GB2611094A

GB2611094A - Removable label product and method of manufacture

Info

Publication number: GB2611094A
Application number: GB2113825.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nolan Peter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-09-28
Filing date: 2021-09-28
Publication date: 2023-03-29
Also published as: GB202113825D0

Abstract

A removable label comprises a first adhesive layer formed from a polyurethane gel and adapted for adhesion and removal from a surface and a second non-adhesive layer which is flexible and has a lower elasticity than the first layer. The ratio of the thickness of the first layer to the thickness of the second layer is about 1:3. A third layer may be arranged between the first and second layers formed from a fibre material which has a higher tensile strength than the first and second layers. A method of forming the label comprises the steps of pouring a first layer, allowing partial setting of the first layer, pouring a second layer over the first layer and adding a blank with a smooth surface onto the second layer until both layers are fully set. The label may be used for removably marking locations on a map.

Description

Removable Label Product and Method of Manufacture

Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to the field of adhesive labels and, in particle, to removable label products.

Background of the Invention

In many situations, it is beneficial to highlight or indicate a particular area on, for example, a map, survey, plan, technical drawing or any other document. In many cases, annotations may be added using a pen or a pin marker. There is a clear issue with such methods in that the document is permanently affected or damaged by the annotation i.e. the ink or pin hole cannot be removed from the documents thereafter.

In some cases, removable label products are used in a variety of situations to temporarily highlight or indicate a particular area on a document. However, a variety of issues exist with current removable label solutions. Removable product labels manufactured using a pressure sensitive adhesive may leave a residue when removed. For example, when an adhesive material includes a tackifier or plasticiser, these may leave behind a residue when the label in removed. In some cases, the tackifier or plasiticiser may leach out of the adhesive and may leave a residue or stain on a surface.

In addition, a strength of the adhesive may deteriorate over time. If the adhesion strength of the label is too low, it may easily fall out of position. Conversely, if the adhesion strength is too high it may cause tearing of the document. The label product may delaminate upon removal, causing an adhesive residue to be left behind upon removal. In many cases, a removable label product may be paper-based and thus susceptible to water damage.

As such, there is a need for an improved removable label product. The present invention aims to address this need.

Summary of the Invention.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a removable label product according to claim 1.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a removable label product according to claim 11.

Optional features are as set out in the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is schematic diagram showing a label product according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a side view of the removable label product according to an embodiment; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a plan view of the removable label product according to an embodiment; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the removable label product according to an embodiment; and Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a method according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Invention.

The present invention relates to a removable label product and a method of manufacturing a removable label product. In particular, the invention relates to a removable label product adapted for adhesion and removal from a surface, e.g. a paper or laminated surface such as, for example, a map, survey, plan, technical drawing or any other document.

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a removable label product according to an embodiment. The removable label product comprises a first adhesive layer and a second non-adhesive layer.

According to an embodiment, the first adhesive layer is formed from a polyurethane gel and adapted for adhesion and removal on a surface. For example, a formulation (i.e. ingredients), mixing ratio, curing time or temperature or any other parameter may be adapted to provide the desired adhesion properties. In some examples, the first adhesive layer may be adapted for adhesion and removal from a paper or laminated surface, e.g. a map, survey, plan, technical drawing or any other document. In this way, the resulting product can allow a user to keep track of their position (e.g. on a map) or the position of a notable position or feature.

The polyurethane gel may be an example of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In some examples, the polyurethane gel may be formulated for residue-free adhesion. For example, as a polyurethane gel is intrinsically sticky, the adhesive layer can be formed without using a so-called tackifier or plasticiser to create a sticky surface, which may leach out and leave a residue or mark on a surface. In some embodiments, the polyurethane gel may be formed with a two-part resin casting process. In some embodiments, the polyurethane gel may be formed from an A/B composition.

Part A may be a prepolymer material. In some examples, Part A may be an isocyanate based material comprising a functional group with the formula R-N=C=O. In some examples, Part A may be a diisocyanate, comprising two such two isocyanate groups. Part A may be configured, when treated with a compound containing two or more hydroxyl groups, such as a diol or a polyol, to form polymer chains, which are known as polyurethanes. In some examples, Part A may be, e.g., an isocyanate terminated prepolymer.

