glass transition temperature T2
that is lower than T1;
[0038] (3) has an apparent acid value of 40 to 150 mg KOH/g;
[0039] (4) has a total content percentage of the first resin and
the second resin therein of 50 to 95 parts by mass.
[0040] A coating layer having the characteristic features of (1) to
(4) above can have favorable alkali solubility. By a plastic film 1
being provided with a coating layer 3 having alkali solubility, an
alkali treatment of the plastic film 1 removes the coating layer 3
interposed between the substrate film 2 and the ink layer 4. As
such, desorption (alkali desorption) of the ink layer 4 from the
plastic film 1 is facilitated.
[0041] Here, the coating layer 3 having alkali solubility signifies
that when a plastic film 1 wherein a coating layer 3 whose
vertical.times.horizontal is 4 cm.times.4 cm is formed on a
substrate film 2 of any size and any printing layer 4 is provided
on an entire upper face of the coating layer 3 is immersed in 1.5
parts by mass of 85.degree. C. aqueous sodium hydroxide and
vigorously stirred, 70 area % or more of the ink layer 4 is
desorbed from the plastic label in an immersion time of 15
minutes.
[0042] Moreover, the coating layer 3 having the characteristic
features of (1) to (4) above may have improved printability in
addition to the above alkali solubility. As such, decorative
properties of the ink layer 4 formed on the coating layer 3 can be
improved. Printability, which greatly affects decorative properties
of the ink layer 4 in a final product, can include trapping
resistance, adhesion, and alkali resistance.
[0043] For example, when trapping properties of the coating layer 3
are low, a printing failure of overprinting occurs, resulting in
unclear display of the ink layer 4. When adhesion of the coating
layer 3 with another component (the ink layer 4 and/or the
substrate 2) is low, the ink layer 4 is easily peeled. When an
alkali resistance of the coating layer 3 is low, the ink layer 4 is
easily peeled when, for example, the plastic label 1 is moved on a
conveyor coated with a surfactant. Note that alkali resistance is
resistance against 1.5 parts by mass of aqueous sodium hydroxide at
40.degree. C. or lower.
[0044] As described in (1) and (2) above, the first resin and the
second resin are each an acrylic-acid copolymer resin. Here, an
acrylic-acid copolymer resin is a resin that has acrylic acid
and/or methacrylic acid as a main repeating unit and has a
copolymerization monomer that can copolymerize with the acrylic
acid and/or the methacrylic acid. The acrylic-acid copolymer resin
has a total percentage of the acrylic acid and/or the methacrylic
acid and the copolymerization monomer in the resin of 60 mol % or
greater.
[0045] As the copolymerization monomer, for example, a
(meth)acrylic-acid alkyl ester such as methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl
(meth)acrylate, n-propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate,
n-butyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, or t-butyl
(meth)acrylate [a lower alkyl ester such as (meth)acrylic acid]; a
hydroxyl-group-containing (meth)acrylate such as hydroxyethyl
(meth)acrylate; a glycidyl-group-containing (meth)acrylate such as
glycidyl (meth)acrylate; a (meth)acrylamide such as N,N'-dimethyl
(meth)acrylamide or N,N'-diethyl (meth)acrylamide; an
amino-group-containing (meth)acrylate such as dimethylaminoethyl
(meth)acrylate; a styrene such as styrene, vinyl toluene, or
.alpha.-methylstyrene; a vinyl ester such as vinyl acetate or vinyl
propionate; a vinyl halide such as vinyl chloride; a vinyl ether
such as methyl vinyl ether; a carboxyl-group-containing vinyl such
as itaconic acid or maleic anhydride [other than (meth)acrylic
acid]; a cyano-group-containing vinyl such as acrylonitrile or
methacrylonitrile; an olefin or a diene such as ethylene or
propylene; and the like can be mentioned. The copolymerization
monomer can be used independently or in a combination of two or
more types. Note that the acrylic-acid copolymer resin has a total
percentage of the acrylic acid and/or the methacrylic acid and the
copolymerization monomer of 60 mol % or greater among the
components configuring the resin.
[0046] In relation to (1) and (2) above, each Tg of the first resin
and the second resin can be controlled by, for example, adjusting a
mass-average molecular mass (Mm) of the acrylic-acid copolymer
resin. Specifically, by increasing an Mm of the first resin to be
greater than an Mm of the second resin, the first resin and the
second resin can be imparted with a relationship of T1>T2, the
Mm of the first resin is 30,000 or greater and 90,000 or less and
the Mm of the second resin is 10,000 or greater and less than
30,000.
