MXPA06014281A - Laser markable variable data heat transfer label marking system - Google Patents

Abstract

A laser markable heat transfer label for application to an item includes a light transmissive carrier, a heat transferal e substrate disposed on the carrier and an adhesive disposed on the substrate. The substrate is formulated, at least in part, with a laser light alterable material. A variable graphic component is marked on the label by application of a laser light through the light transmissive carrier, into the substrate to alter the laser light alterable material. The variable graphic component is marked prior to application of the heat transfer label to the item. A method of making and a method of using thelaser markable labels are also disclosed.

Description

THERMOTRANSFERENCE LABEL OF VARIABLE DATA THAT CAN BE MARKED WITH LASER AND MARKING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to labels containing labels. More particularly, the present invention relates to laser-labeled heat transfer labels containing fixed and variable data, which labels are applied to articles in order to provide unique marks, and systems for making such marks. Labels containing graphics are widely used in most of the industry. In the garment industry, labels are used to mark articles of clothing to identify the manufacturer, the size of the garment, to provide washing instructions, fabric composition, manufacturing location information and the like. In this marking, there are both fixed and variable data. The fixed data may include the manufacturer, manufacturing location and washing instructions, while the size of the garment and the composition of the fabric may be variable data. Another market that uses labels is the Durable Goods Market. In this market, labels can be used, for example, in portable power tools. Such tools can include both fixed data, for example, manufacturer's name and manufacturing location, and variable data, for example, model number, serial number, and power requirements (voltage and amperage). One disadvantage of the use of individually printed labels (ie labels with variable data) is that large inventories of fully finished pre-printed labels are necessary at the manufacturing or packaging location. While this approach provides the desirable information on a label attached to an article, the large size of the inventory that is needed, together with the space needed to store that inventory, makes this approach undesirable. In addition, when such individualized or personalized labels are used, they are kept in large quantities in inventory. This increases the likelihood of obsolescence of the label. As such, there may be a large number of completely finished labels in inventory when a product is changed or discontinued. In addition, the types and confitions of said printing depend on the types of inks or inked transfer media that are used. This can also be limited when, for example, a lighter color "print" is desired on a darker colored background. Additionally, said labels utilize conventional printing techniques that employ consumables such as inked ribbons to transport and transfer the inks to the label. Accordingly, there is a need for a variable data heat transfer label that provides the flexibility to locally print variable, for example, changing data immediately before applying the label to the article. Desirably, said tag includes some form of fixed data and a region in which data variable data is provided and through which the data is displayed when the tag is attached to an object or article. More desirably, said label is made without the use of consumable ink tapes and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A laser-labeled heat transfer label for application to an article, such as a clothing article, includes a light transmitting carrier, a heat-transferlable substrate placed in the carrier, and an adhesive placed on the substrate. The substrate is formulated at least in part, with a material that can be changed by laser light. A variable graphic component is marked on the label by the application of laser light through the light transmitting carrier, within the substrate. This alters the material alterable by laser light. The variable graphic component is marked before the application of the heat transfer label to the article. Advantageously, the label of the present can be used on a dark colored background or a light colored background. The tag provides the flexibility to locally print variable or graphic data immediately before applying the label to the article. The tag may include some form of fixed data and a region in which the variable data is provided and through which the data is visible when the tag is attached to an object or article. The label is made without the use of consumables (such as inked ribbons) to produce the variable data. In this way, no consumables are available at the site where the variable data is marked within the label. One method for making an article includes providing an elongated frame of a light transmitting carrier, applying a heat transferlable substrate having a material changeable by laser light placed on a polymer matrix to the carrier web, and exposing the substrate having the light changeable material. laser in it to a laser.

