MXPA00012684A - Tape roll tab application method and article - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of making a roll (20) of adhesive tape that comprises providing a length of tape having a leading end, a trailing end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the tape is at least partially covered with pressure sensitive adhesive and providing a tab (32) having first and second opposite ends having a length between them, a first side, and a second side, wherein at least a portion of the second side of the tab is covered with pressure sensitive adhesive. The method further comprises advancing the length of tape along a tape path, positioning the leading tape end about a central tape roll axis, and circumferentially widing the length of tape about the axis until a penultimate tape layer (22) having a circumference is wound. The adhesive-covered portion of the second side of the tab is applied to the first side of the tape so that the first end of the tab is spaced from the trailing end of the tape length by a predetermined distance that is at least as long as the circumference of the penultimate layer of the tape roll and no longer than a total distance of the circumference of the penultimate layer and the length of the tab. The final layer of the tape length is circumferentially wound around the penultimate tape layer so that the trailing end of the tape overlays the tab between the first and second ends of the tab.

Description

METHOD AND ARTICLE OF APPLICATION OF LABEL IN ADHESIVE TAPE ROLL Field of the Invention The present invention relates to adhesive tape and more particularly to a label for marking the beginning of a roll of adhesive tape and for facilitating the initial removal of the adhesive tape from the roll.

Background of the Invention It is common for the adhesive tape to be supplied in the form of individual rolls of material from which a user can remove the desired length of adhesive tape. These individual rolls of adhesive tape can be manufactured by various known methods. A typical method includes unwinding the adhesive tape material supplied in a long, wide roll, which is subsequently cut in the longitudinal direction and wound circumferentially in the individual finished product rolls. More specifically, each length of the tape, Ref. 125805 starting at the main end, is typically wound to itself to adhere each wrapping of the adhesive tape to an underlying, adjacent adhesive tape wrap until a desired length of adhesive tape is applied. Roll around the roll. The tape is then separated from the supply roll to define a trailing end of the tape and complete the individual product roll.

In some cases, the end of the last roll of the tape adheres directly to the underlying wrapper, which can make it difficult for the user to place and grasp the tape to initiate the unfolding of the roll. To remove the tape from a roll, the user must first locate the trailing end of the tape by carefully checking the roll, which can be particularly difficult when the tape is transparent or when the tape is thin. The user will then often attempt to separate the adhesive tape from the underlying roll to which it is attached by inserting a pointed object under the trailing end of the adhesive tape, such as scissors or a fingernail.

Preferably, the user will be able to separate the adhesive tape from the underlying roll through the entire width of the tape. However, if the user cuts or damages the trailing end of the adhesive tape, a portion of the adhesive tape on one side of the cut may remain adhered to the roll while the user pulls the portion on the other side of the cut away from the roll. . When this happens, the adhesive tape can tear diagonally across the width of the tape, thereby leaving a splintered or torn portion of the adhesive tape adhered to the roll. The user must then again try to grab the end of the splintered portion of the adhesive tape to remove the adhesive tape from the roll, this can be time consuming and frustrating. In some cases, the user may also cause undesirable damage to several underlying tape layers when a pointed object is used to separate the adhesive tape from the roll. When this happens, the user may encounter problems with the tape by tearing or breaking each subsequent wrap of tape that is unwound from the roll.

In order to provide an easier way for the user to find the trailing end of the adhesive tape in the roll to initiate the removal of the adhesive tape from the roll, it is distinguished to cover or attenuate a portion of the adhesive tape during the process of manufacture by placing a piece of non-adhesive material frequently referred to as "label" on the adhesive side of the adhesive tape near the tracking end of the adhesive tape on the roll. To properly place a label relative to the end of the adhesive tape, the label is typically placed on the length of the adhesive tape after it is unwound from the supply roll and before it is subsequently wound onto the roll of finished product. The length of the tape is then cut at a predetermined position relative to the label. In some cases, it is desired to cut the adhesive tape to provide a portion "beyond the label", wherein a portion of the tape adjacent to the tracking adhesive tape extends beyond the label, as shown in Figure 1. As illustrated, a label 10 is placed at a distance X from the tracking end so that the end or portion beyond the label can adhere to the underlying roll, while the portion having the label 10 is placed adjacent to the roll without adhering to the roll. It is often preferred that the length of the portion beyond the label completely keep the trailing end of the adhesive tape adhered to the roll to prevent the roll from becoming entangled with other rolls of adhesive tape during processing, but it is sufficient for the user only You need to remove a small piece of tape from the roll before the label is held.It can be difficult, however, to accurately place the label on each roll of finished product during the manufacturing process. Inaccurate cutting of the adhesive tape and / or inaccurate positioning of the label relative to the trailing end of the adhesive tape roll can cause problems in the finished product rolls. For example, when the adhesive tape is cut so that the portion beyond the label is larger than desired, a large length of adhesive tape adjacent to the end of the adhesive tape is exposed to adhesion to the underlying roll. , by means of this decrease or eliminate the usefulness of the label. In another example, adhesive tape may be cut so that the portion beyond the label is shorter than desired. In this case, the small portion beyond the label may not provide sufficient exposure to the adhesive to keep the trailing end of the adhesive tape from adhering to the roller. This is particularly true when the label material is stiffer than the adhesive tape and therefore does not readily conform to the roll curve of the adhesive tape unless it adheres sufficiently to the surface of the roll. In these cases the trailing end of the adhesive tape is released from the roll, including the label and a small area of exposed adhesive. This exposed adhesive can cause problems of manufacture and processing when the adhesive sticks to the other: rolls of adhesive tape or manufacturing equipment.

