US3024155A

US3024155A - Pick-off printed adhesive label and method of making the same

Info

Publication number: US3024155A
Application number: US830831A
Authority: US
Inventors: Erwin W Huber
Original assignee: Topflight Corp
Current assignee: Topflight Corp
Priority date: 1959-07-31
Filing date: 1959-07-31
Publication date: 1962-03-06
Anticipated expiration: 1979-03-06

Description

E. W. HUBER March 6, 1962 PICK-OFF PRINTED ADHESIVE LABEL AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 3l, 1959 N QM. wm.

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ATTORNEY E. W. HUBER March 6, 1962 PICK-OFF` PRINTED ADHESIVE LABEL AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 3l, 1959 3,24,l55 Patented Mar. 6, 19h22 3,024,155 HQE-GFF PRWTED ADHESHVE LABEL M'ETHUD F MAKNG THE SAME lErwin W. Huber, Towson, Md., assigner to Topflight Corporation, a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed .Holy 3l, 1959, Ser. No. 830,831 2 Claims. (Cl. Htl- 247) rI`his invention relates to a pick-oit printed adhesive label and method of making the same, said invention comprising an improvement over applicants prior Patent No. 2,819,195, issued January 7, 1958.

The type of label to which the present invention applies has progressively come into wide use in industry and commerce since the development of suitable pressuresensitive cements and adhesives which are employed to adhere a label peelably to a suitable backing sheet which protects the `adhesive layer on the reverse side of the label from that which bears printed or decorative information and designs. The backing sheet usually comprises treated paper or other similar material which readily separates peelably from the adhesive layer on said reverse surface of the label. Difliculty has been encountered heretofore, however, in effecting initial separation of the backing sheet from the label, particularly where the label and backing sheet have been identical in size and are in laminated condition as they are cut from a longer strip or larger sheet of ysuch laminated arrangement.

Applicants prior Patent No. 2,8l9,l95 constitutes one reasonably satisfactory solution -to the problem of effecting particularly initial as well as nal separation of the backing sheet from the label by providing an additional width of the `backing sheet adjacent one edge of the label, the additional width of backing sheet constituting tab means to which peelably adheres a covering strip of substantially the same thickness and material as the label.4

The covering strip is coated on the reverse surface by a pressure-sensitive cement which actually constitutes a continuation of the layer of cement which peelably adheres the backing sheet to the label. By bending the covering tab strip and backing sheet relative to the label, initial separation of the backing sheet from the label can be effected moderately well but it has been found that the layer or strip of adhesive has to be broken in order to effect such initial separation and the extra operation necessary to do this frequently results in bending or distorting the label.

The preferred embodiment of label to which the present invention as well as applicants prior patent pertains constitutes one made from relatively stiff metal foil. The intended use of a large percentage of such label products made in accordance with this invention are utilized as name plates, instruction-bearing labels, ornamental labels of various kinds, advertising labels, and the like. Particularly in regard to such labels which have a permanent nature such as a product label bearing the trademark, rating data and instructions, such as are used as name plates on motors, various types o-f mechanisms, and the like, any bending or mutilation of the edges of such labels as sometimes occurs incident to removing the backing sheet, especially in accordance with the invention covered by said prior patent, is sufliciently detrimental that the label often is rendered unfit for use in that such bent edge not only is sufficiently unsightly `as to render the label unacceptable to the customer of the product but such uneven edge `also presents means by which ultimate accidental removal, tearing, or mutilation of the label can result.

The covering strip on the tab portion of the backing sheet in accordance with applicants prior patent also resulted in some tearing of the labels incident to removing the tab strip and backing sheet therefrom. Additionally, the preferred form of covering strip for the tab extension on the laminated label comprises a narrow metal strip of material similar to that from which the metal labels were formed, yet the metal covering strip on the tab extension of the label is expendable as soon as the backing sheet is removed from the label, and the expense of such metallic covering strip is not inconsequential.

The principal purpose of the present invention is to provide a laminated label of the pick-off type having printed indicia, ornamentation or the like on one surface and peelably adheres to a backing sheet disposed against the opposite surface by means of a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed between the backing sheet and label, said backing sheet being sufciently wide at least at one edge to extend beyond the adjacent edge of the label to constitute a tab strip which preferably is free from adhesive or covering strip so as to effect ready initial separation of 4the backing sheet from the label Without substantial danger or possibility of bending or otherwise mutilating or tearing the label incident to either the initial or complete removal of the backing sheet from the label which has a layer of pressure-sensitive cement adhering to the reverse surface thereof from that which has printing or embossing thereon of a labeling nature.

Another object of the invention is -to provide a process by which said improved label may be formed automatically by relatively simple and fool-proof mechanism, thereby resulting in a saving in cost over labels produced by the means and process covered by applicants prior patent, for example.

Details of the foregoing objects and of the invention, as well as other objects thereof, are set forth in the following specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof.

ln the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a schematically illustrated machine for laminating, printing, and otherwise forming labels in accordance with the present invention.