[0047] In relation to (3) above, the acid value of the coating
layer signifies an acid value of a mixed resin made of two or more
types of resins included in the coating layer 3. This apparent acid
value can be adjusted by controlling respective acid values of the
first resin and the second resin. The respective acid values of the
first resin and the second resin can be adjusted by, for example, a
blending ratio between the (meth)acrylic acid and the
copolymerization monomer.
[0048] When the coating layer 3 fails to meet all of (1) to (4)
above, the plastic film 1 may not excel in both alkali solubility
and decorative properties. For example, when the coating layer 3
does not include two types of acrylic-acid copolymer resins with
different glass transition temperatures, a blocking resistance, a
whitening resistance, and the like become unbalanced in the coating
layer 3, resulting in reduced decorative properties of the ink
layer 4. Moreover, when the apparent acid value above is less than
40 mg KOH/g, the alkali solubility of the coating layer 3 becomes
insufficient, making alkali desorption of the ink layer 4
difficult. Meanwhile, when the apparent acid value above exceeds
150 mg KOH/g, alkali resistance or adhesion is reduced, resulting
in reduced decorative properties of the ink layer 4. Moreover, when
the total content percentage above exceeds 95 parts by mass,
handling properties of the resin composition for configuring the
coating layer 3 are reduced, resulting in reduced decorative
properties of the ink layer 4. Meanwhile, when the total content
percentage above is less than 50 parts by mass, the alkali
solubility of the coating layer 3 is reduced, making alkali
desorption of the ink layer 4 insufficient.
[0049] In relation to (1) and (2) above, T1, the Tg of the first
resin, is 90.degree. C. or higher, such as 95.degree. C. or higher,
and particularly 100.degree. C. or higher. An upper limit of T1 is
not particularly limited but is about 120.degree. C. due to
physical properties of the acrylic-acid copolymer resin. T2, the Tg
of the second resin, is lower than 80.degree. C., such as
75.degree. C. or lower, and particularly 65.degree. C. or lower. A
lower limit of T2 is not particularly limited but is about
30.degree. C. from a standpoint of ease of handling. T1 and T2 have
a difference of, for example, 20.degree. C. or greater--such as a
difference of 30.degree. C. or greater, and a difference of
40.degree. C. or greater. When this is the case, reduced
printability can be more effectively suppressed, thereby improving
the decorative properties of the ink layer 4.
[0050] In relation to (3) above, the apparent acid value of the
coating layer 3 is 50 to 130 mg KOH/g and particularly 55 to 125 mg
KOH/g. When this is the case, the coating layer 3 excels in both
alkali solubility and printability.
[0051] The acid value of the first resin and each acid value of the
second resin are each 40 to 150 mg KOH/g. When this is the case,
the apparent acid value can be easily made to be 40 to 150 mg
KOH/g. Moreover, the acid value of the first resin is lower than
the acid value of the second resin. More specifically, the acid
value of the first resin is less than 60 mg KOH/g and the acid
value of the second resin is 80 mg KHO/g or greater.
[0052] In relation to (4) above, the total content percentage is 70
to 95 parts by mass such as 80 to 95 parts by mass. When this is
the case, both alkali solubility and printability can be improved.
Although a content percentage of the first resin and a content
percentage of the second resin are not particularly limited, it is
favorable for the content percentages to not greatly differ. When
mutual content percentages greatly differ, there is a risk of
reducing a synergistic effect of containing the two types of resins
that are the first resin and the second resin. Specifically, a
ratio of mutual content percentages (content of resin with greater
content percentage/content of resin with lesser content percentage)
is 3 or less.
[0053] That the coating layer 3 contains an alkali-soluble resin
can be confirmed using various analytical techniques. For example,
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry (GCMS), or the like can be used to confirm that an
acrylic-acid copolymer resin is present in the coating layer 3 at a
specified content. Moreover, the acid value of the coating layer 3
can be confirmed by, for example, titrating the coating layer 3.
The titration can be calculated based on a result of, for example,
dissolving the coating layer 3 in a titration solvent such as a
mixed solvent of xylene and dimethylformamide and performing
potentiometric titration using a potassium hydroxide solution of a
predetermined concentration (for example, a 0.1 mol/L potassium
hydroxide-ethanol solution). Moreover, that the coating layer 3
contains the first resin and the second resin of each Tg above can
be confirmed by, for example, subjecting the coating-layer resin
composition (described below) to a differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC) method. The DSC method can be performed using
"DSC 6200" made by Seiko Instruments Inc. under conditions of a
heating rate of 10.degree. C./min. Moreover, each Mm of the first
resin and the second resin can be confirmed by, for example, gel
permeation chromatography (GPC).