Another problem can also be created in the manufacturing process when the ribbon is cut ^ ._ a ^^^ ¿fcá .- * adhesive inside the portion that contains the label, by means of this the label is cut into two portions. The first portion of the label will then extend from the roll of the adhesive tape towards the end of the adhesive tape and leaving no portion on the product roll to hold the end of the adhesive tape to the roll. Thus, the trailing end of the adhesive tape is separated from the roll. In addition, the second remaining portion of the label at the end of the supply roll, which is frequently used subsequently at the start of the next roll of the finished product. This second portion can become the start or main end of the next roll of product, which can cause an undesirable protrusion in the roll of the adhesive tape in the area of the label with subsequent wraps of the adhesive tape being wound onto this piece of adhesive. Label 10, as shown in Figure 2.

In some cases, it may not be desirable to provide a portion beyond the label on the roll of the adhesive tape. Rather, it may be preferred for the tracking end of the . n? > This is adhesive tape that is free from the underlying roll so that the user can easily place and grasp one end of adhesive-free adhesive tape to unwrap the adhesive tape of the adhesive. roll. However, the same manufacturing problems encountered when it comes to accurately positioning a label relating to the end of a roll on labeling also concerns when the position of a label relative to the label is tested. the tracking tape so that the portion is free of the roll. In other words, it is also difficult to secure the position of the label on each roll of finished product so that it extends only to the end of the ribbon roll adhesive without leaving an over-labeled portion of the adhesive tape at the end of the supply roll.

Brief Description of the Invention In one aspect of the invention, a method for making a roll of adhesive tape is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of providing a length of the adhesive tape having one end. main, and one extreme tracking, a first J! A ^? Gj? «Jg ^ side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the adhesive tape is at least partially covered with pressure sensitive adhesive and provides a label having a first and second opposite side, a length between the first and second ends, a first side, and a second side, wherein at least a portion of the second side of the label is covered with pressure sensitive adhesive. The method further comprises advancing the length of the adhesive tape along the path of the adhesive tape, placing the leading end of the adhesive tape near the central axis of the adhesive tape roll, and circumferentially winding the length of the adhesive tape. around the axis until the last, or penultimate layer of adhesive tape is rolled, where the penultimate layer of adhesive tape has a circumference. The adhesive coated portion of the second side of the label is applied to the first side of the adhesive tape so that the second end of the label separates from the trailing end of the length of the tape by a predetermined distance, in where the predetermined distance is at least as long as the ¡^^ g ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ g ^^^^^^^^^^ ^ circumference of the penultimate layer of the adhesive tape roll that the total distance of the circumference of the penultimate layer of the label length. The final layer of the length of the adhesive tape is wound circumferentially around the penultimate layer of adhesive tape so that the trailing end of the adhesive tape covers the label between the first and second end of the label.

