RU2575464C2 - Reconfigurable sandwiched materials and reconfiguration processes - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: process engineering.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to sandwiched materials to receive the printed patterns and/or text, particularly, to reconfigurable sandwiched materials and to reconfiguration processes. Said sandwiched material comprises: substrate, film and adhesive ply between the substrate and film plies. Laminar material comprises the first separation ply between the film ply and adhesive ply and the second separation ply between the substrate and adhesive ply. Characteristics of separation of two separating plies are controlled so that to remove the film ply after receipt of the printed patterns and/or text from the remained part of laminar material, its reorientation and, then, reapplication to remained part of laminar material. Besides, this invention discloses the process related therewith and with reconfiguration of laminar material and with application to the articles or other carriers.

EFFECT: higher efficiency of the production of high-quality label.

33 cl, 3 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a multilayer material for receiving printing patterns and / or text, which can be adhesive applied to a substrate or product of interest. The invention also relates to methods comprising a laminate, as well as to applying a laminate to a substrate or article.

BACKGROUND

In a typical embodiment, labels for a variety of consumer products are formed by printing patterns and / or text on a multilayer material. Layered material can be stamped before or after printing into specific label shapes. In general, such laminates include a paper or film backing layer, a paper or film front face layer, and an adhesive layer located between the liner and the face surface layers. A release layer is typically included between the adhesive layer and the backing. After separating the backing layer from the adhesive layer, i.e. through the release layer, an open adhesive face allows easy application and retention of the face on a substrate or other receiving surface, such as a consumer product or container.

Prior to applying the laminate or stamping the labels therefrom, decorative patterns, logos and / or text are typically printed on the exposed surface of the front surface layer of the laminate on a substrate surface or a receiving surface. Depending on the face material, the characteristics of the printing ink, and other factors, one or more topcoats may be applied to the exposed face to promote retention and chemical resistance of the printing ink.

After printing, it is often necessary to apply one or more additional layers to printing patterns, logos and / or text in order to reduce the potential for inadvertent transfer or removal of the printing composition from the front surface layer. These one or more additional layers may include a varnish coating or varnish material.

Although these practical methods are widely used and provide a practically useful, durable and wear-resistant label, it is desirable to provide a more cost-effective strategy leading to a comparable high-quality label.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The difficulties and disadvantages associated with previously known laminate materials and technologies are solved in the present multilayer material and associated methods.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a reconfigurable multilayer material comprising a film layer, a liner layer and an adhesive layer located between the film layer and the liner layer. The multilayer material also comprises a first release layer located between the film layer and the adhesive layer. Also, the multilayer material contains a second separating layer located between the lining layer and the adhesive layer. The ratio of the separating force of the first separating layer to the separating force of the second separating layer is in the range from about 1: 1.5 to 1: 100.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a reconfigurable multilayer material comprising a film layer defining a first face and an oppositely directed second face, a liner layer and an adhesive layer sandwiched between the film layer and the liner layer. The adhesive layer contacts the first face of the film layer. The layered material also contains a first separating layer located on the film layer and in contact with the second front surface of the film layer. Also, the layered material in addition contains a printing region located between the film layer and the adhesive layer.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for reconfiguring a multilayer material. The method comprises providing a reconfigurable multilayer material including a film layer having an outer surface, a liner layer, an adhesive layer located between the film layer and the liner layer, a first separating layer located between the film layer and the adhesive layer, and a second separating layer located between lining layer and adhesive layer. The ratio of the separating force of the first separating layer to the separating force of the second separating layer is in the range from about 1: 1.5 to 1: 100. The method also comprises separating the film layer and the first separating layer from the adhesive layer, thereby opening the front surface of the adhesive layer. The method also comprises reorienting the film layer and the first separating layer and making the outer surface of the film layer contact with the exposed face of the adhesive layer to form a reconfigured laminate, whereby the first separating layer is opened.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for forming a label. The method comprises providing a reconfigurable multilayer material including a film layer having an outer surface, a liner layer, an adhesive layer located between the film layer and the liner layer, a first separating layer located between the film layer and the adhesive layer, and a second separating layer located between lining layer and adhesive layer. The ratio of the separating force of the first separating layer to the separating force of the second separating layer is in the range from about 1: 1.5 to 1: 100. The method further comprises forming at least one printing region on the outer surface of the film layer. The method further comprises separating the film layer, the printing region (s) and the first separating layer from the adhesive layer, thereby opening the front surface of the adhesive layer. The method also comprises reorienting the film layer, the printing region (s) and the first separating layer and providing contacting of at least one of the printing region (s) and the outer surface of the film layer with the exposed face of the adhesive layer, thereby forming a label, whereby the first separating layer is opened.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a system for manufacturing a reconfigured laminate. The system comprises a reconfigurable multilayer material including a film layer having an outer surface, a liner layer, an adhesive layer located between the film layer and the liner layer, a first separating layer located between the film layer and the adhesive layer, and a second separating layer located between the layer linings and an adhesive layer, wherein the ratio of the separating force of the first separating layer to the separating force of the second separating layer is in the range of about 1: 1.5 to 1: 100. The system also comprises equipment for (i) forming at least one printing region on the outer surface of the film, (ii) separating the film layer, the printing region (s) and the first separating layer from the adhesive layer, thereby opening the front surface of the adhesive layer and (iii) reorienting the film layer, the printing region (s) and the first separating layer and contacting at least one of the printing region (s) and the outer surface of the film layer with the exposed face of the adhesive layer so as to form a label, whereby the first separating layer is opened.