This alters a portion of the material changeable by light to form a variable graphic component. The variable graphic component is marked separately from the step of applying the heat-transferrable substrate to the carrier web to form an elongated strip of heat-transfer labels. The laser can be used to remove a portion of the material that can be changed by light or it can be used to change the color of the material that can be changed by light. A fixed graphic component can be applied to labels before laser marking. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become even more apparent to those skilled in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of a laser-tagged variable data heat transfer label configured for use with a dark colored object; FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of another embodiment of a laser-marked variable data heat transfer label configured for use with a light colored object; and FIGURE 3 illustrates an example apparatus for marking variable data on the labels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION While the present invention is susceptible to being presented in various forms, it is shown in the drawings and a presently preferred embodiment will be described below with the knowledge that the present description is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated. It will be understood that the title of this section of the present specification, namely, "Detailed Description of the Invention", refers to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply that, nor will it be inferred that limits the matter in question described here. In the present description, the terms article, part, object, and product are used interchangeably to describe something that occurs that has commercial value and is, for example, an article that is the subject of a commercial transaction. Hacienda now refers to the figures and briefly, to FIGURE 1, there is shown a modality of a variable data heat transfer label that can be marked with laser 10, which presents the principles of the present invention. This embodiment of the tag 10 is configured for use on or with an object having a dark background. For example, this modality of the label 10 can be used on dark colored (blue or black) shirts and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, a carrier frame 12 with two discrete labels 10a, 10b is shown in the carrier frame 12. The label 10 includes the carrier frame 12, on which the label 10 is printed or formed, a release coating 14, a fixed graphic component 16, a variable graphic component 18 and optionally an eyelet mark 20. The weft 12 is formed from a translucent material to the laser light or laser light transmitter. This, as will be described below, allows the use of a laser (generally indicated at 22) which is directed through the back or rear side of the tag 10 (ie, through the carrier frame 12) to execute the function of dialing. In a current label 10 the weft material 12 is a polyethylene material or, more preferably, polypropylene. However, other suitable materials will be recognized by those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the present invention. The release coating 14 may be a silicone-type release coating that is formed or applied as a continuous coating on the weft 12, between the frame 12 and the label substrate (indicated at 15), or as discrete sections placed on those areas on which, and on which, the label will be printed (see FIGURE 2 and the following description). Commonly, both sides of the carrier web 12 have a release liner 14, 24, the release liners will generally have different release characteristics. The printed side as indicated at 26 will commonly have a narrower release than the unprinted side as indicated at 28. The unprinted side 28 is commonly a continuous release liner. A dark layer 30 is then applied on the release layer 14. The dark layer 30 is formed from a material separable by laser light. In a label of the present 10, the material changeable by laser light 30 is a material separable by laser light.

That is, the laser light 22 can be used to separate or remove portions of the layer 30 to form the variable graphic component 18. Adjacent to the layer of material changeable by light 30, an optional graphic graphic component 16 can be provided. Fixed 16 may be applied along the material changeable by light 30. Alternatively, the fixed graphic component 16 may be provided, for example, applied before or subsequent to the light-changeable layer 30. Optionally, the eyelet marking 20 it can be applied with the fixed graphic 16. The eyelet mark 20 can be provided as a material visible to ambient light, or it can be provided as a visible material to ultraviolet or infrared light (otherwise visible non-ambient). The eyelet mark 20 can be used to start or stop the advance of the weft 12 or activate a subsequent operation such as the actuation of a cutting device or to place the label 10 in a heat transfer device (weft feed). It is also anticipated that the eyelet mark 20 can be used to verify the authenticity of the label 10 and to control the shape, text, graphics and the like of the variable data 18 marked on the label 10. The eyelet mark 20 can also be printed on the shape of a two-dimensional bar code such as those that have a 2D Matrix Symbol that is commonly used in the industry, for example, as represented by DataMatrix, MaxiCode and QR Code. Other special lighting conditions, for eyelet markings include electronic detection, for example, magnetic response inks. Machine-readable eyelet markings can also be a component of fixed graphics, through graphic design parameters (such as shape, size, color contrast, and the like), or the incorporation of special chemical agents, including compounds ultraviolet or infrared, magnetic response ink, electrically activated luminescence, thermochromatic inks, photochromatic inks and the like. After the application or printing of the light-changeable material 30, the optional fixed graphic component 16 and the eyelet mark 20, a contrasting color layer 34 is applied. For example, if an alterable material is used by light 30 of blue color or black, then a white or a contrast light layer can be used 34.