Also provided is a roll of adhesive tape comprising a central axis of the adhesive tape roll, a length of the adhesive tape having a main end, a trailing end opposite the main end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the adhesive tape is at least partially covered with pressure sensitive adhesive, and wherein the adhesive tape is wound circumferentially around the axis until a plurality of adjacent layers of adhesive tape are wound, and a label having the first and second opposite ends, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side of the label is covered with pressure sensitive adhesive. According to the invention the adhesive portion of the second side of the label adheres to the first side of the tape in a penultimate layer of the adhesive tape of the roll so that the tracking end of the adhesive tape covers the label between the first and Second ends of the label.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will be explained with reference to the Figures, wherein the structure refers to the same numbers through several views, and wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a roll of adhesive tape of the prior art having a label separated from the end of the material of the adhesive tape; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a roll of adhesive tape of the prior art having a portion of the label placed near the central area of the adhesive tape roll; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a roll of adhesive tape having a preferred label embodiment according to the present invention; Figure 3a is an enlarged perspective view of the portion in the circle of Figure 3, showing the arrangement of the label in greater detail; Figure _ is a perspective view of a portion of an adhesive tape reel similar to that of Figure 3a, having an alternate modality of the label; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a roll of adhesive tape similar to that of Figure 3a, having another alternate embodiment of the label; Figure t > is a perspective view of a roll of similar adhesive tape of Figure 3, showing a length of the adhesive tape extending from the roll; l * «« t * l > * ÍJ ^ * - * - < , - ¡¡¿&&- ^. J «M_E - S» i¡Í ..

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the adhesive tape of Figure 6, with only a small portion of the length of the adhesive tape extending from the roll; Y Figure 8 is a schematic view of a method for applying a label to multiple adhesive tape rolls during a conversion process.

Detailed Description of Modalities Preferred Referring now to the Figures, wherein the components are labeled with the same numbers throughout several Figures, and initially to Figures 3, and 3a where Figure 3a is an enlarged view of the portion in the circle of Figure 3, A roll of the adhesive tape 20 is illustrated. The roll of the adhesive tape 20 comprises an elongated, flexible strip of the material of the adhesive tape 22 having a first side 24 and a second side 26. The strip 22 is wound circumferentially over the exterior surface t ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ j &uj ^ saa? afe «k, 28 of a center 30 supporting the roll 20. The adhesive tape of the present invention is of the tape that preferably comprises a backing layer having adhesive coated on one side of the tape material. In the modality of Figure 3 and 3a, is coated on the second side 26 of the material of the adhesive tape 22.

It is preferred that the backing layer be a film. A non-exclusive list of conventional polymeric backing film films follows the opinion of either one could be suitable for use as a backing layer of the adhesive tape; cellulose acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester (such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), copolymers of propylene and ethylene, and ethylene-olefin copolymer having four or more of carbon atoms, or mixtures of any of the foregoing, However, it is also contemplated that the backing layer may be paper, woven materials, non-woven materials, or other known materials suitable for a backing layer of adhesive tape.

Although it is preferable that the second side 26 of the material of the adhesive tape 22 is coated with adhesive throughout its width and length, it is understood that the adhesive can extend only through a portion of the width and / or length of the tape. adhesive only a portion of the length of the adhesive tape. Some adhesives suitable for use in the adhesive tape of the present invention are generally based on the polyacrylate compositions; polyvinyl ether, rubbers containing dienes such as natural rubber, polyisoprene, and polybutadiene; styrene-butadiene rubber; polychloroprene; butyl rubber; butadiene-crilonit ryl polymer; copolymers with blocks of thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-isoprene (SI) and copolymers with styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) blocks, polymers of styrene-butadiene (SB) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), and polymers ethylene / propylene and ethylene-butylene-diene such as styrene-ethylene / propylene-styrene (SEPS) and styrene-ethylene / butadiene-styrene (SEBS); poly-alpha-olefins; amorphous polyolefins; silicone; _______ || i | feMjM¡ijyaMHflMj copolymer containing ethylene such as ethylene vinyl acetate, ethyl ethyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate; polyurethane; polyamide; epoxy; polyvinylpyrrolidone and vinylpyrrolidone copolymers; polyesters; and mixtures of the above. The use of some of these compositions give specific characteristics of the adhesives may require crosslinking or curing by means of methods known in the art. Additionally, the adhesives may contain thickeners, plasticizers, antioxidants, stabilizers, curing agents, and solvents.

Furthermore, it is preferred to provide a gluing of the low adhesion backing on the first side 24 of the material of the adhesive tape 22 so that the adhesive tape can be more easily unrolled from the roll of the adhesive tape 20. In order to increase the anchoring of the bonding of the low adhesion backing or adhesive to the backing layer, it may also be desirable to treat one or both of the material surfaces of the adhesive tape 22 before coating the surface with the gluing of the low adhesion backing or adhesive. This can be done by coating a layer of material with a first coat on the backing layer, when treating the surface of the backing layer with corona treatments, flame treatments, or the like, or by treating both surfaces and coating with a first coat on the backing layer. The coatings and / or treatments are well known, and may be used in accordance with the present invention if they are otherwise suitable for use in the construction of the desired tape.