It should be understood that the invention allows for other and different embodiments, and certain details thereof can be modified in various respects without departing from the gist of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating various layers of a multilayer material of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred method for reconfiguring a laminate of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for reconfiguring a multilayer material of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to multilayer materials and various methods including laminated materials, as follows. The new laminate includes (i) a liner, (ii) an adhesive layer and (iii) a film layer, wherein (ii) an adhesive layer is interposed between (i) the liner and (iii) the film layers. The laminate also includes a first separating layer (a) between (iii) the film and (ii) adhesive layers and a second separating layer (b) between (ii) the adhesive material and (i) the lining layers. One or more topcoats or other agents may be applied to the exposed outer surface (iii) of the film layer.

The unique characteristics of the layered material enable an object such as a printing company to print the required markings or text on the open outer surface (iii) of the film layer. The orientation of the printed markings or text is reversed relative to its intended final orientation. After printing, the laminate is then peeled off (or peeled off) along the interface of the first peeling layer (a). After separation of the laminate along the first release layer (a), this release layer is transferred from (iii) the film layer to thereby expose the front surface (ii) of the adhesive layer. The separated portion of the laminate, i.e. the printed film layer (iii) and the first release layer (a) carried with it are then “turned over”, preferably by means of a turning assembly. The reoriented portion of the laminate is then reapplied to another portion of the laminate, i.e. (i) the liner, the second separating layer (b) and (ii) the adhesive layer, so that the printed face (iii) of the film layer is in contact with the open face (ii) of the adhesive layer, thereby "placing" or encapsulating the seal between (iii ) a film and (ii) adhesive layers. In the resulting reconfigured laminate, the first separating layer (a) is now open. Printed markings or text, when viewed through the first separating layer (a) and (iii) of the film layer, are now displayed in the intended orientation, and not vice versa.

The resulting laminate can then be applied to the substrate or article by separating (i) the backing from (ii) the adhesive material along the second release layer (b). After separating these layers, the second separating layer (b) is transferred with (i) a lining, thereby revealing the front surface (ii) of the adhesive layer. The exposed face (ii) of the adhesive layer then allows adhesive to adhere the remainder of the laminate (including printing) to the substrate or product of interest. As explained in more detail in this document, typically, before applying the laminate to a substrate or product of interest, the laminate is subjected to some type of die cutting process, whereby one or more labels of a given shape are formed. Many methods known to those skilled in the art can be used to accomplish this.