[0054] The first resin and the second resin above are a methacrylic
acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (also "MM copolymer"
hereinbelow). When this is the case, both alkali solubility and
printability can be especially excellent. The MM copolymer may be
synthesized or a commercial product. As a commercial product suited
as the first resin, for example, "Dianal LR-1941" and "Dianal
BR-87" made by Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd. can be mentioned. As a
commercial product suited as the second resin, "JONCRYL JDX-C3000"
made by BASF Japan Ltd., "ARUFON UC3000" made by Toagosei Co. Ltd.,
"BR-605" made by Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd., and the like can be
mentioned. Among these, the first resin and the second resin may be
a combination of "Dianal LR-1941" and "JONCRYL JDX-C3000".
[0055] The coating layer 3 may include, in addition to the first
resin and the second resin, another component to improve
printability. As another component, a cellulose derivative can be
mentioned. The coating layer 3 including a cellulose derivative
improves the blocking resistance, the adhesion, and the like of the
coating layer 3.
[0056] As the cellulose derivative, nitrocellulose,
acetylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose or a salt thereof,
methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl
cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate,
cellulose acetate propionate, and the like can be mentioned. For
instance, nitrocellulose may be the cellulose derivative contained
in the coating layer 3. In the coating layer 3, the cellulose
derivative can be used independently or in a combination of two or
more types.
[0057] A content of the cellulose derivative in the coating layer 3
relative to a total mass of the coating layer 3 is 1 to 20 parts by
mass, such as 5 to 15 parts by mass, and particularly 8 to 12 parts
by mass. When this content is less than 1 part by mass, improvement
in the blocking resistance tends to be insufficient, and when this
exceeds 20 parts by mass, a viscosity of the coating layer 3
becomes too high, making patchy printing more likely. The cellulose
derivative has a degree of polymerization of 35 to 380, such as a
degree of polymerization of 45 to 290, and particularly a degree of
polymerization of 55 to 110. When this is the case, the above
effects are improved.
[0058] Furthermore, as another component included in the coating
layer 3, a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer (also "VV
copolymer" hereinbelow) can be mentioned. The coating layer 3
including a VV copolymer further improves adhesion between the
substrate film 2 and the coating layer 3.
[0059] A content of the VV copolymer in the coating layer relative
to the total mass of the coating layer 3 is 5 to 20 parts by mass,
such as 8 to 18 parts by mass, and particularly 9 to 12 parts by
mass. When this blending amount is less than 5, further improvement
in the above adhesion tends to be insufficient, and when this
exceeds 20 parts by mass, the viscosity of the coating layer 3
becomes too high, making patch printing more likely. The vinyl
chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer has an Mm of 10,000 to 40,000,
such as an Mm of 15,000 to 35,000. When this is the case, the
improvement in adhesion can be higher.
[0060] Note that the coating layer 3 may contain a component other
than the above such as a component known as a component that
improves printability. However, an apparent acid value of all
resins included in the coating layer 3 is 10 to 100 mg KOH/g. This
is to sufficiently exhibit the effects of (1) to (4) above. Note
that when, for example, the coating layer 3 includes the first
resin, the second resin, the VV copolymer, and the cellulose
derivative at respectively predetermined content percentages, a
total of each content percentage.times.the acid value of each resin
becomes the apparent acid value.
[0061] A thickness of the coating layer 3 is, for example, 0.1 to 5
.mu.m, such as 0.3 to 3 .mu.m. When the thickness of the coating
layer 3 is less than 0.5 .mu.m, the thickness of the coating layer
3 is more likely to become uneven, and this creates a risk of the
substrate film 2 and the ink layer 4 making direct contact. A
portion where the substrate film 2 and the ink layer 4 make direct
contact cannot have alkali desorption properties. When the
thickness of the coating layer 3 exceeds 5 .mu.m, the blocking
resistance is reduced, creating a risk of blocking arising when,
for example, the plastic film 1 is wound up after printing (after
manufacturing).
[0062] C. Ink Layer
[0063] The ink layer 4 is a layer made by solidifying an ink-layer
resin composition and includes, for example, a pigment, a resin,
and an additive. The ink layer can be formed using a conventionally
known resin composition (printing ink) used in, for example,
gravure printing, flexographic printing, or the like. In
particular, when the ink layer 4 is poorly soluble in an aqueous
solution (including water), an effect of alkali desorption by the
coating layer 3 is improved.