Part B may be a curing agent. In some examples, Part B may be a curing agent based on a one or more polyols, that is, an organic compound containing multiple hydroxyl (OH) groups. Part B may includes at least one polyester polyol. In some examples, Part B may be include one or more additives.

The ratio A:B may result in a different adhesive strength. A higher Part B ratio makes a stickier product, and a lower Part B ratio makes a less sticky product. As such the ratio can provide an optimum balance between adhesion and removability. In addition, a higher Part B ratio can result in a lower hardness and/or a lower tensile strength. In some examples, the ratio A:B may be in the range between 1:8.3 and 1:10.2 by weight. In some examples the ratio may be about 1: 9.26 by weight. In some examples, the ratio A:B may be in the range of about 1:9.1 -1:11.3 by volume. In some examples the ratio A:B may be about 1: 10.2 by volume.

According to an embodiment, the second layer is flexible and has a lower elasticity than the first layer. In some examples, the second non-adhesive layer may be a polyester or polyurethane material. In some examples, the second non-adhesive layer may be thermoplastic polymer resin such as, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In some examples, the second non-adhesive may be a polyurethane formed from an A/B composition of an isocyanate material and a polyol-based curing agent. Alternatively, the second non-adhesive layer may be formed from any suitable non-adhesive flexible material. In this way, the resulting product can resist elongation during removal from a surface.

In some examples, the second non-adhesive layer may have a hardness of between 20 and 50 as measured on the Shore A hardness scale. In some examples, the second non-adhesive layer may have a tear strength in a range of 3-8 MPa, and/or a tensile strength in the range of 0.5-2.0 MPa. In some examples, the second non-adhesive material may have an elongation at break in the range of 100-200%.

In this way, a removable label product is provided having a layer structure which combines strength, flexibility and relocation ability. In particular, a removable label product is provided which is adapted for adhesion and removal on paper or a laminated surface such as, for example, a map, survey, plan, technical drawing or any other document. In this way, the removable label product can allow a user to keep track of their position (e.g. on a map) or the position of a notable position or feature. The removable label product can be flexible, to allow normal use of the document while the label product is attached. The label product can be be easily lifted from the document without tearing a page or leaving a residue, allowing removal and repositioning of the label product. The removable label product can be waterproof, resisting damage caused by exposure to water, and the adhesion of the label product can be effective in wet and dry conditions. In this way, the removable label product can be used effectively on a document which may be exposed to the elements, e.g. a map, and can adhere to even, for example, a laminated map which has a wet surface.

Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings shows a side view of the removable label product according to an embodiment.

In some embodiments, a ratio between a thickness of the first layer and a thickness of the second layer may be in a range between about 1:0.3 and 1:10. In some examples, the ratio between the thickness of the first layer and the thickness of the second layer is about 1:3. In this way, the layer structure of the removable label product can provide an optimum balance between tensile strength and flexibility.

According to an embodiment, the layers may be bonded together by, for example, pouring the second non-adhesive layer over the first adhesive layer after a partial setting of the first adhesive layer, or vice versa. In some embodiments, a cross sectional profile of the removable label product includes a rounded edge. In this way, the removable label product includ-ing a curved outer edge profile may resist tearing. In addition, a curved outer edge profile may facilitate lift-off and removal of the removable label product from a page.

In some embodiments, the removable label product may further include a third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. In some examples, the third layer may be flexible, to allow bending of the removable label product. In some examples, the third layer is formed from a fibre material, having a higher tensile strength than both of the first and second layers. In this way, the removable label product can be made to further resist stretching during removal.

Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings shows a plan view of the removable label product according to an embodiment.

As shown, in some embodiments, the removable label product may have a triangular shape. In this way, the label product can be easily positioned to point to a specific area on a page.