The roll of adhesive tape 20 is further provided with a label 32 positioned near one end 34 of the strip of material 22. End 34 can be referred to as "trailing end" because it is at least part of the material of the adhesive tape that is wraps over the roll during manufacturing. The label 32 can be used to facilitate unwinding of the material of the adhesive tape 22 from the roll 20. In a preferred embodiment, the label 32 of the present invention comprises a first side 36 and a second side 38 opposite the first side 36. The second side 38 of the label 32 includes a first non-adhesive portion 40, which provides the portion that can be visually located and grasped by the user to start the sticking of the adhesive tape of the roll. The second side 38 further comprises a second portion 42 having exposed adhesive. The non-adhesive portion 40 of the label 32 is shown as the dark, shaded portion of the label through several Figures for clarity in identifying the non-adhesive portion, although it is not necessary to? the portion 40 is visually distinguished from the portion 42. The adhesive in the second portion 42 may be the same or different adhesive, having the same or a different adhesive strength and adhesive characteristics, of the adhesive that is coated on the second side 26del. material of the adhesive tape 22. The adhesives described above are suitable for the second side 26 of the material of the adhesive tape 22 are similarly provided for the adhesive portion 42 of the label 32. However, this list of adhesives does not mean that they are Exclusive and - adhesives known for use on label 32 may also be suitable.

Although the first and second portions 40, 42 are illustrated to have approximately the same areas, the first portion 40 may be substantially smaller or larger than the second portion 42, depending on the desired use of the roll of the adhesive tape.

Different constructions of the label are contemplated and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, where several examples are explained below. One possible construction, illustrated in Figures 3 and 3a, includes using a backing layer without adhesive which may be paper, film, or other suitable material for use as a label. The adhesive can then be coated on the second portion 42 of the second side 38, while leaving the first portion 40 of the second side 38 without adhesive.

Another alternate construction of the label 32 includes coating one side of a backing layer of the label with adhesive at least along a portion of its length, and width, then subsequently coating a portion of the adhesive with a discharge layer for substantially decrease or "attenuate" the strength of the adhesive in ^ e ^^ a ^? ^^^^^^^^^^^ this portion of the label. The attenuation of the layer can be, for example, an ink or other printing material that is coated on the adhesive. In another alternative embodiment (shown in Figure 4), a second side 138 of a label 132 is coated along its length and width, then a portion of one end of the label 10 132 is bent toward the second coated side. with label adhesive 138 until the bent portion adheres to second side 138 of label 132, thereby providing a portion of the label without exposed adhesive (eg, a portion of label 140).

Figure 5 illustrates another alternative label of the present invention in a view similar to that shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the method of providing a label 232 having the adhesive and non-adhesive portions includes coating a second. side 238 of the label 232 with adhesive along with at least a part of it length and width, then laminate a strip of non-adhesive material 244, such as film or ^ .- "- _._,. ^ to ^ .- __ m, m ____-, - ... --_ «____! ________ • ~, h ^ _. ., »__.._-___ .. ...., ._____,» __.__.,. paper, with a portion of the side coated with adhesive 238 of the label 232. The area of the label 232 having the non-adhesive material 244 laminated therein is a non-adhesive portion 240, as described above. Other known methods for providing a non-adhesive portion adjacent to an adhesive portion in a piece of material that can be used in a label is also considered to be within the scope of the invention, such as laminating a strip of material having adhesive on one side a strip of the label material may have adhesive coated on all sides on one of its sides, for example.

A preferred method of applying the label 32 to the roll of the adhesive tape 20 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 3, 3a, 6, and 7, which illustrates a roll of the adhesive tape 20 of the present invention with a length of the material of the adhesive tape 22 which is provided with a source of the adhesive tape (not shown) and is wound around the center 30. As is typical, the adhesive tape 20 is wound so that the second side or adhesive 26 of the material of the adhesive tape faces towards the center of the roll 20 and the first or non-adhesive side 24 faces outwardly from the center of the roll. The source of the adhesive tape that provides the material lengths of the adhesive tape 22 can be a supply roll of the adhesive tape material which is often substantially larger and / or wider than the rolls of finished product, and has sufficient material of the adhesive tape for making multiple rolls of smaller adhesive tape 20. Alternatively, the material of the adhesive tape 22 can be provided directly from a manufacturing operation of the adhesive tape so that no roll of intermediate supply of the material is necessary. of the adhesive tape. In any case, the material of the adhesive tape 22 is wound around the center 30 and successively rolled on itself until the next to the last, or penultimate, layer of adhesive tape.