An important feature of the laminate is that the first and second separating layers (a) and (b), respectively, have specific separating properties. In particular, the first separating layer (a) is easier to release or separate than the second separating layer (b). Ideally, the ratio between the magnitudes of the force required to separate the first separating layer compared to the second separating layer (b) is about 1: 3. These aspects are described in more detail in this document.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the laminate 100 of a preferred embodiment. Laminar material 100 comprises a lining layer 10, which may be a multilayer lining including one or more structural layers, for example, layers 12 and 14. It should be understood that a single structural layer can be used. The laminate also contains an adhesive layer 20. Also, the laminate 100 further comprises a film layer 40. The adhesive layer 20 is located between the lining 10 and the film layer 40. The laminate 100 also contains a first release layer 30 located between the film layer 40 and the adhesive layer 20. Also, the laminate 100 further comprises a second release layer 16 located between the adhesive layer 20 and the backing layer (s) 12 or 14. The multilayer material 100 may optionally further comprise one or more upper coating layers 50 located on the film layer 40. Each of these layers and materials suitable for them is described in more detail below.

As noted above, the lining layer 10 may be in the form of a single layer or a set of several layers. Many materials can be used for the lining layer, including paper, foil or film materials. Representative examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, super calendered kraft paper (SCK), coated kraft paper (SC), machine-finished material (MF), BG, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PK, and combinations thereof. It should be understood that other materials and / or combinations of materials may be used for the lining.

The adhesive layer 20 typically includes one or more self-adhesive materials. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, a solvent, emulsion, and / or hot-melt acrylic or rubber self-adhesive materials. Other types of adhesive materials may be used, for example, vinyl-based adhesives, ultraviolet hot melt acrylic adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, epoxy adhesives, etc. On the other hand, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of these specific adhesives materials.

In particular embodiments, one or more colored adhesive materials can be used in multilayer materials. Painted adhesives can be incorporated into the laminate to increase the opacity of the finished laminate. In the manufacture of certain labels, increased opacity is an important characteristic. Typical dye addition levels range from about 5% to 60% or more, and preferably from about 10% to 25%. These percentages are weight percent and are based on the weight of the adhesive prior to use. Increasing the opacity of the adhesive material is generally accomplished by incorporating one or more dyes into the adhesive material. Almost any type of dimming agent can be used, for example, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, dimming agent microspheres and a wide range of organic dyes. In addition to or in place of any of these dimmers, it is also contemplated that one or more metallic dyes may be used, such as, but not limited to, aluminum, silver, and / or other metals.

The film layer 40 can also use a wide range of materials, including, for example, but not limited to, various polyolefin-based films, for example, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), various vinyl-based polymers, polyesters, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonates (PC). In general, any thermoplastic film material can be used for the film layer.

The first and second separation layers 30 and 16, respectively, can be formed from a wide range of separation materials known in the art, such as, for example, silicones and silicone-based materials. The predominant materials used for the separating layers are silicone formulations. Many silicone release coating materials are known based on polysiloxanes. The composition, design and use of these materials in laminated materials and labeling systems are described in many patents by way of this assignee, including: patents (US) 5728469; 5,543,231; 5,562,992; 5,494,945; 5,654,093; 6,423,406; 5,043,417; 6,235,363; and 5843549. It is contemplated that the release layer (s) may be free of silicones and / or polysiloxanes. The present invention includes the use of almost any separating material.

Separating layer i.e. one or both of the first and second separating layers exhibits a specific separating force. Separating force is the amount of force required to separate a separating layer from a directly adjacent layer. This force varies depending on many factors, including the separating material, the material of the adjacent layer, the surface characteristics of these layers, the thickness of the layers, the uniformity of the separating layer, and the physical and chemical interactions between the separating material and the material of the adjacent layer.

As is known to those skilled in the art, the force required to achieve separation between two front surfaces or layers, i.e. separation force is typically measured by a TLMI compartment tester. A wide selection of instruments is available on the market for measuring TLMI release properties, such as the adhesion tester / separator AR-1000 from Ichemco S.R.L., Italy.