[0064] The ink layer 4 may be provided over the entire upper face
of the coating layer 3 or a portion thereof. A thickness of the ink
layer 4 is not particularly limited and is, for example, 0.2 to 20
.mu.m such as 0.5 to 10 .mu.m.
[0065] D. Overcoating Layer
[0066] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the plastic label 1
may be further provided with an overcoating layer 5 on the ink
layer 4. The overcoating layer 5 is a layer for protecting the ink
layer 4 from external factors and is a layer made by solidifying a
resin composition including, for example, a resin and a
lubricant.
[0067] As the resin, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as
polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, a cellulose resin, an
acrylic resin, or a urethane resin can be mentioned. As the
lubricant, a particulate solid substance such as inorganic
particles or organic particles, a wax (such as a synthetic wax such
as a polyethylene wax or a fluorine-modified polyethylene wax, a
mineral wax, or a natural wax), a silicone oil, and the like can be
mentioned. A thickness of the overcoating layer 5 is not
particularly limited and is, for example, 0.2 to 5 .mu.m such as
0.3 to 3 .mu.m.
[0068] E. Coating-Layer Resin Composition
[0069] The resin composition for the coating layer of the present
disclosure (also "coating-layer resin composition") is a resin
composition that can configure the coating layer 3 above by
solidifying and is an alkali-soluble resin composition.
Specifically, the coating-layer resin composition has the following
characteristic features (5) to (8):
[0070] (5) contains the first resin that is the acrylic-acid
copolymer resin having the first glass transition temperature
T1;
[0071] (6) contains the second resin that is the acrylic-acid
copolymer resin having the second glass transition temperature T2
that is lower than T1;
[0072] (7) has an apparent acid value of 40 to 150 mg KOH/g;
[0073] (8) has a total content percentage of the first resin and
the second resin relative to 100 parts by mass of a solid content
of 50 to 95 parts by mass.
[0074] The coating-layer resin composition having the
characteristic features of (5) to (8) above can form the above
coating layer by solidifying and can thereby enable desorption of
the ink layer from the plastic film. It is needless to say that the
coating-layer resin composition includes the cellulose derivative
above and the vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer above.
Blending ratios of each component are adjusted so the above
contents are obtained when a total solid content after solidifying
the coating-layer vinyl composition is defined as 100 parts by
mass. Moreover, the coating-layer composition may include a solvent
so a viscosity suited for a treatment such as coating is achieved.
As a solvent, ethyl acetate, acetic acid-n-propyl, and the like can
be mentioned.
III. EXEMPLARY LABELED PLASTIC CONTAINER
[0075] A labeled plastic container of the present disclosure is a
plastic container affixed with the plastic label 1 above. As a
material of the plastic container, like the plastic label 1, a
thermoplastic resin such as a polyester resin, a styrene resin, a
polyolefin resin, or polyvinyl chloride can be used. The plastic
container may be configured from one material among these materials
or from two or more materials. In particular, the plastic container
is made of a polyester resin, and PET is particularly suitable.
This is because PET has an established recycling system. A usage
amount of PET is become greater compared to other plastics, and an
absolute value subjected to recycling is on the rise.
[0076] Furthermore, that the resin configuring the substrate film
of the plastic label and the resin configuring the plastic
container are resins of the same system is as above. As such, when
the plastic container is a so-called PET bottle, the resin
configuring the substrate film of the plastic label is a polyester
resin such as PET.
IV. EXEMPLARY MANUFACTURING METHOD OF A PLASTIC LABEL
[0077] A method of manufacturing the plastic label 1 is described
in more detail. First, the substrate film 2 serving as the base of
the plastic label 1 is prepared. The substrate film 2 can be
produced using a known method. For example, the substrate film 2 is
produced by molding a film by a known method such as an extrusion
method or a calendar method and, as necessary, further subjecting
this film to a stretching treatment.
[0078] Next, the coating layer 3 is formed on at least one surface
of the substrate film 2.
[0079] For example, the coating layer 3 is easily formed by coating
the coating-layer resin composition on a surface of the substrate
film and solidifying this. A coating method is not particularly
limited, and a known method can be used.
[0080] Next, the ink layer 4 is formed on one surface whereon the
coating layer 3 is exposed. For example, the ink layer 4 is easily
formed by coating the ink-layer resin composition on a surface of
the coating layer 3 and solidifying this. A coating method is not
particularly limited, and a known method can be used.