According to the present invention, before its full length is wound on the roll, a label 32 is applied to the first side or not adhesive 24 of the material of the tape 22 at a particular distance from the end 34 of the roll, as shown in Figure 6. More specifically, the label 32 is positioned so that a first end 46 of the label 32 is at a distance d from the end 34 of the roll, and a second end 48 of the label 32 is at a distance d2 from the end 34 of the roll of the adhesive tape, where the first end 46 is adjacent to the portion of the non-adhesive label 40 and the second end 48 is adjacent to the adhesive portion of the label 42. The length of the label 32 is designated "l" and is equal to the distance between the first and second ends 46, 48. The label 32 can be applied to the first side 24 of the material of the adhesive tape 22 at any point or before its entire length is wound on the roll. For example, the label 32 can be applied immediately before the end 34 of the roll (and the material of the adhesive tape 22 adjacent thereto) starting to overlap the label 32. For another example, the label 32 can be applied at another distance from the roll of the adhesive tape 20 and close to the supply roll of the tape, as long as, the label 32 is in the proper position when the penultimate layer is reached is wound on the end 34 of the roll. In the preferred embodiment, the label 32 is placed on the length of the adhesive tape 22 so that the distance di is approximately equal to the circumference. '- ribbon roll Adhesive before the final portion of the adhesive tape having the label adhered thereto is wound around the roll. More preferably, the label 32 will be placed so that the distance di is insignificantly more small that the circumference of the roll of the adhesive tape. However, the distance di may be considerably smaller than the circumference of the adhesive tape roll, as long as the distance length i is greater that the difference between the circumference of the roll of the adhesive tape and the length l of the label 32. __Hmore, the label is preferably placed so that the distance d2 is greater ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ • ^ > _ ^ _ ^ .._ S ^ - ^ g, that the circumference of the roll of the adhesive tape.

After the label 32 is applied, the remaining length of the material of the adhesive tape 22 is wrapped around the roll of the adhesive tape 20, as shown in Figure 7. Because the distance di is selected to be approximately equal or insignificant smaller than the circumference of the roll, when the end 34 of the material of the adhesive tape 22 is wound around the roll, as shown in Figures 3 and 3a, the end 34 will fall on the top of the label 32 between the ends of the tag 46, 48. Preferably, the material of the adhesive tape 22 adjacent the end 34 will cover both the adhesive and non-adhesive portions 40, 42 of the tag 32. However, only a sufficient portion of the material 22 must cover the label 32 to allow the user to pull the label from the roll to initiate the removal of the tape from the roll. In this manner, the non-adhesive portion 40 of the label 32 will be free from the roll of the adhesive tape 20, thereby providing a portion of the adhesive-free label for a user to grip to pull the material of the adhesive tape. from the roll of adhesive tape 20.

The embodiments of the label 32 described above can be manufactured remotely from the manufacture of the adhesive tape roll and the coating process of the present invention and provide these processes as a pre-manufacturing roll of the label material. However, a schematic view of an alternative procedure is illustrated in Figure 8, where the shrinkage of the label of Figure 5 is done immediately before the label material is applied to the adhesive tape to make multiple rolls of finished product of the adhesive tape. More significantly, a roll of non-adhesive woven material 60, such as any attenuating material described above, and a roll of adhesive tape material 62, as a conventional transparent tape, are preferably rotatably supported to supply their respective materials. In the preferred embodiment, the woven material 60 is thinner than the material of the adhesive tape 62, ^ ¿^^^ sa ^^? Í donde * where the width of the material of the tape 60 is preferably between 25 percent and 50 percent of the width of the material of the adhesive tape 62 and preferably between 35 percent and 45 percent of the width of the material of the adhesive tape 62 However, the woven material 60 can in turn be smaller than 25 percent or greater than 50 percent of the width of the material of the adhesive tape 62.

The woven material 60 and the material of the adhesive tape 62 is then guided by conventional guiding means towards a pair of rolls of laminate 64, where the woven material 60 is laminated together with a rim of the material of the adhesive tape 62 to form a composite web of the label 66. The woven material 60 can be placed relative to the material of the adhesive tape 62 so that a portion of the woven material 60 extends beyond the material rim of the adhesive tape 62. Alternatively, the the flange of the woven material 60 and the flange of the material of the adhesive tape 62 can be aligned with each, or a portion of the material of the adhesive tape 62 can extend beyond the flange of the woven material 60.