It will be appreciated that specific colors can vary widely depending on the object or article to which the label 10 is applied and the desired effect of the labeling. A layer of adhesive 36 is applied to the contrast layer 34. The adhesive layer 36 is that layer that adheres the label 10 to the article or object. In the present example (in which the object is dark, the light-changeable layer 30 is dark and the contrast layer 34 is clear), the adhesive layer 36 can also be dark to be combined with the object and the material that forms the light-changeable layer 30. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 36 may be of a contrasting color (similar to contrast layer 34) or may be a transparent / translucent material. An adhesive of the present 36 is not an interlaced material, but has a lower melting point, less than about 275 ° F, preferably less than about 25O ° F and more preferably less than about 23O ° F. In the transfer of the label 10 to an object, the adhesive layer 36 on the label 10 is commonly softened and adhered to the object by the application of heat and pressure. The variable graph 18 is provided on the label 10 by separating the material (as indicated at 18) in the light changeable layer 30 thereby exposing the shrink layer 34. The material 30 is separated by exposure to the laser light 22 In the formation of the present label 10, the laser 22 is a CO2 laser and the light-changeable layer 30 is exposed through the carrier web 12. In other words, the laser light 22 exposes the material 30 through the back or back side of the label 10 (i.e., through the carrier frame 12) after the label formation 10. In this way, the variable data 18 can be provided on the label 10 in a downstream process after the manufacture of the label 10 and the supply of, for example, printing, the fixed graphic component 16. In FIGURE 2 an alternate label 110 is illustrated wherein a label is shown 110 which is configured for application to a light colored background object or article. The label 110 includes the carrier web 112 on which the substrate 115 is provided. The web 1 12 is formed from a translucent material to the laser light or laser light transmitter in order to allow the use of a laser 122 which is directed through the back or back side of the label 110 (i.e., through the carrier frame 1 12) to perform the marking function. A release liner 114 is applied to the weft 112 in discrete sections placed over those areas in which the label 110 will be printed or in a continuous manner as described above. The use of a "point" application of the release coating 114 or continuous application of the release coating (FIGURE 1, release layer 14) depends on the specific requirements of label 10, 1 10 and the object on which the label is applied. As in the previous label mode, the release liner 114 may be a silicone type material. Commonly, both sides of the carrier web 112 have a release liner 14, 124, and the release liner will have different release characteristics. The printed side 126 will commonly have a more forced release than the unprinted side 128, and the unprinted side 128 is commonly a continuous release coating. An optional transparent topcoat 138 can be applied over the release layer 114. A preferred topcoat 138 is an interlaced or high melting polymer having a melting point of more than about 300 ° F, preferably more than about 325 ° F and most preferably more than about 350 ° F. A fixed graphic component 116 is applied to the carrier frame 112 (on the release layer 114 or, if used, on the top coat 138). The fixed graph 116 can be a colored component of the label 110. Optionally, a grommet mark 120 can be used and applied to the label 1 10 with the fixed graphic component 1 16. The grommet mark 120 can be provided as a normal material, visible to ambient light, or it may be provided as a material visible to ultraviolet or infrared light (otherwise not visible to ambient light). The eyelet mark 120 can be used to start or stop the advance of the frame 112 or activate a subsequent operation such as activating a cutting device or placing the label 110 in a heat transfer device (frame feed). The eyelet mark 120 can also be used to verify the authenticity of the label 110 and to control the shape, text, graphics, and the like of the variable data 118 marked on the label 110. The eyelet mark 120 can also be printed on the shape of a two-dimensional bar code such as those that have a 2D Matrix Symbol that is commonly used in industry, for example, as represented by DataMatrix, MaxiCode and QR Code. Other special lighting conditions, for eyelet markings include electronic detection, for example, magnetic response inks.