As noted above, it is preferable that the ratio of the separating force of the first separating layer 30 to the separating force of the second separating layer 16 is preferably about 1: 3. However, the invention includes a ratio of not more than 1: 1.5. It is believed that there is no upper limit for this ratio as long as the backing layer 10 can still be separated from the adhesive layer 20. For purposes of quantifying an appropriate range for the ratio, an upper limit of 1: 100 is considered. Thus, the invention includes a ratio of the separating force of the first separating layer to the separating force of the second separating layer from about 1: 1.5 to 1: 100.

Outer coating materials are known in the art. A wide range of such materials is offered on the market, for example, by a true assignee; BASF Resins companies; and Trebnick, Springboro, OH. The present invention includes the use of virtually any outer coating material or combination of materials.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a laminate 200 of a preferred embodiment undergoing a preferred reconfiguration process in accordance with the invention. Laminate material 200 of a preferred embodiment comprises a liner 210, an adhesive layer 220, a film layer 240, a first release layer 230 located between the film layer 240 and an adhesive layer 220, and a second release layer 216 located between the liner 210 and the adhesive layer 220. Preferred process reconfiguration involves the provision or otherwise receipt of a laminated material, for example, a multilayer material 200. This is shown in FIG. 2 as step (I). The invention is not limited to the particular laminate 200. Instead, other laminate materials, for example, the multilayer material 100 described in connection with FIG. one.

Although not a mandatory operation associated with reconfiguring the laminate 200, in general, a printing operation is performed, for example, as shown in step (II). A typical printing operation may be performed by which one or more patterns, logos and / or text, schematically illustrated as a printing area 255, are applied to the exposed outer surface 242 of the film 240. The application of a printing composition such as ink or other printing composition may be made by one or more printing rollers 250, as is known in the art. Other printing or labeling technologies, such as spraying, etc., may be used. For example, the printing area (s) 255 may be applied through a variety of printing technologies. A digital liquid toner-based offset press such as Indigo Printing offered by Hewlett Packard can be used. Examples of other printing technologies that can be used include, but are not limited to, thermal transfer, flexography, screen printing, offset printing, inkjet printing, and combinations of these technologies. In addition, it should be borne in mind that prior to printing or otherwise applying the printing composition to the front surface 242 of the film 240, one or more topcoats can be applied to the front surface 242.

The reconfiguration process comprises the step of separating and removing the film layer 240 and the first separating layer 230 from the remaining part of the laminate, i.e. adhesive layer 220, second release layer 216, and backing 210. This operation is illustrated schematically in FIG. 2 as step (III). At this point, the film layer 240 is separated along the interface between the first separation layer 230 and the adhesive layer 220. Removing the film layer 240 and the first separation layer 230 opens the front surface 222 of the adhesive layer 220. As the film layer 240 shifts from the remaining layers of the laminate generally in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2, the first separating layer 230 and the printing region (s) 255 are transferred together with the film layer 240.

The reconfiguration process continues and then reorients or “flips” the film layer 240, and reattaches this layer to the exposed face 222 of the adhesive layer 220. At this point, schematically illustrated as (IV) in FIG. 2, the reoriented film layer 240 is brought into contact with the exposed face 222 of the adhesive layer 220 and, in general, in the direction of arrow B. As a result of the reorientation of the film layer 240, the print region (s) 255 also contacts the face 222 of the adhesive layer 220. Also as an additional consequence of the reorientation of the film layer 240, the first release layer 230 is now open, as shown in step (IV) of FIG. 2.

After reconfiguring the laminate generally referred to as reconfigured laminate 200 ′, the printing areas 255 are now located between the film layer 240 and the adhesive layer 220. This arrangement serves to encapsulate and protect the printing composition and the integrity of the printing region (s) 255 .