After lamination, the composite material of the label 66 is directed through the conventional guide means towards a manufacturing process for applying the label material with the adhesive tape material according to the present invention.

With continuous reference to Figure 8, a preferred method for applying the label material to the rolls of adhesive tape is illustrated. While this Figure illustrates the application of the composite material of the label 66 described above, it is understood that the label material can either be made by another intermediary method prior to application to the adhesive tape material, or it can be provided to the operation as a pre-manufactured roll of label material. However, in this method, a web of adhesive tape 70 is unwound from a supply roll (not shown) and guided by a conventional guide means to a cutting apparatus 72, where the web of adhesive tape 70 is cut off. in the longitudinal direction in individual strips of tape 73.

Each strip 73 is then wound onto the product rolls 74 (only one of these is shown), with the adhesive side of the strip of the tape towards the inside of the roll. Typically, a predetermined length of the tape is wound inside each roll of product 74. Thus, a known measuring apparatus or apparatus (not shown) is used to measure or calculate the length of the adhesive tape that is wound on each roll and by this means determining when the predetermined length of the adhesive tape is reached.

Before the predetermined length of the adhesive tape is reached, the composite material of the label 66 is applied laterally across the width of the fabric 70 to a station generally shown as the application station of the label 76, where the fabric can be moved in the direction of arrow "A" or it may stop temporarily. This composite material of the label 66 is applied at a location that will place the labels appropriately relative to the end of each roll of adhesive tape in accordance with the present invention, as described above. The portion of The tissue 70 with the strip of the composite material of the label 66 adheres thereto then advances through the cutting apparatus 72, where the material of the label 66 and the fabric 70 are cut simultaneously longitudinally with the same width for each strip of adhesive tape 73. Each strip of adhesive tape 73 continues to wind around its respective product roll 74 hael. that the portion of the adhesive tape strip 73 having the material of the label 66 laminated thereto is wound onto the roll 74. Each strip of adhesive tape 73 is cut off from the supply in the lateral direction at the location allowing the end of the adhesive tape placed as described above relative to the label. However, it is also contemplated that the fabric be cut laterally before the cutting apparatus' 2.

The process of Figure 8 is typically repeated multiple times, where the supply tape of the adhesive tape provides the adhesive tape for the rolls of additional product that are subsequently produced after the first group of products is completed. Without However, it is understood that the labels of the present invention can also be applied to the rolls of adhesive tape by other methods, such as manual application or by means of the application of pre-cut labels to each roll of product for example before the final wrap of the adhesive tape is wound on the roll.

It is further contemplated that the second side 38 of the label shown in Figure 3a may be completely covered with adhesive, including the first portion 40. However, in order to avoid the drawbacks described above with respect to the location of the tracking end of a Adhesive tape roll preferably has a relatively low adhesive force. More specifically, the label 32 includes the first or non-adhesive side 36 and the second side 38 that is coated throughout its length and width with an adhesive that preferably has a lower adhesive strength than the adhesive provided on the second side. of the adhesive tape roll 20. An example of this adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive that to. ag_ -j-gaOta ». it can be affixed again as described in U.S. Patent Number. 4,166,152, 3,587,731 and 3,691,140, commonly owned by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minnesota. This label is applied to the material of the label 22 with a method similar to that described above. Thus, the adhesive coated side 38 of the label is applied to the non-adhesive side 24 of the adhesive tape material before the final wrap of adhesive tape material is wrapped circumferentially around the roll of the adhesive tape, from its first flange. is at a distance d from the end of the adhesive tape 34. After the label 32 is applied, the remaining length of the material of the adhesive tape 22 is wrapped around the roll of adhesive tape until the end of the material of the adhesive is reached. adhesive tape and the end of the adhesive tape material covers at least a portion of the label. In this embodiment, the adhesive on the second side 38 of the label preferably adheres the label to the surface of the adhesive tape roll, but preferably has a sufficiently low adhesive strength to allow the user -; Easily separate the end of the label from the roll surface of the adhesive tape 20.

The label of each roll of finished tape of the present invention preferably has a width that is equal to the width of the strip of material of the adhesive tape to which it adheres. It is understood, however, that the width of the label in turn may be wider or thinner than the strip of material to which it is applied. In addition, the label can generally be transparent through its length and width. Alternatively, at least a portion of the label may be opaque or translucent so that the label is easier for a user to visually locate on the roll. For example, the non-adhesive portion of the label can be colored or printed with a pattern that makes the end of the material of the adhesive tape easily distinguishable from the same roll.