In some examples, the removable label product may be any suitable shape according to its intended purpose. In some examples, the shape may include one or more acute angles, to facilitate pointing to a specific area. The removable label product may have any of an equilateral, isosceles or scalene triangular shape. In other examples, the shape may be a quadrilateral e.g. a diamond, or any other regular or irregular polygon including complex shapes e.g. an arrowhead. In some examples, the shape may include one or more rounded portions e.g. a teardrop, any/or one or more rounded corners, with a certain radius of curvature.

In some embodiments, a radius of curvature for one corner may be smaller than a radius of curvature for the one or more other corners. For example, the removable label product may have a rounded triangular shape and a radius of curvature for one point may be smaller than a radius of curvature for the other two points. In this way, the removable label product can clearly indicate which corner is pointing to the area of interest.

In some embodiments, the removable label product may have a hollow shape. In this way, the removable label product includes an open area inside the shape. The open area can enable to see more of the underlying document, e.g. an area of a map. In addition, the open area can create a "focus zone" to highlight an area rather than a point. In addition, this can improve the flexibility of the product, and can reduce the weight of the product. This can help, for example, to avoid dragging the paper out of position, e.g. when trying to read a map.

In some embodiments, one or more internal angles of the open area may be rounded. This can prevent tearing of the label, e.g. during removal of the product from the page.

Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings shows a top view of the removable label product according to an embodiment.

In some embodiments, the removable label product may further include a plurality of ruler markings on at least one straight edge of the product. In this way, the removable label product can be used as a measuring tool which can be fixably attached in the correct position. In some examples, one or more additional or alternative indicators may included e.g. a marker on one corner to highlight a specific area of interest. In some examples, the markings described may be formed by, e.g., screen printing, or any suitable alternative to screen printing.

Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings shows a flowchart representing a method of manufacturing a removable label product according to an embodiment. The following method is set out an exemplary embodiment only. The removable label product of any embodiment may be manufactured according to the following method or any suitable alternative method. The method starts at step S01.

At step 502, the method includes pouring an adhesive layer formed from a polyurethane gel and adapted for adhesion and removal on a surface. For example, a formulation (i.e. ingredients), mixing ratio, curing time or temperature or any other parameter may be adapted to provide the desired adhesion properties. The adhesive layer may be referred to as a first layer. In some examples, the first layer may be adapted for adhesion and removal from a paper or laminated surface, e.g. a map, survey, plan, technical drawing or any other document. In this way, the resulting product can allow a user to keep track of their position (e.g. on a map) or the position of a notable position or feature.

The ratio A:B may result in a different adhesive strength. A higher Oart B ratio makes a stickier product, and a lower part-B ratio makes a less sticky product. As such the ratio can provide an optimum balance between adhesion and removability. In addition, a higher Part B ratio can result in a lower hardness and/or a lower tensile strength. In some examples, the ratio A:B may be in the range between 1:8.3 and 1:10.2 by weight. In some examples the ratio may be about 1: 9.26 by weight. In some examples, the ratio A:B may be in the range of about 1:9.1 -1:11.3 by volume. In some examples the ratio A:B may be about 1: 10.2 by volume.

In some embodiments, the first layer may be poured into a mould. The mould may define the shape of the product. Alternatively, or in addition, the method may include one or more cutting or stamping steps to create a final shape of the product. In some examples, the mould has a triangular shape. In this way, the label product can be easily positioned to point to a specific area on a page.

In some examples, the mould may be any suitable shape according to the intended purpose of the label product. In some examples, the shape may include one or more acute angles, to facilitate pointing to a specific area. The mould may have any of an equilateral, isosceles or scalene triangular shape. In other examples, the shape may be a quadrilateral e.g. a dia-mond, or any other regular or irregular polygon including complex shapes e.g. an arrowhead. In some examples, the shape may include one or more rounded portions e.g. a teardrop, any/or one or more rounded corners, with a certain radius of curvature.

In some embodiments, a radius of curvature for one corner may be smaller than a radius of curvature for the one or more other corners. For example, the mould may have a rounded triangular shape and a radius of curvature for one point may be smaller than a radius of curvature for the other two points. In this way, the resulting product can clearly indicate which corner is pointing to the area of interest.