[0081] When the plastic label 1 is further provided with the
overcoating layer 5, the overcoating layer 5 is easily formed by
coating the resin composition for the overcoating layer on one
surface whereon the ink layer 4 is exposed and solidifying
this.
[0082] The plastic film 1 produced as above is then affixed on the
plastic container as follows. Specifically, the plastic label 1 is
cut to a desired size as needed and rolled into a tube so a face
formed with each layer is on an inner side--that is, so this face
contacts a surface of the plastic container. At this time, edges
contacting each other due to the plastic label being rolled up are
adhered by a known method. Note that although an adhesion method by
an adhesive, a thermocompression bonding method, a heat-welding
method, a welding method by a solvent, and the like can be
mentioned as the known method, from a standpoint of recycling, a
method that does not use an adhesive may be used.
[0083] When rolling up, if the plastic label 1 has a main
stretching direction (direction exhibiting the greatest
stretching), the rolling is performed so this main stretching
direction becomes a circumferential direction. The tubular plastic
label 1 is affixed on the plastic container that is, for example, a
PET bottle. As above, the face formed with each layer is disposed
on a plastic-container side. This is so unintentional damage to the
ink layer 4 by external factors can be suppressed.
[0084] When the substrate film 2 is a heat-shrinkable film, the
plastic film 1 affixed on the plastic container is subjected to a
heating treatment. By this, the plastic film 1 changes into a shape
conforming to an external shape of the plastic container.
V. EXEMPLARY RECYCLING METHOD OF A PLASTIC LABEL
[0085] A recycling method of the plastic label of the present
disclosure is provided with a step of subjecting the plastic label
to an alkali treatment to desorb the ink layer from the plastic
label (desorption step). The plastic label desorbed of the ink
layer or the plastic container affixed with this plastic label can
be subjected to a known plastic recycling method. By this, plastic,
a recyclable material, and the ink layer, which is a non-recyclable
material, can be easily separated, and this can provide a recycled
resin with a high added value.
[0086] The recycling method of the present embodiment may be
provided with a step in advance of the above desorption step of
removing the plastic label from the plastic container. For example,
the removal step may be provided when the plastic container and the
plastic label are made of different resin systems and separate
collection is required. Meanwhile, when the plastic container and
the plastic label are made of resins of the same system, these may
be separated or an entirety of the labeled plastic container may be
subjected to the alkali treatment. When this is the case, working
steps in the recycling method are simplified.
[0087] Furthermore, the recycling method of the present embodiment
may be provided with a step in advance of the above desorption step
of crushing the labeled plastic container and/or the plastic label.
The plastic that is the recyclable material and the ink layer that
is the non-recyclable material can still be easily separated even
when the crushed product is subjected to the alkali treatment.
[0088] A method of the alkali treatment is not particularly limited
as long as the coating layer 3 of the plastic film 1 is exposed to
an aqueous alkaline solution. For example, a method of immersing
the plastic film 1 in an aqueous alkaline solution, a method of
spraying the aqueous alkali solution on the plastic film 1, and the
like can be mentioned. A temperature of the aqueous alkaline
solution is 50 to 95.degree. C., such as 70 to 95.degree. C., and
particularly 85 to 95.degree. C. As a suitable aqueous alkaline
solution, an aqueous solution including sodium hydroxide at 1 to 2
parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass (total amount) can be
mentioned. A time of the alkali treatment is 10 minutes or longer
such as 20 minutes or longer, and when adopting an immersion
method, the aqueous alkaline solution is stirred. Note that
although the aqueous solution is a solution whose solvent is water,
another solvent (such as alcohol), a surfactant, an additive, or
the like may be included to an extent of not impairing a polarity
of the water.
[0089] As above, according to the plastic label 1 of the present
embodiment, the coating layer 3 is interposed between the ink layer
4 and the substrate film 2. This coating layer 3 has the
characteristic features of (1) to (4) above and can thereby exhibit
alkali solubility and high printability. As such, the ink layer 4
can have favorable decorative properties and alkali desorption of
the ink layer 4 is possible.
[0090] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, in recycling
the plastic label and, by extension, the labeled plastic container,
ink can be easily suppressed from becoming mixed in with the
recycled resin without the need for a complex apparatus or complex
work. As such, a high-quality recycled resin wherein resin
coloring, resin opacification, changed physical properties, and the
like due to this mixing in are suppressed can be obtained.