Although not being a necessary reconfiguration of the laminate, FIG. 2 schematically illustrates step (V) in which the liner 210 and the second release layer 216 are removed to thereby open the other face 224 of the adhesive layer 220. With this opening, the reconfigured laminate can easily be attached to the receiving surface 262 of the substrate 260, such as container, etc.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a system 300 of a preferred embodiment for performing a printing and reconfiguration process using the laminate of a preferred embodiment, as described herein. In general, a preferred laminate as described herein is provided in the form of a roll, designated as 310. In general, any laminate, such as laminate 100 and 200, may be used. The laminate section 310 is fed into one or more printing media rollers 320 for applying a printing area 325 to the film layer 315 of the laminate. It should be understood that the film layer 315 may contain one or more topcoats applied to it. It should also be taken into account that the printing is performed in such a way that the applied areas 325 are applied on the contrary in comparison with their final intended orientation shown in FIG. 3 as 325 ′. This step generally corresponds to the above step (II) in FIG. 2. The laminate is displaced from the roll 310, generally in the direction of arrow C shown in FIG. H. The layered material is then sent to a turning assembly, generally referred to as a plurality of rollers 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, preferably arranged as schematically illustrated in FIG. 3.

In particular, after the laminar material enters the roller 330, the film layer and the corresponding separating layer are separated from the remaining part of the laminar material, as shown in step (III), illustrated in FIG. 2.

The film layer separating the layer and the printing region 325 carried on the film layer are fed to another roller 340 and then sequentially fed to rollers 350, 360, 370 and 380, which together reorient or “invert” this portion of the laminate and return a portion of the laminate into the remainder of the laminate as described in connection with step (IV) of FIG. 2.

Equipment and systems for reorienting or flipping portions of a laminate are known in the art. Rolling units are commonly used in combination with presses to turn over a layer of duplex material. As noted above, conventional flipping nodes may be used. Roll-over equipment and systems are marketed, for example, by Belmark Industries, India; DMS Inc., Lake Zurich, IL; and AAA Press Int., Inc., Arlington Heights, IL.

After re-attaching the film layer to its corresponding portion of the laminate in the roller 380, the printing region 325 ′ is oriented in its final intended state. The reconfigured laminate may then undergo an application operation, such as step (V) described in connection with FIG. 2, or may be placed in a form suitable for storage or delivery of, for example, roll 390.

When rolling or wrapping various preferred multilayer materials as described herein, it may be desirable to roughen, properly texture and / or cover the exposed outer surface of the lining. When forming rolls of layered materials having outer surfaces of the lining that are relatively smooth and / or exhibit low friction characteristics, a tendency to unwind or “extend” the wound roll may occur. To avoid this, the outer surface of the lining may be machined, or appropriate materials may be selected for it to convey greater friction to adjacent layers during winding and thereby minimize unwinding. Alternatively or in addition to texturing the open outer surface of the lining, it is contemplated that a surface treatment process may be performed for the open outer surface of the lining. This process should be performed after the “roll-over” or reconfiguration of the laminate. Examples of such surface treatment processes include, but are not limited to, corona treatment, flame treatment, plasma treatment, and the like, to remove most of the separating material, such as silicone, from the exposed outer surface of the laminate after being turned over.

It should be noted that the layered materials described herein, after printing, inverting the film layer and reconnecting the inverted portion of the layered material, are then typically subjected to one or more die cutting operations. The reconfigured laminate is generally in the form of a sheet or tape. Labels having a specific size and / or shape can be easily formed by stamping a sheet or tape. Technologies and equipment for stamping are known in the art and are described in many patents of this assignee: for example, in patents (USA) 5520760; 4,100,042; 4,372,681; 4,150,183; 5,585,193; 6,099,927; and 6689238.

The use of the present invention provides many advantages. For example, the use of reconfigurable layered materials leads to significant material savings, since one or more additional layer materials are not required. It should be recalled that the material (s) typically applies either to printed patterns or to text.

The exclusion of one or more materials of additional layers leads to processes that are more environmentally friendly. In addition, the exclusion of storage and recovery of such materials provides an additional cost reduction.

In addition, printing, delaminating, reorienting (or flipping) and re-laminating and potentially also applying reconfigured laminate to a substrate or article can be performed in a single continuous process.