Although the roll of the adhesive tape 20 typically has a center 30 in the center of the roll, as described above, it is understood that the label and method of application of the label of the present invention can also be used with rolls of adhesive tape that They do not include a center. The centers of the adhesive tape of this type can be manufactured by different known method which typically includes wrapping a length of the tape around a mandrel or unit until the end of the tape is reached. The roll of the adhesive tape is then removed from the mandrel or arrow, thereby producing a roll of material from the adhesive tape that does not have a center. The same labels and methods for applying the labels to the rolls of the adhesive tape described above with respect to the adhesive tape having a center that is similarly applicable to the rolls of adhesive tape without center.

An alternative method for the manufacture of the rolls of adhesive tape can also be used in accordance with the present invention. In this method, a center having a width that is longer than that of the desired finished product rolls is provided. The material of the adhesive tape of a supply roll is wound around its center and successively rolled on itself from the next to the last, or penultimate layer of adhesive tape. As described above, at the same before the final length of the adhesive tape is wound onto the roll, the label material of the adhesive tape described is applied to the non-adhesive side of the adhesive tape material with a distance from the end of the roll so that the The label material is placed relative to the end of the roll according to the present invention. After the final length is rolled over the roll, the entire roll (including the center and wrapping material of the ribbon) is cuts, by means of the cutting lathe, to produce rolls of desired width.

The present invention has now been described with reference to various embodiments thereof. The The detailed description preceded has been given for clarity only of understanding. No unnecessary limitation is understood of them. It will be apparent to a person with experience in the art that several changes can be made in the described modalities without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the use of the label and method for applying a label of the present invention with rolls of other types of materials having adhesive on at least one portion of one of its sides, such as filament adhesive tape, is also contemplated. opaque adhesive tape, packaging adhesive tape, medical adhesive tape, electric tape, double-lined adhesive tapes and double-lined sheets, including those double-coated adhesive tapes, which have a roll liner wrapped around the final layer of the roll of the adhesive tape to prevent contaminants or other material that adheres to the outermost layer. Thus, e. The scope of the present invention should not be limited to the structures described herein, but only by the structures described by the language claims and equivalents of these structures.

Claims (13)

Claims

1. A method for making a roll of adhesive tape, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing the length of the adhesive tape having a main end, a trailing end, and a first side, and a second side opposite the first side , wherein the second side of the adhesive tape is at least partially covered with pressure sensitive adhesive; b) providing a label having the first and second opposite sides, a length between the first and second sides, a first side, and a second side, wherein at least a portion of the second side of the label is coated with adhesive sensitive to the pressure; c) advancing the length of the adhesive tape along the path of the adhesive tape; d) placing the end of the main adhesive tape around a central axis of the tape roll and circumferentially a * 7-a & aa &M »_a < __ «Btts! roll the length of the adhesive tape around the axis until the next to last layer of adhesive tape is rolled, where the penultimate layer of adhesive tape has a circumference; e) applying the adhesive coated portion of the second side of the label to the first side of the adhesive tape so that the second end of the label separates from the trailing end of the length of the adhesive tape by a predetermined distance, in where the predetermined distance is at least as long as the circumference of the penultimate layer of the ribbon roll and not greater than a total distance from the circumference of the penultimate layer and the length of the label; and f) circumferentially winding a final layer of the length of the adhesive tape around the penultimate layer of tape so that the trailing end of the adhesive tape has the label between the first and second end of the label.

2. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the provision of a label further includes providing the second side of the 5 label with a portion of adhesive and a portion without adhesive.

3. The method of claim 2, characterized in that the provision of a label 10 further includes coating at least a portion of adhesive on the second side of the label with an attenuation layer to provide the non-adhesive portion.

4. The method of claim 3, characterized in that the provision of a label further includes laminating a woven material at least a portion of the adhesive on the second side of the label to provide the non-adhesive portion.

5. The method of claim 2, characterized in that the provision of a label further includes bending at least a portion of the adhesive portion of the second side of the label. 25 to the second side of the label so that ÍHÉ "_________________ é _________ ÍÉ__l __l _____? ______ í __________ t ______ Í__? the folded portion adheres to at least a portion of the second side of the label, thereby providing the portion of the non-adhesive label.

6. The method of claim 1, characterized in that the provision of a label further includes providing a label having the entire second side coated with adhesive 10 sensitive to pressure.

7. The method of claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises the step of providing a center of the adhesive tape that defines 15 a central axis of the roll of the adhesive tape, wherein the length of the adhesive tape is wound circumferentially around the center.