FlG. 2 is a vertical sectional elevation taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. l.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary label made in accordance with the present invention and constituting part of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic plan of a sheet of material embodying the principles of the present invention but illustrating a manner in which a plurality of strips of labels may be made simultaneously in accordance with the present invention.

In accordance with the present invention and referring to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 2 an exemplary label product comprising a laminated label 11i. Said laminated label it) comprising, in its preferred embodiment, a printed pick-off label 12, a backing sheet 14, and an intermediate layer 16 of pressure-sensitive cement which has a greater aiinity adhesively for the label 12 than the backing sheet le. In its preferred embodiment, the label is made from relatively stili metal foil, although other types of material, either metallic or non-metallic may be employed when suitably treated or of suitable nature that the pressure-sensitive cement 16 has a greater adhesive affinity therefor than the backing sheet 14.

The backingsheet le may be made from any suitable type of material which either by nature o1' by suitable treating is rendered peelably separable from the pressuresensitive cement layer i6. Among the materials from which the backing sheet 14 may be made are paper, synthetic resin of suitable form including hardened plastic lm-s which are flexible or the like. When paper is used, the same preferably is impregnated with suitable lacquer, resin, varnish or the like to render the same readily peelable from conventional pressure-sensitive cement such as that from which the layer 16 is formed.

In accordance with the invention, and as is readily seen from FIG. 3, the backing sheet 14 is wider in one direction than the label 12, whereby a tab strip 18 is formed at one edge of the label. Preferably, the tab strip 13 is free from adhesive on its upper surface as seen in said figure, whereby said tab strip 18 readily may be grasped between the thumb and forefinger for example, while holding the label 12, `and then bending or fiexing the tab strip 18 away from the plane of the label 12 so as to effect readily not only initial separation of the backing sheet 14 from the cement-bearing surface of the label but also to effect complete removal of the backing sheet 14 from the label.

It will be observed that the cement layer 16 extends substantially only to the edge of the label 12 adjacent the tab strip 18 and, due to the adhesive-resistant nature of at least the adjacent surface of the backing sheet which peelably adheres to the adhesive layer 16, the tab strip 1S readily is separable from the adhesive layer 16 and the label 12 to which the adhesive layer firmly adheres. Hence, such separation of the backing sheet 14 from the label is effected without damage such as tearing, or bending or any other type of mutilation, thereby constituting a distinct improvement over the separating means afforded by the invention covered by applicants prior patent referred to above.

The laminated label quickly and inexpensively may be formed either in the nature of a single strip or a plurality of parallel strips upon apparatus such as the machine illustrated in FIGS. l and 2 of the drawings, Refeiring to these figures, it will be seen that the backing sheet 14 is provided in suitable widths and is wound upon a roll 2t). Said backing sheet is unwound from the roll 2t) and is carried past :suitable applicating rolls in adhesive applicator 22. The label strip 12, which preferably is relatively stiff metallic foil that nevertheless is readily capable of being coiled, is supplied from a roll 24 thereof.

A tab cover strip 26 is fed from a roll 28 thereof and is so positioned that the tab cover strip 26 and the label strip 12 are fed in edge-to-edge abutting relationship over the laminating roller 30. It will be seen that the

strips

12 and 26, in edge abutting relationship are next to the outer surface of the laminating rollers 30, whereby the adhiVe-coated backing sheet 14 is laminated firmly onto the outer surfaces of the label strip 12 and tab cover strip 26 by the pressure roller 32, -it being understood that the laminating roller 30 and pressure roller 32 are mounted in such relationship to each other as to produce Suficient pressure to effect satisfactory lamination of the backing sheet tothe label and tab cover strips.

The tab cover strip` 26, rather than being metal which is relatively expensive, particularly considering that the tab cover strip is expendable, preferably is formed from suitable less expensive paper or the like which is as inexpensive as possible and is treated suitably to render the same highly ladherent to the adhesive layer 16, whereby the adhesive layer 16 will adhere firmly to the tab cover strip 26, particularly during the laminating operation when passing between the pressure roller 32 and the laminating roller 30. As distinguished from the invention of applicants prior patent, after such lamination has been effected, the relatively inexpensive tab cover strip 26 with a layer of adhesive 16 firmly adhering thereto is stripped from the tab edge of the laminated label strip 10 so as readily to expose the tab strip or edge 18 of the laminated label 10 as shown in FIG. 3.

The strip 26 preferably is sufficiently strong to permit rapid stripping without tearing. In order to effect such ready and inexpensive stripping of the tab cover strip 26 and the adhesive `layer 16 adhering thereto from the laminated sheet or strip after passing between the laminating roller 30 ,and pressure roller 32, the mechanism comprising part of the present invention utilizes suitable guiding means such as a guide roller 34 and a winding roller 36 which is positively driven to coil the adhesive coated tab cover strip 26. The coil of adhesive coated tab cover strip 26, which now is in discardable condition, may be removed from time to time from the winding roller 36 in any suitable manner.