In some embodiments, the mould may have a hollow shape. In this way, the resulting product can be formed with an open area inside the shape. The open area can enable to see more of the underlying document, e.g. an area of a map. In addition, the open area can create a "focus zone" to highlight an area rather than a point. In addition, this can improve the flexibility of the product, and can reduce the weight of the product. This can help, for example, to avoid dragging the paper out of position, e.g. when trying to read a map.

In some embodiments, one or more internal angles of an open area may be rounded. This can prevent tearing of the label, e.g. during removal of the product from the page.

At step 503, the method includes allowing partial setting of the first layer. In some implementations the Part A and Part B materials may be mixed at room temperature. The mould may also be at room temperature. The mix may be allowed to partially set at room temperature. In some examples, the polyurethane gel may have a demolding time of 4-6 hours, and so a partial setting time may any period of time up to this threshold. For example, the mixture may be partially set after 1-2 hours. In some implementations, a setting time for the first adhesive layer may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the temperature of the mixture and/or mould. For example, a higher temperature may resulting in a faster setting time. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more additives or catalysts may increase or inhibit the setting rate, as required.

At step 504, the method includes pouring a non-adhesive layer over the first layer, wherein the non-adhesive layer is flexible and has a lower elasticity than the first layer. The nonadhesive layer may be referred to as a second layer. In some examples, the second nonadhesive layer may be a polyester or polyurethane material. In some examples, the second non-adhesive layer may be thermoplastic polymer resin such as, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In some examples, the second non-adhesive may be a polyurethane formed from an A/B composition of an isocyanate material and a polyol-based curing agent. Alternatively, the second non-adhesive layer may be formed from any suitable non-adhesive flexible material. In this way, the resulting product can resist elongation during removal from a surface.

By pouring the second non-adhesive layer over the first layer after only partial setting, the method can ensure that the layers are bonded together. In some examples, the first and second layers may be poured into the same mould. Alternatively, the first layer may be removed from the mould and placed in a second mould for the second non-adhesive layer. In other embodiments, the first and second layers may be formed without a mold, and may be cut to form the required shape after bonding together. In some examples, the respective layers may be formed in a roll-to-roll process wherein, for example, each layer is formed in a sheet and subsequently bonded together e.g. by pressing or, alternatively, wherein the first adhesive layer is applied as a layer onto a sheet of the second non-adhesive layer material. Any other suitable method of forming a laminated product may be applied, as required.

In some embodiments, the non-adhesive layer may be poured before the adhesive layer. That is, the second layer may be poured before the first layer. Alternatively, the nonadhesive layer may be referred to as a first layer and the adhesive layer may be referred to as an a second layer. In some examples, the non-adhesive layer may be allowed to partially set before pouring the adhesive layer. In some examples, the non-adhesive layer may have a demolding time of 12-24 hours, and so a partial setting time may any period of time up to this threshold. For example, the mixture may be partially set after 1-2 hours. In some implementations, a setting time for the non-adhesive layer may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the temperature of the mixture and/or mould. For example, a higher temperature may resulting in a faster setting time. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more additives or catalysts may increase or inhibit the setting rate, as required. By pouring the adhesive layer over the non-adhesive layer after only partial setting, the method can ensure that the layers are bonded together.

In some embodiments, a cross sectional profile of the mould includes a rounded edge. In this way, the resulting product may be formed with a curved outer edges of the label to resist tearing. In addition, a curved outer edge profile may facilitate lift-off and removal of the product from a page.

In some embodiments, a ratio between a thickness of the first layer and a thickness of the second layer may be in a range between about 1:0.3 and 1:10. In some examples, the ratio between the thickness of the first layer and the thickness of the second layer is about 1:3. In this way, the layer structure can provide an optimum balance between tensile strength and flexibility of the resulting product.

In some embodiments, the method may further include laying a third layer over the first layer before pouring the second layer. In some examples, the third layer may be flexible, to allow bending of the removable label product. In some examples, the third layer is formed from a fibre material, having a higher tensile strength than both of the first and second layers. In this way, the resulting product can be made to further resist stretching during removal.