[0091] The printability of the coating layer 3 particularly
includes excellent blocking resistance, adhesion, and alkali
resistance. Because the coating layer 3 excels in these particular
aspects of printability, not only are the decorative properties of
the ink layer 4 formed on the coating layer 3 not impaired but also
an advantage is gained of there being no unnecessary restrictions
on the ink used such that a desired ink can be used.
[0092] Of special note is that the coating layer 3 has excellent
alkali resistance despite having alkali solubility. In other words,
the coating layer 3 has excellent solubility in a strong alkali as
well as excellent resistance (insolubility) against a weak alkali.
As such, the coating layer 3 can have high resistance
(insolubility) against, for example, a surfactant or the like
coated on a conveyor despite having high reactivity (solubility) to
the alkali treatment. Moreover, because the coating layer 3 has
excellent alkali resistance, the plastic label 1 can also be
suitably used on a plastic container whose content is, for example,
a detergent.
VI. EXAMPLES
[0093] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways
in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should
be understood that the following examples are not intended to
restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any
time in this application or in subsequent filings of this
application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are
being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes.
It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be
arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also
contemplated that some variations may omit certain features
referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects
or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless
otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the
inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any
claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings
related to this application that include additional features beyond
those referred to below, those additional features shall not be
presumed to have been added for any reason relating to
patentability.
Examples (No. 1 to 7) and Comparative Examples (No. 8 to 10)
[0094] Table 1 lists summaries (types, manufacturers, product
names, and the like) of each component used to produce each resin
composition no. 1 to 10. For components A to G, an acid value and a
glass transition temperature (Tg) are also indicated. Moreover, a
solid content (%) is indicated for components whose solid content
is not 100 mass %. Among components included in each resin
composition, two types among components A to G are the first resin
and the second resin (or an alternative thereto).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Type Characteristics Component M-M copolymer
Acid value: 50 mgKOH/g A ("Dianal LR-1941," made by Tg: 110.degree.
C. Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd.) Solid content: 25 mass % Component
M-M copolymer Acid value: 10 mgKOH/g B ("Dianal BR-87," made by Tg:
105.degree. C. Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd.) Component M-M copolymer
Acid value: 85 mgKOH/g C ("JONCRYL JDX3000," Tg: 65.degree. C. made
by BASF) Component M-M copolymer Acid value: 74 mgKOH/g D ("ARUFON
UC3000," made Tg: 65.degree. C. by Toagosei Co. Ltd.) Component M-M
copolymer Acid value: 228 mgKOH/g E ("BR-605," made by Tg:
60.degree. C. Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd.) Component Styrene-maleic
acid Acid value: 270 mgKOH/g F copolymer ("SMA17352P," Tg:
125.degree. C. made by Cray Valley) Component Styrene-maleic acid
Acid value: 185 mgKOH/g G copolymer ("SMA1440F," Tg: 60.degree. C.
made by Cray Valley) Component V-V copolymer -- H ("Solbin TA5R,"
made by Nissin Chemical Industry Co. Ltd.) Component Cellulose
derivative Solid content: 70 mass % I ("RS-1sec," made by Corea
CNC)
[0095] Among the components indicated in table 1 (component A to
component I), predetermined components are combined as appropriate
and a solvent (ethyl acetate and acetic acid-n-propyl) is further
added to produce each resin composition no. 1 to no. 10. The
components, blending ratios, and content percentages used are
indicated in table 2 to table 4. In table 2 to table 4, "blending
ratio" is a percentage (mass %) of each component used when
producing the resin composition and "content percentage" is a
content percentage of a solid content of each component in the
coating layer produced using the resin composition. That is, the
"blending ratio" is calculated in a form of including the solvent
included in component A and component I and the "content
percentage" is calculated in a form wherein all solvents are
removed. "SMA copolymer" in table 4 signifies a styrene-maleic acid
copolymer.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example Example Example No. 1 No. 2 No. 3