In addition, the present invention reduces the number of inventory units (SKUs) and reduces the complexity of the process for objects such as printers that print labels or layered materials.

Another other advantage is associated with the reconfigured laminate after reorientation (or flipping). After such an operation, a typically outer surface of the laminate should be provided by means of a release layer. Thus, depending on the material of the separating layer, the outer surface of the laminate should exhibit one or more specific properties or characteristics. For example, if the release layer includes silicone material, providing a silicone layer along the outer surface of the laminate may provide one or more unique or useful properties. Providing a silicone outer surface may provide, for example, stain resistance properties to the laminate. It is also contemplated that a silicone-free release layer may be used. In addition, agents and other binders may be included in the release layer to convey or provide the desired functionality for the outer surface of the reoriented (or inverted) laminate.

The present invention and various preferred embodiments, in particular, are well suited for use in combination with digital technology, such as digital press equipment. Preferred embodiments provide for the inclusion of static printing and variable printing in the layout of labels or layered material.

Many other benefits should certainly become apparent from the future application and development of this technology.

All patents, published applications and products mentioned in this document are fully incorporated into this description by reference.

It should be understood that any or one or more of the features or components of one embodiment described herein may be combined with one or more other features or components of another embodiment. Thus, the present invention includes all combinations of components or features of the embodiments described herein.

As described above, the present invention solves many of the problems associated with prior art laminate materials and processes. However, it should be appreciated that various changes to the details, materials and arrangements of components or operations that are described and illustrated herein to clarify the nature of the invention can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principles and scope of the invention presented in the attached claims.

Claims (33)