Following the stripping of the tab cover strip 26 and adhesive layer 16 from the tab strip 1S of the laminated label, the laminated label then is passed successively past the printing rolls 38 and 49, there being any suitable number of such rolls, depending particularly upon the number of different colors which may be required upon the printed labels. It also Will be understood that said printing rolls are merely exemplary and representative in nature. After the laminated strip of label material comprising the backing sheet 14, label strip 12 and adhesive layer 16 has been compressed into laminated condition and printed in the manner `described hereinabove, the same is passed between

suitable holding rollers

42 and 44, or the like, which either may feed the laminated strip perforating or cutting roll 46, from which cut segments may be deposited in a suitable receiving box 48, for example.

In the event the product is desired in coiled strip form, a roll 50 is provided upon which the laminated product may be wound. In the event a plurality of side-by-side adjacent strips of labels are formed simultaneously on the apparatus described above, said individual strips may be slit apart so as to separate the same from each other by suitable slitting knives substituted for the perforated or cutting foil 46, for example, or the product coiled upon roll 50 subsequently may be removed for an additional slitting operation upon a separate machine, as desired. An exemplary illustration of the manner in which a plurality of laminated strips of labels 10 may be formed Iupon the mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein four label strips 12 are shown in adjacent relationship, certain of these being in edge-to-edge relationship. The tab cover strips 26 have been removed from the tab strips 18 by stripping from backing sheet 14.

For purposes of compactness, it will be seen that the tab strips 18 of the respective rows of labels 12 are adjacent each other and may be slit along lines 52 to separate the individual strips of labels. Similarly, the two intermediate adjacent strips of labels 12 shown in said ligure may be slit along lines 54 to separate the same. It will be understood that such slitting may be done either upon the machine illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, as described above, or by a subsequent operation. Further, the labels may be separated from each other along exemplary transverse cutting or slitting lines 56 if it is desired to form individual labels. However, the individual labels may be cut individually from a coil or other strip-like form of the laminated labels, as desired and needed.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present nvention comprises an improved label over that formed in applicants prior Patent No. 2,819,195, and includes a projecting tab strip extending only from the backing sheet 14 at one edge of a laminated label 10 and this form of label is formed less expensively than the label formed in said prior patent by the process illustrated on the attached drawings and described hereinabove. Not only is the label formed less expensively but the provision of the particular type of tab strip 1S projecting in freely exposed condition from one edge of the laminated label provides means for removing the backing sheet not only initially but entirely from the label without danger of damage or mutilation thereto.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in its several preferred embodiments, and has included certain details, it should be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the precise details herein illustrated and described, since the same way may be carried out by other means and ways falling Within the scope of the invention as claimed.

I claim:

1. A process of forming pick-off adhesive labels comprisng the steps of coating one surface of a strip of flexible backing material with pressure-sensitive adhesive, adhering by pressure a label strip and a tab cover strip to said adhesive layer in side-by-side juxtaposition, the adhesive having greater adhesive afnity for the label strip and tab cover strip than the backing strip, and stripping the tab cover strip and the portion of the adhesive layer adheringly attached thereto from the backing strip to provide projecting tab means at one margin of the label strip and free from adhesive, whereby said projecting tab means may be used to effect peeling of the backing strip from said label strip.

2. A process of forming pick-off adhesive labels comprising the steps of coating one surface of a strip of flexible backing material with pressure-sensitive adhesive, ad-

hering a label strip and a tab cover strip to said adhesive layer in close side-by-side abutting relationship, the adhesive having greater adhesive affinity for the label and tab cover strip than the backing strip, and continuously stripping and coiling the tab cover strip with the adhesive adhered thereto from the backing strip substantially evenly with the adjacent edge lof said label strip to provide projecting tab means immediately adjacent one margin of the label strip, whereby said projecting tab means will strip readily from said label strip and thereby may be used to effect peeling of the backing strip from said label strip.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 530,678 Bowers Dec. 11, 1894 1,900,900 Evans Mar. 14, 1933 2,819,195 Huber Jan, 7, 1958

Claims

1. A PROCESS OF FORMING PICK-OFF ADHESIVE LABELS COMBACKING MATERIAL WITH PRESSURE-SENSITIVE ADHESIVE, ADHERING BY PRESSURE A LABEL STRIP AND A TAB COVER STRIP TO SAID ADHESIVE LAYER IN SIDE-BY-SIDE JUXTAPOSITIOIN, THE ASHESIVE HAVING GREATER ADHESIVE AFFINITY FOR THE LABEL STRIP AND TAB COVER STRIP THAN THE BACKING STRIP, AND STRIPPING THE TAB COVER STRIP AND THE PORTION OF THE ADHESIVE LAYER ADHERINGLY ATTACHED THERETO FROM THE BACKING STRIP TO PROVIDE PROJECTING TAB MEANS AT ONE MARGIN OF THE LABEL STRIP AND FREE FRON ASHESIVE, WHEREBY SAID PROJECTING TAB MEANS MAY BE USED TO EFFECT PEELING OF THE BACKING STRIP FROM SAID LABEL STRIP.