EP0895631A1

EP0895631A1 - Adhesive label for a cylindrical article

Info

Publication number: EP0895631A1
Application number: EP97954015A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David W. Kalisz
Original assignee: Eveready Battery Co Inc
Current assignee: Edgewell Personal Care Brands LLC
Priority date: 1996-12-17
Filing date: 1997-12-17
Publication date: 1999-02-10
Also published as: AU5789998A; WO1998027536A1

Abstract

A label that can be applied to an arcuate surface of an article such as to the exterior surface of a cylindrical dry cell battery which includes a bottom layer and an outer layer. The bottom layer (3) can be positioned adjacent to the arcuate surface and is adherable thereto. The bottom layer includes at least one opening (4). The opening is bounded by a first edge (12), and a second edge (13). The second edge (13) extends generally parallel to the first edge (12). The outer layer (9) is operatively connected to the bottom layer at a first and a second location. The opening is positioned on a portion of the bottom layer between the first and second locations. Whereby the first and second locations are moved into a closer relative position by tension created by the outer layer (9), however the opening prevents buckling of the bottom layer.

Description

ADHESIVE LABEL FOR A CYLINDRICAL ARTICLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates an adhesive label that can be applied to the peripheral surface of a cylindrical article, especially a dry cell battery. This invention also relates to a multilayer adhesive label that can be applied to the peripheral surface of a cylindrical article, especially a dry cell battery. The adhesive labels typically consist of at least a bottom layer, and an outermost protective layer. Such adhesive labels are frequently applied to articles in such a way that their edges running along a surface line on the peripheral surface ofthe body overlap. It is frequently found that, after the label is attached to the body of a cylindrical article, the trailing edge area ofthe label can lift or buckle due to an inherent stiffness ofthe label, and the resulting resiliency ofthe label that can occur during the labeling process. The buckling is due, in a large part, to the stretching and shrinkage that occurs during the labeling process. The buckling problem is more apparent when the circumferential diameter ofthe cylindrical article is small. The problem with the buckling is further compounded when an additional component, such as a tester device, is inserted or adhered to the bottom layer ofthe label.

In the area of electrochemical cells, the buckling problem becomes detrimental when the batteries can then not fit into electronic devices in which they are used. It would thus be desirable in the area of battery labeling to provide a label wherein the buckling problem does not occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

— It is an object of this invention to provide an adhesive label that can be applied to a peripheral surface of a cylindrical article, especially a dry cell battery, wherein the label has at least one opening such as a slit or a slot that extends lengthwise along the peripheral surface ofthe article and parallel to the trailing edge ofthe label.

In another aspect, this invention is a multilayer adhesive label that can be applied to a peripheral surface of a cylindrical article, especially a dry cell battery, with a bottom layer that is covered with a laminated outermost layer, wherein the bottom layer is provided with at least one opening such as a slit or a slot that extends along a surface line on the peripheral surface ofthe body parallel to the trailing edge ofthe label.

In yet another aspect, this invention is an adhesive label that can be applied to a peripheral surface of a cylindrical article, especially a dry cell battery, wherein the label has at least one opening such as a slit or a slot that extends along a surface line on the peripheral surface ofthe body parallel to the trailing edge ofthe label, and wherein the label comprises a component inserted or adhered to the bottom layer.

In still another aspect, this invention is a multilayer adhesive label that can be applied to a peripheral surface of a cylindrical article, especially a dry cell battery, with a bottom layer that is covered with a laminated outermost layer, wherein the bottom layer is provided with at least one opening such as a slit or a slot that extends along a surface line on the peripheral surface ofthe body parallel to the trailing edge ofthe label, and wherein the label comprises a component inserted or adhered to the bottom layer, and wherein at least one opening such as a slit or a slot is provided in the bottom layer to relieve buckling imparted by the inserted component.