Machine-readable eyelet markings can also be a component of fixed graphics, through graphic design parameters (such as shape, size, color contrast color and the like), or the incorporation of special chemical agents, which include ultraviolet or infrared active compounds, magnetic response inks, electrically activated luminescence, thermochromatic inks, photochromatic inks and the like. An alterable layer by light white or light 130 is applied to the label 110, at least in part on the fixed graphic 116, and on the upper coating (optional) 138 or the release layer 114. The layer alterable by light 130 is formulated including a material alterable by laser light. In a label of the present 110 for application of clear object, the material changeable by laser light 130 includes a material that changes color when subjected to laser light energy. A current material based on molybdenum, titanium, zinc or similar is formulated with a polymer interlaced or high melting point and applied to the label, on the fixed graphic component. Illustrative of these materials are the oxyanion-containing compounds which include molybdate, tungstenate or analogous transition metal compounds, as described in International Publication No. WO 0/074548. Said material is that commercially available under the DATALASE® brand from Sherwood Technology Ltd. of Cheshire, England. On a label of this 110, the light changeable layer 130 is formulated in a matrix containing an interlaced or high melting point polymer, having a melting point of more than about 300 ° F, preferably of more than about 325 ° F and in the manner more preferable of more than about 35O ° F. A layer of adhesive 136 is applied on the light-changeable layer 130. The adhesive layer 136 is that layer adhering the label 1 to the article or object. In the present example (in which the object is clear and the light-changeable layer 130 is clear), the adhesive layer 136 may be a clear or transparent / translucent material. An adhesive of the present 136 is not an interlaced material, but has a lower melting point, less than about 275 ° F, preferably less than about 25 ° F and most preferably less than about 23 ° F. . The variable graphic 118 is provided on the label 110 by exposing the material of the light-changeable layer 130 to the laser light 122. By exposing selected areas to the laser light energy 122, the color of the material 130 within the area changes exposed As with the previous separation marking, the present color change label 110 is exposed to the carrier screen 112 by means of a CO2 laser. That is, the material 130 is exposed through the back or back side of the label 110 (i.e., through the frame 112) after the formation of the label 110. In this way, the variable graphic 118 can be provided on the label in a downstream process after the manufacture of the labels 110, for example, printing of the fixed graphic component. 1 Another variation of this technology that falls within the scope of this invention involves the application of the label 10 or 1 10 to an article followed by laser marking of the variable data on the applied label. In this variation, the laser beam does not have to pass through the carrier frame 12 or 112 to record the variable data on the label since the label, after application to the article, is completely exposed and not covered by the carrier frame 12 or 112. In this variation, the carrier frame need not be transparent to the laser beam and may be opaque, for example, a paper carrier web. It is anticipated that labels 10, 110 may be printed using a screen printing process; however, other processes may also be used including gravure, rotary screen, phase shift, or combinations of printing processes, for example, rotating screen and flexo, and the like. That is, those portions of the label 10, 110, which include the application of the point or continuous release coatings 14, 114, the application of fixed graphic components 16, 116 and the application of the alterable layers by laser light 30, 130 can be carried out using these conventional processes. In addition, subsequent layers, for example, adhesive layers 36, 136 top coatings 138 and the like, can likewise be applied using such conventional methods. Said labels 10, 110 allow a manufacturer to acquire rolls of heat transfer labels with certain pre-printed desirable fixed data and then mark the appropriate labels with variable data as needed on the site. It will be understood that for the purposes of the present description, the graphic terms, data and marks are used interchangeably to indicate the fixed printing of the label or the variable marking on the label. In general, the term "printing" denotes the application or transfer of colored or ink-colored areas, marks and the like, through the use of inks, dyes, pigments or the like. In certain cases, portions of the labels can be formed or "printed" on the carrier web without a pigment or dye, thereby providing a portion of transparent label. In an anticipated process, a master roll of multiple width printed labels is slotted to produce individual rolls 200 of material that are of individual width, i.e., rolls having a row of labels 10, 110. These rolls in the width form individual can be supplied to for example, the manufacturer of the article. The variable data is formed or marked on the label 10, 110 before the application of the label to the object. It is considered that the marking of variable data 18, 118 will be done at a different time and in a separate stage from the printing of the fixed graphics 16, 116. In fact, it is anticipated that the variable data 18, 118 will be marked at the plant of the article manufacturer or at a facility of nearby service using a laser that inscribes the process of marking variable data. As stated previously, the variable data process is carried out using a CO2 laser 22, 122 or laser of similar commercial application. It is anticipated that a variable data dialing unit 202 in a stand-alone configuration or as part of the application process will be used in the installation of the article manufacturer. Referring to FIGURE 3, in the stand-alone configuration, the variable data dialing unit 202 marks the labels 10, 110 at a remote location to the application station. The labels 10, 110 can be cut into individual labels 10a, b, c (110a, b, c), for example in a cutter 204, and supplied to an application machine station as discrete, individual piece labels. Alternatively, the labels can be supplied to the applicator in the form of a roll. This process allows the article manufacturer to have a different number of variable data markers 202 (usually the smaller one) compared to the number of application machines. This allows the variable data marker 202 to be located in a central location within the facility to improve security and provide better control of the label inventory, both pre-printed and printed. Alternatively, the variable data dialing unit 202 may be associated with the application machine. In this configuration, a roll of pre-printed labels is mounted on the marker application machine, the labels are transported through the variable data marking unit where the label is marked with variable data, and then the labels are advanced within the application section of the machine for application to the article. All of the patents referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically made within the text of this disclosure. In the description, the words "a" or "an" will be considered to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural terms, when appropriate, will include the singular. From the foregoing it will be noted that numerous modifications and variations can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is understood that no limitation is intended or inferred with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated. It is intended that the description cover by means of the appended claims all modifications that fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims (60)