8. A method for making a roll of adhesive tape 20, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing a center; b) provide a fabric of adhesive tape material having the first and second 25 side, where the second side of the material ______ l _______ M _________ ^ __ ____________________ ^^^^^^^ a_ * M __ * _ Wl *?. * * .i of the adhesive tape is at least partially coated with adhesive; c) circumferentially wind the fabric of adhesive tape material around the center with the second side of the adhesive tape towards the center until a piece of the adhesive tape material has a length that is as long as a circumference of the tape roll adhesive extends from the roll of the adhesive tape, d) provides a label having the first and second sides, wherein at least a portion of the second side is coated with adhesive; e) applying the adhesive portion of the second side of the label to the first material side of the adhesive tape; f) cutting the material of the tape from the fabric of the adhesive tape material to define a trailing end of the adhesive tape; and g) circumferentially winding the piece of adhesive tape material extending from the roll of adhesive tape to the material of the adhesive tape adjacent to the tracking end of the adhesive tape that covers at least a portion of the label.

9. A method for placing a label near the end of a roll of pressure-sensitive adhesive to facilitate initial unwinding of the adhesive tape. of the roll, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) providing a roll of adhesive tape having the first and second opposing surfaces, one end of the tracking tape, and a circumference, wherein at least a portion of the second The surface is coated with pressure sensitive adhesive, and wherein a length of the adhesive tape is at least as long as a circumference of the roll extending beyond the roll; b) Applying a label to the first surface of the tape at a distance from the trailing end of the adhesive tape which is approximately equal to a circumference of the roll of the tape. and the adhesive tape, wherein the label comprises a first side and a second opposite side that is at least partially coated with pressure sensitive adhesive, and wherein the coated portion of adhesive of the second side of the label adheres to the first surface of the adhesive tape material; and winding the extended portion of the adhesive tape circumferentially around the roll of the adhesive tape so that at least a portion of the adhesive tape adjacent to the tracking end of the adhesive tape covers at least a portion of the label.

10. A roll of adhesive tape, characterized in that it comprises: a central axis of the roll of the adhesive tape; a length of the adhesive tape comprises a main end, a trailing end opposite the trailing end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the adhesive tape is at least partially coated with adhesive pressure sensitive, and wherein the adhesive tape is wound circumferentially around the axis until a plurality of adjacent adhesive tape layers are rolled; and a label having the first and second opposite ends, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein at least a portion of the second side of the label is coated with pressure sensitive adhesive; wherein the adhesive portion of the second side of the label adheres to the first side of the adhesive tape in the penultimate layer of adhesive tape of the roll so that the trailing end of the adhesive tape has the label between the first and second end Of the label .

11. The roll of the adhesive tape of claim 15, characterized in that the second side of the label further comprises an adhesive portion and a non-adhesive portion.

12. The roll of the adhesive tape of claim 16, characterized in that the label further comprises an attenuation layer to provide a portion of the label without 5 adhesive.

13. The roll of the adhesive tape of claim 15, characterized in that the label further comprises at least a? Or adhesive portion of the second side of the label bent towards and adhered to the second side of the label to provide the non-adhesive portion. Summary of the Invention = and c: A method for making a roll (20) of adhesive tape comprising comprises: a length of the adhesive tape having a "leading end, a trailing end, a". -. first side, and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the adhesive tape is at least partially covered with pressure sensitive adhesive and provide a label (32) having the first and second opposite sides, having a length between these, a first side, and a second side, wherein at least one portion of the second side of the label is coated with pressure sensitive adhesive. The method further comprises advancing the length of the adhesive tape along the path of the adhesive tape, placing the end of the main adhesive tape around a central axis of the tape roll and circumferentially winding the length of the adhesive tape around it. of the shaft until the penultimate layer of adhesive tape is rolled up, wherein the penultimate layer (22) of adhesive tape has a circumference. The adhesive-coated portion of the second side of the label is applied to the first side of the tape ad es yjae-so that the second end of the label is repaired from the trailing end of the long seat by the adhesive tape by a predetermined distance, 5 which is at least as long as the circumference of the penultimate layer of the cirftai roll and not greater than a total distance from the circumference of the penultimate layer and the length of the label. The final layer of the length of the adhesive tape 10 is wound circumferentially around the * - of the penultimate layer of tape so that the trailing end of the adhesive tape has the label between the first and second end of the label. fifteen _ «8a__M__ < _ > ifa¡ .-. mií -.- i ^ iS e: ^ -