Further objects ofthe present invention will be made apparent from the following Description ofthe Invention and the appended Claims. The foregoing objects ofthe present invention are accomplished by a label that can be applied to a arcuate surface of an article, such as a cylindrical dry cell battery. The label ofthe present invention includes a bottom layer and an outer layer. The bottom layer is positionable adjacent to the arcuate surface and adherable thereto with adhesive. The bottom layer includes at least one opening, which is bounded by a first edge, and a second edge which extends generally parallel to the first edge. The bottom layer further includes a central portion, wherein the opening is positioned within the central portion.

The bottom layer includes a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the first edge extends generally parallel to the trailing edge. The leading edge and trailing edges bound the bottom layer perimeter on opposed sides, and their designations refer to their relative positioning when affixed to the arcuate surface ofthe article. In a dry cell battery, the arcuate surface extends about the perimeter ofthe article and the size ofthe bottom layer is large enough to cover the entire arcuate surface, wherein when the bottom layer is placed onto the arcuate surface the leading edge is positioned adjacent the trailing edge. The outer layer is operatively connected to the bottom layer at a first and a second location. The outer layer is adhered to the bottom layer and is positioned adjacent to and covering the central portion. The opening is positioned on a portion ofthe bottom layer between the first and second locations. The position ofthe first location is adjacent to the leading edge, and the position ofthe second location is adjacent to the trailing edge. The outer layer and the bottom layer are disposed from each other adjacent the central portion, and moveable relative to each other in the central portion area ofthe bottom layer.

The first edge and the second edge can be positioned adjacent to each other, such as in a slit configuration. Alternatively, the opening comprises a gap between the first edge and the second edge, such as in a slot arrangement. The label can further include an inserted component, wherein the inserted component is positioned between the bottom layer and the outer layer, and adjacent the central portion. The inserted component can comprise a portion ofthe label independent ofthe bottom or outer layers. Alternatively is can be a component of or be adhered to either or both the bottom and outer layers.

In operation, the bottom layer is moveable, and the first and second locations are moved into a closer relative position by the tension created by the outer layer being stretched over the arcuate surface, whereby the opening prevents buckling ofthe bottom layer by shortening the compressed bottom layer. In a slit arrangement, when the first and second locations are moved into a closer relative position, the first and second edges are moved to overlap one another. In a slot arrangement, when the first and second locations are moved into a closer relative position, the first and second edges are moved towards one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become apparent from the following description thereof when considered together with the accompanying drawings which are set for as being exemplary of embodiment ofthe present invention, and are not intended, in any way, to be limitative thereof and wherein:

Figure 1 shows a two-ply label of this invention having as an additional inserted component, for example, an inserted tester device.

Figure 2 shows a top view ofthe bottom layer showing various slit configurations or punch cuts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In prior art multiple ply labels there exists a problem of buckling in the lower ply ofthe label. These multi-ply labels are typically formed from two layers of material adhered together when formed. The buckling is caused by the tension produced in the top layer of material when the multi-ply label is adhered about an arcuate surface of an article. The bending ofthe label about the arcuate causes the outer layer ofthe label to stretch in order to maintain to relative position with the lower layer ofthe label. This tension created in the outer layer is translated to the lower layer at the connection points between the two layers. If the two layers can be adhered throughout their connected surface, any buckling can be alleviated or even possibly eliminated. However, in dry cell battery labels with an inserted tester article, a gap is created between the two layers where the inserted article is positioned. In this portion ofthe label the two layers are relatively unlaminated and the outer layers tension tends to compress the lower layer. The outer layer shrinking in this portion of the label causes the connection points between the two layers to be drawn together. This compression or drawing together ofthe lower layer causes buckling ofthe lower layer despite its adherence to the arcuate surface. The solution to this problem is made by providing a opening, or a series of openings, near the relatively unlaminated portion ofthe label. In the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention the opening runs lengthwise along the label, so that when the label is adhered to the arcuate surface the opening is aligned in a direction normal to the direction of curvature. The opening (or openings) acts to relieve the buckling by allowing the lower layer to move while in compression without buckling. In the preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the opening is formed by a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge can be positioned adjacent to each other, such as in a slit configuration. Alternatively, the opening comprises a gap between the first edge and the second edge, such as in a slot arrangement. The slit is made in the base layer ofthe label, and can have a variety of lengths, shapes, or forms. The slit is not normally visible from the outside after the outer layer overlaminate is attached, unless of course the outer layer is transparent. Generally, the slit can be made by means of a stamping blade or punch press. In one embodiment ofthe invention, an outer layer can be disposed over the lower layer and the lower layer and/or the outer layer can contain printed matter for the battery label.