5 CLAIMS

1. A heat transfer label that can be laser marked for application to an article, comprising: a light transmitting carrier; a thermotransferible substrate placed in the carrier, the substrate formulated, at least in part, with a material changeable by laser light; and an adhesive placed on the substrate, characterized in that a variable graphic component is marked on the label by the application of a laser light through the light transmitting carrier, within the substrate to alter the material alterable by laser light, the variable graphic component which is marked before the application of the heat transfer label to the article.

2. The heat transfer label according to claim 1, further characterized in that the label includes a fixed graphic component printed thereon.

3. The heat transfer label according to claim 1, further characterized in that it includes a release coating placed in the carrier web, between the substrate and the carrier web.

4. The heat transfer label according to claim 3, further characterized in that the release layer is a continuous layer on the carrier web.

5. The heat transfer label according to claim 3, further characterized in that the release layer is placed in discrete regions on the carrier web.

6. The heat transfer label according to claim 1, further characterized in that the material that can be changed by laser light is a material that can be separated by laser light.

7. The heat transfer label according to claim 6, further characterized in that the material separable by laser light is a dark colored material and wherein a layer of contrasting color is placed in the material separable by laser light between the material separable by laser light and the adhesive.

8. The heat transfer label according to claim 7, further characterized in that the contrasting color layer is light in color.

9. The heat transfer label according to claim 6, further characterized in that it includes a fixed graphic component placed on the label, adjacent to the material separable by laser light.

The heat transfer label according to claim 9, further characterized in that it includes an eyelet mark placed on the label, within the substrate.

The heat transfer label according to claim 10, further characterized in that the eyelet mark is adjacent to the fixed graphic component.

12. The heat transfer label according to claim 10, further characterized in that the eyelet mark is part of the fixed graphic component.

The heat transfer label according to claim 1, further characterized in that the material changeable by laser light has a first color before being exposed to laser light and a second color, different after being exposed to laser light.

14. The heat transfer label according to claim 13, further characterized in that it includes a release coating placed on the carrier web, between the substrate and the carrier web.

15. The heat transfer label according to claim 14, further characterized in that the release layer is a continuous layer on the carrier web.

16. The heat transfer label according to claim 14, further characterized in that the release layer is placed in discrete regions on the carrier web.

17. The heat transfer label according to claim 14, further characterized in that it includes a fixed graphic component placed on the carrier web, adjacent, at least in part, to the separable layer by laser light and within the substrate.

18. The heat transfer label according to claim 17, further characterized in that it includes an eyelet mark placed on the label within the substrate.

19. The heat transfer label according to claim 18, further characterized in that the eyelet mark is placed adjacent to the fixed graphic component.

20. The heat transfer label according to claim 13, further characterized in that the light changeable material is formulated in a matrix that includes an interlaced or high melting point polymer.

21. The heat transfer label according to claim 20, further characterized in that the interlaced or high melting polymer has a melting point of at least about 300 ° F.

22. The heat transfer label according to claim 13, further characterized in that the light changeable material is formulated in part from an oxyanion-containing compound.

23. The thermotransfer label according to claim 22, further characterized in that the oxyanion-containing compound is formulated with an interlaced or high melting point polymer.

24. The heat transfer label according to claim 14, further characterized in that it includes a top coating placed on the release layer.

25. The heat transfer label according to claim 24, further characterized in that the top coat is an interlaced or high melting polymer having a melting point of at least about 300 ° F.

26. The heat transfer label according to claim 24, further characterized in that the upper coating forms part of the substrate, and wherein the material changeable by laser light is placed on the upper coating, opposite to the release layer.

27. The heat transfer label according to claim 1, further characterized in that the heat-transferrable substrate is applied to the carrier frame as a plurality of discrete regions formed in the frame.

28. The heat transfer label according to claim 1, further characterized in that the heat transfer substrate is applied to the carrier web as a continuous coating on the web.

29. The heat transfer label according to claim 1, further characterized in that a plurality of heat transfer labels are placed on the carrier web.

30. The heat transfer label according to claim 29, further characterized in that the variable graphic component varies from a first label to an adjacent label.