Blending Content Blending Content Blending Content ratio percentage
ratio percentage ratio percentage mass % mass % mass % mass % mass
% mass % Component A/ 20.4 24.6 21 25.7 22.0 27.9 M-M copolymer
Component C/ 12.2 59.1 13 63.8 13.0 65.9 M-M copolymer Component H/
1.2 6.9 -- -- 1.2 6.2 V-V copolymer Component I/ 3.1 10.4 3.1 10.5
-- -- Cellulose derivative Solvent 63.1 -- 62.9 -- 63.8 --
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Example Example Example Example No. 4 No. 5
No. 6 No. 7 Blending Content Blending Content Blending Content
Blending Content ratio percentage ratio percentage ratio percentage
ratio percentage mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass %
mass % Component A/ -- -- 20.4 24.7 2 3.1 20.4 24.6 M-M copolymer
Component B/ 6 27.8 -- -- -- -- -- -- M-M copolymer Component C/
12.2 56.7 -- -- 8 49.1 -- -- M-M copolymer Component D/ -- -- 12.2
59.0 -- -- -- -- M-M copolymer Component E/ -- -- -- -- -- -- 10.0
48.2 M-M copolymer Component H/ 1.2 5.6 1.2 5.9 5 30.6 3.5 16.9 V-V
copolymer Component I/ 3.1 9.9 3.1 10.4 4 17.2 3.1 10.3 Cellulose
derivative Solvent 77.5 -- 63.1 -- 81 -- 63 --
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Comparative Comparative Comparative example
example example No. 8 No. 9 No. 10 Blending Content Blending
Content Blending Content ratio percentage ratio percentage ratio
percentage mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % mass % Component A/
20.4 24.7 -- -- 20.4 24.7 M-M copolymer Component B/ 12.2 59.0 --
-- -- -- M-M copolymer Component F/ -- -- 5.0 24.3 -- -- SMA
copolymer Component C/ -- -- 12.2 59.4 -- -- M-M copolymer
Component E/ -- -- -- -- -- -- M-M copolymer Component G/ -- -- --
-- 12.2 59.0 SMA copolymer Component H/ 1.2 5.9 1.2 5.9 1.2 5.9 V-V
copolymer Component I/ 3.1 10.4 3.1 10.4 3.1 10.4 Cellulose
derivative Solvent 63.1 -- 78.5 -- 63.1 --
[0096] The plastic film is produced as below using the resin
compositions produced according to the blending ratios indicated in
table 1. First, as the substrate film, a film made of polyethylene
terephthalate (PET film) of a thickness of 45 .mu.m and a
vertical.times.horizontal of 10 cm.times.10 cm is prepared. Next,
using a gravure proof press, the coating-layer resin composition is
coated on one surface of the PET film. By this, a coating layer of
a thickness of 0.5 .mu.m and a vertical.times.horizontal of 10
cm.times.10 cm is formed on the substrate film. Next, five colors
of printing ink (product name: "Fine Wrap SBL," made by Dainippon
Ink) are printed on this coating layer using the gravure proof
press. By this, an ink layer of a thickness of 3 .mu.m and a
vertical.times.horizontal of 10 cm.times.10 cm is formed. By the
above, the plastic films of no. 1 to no. 10 are produced. The
produced plastic films are used to carry out the following
tests.
[0097] Adhesion Test
[0098] A tape-peel test is carried out for a face of each plastic
label whereon the five colors are printed (printing face).
Specifically, cellophane tape is affixed on the printing face
(surface whereon the printing layer is exposed) of each plastic
label and the cellophane tape is afterward peeled from the printing
face. A state of the printing face after peeling is visually
observed. The following evaluation criteria are applied to
observation results to evaluate adhesion between the coating layer
and the printing layer. "AA" indicates the highest adhesion, and
"C" indicates the lowest adhesion. AA, A, and B are determined to
be usable.
[0099] AA: a percentage occupied by an area of the printing layer
remaining on the plastic label among an area (100%) of the printing
layer whereon the cellophane tape is affixed is 90% or greater;
[0100] A: this percentage is 85% or greater and less than 90%;
[0101] B: this percentage is 80% or greater and less than 85%;
[0102] C: this percentage is less than 80%.
[0103] Blocking-Resistance Test
[0104] A film made of the same material as the substrate film is
superimposed on the printing face of each plastic label, a pressure
of 10 kg/cm2 is applied to the surface, and this is left standing
for 24 hours at 40.degree. C. (80% humidity). Afterward, while
maintaining an angle of 90 degrees, the superimposed film is
instantaneously pulled and peeled off from the plastic label. The
printing surface after peeling is visually observed. The following
evaluation criteria are applied to observation results to evaluate
blocking resistance. "AA" indicates the highest blocking
resistance, and "C" indicates the lowest blocking resistance. AA,
A, and B are determined to be usable.
[0105] AA: the film peels naturally and the printing layer does not
transfer onto the film;
[0106] A: there is slight resistance in peeling the film, but the
printing layer does not transfer onto the film;
[0107] B: there is slight resistance in peeling the film, and there
is a mark on the film of peeling off the printing layer;
[0108] C: there is resistance in peeling the film, and the printing
layer transfers.