Suitable materials for the layers ofthe label are well known in the art. These materials consist of plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, or the like. However, the layers can be made of any desired dielectric polymer material. It is preferable to use a dielectric polymer material that will shrink when assembled on a battery. Generally, polyvinyl resins, polyolefin resins, polyester resins and the like, would be suitable. Specific examples would be polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polypropylene. The thickness ofthe film is not particularly limited, but could be in the range of about 0.0005 to 0.005 inch, preferably 0.001 to 0.003 inch.

The labels useful in this invention can also comprise additional insulating layers, printing layers, protective layers, and the like. Suitable materials for use as the different layers are those typically used in battery labels and include plasticized or unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, polyesters, metallic films, paper, and the like. They can be prepared by known methods, such as laminating the layers together. The label can be attached to the battery by the use of an adhesive. An additional component, such as tester device, can also be integrally inserted and become part ofthe label. When an additional component is adhered to or inserted in the label, the location ofthe opening is preferable located generally adjacent to the location ofthe additional label component. This is because the outer and lower layers ofthe label are relatively unlaminated in the vicinity ofthe inserted component. Referring now to the drawings and particularly to figure 1 , there is shown the two layer label 1 of the present invention. The label comprises a bottom or lower layer 3, which is sized to cover the surface ofthe arcuate surface of an article such as a cylindrical dry cell battery. A lower surface of the bottom layer, not shown, is covered with a pressure sensitive adhesive selected to allow the bottom layer to be uniformly adhered to the arcuate surface. In the process of adherence ofthe bottom layer, a leading edge 5 of the bottom layer is first attached to the surface ofthe cylindrical dry cell battery while the cell is rotated. The rotating cell draws the label under tension so that it wraps about the perimeter ofthe cell, until a trailing edge 6 ofthe bottom layer is also adhered to the surface ofthe cell. The adhesive bonds the label to the outer surface ofthe cell, however the bond strength ofthe adhesive is not strong enough to prevent movement ofthe label. The degree of allowed movement is a factor in the amount of buckling which occurs in prior art multiple ply labels.

The bottom layer 3 includes a central portion 7 on the top surface which is opposed to the lower surface. This central portion is what sees an inserted article 8. The inserted article can be an article separate from either the bottom layer or a outer layer 9. Alternatively its components can be printed or otherwise incorporated onto the surfaces ofthe layers. A battery tester device is an article which can be inserted between the plys of a multiple layer label. The tester device can comprise insulation, a thermochromic ink packet and means for producing heat to activate the thermochromic ink packet. '

The outer layer is adhered to the bottom layer with UV cured adhesive. These types of adhesives are well known in the art, and they provide very strong bonding between the outer and bottom layers. In the area ofthe inserted article the adhesion between the layers is not as strong and the two layers can move relative each other. This weak adhesion allows for the buckling ofthe bottom layer in the prior art labels. The opening 4 is positioned in the bottom layer the alleviate the stresses caused by the compressive forces ofthe outer layer. The opening is preferably placed adjacent to or in the central portion ofthe bottom layer. This positioning is important in that in this area the compressive forces are the strongest. The opening 4 can also be of varying lengths and configurations, extending along the length ofthe bottom layer in a direction which will locate it a direction normal to the angle of curvature ofthe arcuate surface.