31. A method for marking an article characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing an elongated light transmitting carrier frame; applying a thermotransferrable substrate having a material changeable by laser light placed in a polymer matrix to the carrier web; and exposing the substrate having the material alterable by laser light therein to a laser to alter a portion of the material alterable by light to form a variable graphic component, the variable graphic component being marked separately from the application stage of the heat-transferrable substrate to the carrier web to form an elongated strip of heat-transferlable labels.

32. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that it includes the step of transversely grooving the elongated strip of heat-transfer labels in order to provide article-applicable labels.

33. The method according to claim 32, further characterized in that it includes the step of transferring the applicable labels to article to article.

34. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the laser is positioned to expose the substrate to the laser light through the carrier web.

35. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that it includes the step of printing a fixed graphic component on the substrate before marking the variable graphic component.

36. The method according to claim 35, further characterized by including the step of printing a series of fixed graphic components on the substrate and slotting the elongated strip in the elongated direction to form multiple strips of labels applicable to the article.

37. The method according to claim 36, further characterized by including the step of grooving the multiple strips of labels applicable to article to form labels applicable to article.

38. The method according to claim 33, further characterized in that it includes placing the label on the article with the weft away from the article and applying heat to the weft to transfer the label to the article.

39. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the variable graphic component varies from a first label to an adjacent label.

40. The method according to claim 35, further characterized in that it includes printing the fixed graphic component on a first printer at a first speed and marking the variable graphic component on a marker at a second speed, the first and second speeds that are different. one from the other.

41. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the material changeable by laser light is a material separable by laser light.

42. The method according to claim 41, further characterized in that the material separable by laser light is applied as a dark colored material and includes the step of subsequently applying a layer of contrasting color placed on the material separable by laser light. between the separable material by laser light and the adhesive.

43. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the material changeable by laser light is applied by having a first color before being exposed to laser light and a second different color after being exposed to laser light.

44. A heat transfer label that can be laser marked for application to an article, comprising: a carrier web; a thermotransferrable substrate placed on the carrier web, the substrate formulated, at least in part, with a material changeable by laser light; and a layer of adhesive placed on the heat-transferrable substrate, characterized in that the heat-transferrable substrate is transferred to an article using a combination of heat and pressure, and the variable graphic component is marked on the applied label by the application of a laser light beam to effect a change of color in those areas reached by the laser light beam.

45. The laser-labeled heat transfer label according to claim 44, further characterized in that the label includes a fixed graphic component printed thereon.

46. The heat transfer label according to claim 44, further characterized in that it includes an eyelet mark affixed to the label within the substrate.

47. The heat transfer label according to claim 46, further characterized in that the eyelet mark is adjacent to the fixed graphic component.

48. The heat transfer label according to claim 46, further characterized in that the eyelet mark is part of the fixed graphic component.

49. The heat transfer label according to claim 44, further characterized in that it includes a release coating placed on the carrier web, between the substrate and the carrier web.

50. The heat transfer label according to claim 44, further characterized in that it includes a fixed graphic component placed on the carrier web, adjacent, at least in part, to the layer of material changeable by laser light and within the substrate.

51. The heat transfer label according to claim 44, further characterized in that the light-changeable material is formulated in a matrix that includes an interlaced or high-melting polymer.

52. The heat transfer label according to claim 51, further characterized in that the interlaced or high melting polymer has a melting point of at least about 300 ° F.

53. The thermotransfer label according to claim 44, further characterized in that the light-changeable material is formulated in part from an oxyanion-containing compound.

54. The heat transfer label according to claim 53, further characterized in that the oxyanion-containing compound is formulated with an interlaced or high melting point polymer.

55. The heat transfer label according to claim 54, further characterized in that it includes an upper coating placed in the release layer.

56. The heat transfer label according to claim 55, further characterized in that the top coat is an interlaced or high melting point polymer having a melting point of at least about 300 ° F.

57. The heat transfer label according to claim 56, further characterized in that the upper coating forms part of the substrate, and wherein the material changeable by laser light is placed on the upper coating, opposite to the release layer.

58. The heat transfer label according to claim 44, further characterized in that the heat-transferrable substrate is applied to the carrier web as a plurality of discrete regions formed in the frame.

59. The heat transfer label according to claim 44, further characterized in that a plurality of heat transfer labels are placed on the carrier web.

60. The heat transfer label according to claim 59, further characterized in that the variable graphic component varies from a first label to an adjacent label.