[0109] Alkali Desorption Properties Test
[0110] Each plastic label is immersed in an 85.degree. C. 1.5 mass
% sodium hydroxide aqueous solution and stirred vigorously. During
this, a desorption state of the printing layer is visually
observed. In stirring, additional work such as work of pulling out
and putting in the plastic label from and into the aqueous
solution, work of exposing this to water, and work of rubbing are
not carried out. The following evaluation criteria are applied to
observation results to evaluate alkali desorption properties. "AA"
indicates the most favorable alkali desorption properties, and "C"
indicates the least favorable alkali desorption properties. S, A,
and B are determined to be usable.
[0111] A: 80 area % or more of the ink layer is desorbed in a
15-minute immersion treatment;
[0112] B: 70 area % or more and less than 80 area % of the ink
layer is desorbed in a 15-minute immersion treatment;
[0113] C: Less than 70 area % of the ink layer is desorbed in a
15-minute immersion treatment.
[0114] Alkali-Resistance Test
[0115] Each plastic label is immersed in a 40.degree. C. 1.5 mass %
sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, and this is stirred for 20
minutes. After stirring, the plastic label is removed and
hand-washed in running water. Afterward, a peeling state of the
printing layer is visually observed. The following evaluation
criteria are applied to observation results to evaluate alkali
resistance. "AA" indicates the highest alkali resistance, and "C"
indicates the lowest alkali resistance. AA, A, and B are determined
to be usable.
[0116] AA: a percentage occupied by an area remaining on the
plastic label among an area of the printing layer (100%) is 90% or
greater;
[0117] A: this percentage is 85% or greater and less than 90%;
[0118] B: this percentage is 80% or greater and less than 85%;
[0119] C: this percentage is less than 80%.
[0120] Table 5 indicates the results of each test. Moreover, table
5 simultaneously indicates an apparent acid value of the resins
included in each coating layer (however, component A to component
G), a content percentage of the resins in the coating layer, and
the glass transition temperatures of the first resin and the second
resin (or an alternative resin thereof).
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 No. 7
No. 8 No. 9 No. 10 Apparent acid value 63 67 70 51 56 43 122 18 116
122 (mgKOH/g) Total content percentage 83.7 89.5 93.8 84.5 83.7
52.2 72.8 83.7 83.7 83.7 (parts by mass) Type of first resin (A)
(A) (A) (B) (A) (A) (A) (A) (F) (A) Tg (.degree. C.) 110 110 110
105 110 110 110 110 125 110 Type of second resin (C) (C) (C) (C)
(D) (C) (E) (B) (C) (G) Tg (.degree. C.) 65 65 65 65 65 65 60 105
65 60 Adhesion test AA A A A AA B A A C C Blocking-resistance test
A A A A A B A B C C Alkali desorption A A A A A B A C A A
properties test Alkali-resistance test A A A A A A A A A A
[0121] Referring to table 5, plastic labels provided with a coating
layer formed by resin compositions no. 8 to 10, corresponding to
comparative examples, exhibited a result of "C" in at least one
test. In contrast, plastic labels provided with a coating layer
formed by resin compositions no. 1 to 7 exhibited a result of "B"
or higher in all test results.
[0122] Here, no. 1 to no. 3 are compared. Compared to the coating
layer of no. 1, the coating layers of no. 2 and no. 3 respectively
do not include a VV copolymer and a cellulose derivative. No. 1 to
no. 3 exhibited excellent results in all tests, and the coating
layer of no. 1 in particular had remarkably excellent adhesion.
[0123] No. 8 has an apparent acid value of the first resin and the
second resin of 18 and does not meet (3) among (1) to (4) above.
Moreover, referring the test results, no. 8 is determined to be not
actually usable in the alkali desorption properties test. In no. 9
and no. 10, the first resin and the second resin are not an MM
copolymer but an SMA copolymer, and these therefore do not meet (1)
or (2) among (1) to (4) above. Moreover, referring to the test
results, no. 9 and no. 10 are determined to be not actually usable
in the adhesion test and the blocking-resistance test.
[0124] Having shown and described various embodiments of the
present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems
described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications
by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the
scope of the present invention. Several of such potential
modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments,
geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like
discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly,
the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of
any claims that may be presented and is understood not to be
limited to the details of structure and operation shown and
described in the specification and drawings.
* * * * *