Referring now to Figure 2, there are shown many different configurations of openings ofthe present invention which have proven to be effective in the prevention of buckling. Bottom layers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 are shown with openings 11, 21, 22, 31, 41, 51, 52, 61, 71, 81, and 91 of various configurations. Multiple openings can be located in areas of the bottom layer to alleviate multiple areas of compression. These types of configurations are shown in bottom layers 20 and 50. In the slit-type openings of bottom layers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80, the openings are bounded by a first edge 12 and a second edge 13. These edges are created in the opening creation process by a die or other plastic forming machine. During compression ofthe bottom layer these edges will be moved to overlap one another so as to effectively alleviate the compressive forces, and prevent buckling ofthe bottom layer.

In bottom layer 90, there is show a slot configuration ofthe opening 91. In this configuration ofthe opening a slot 94 is formed between a first edge 92 and a second edge 93. This slot can also be formed with a die or other plastic forming tool. During compression ofthe bottom layer these edges will be moved closer to each other narrowing the slot width so as to effectively alleviate the compressive forces, and prevent buckling ofthe bottom layer.

Claims

1. A label that can be applied to a arcuate surface of an article, comprising:

a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer is positionable adjacent to the arcuate surface and adherable thereto, wherein the bottom layer includes at least one opening, wherein the opening is bounded by a first edge, and a second edge which extends generally parallel to the first edge;

a outer layer, wherein said outer layer is operatively connected to the bottom layer at a first and a second location, wherein the opening is positioned on a portion ofthe bottom layer between the first and second locations, whereby the bottom layer is moveable whereby the first and second locations are moved into a closer relative position, whereby the opening prevents buckling ofthe bottom layer.

2. The label of claim 1 , wherein the bottom layer includes a trailing edge, wherein the first edge extends generally parallel to the trailing edge.

3. The label ofclaim 2, wherein the bottom layer further includes a leading edge, wherein the position ofthe first location is adjacent to the leading edge, and the position ofthe second location is adjacent to the trailing edge.

4. The label ofclaim 1, wherein the bottom layer includes a leading edge and a trailing edge bounding its perimeter on opposed sides, wherein the arcuate surface extends about the perimeter ofthe article, wherein the size of the bottom layer is large enough to cover the entire arcuate surface, wherein when the bottom layer is placed onto the arcuate surface the leading edge is positioned adjacent the trailing edge.

5. The label ofclaim 1, wherein the first edge and the second edge are positioned adjacent to each other.

6. The label ofclaim 5, wherein when the first and second locations are moved into a closer relative position, the first and second edges are moved to overlap one another.

7. The label ofclaim 1, wherein the opening comprises a gap between the first edge and the second edge.

8. The label ofclaim 7, wherein when the first and second locations are moved into a closer relative position, the first and second edges are moved towards one another.

9. The label ofclaim 1, further comprising an inserted component, wherein the inserted component is positioned between the bottom layer and the outer layer.

10. The label ofclaim 9, wherein the inserted component is adhered to the outer layer.

11. A multilayer adhesive label that can be applied to a arcuate peripheral surface of an article, comprising: a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer includes a central portion and at least one opening, wherein the at least one opening is positioned within said central portion;

a outer layer, wherein said outer layer is adhered to the bottom layer and is positioned adjacent the central portion, wherein the outer layer and bottom layer are moveable relative to each other adjacent the central portion, whereby when the bottom layer is affixed to the article, the bottom layer is compressed by the outer layer whereby the opening prevents buckling ofthe bottom layer which would be caused by the compression.

12. The label ofclaim 11, wherein the opening is bounded by a first edge, and a second edge which extends generally parallel to the first edge.

13. The label ofclaim 12, wherein the first edge and the second edge are positioned adjacent to each other.

14. The label ofclaim 13, wherein when the first and second locations are moved into a closer relative position, the first and second edges are moved to overlap one another.

15. The label of claim 12, wherein the opening comprises a gap between the first edge and the second edge.

16. The label ofclaim 15, wherein when the first and second locations are moved into a closer relative position, the first and second edges are moved towards one another.

17. The label of claim 11 , wherein the outer layer and the bottom layer are disposed from each other adjacent the central portion.

18. The label of claim 11 , further comprising a inserted component, positioned between the outer layer and the bottom layer, and adjacent the central portion.