1. Reconfigurable multilayer material containing:
- a film layer having an outer surface;
- lining layer;
- an adhesive layer located between the film layer and the lining layer;
- a first separating layer located between the film layer and the adhesive layer; and
- a second separating layer located between the lining layer and the adhesive layer;
- the ratio of the separating force of the first separating layer to the separating force of the second separating layer is in the range from about 1: 1.5 to 1: 100, determined by the adhesion tester / separation AR-1000 to measure TLMI-separating properties,
- wherein at least one of the first and second separating layer is formed of silicone or a silicone-based material,
- wherein the film layer includes a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, vinyl-based polymers, polyesters, polycarbonates, and combinations thereof,
- moreover, the lining layer includes a material selected from the group consisting of paper, foil, film and combinations thereof, and
- wherein the adhesive layer includes a material selected from the group consisting of self-adhesive materials based on a solvent, self-adhesive materials on an emulsion basis, hot-melt rubber self-adhesive materials, vinyl-based adhesives, polyurethane adhesive materials, ultraviolet hot-melt acrylic adhesive materials, epoxy adhesives materials and their combinations. 2. A reconfigurable laminate according to claim 1, wherein said ratio is about 1: 3. 3. The reconfigurable laminate according to claim 1, wherein the film layer is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). 4. The reconfigurable laminate according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is a self-adhesive material. 5. The reconfigurable laminate according to claim 1, wherein the first separating layer includes polysiloxane. 6. The reconfigurable laminate according to claim 1, wherein the second release layer includes polysiloxane. 7. The reconfigurable laminate according to claim 1, further comprising a topcoat located on the film layer. 8. A reconfigurable laminate according to claim 1, further comprising a printing region on the outer surface of the film layer. 9. The reconfigurable laminate according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive material includes at least one dimming agent. 10. The reconfigurable laminate according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive material includes at least one dye. 11. The reconfigurable layered material according to claim 10, in which the adhesive material includes from about 5% to about 60% by weight of the specified at least one dye. 12. Reconfigured multilayer material containing:
- a film layer defining a first front surface and a second oppositely directed front surface;
- lining layer;
- an adhesive layer located between the film layer and the lining layer, the adhesive layer in contact with the first front surface of the film layer;
- the first separating layer located on the film layer and in contact with the second front surface of the film layer;
- a second separating layer located between the lining layer and the adhesive layer; and
- a printing area located on the film layer and between the film layer and the adhesive layer,
- the ratio of the separating force of the first separating layer to the separating force of the second separating layer is in the range from about 1: 1.5 to 1: 100, determined by the adhesion tester / separation AR-1000 to measure TLMI-separating properties,
- wherein at least one of the first and second separating layer is formed of silicone or silicone-based material,
- wherein the film layer includes a material selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, vinyl-based polymers, polyesters, polycarbonates, and combinations thereof,
- moreover, the lining layer includes a material selected from the group consisting of paper, foil, film and combinations thereof, and
- wherein the adhesive layer includes a material selected from the group consisting of self-adhesive materials based on a solvent, self-adhesive materials on an emulsion basis, hot-melt rubber self-adhesive materials, vinyl-based adhesives, polyurethane adhesive materials, ultraviolet hot-melt acrylic adhesive materials, epoxy adhesives materials and their combinations. 13. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein the print region is in contact with the adhesive layer. 14. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein the printing region is encapsulated in the laminate. 15. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein the film layer is polyethylene terephthalate (PET). 16. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive layer is a self-adhesive material. 17. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive material includes at least one obscuring agent. 18. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive material includes at least one dye. 19. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 18, wherein the adhesive material comprises from about 5% to about 60% by weight of said at least one dye. 20. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein the first separating layer includes polysiloxane. 21. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein the first release layer includes silicone. 22. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein the first release layer is free of silicones. 23. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein the second release layer includes polysiloxane. 24. The reconfigured laminate according to claim 12, wherein said ratio is about 1: 3. 25. A method for reconfiguring a multilayer material, the method comprising the steps of:
- provide reconfigurable multilayer material according to claim 1;
- separating the film layer and the first separating layer from the adhesive layer, thereby opening the front surface of the adhesive layer; and
reorient the film layer and the first separation layer and make the outer surface of the film layer contact with the exposed face of the adhesive layer to form a reconfigured laminate, whereby the first separation layer is opened. 26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of:
- before separating the film layer and the first separating layer from the adhesive layer, at least one printing region is printed on the outer surface of the film layer. 27. The method according to p. 25, in which after the reorientation of the film layer and the printing region (s) on it, the printing region (s) are located between the film layer and the adhesive layer. 28. The method according to p. 25, in which after the reorientation of the film layer and the print region (s) on it, the print region (s) is encapsulated in a layered material. 29. A reconfigured laminate formed by the method of claim 25. 30. A method of forming a label, the method comprising the steps of:
- provide reconfigurable multilayer material according to claim 1;
- form at least one printing area on the outer surface of the film layer;
- separating the film layer, the printing region (s) and the first separating layer from the adhesive layer, thereby opening the front surface of the adhesive layer;
- reorient the film layer, the printing region (s) and the first separating layer and provide contacting of at least one of the printing region (s) and the outer surface of the film layer with the open front surface of the adhesive layer, thereby forming a label, whereby the first the separating layer is open. 31. The method according to p. 30, in which after the reorientation of the film layer and the print area (s) on it, the print area (s) are encapsulated in a layered material. 32. The label formed by the method according to p. 30. 33. A system for manufacturing a reconfigured laminate, the system comprising:
a reconfigurable multilayer material including a film layer having an outer surface, a liner layer, an adhesive layer located between the film layer and the liner layer, a first separating layer located between the film layer and the adhesive layer, and a second separating layer located between the liner layer and an adhesive layer, wherein the ratio of the separating force of the first separating layer to the separating force of the second separating layer is in the range of about 1: 1.5 to 1: 100;
- equipment for (i) forming at least one printing region on the outer surface of the film, (ii) separating the film layer, printing region (s) and the first separating layer from the adhesive layer, thereby opening the front surface of the adhesive layer, and (iii) reorienting the film layer, the printing region (s) and the first separating layer, and ensuring that at least one of the printing region (s) and the outer surface of the film layer is in contact with the exposed face of the adhesive layer to thereby form Label whereby the first release layer is exposed.

Images