At step SOS, the method includes adding a blank with a smooth surface onto the second layer until both layers are fully set. In some examples, a setting time to fully cure one or both layers may be between 72 and 96 hours. In some implementations, a curing time for the first adhesive layer may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the temperature of the mixture and/or mould. For example, a higher temperature may resulting in a faster curing time. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more additives or catalysts may increase or inhibit the curing rate, as required.

In some embodiments, the method may further include screen printing the second layer with a plurality of ruler markings on at least one straight edge of the product. In this way, the resulting product can be used as a measuring tool which can be fixably attached in the correct position. In some examples, one or more additional or alternative indicators may included e.g. a marker on one corner to highlight a specific area of interest. In some examples, any suitable alternative to screen printing may be used to provide such markings.

The method finishes step at SOS. In this way, a product is made having a layer structure which combines strength, flexibility and relocation ability. In particular, a product may be provided which is adapted for adhesion and removal on paper or a laminated surface such as, for example, a map, survey, plan, technical drawing or any other document. In this way, the resulting label product can allow a user to keep track of their position (e.g. on a map) or the position of a notable position or feature. The resulting product can be flexible, to allow normal use of the document while the label product is attached. The label product can be be easily lifted from the document without tearing a page or leaving a residue, allowing removal and repositioning of the label product. The removable label product can be waterproof, resisting damage caused by exposure to water, and the adhesion of the label product can be effective in wet and dry conditions. In this way, the removable label product can be used effectively on a document which may be exposed to the elements, e.g. a map, and can adhere to even, for example, a laminated map which has a wet surface.

Although aspects of the invention herein have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A removable label product, comprising: a first adhesive layer formed from a polyurethane gel and adapted for adhesion and removal on a surface; a second non-adhesive layer which is flexible and has a lower elasticity than the first layer.
2. The product of claim 1, wherein the product has a triangular shape.
3. The product of claim 2, wherein the product has a rounded triangular shape, and wherein a radius of curvature for one point is smaller than a radius of curvature for the other two points.
4. The product of any preceding claim, wherein the product has a hollow shape.
5. The product of claim 4, wherein one or more of the internal angles are rounded.
6. The product of any preceding claim, wherein a ratio between a thickness of the first layer and a thickness of the second layer is about 1:3.
7. The product of any preceding claim, further comprising a third layer arranged between the first and second layers and formed from a fibre material, which has a higher tensile strength than the first and second layers.
8. The product of any preceding claim, wherein a cross sectional profile of the product includes a rounded edge.
9. The product of any preceding claim, wherein at least one straight edge of the product includes a plurality of ruler markings printed onto the second layer.
10. The product of any preceding claim, wherein the polyurethane gel is formed from an A/B composition, and wherein the ratio A:B is about 1: 10.2 by volume, or 1:9.26 by weight.
11. A method of manufacturing a removable label product, the product comprising an adhesive layer formed from a polyurethane gel and adapted for adhesion and removal on a surface, and a non-adhesive layer which is flexible and has a lower elasticity than the adhesive layer, the method comprising: pouring a first layer of the plurality of layers; allowing partial setting of the first layer; pouring a second layer over the first layer; and adding a blank with a smooth surface onto the second layer until both layers are ful-ly set
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first and second layers are poured into a mould, and wherein the mould has a triangular shape.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the mould has a rounded triangular shape, and wherein a radius of curvature for one point is smaller than a radius of curvature for the other two points.
14. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the mould has a hollow shape.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein one or more of the internal angles are rounded.
16. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein a cross sectional profile of the mould includes a rounded edge.
17. The method of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein a ratio between a thickness of the adhesive layer and a thickness of the non-adhesive layer is about 1:3.
18. The method of any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising laying a third layer over the first layer before pouring the second layer, wherein the third layer is formed from a fibre material, which has a higher tensile strength than the first and second layers.
19. The method of any one of claims 11 to 18, further comprising screen printing the second layer with a plurality of ruler markings on at least one straight edge of the product.
20. The method of any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the polyurethane gel is formed from an A/B composition, and wherein the ratio A:B is about 1:10.2 by volume, or 1: 9.26 by weight.