WO2011079192A1

WO2011079192A1 - Luggage tag and/or method for producing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2011079192A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/061776
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francis Arnaud
Original assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
Priority date: 2009-12-23
Filing date: 2010-12-22
Publication date: 2011-06-30
Also published as: CN102666092A; CN102666092B; EP2516154A1

Abstract

A multilayer luggage tag is provided. The tag includes: a first layer (32) receptive to printing; a second layer (44) resistant to tearing; and, a third layer (34) of adhesive, the adhesive joining the first and second layers together. Suitably, the tag comprises no more than one layer of adhesive, and optionally, a line of weakening (60) is formed in the second layer, the line of weakening defining a flap (50) in the second layer, the flap including a first end (52) which is integrally connected to the second layer and a second end (54) opposite the first end, the second end being selectively freeable from the second layer. A method of making the tag includes: providing the first layer as a first web of material; providing the second layer as a second web of material; coating the third layer of adhesive on at least one of the first and second layers; and laminating the first and second webs of material together with the third layer of adhesive therebetween. Suitably, the coating and laminating steps are executed by a single pass through respective coating and laminating stations and/or no more than one laminating step is employed to construct the multilayer luggage tag. Optionally, a plurality of the multilayer luggage tags are provided together in roll form.

Description

LUGGAGE TAG AND/OR METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/289,428 filed December 23, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The present inventive subject matter relates generally to the art of laminate materials. Particular relevance is found in connection with self-adhesive tags, e.g., of the kind used by airlines and/or airports to identify or otherwise tag a passenger's luggage, and accordingly the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present inventive subject matter are also equally amenable to other like applications.

[0003] Conventional self-adhesive luggage tags are known in the art. Commonly, a self- adhesive luggage tag is formed from a laminar construction, e.g., such as the one illustrated in FIGURE 1. As illustrated the tag includes a primary laminar construction 10 having a top layer 12, e.g., that is generally a thermal paper or other like material suitable for thermal printing. The top layer 12 is joined or adhered to a second tear-resistant layer 16, e.g., via a first adhesive layer 14. Commonly, the tear- resistant layer 16 is generally made from a tear resistant polymer film, e.g., such as a polypropylene (PP) film. As the name suggests, the tear-resistant layer 16 protects the primary laminar construction 10 against tearing, e.g., when attached to a piece of luggage. Typically, a release liner 20 is releasably adhered to the primary laminar construction 10 via a second adhesive layer 18, e.g., such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). For example, the release liner 20 may include a siliconised glassine, i.e., a glassine backing or layer 24 having a silicone layer 22 coated or otherwise formed thereon. As can be appreciated, the silicone layer 22 facilities the release of the release liner 20 from the second adhesive layer 18 while leaving the adhesive substantially intact on the primary construction 10.

[0004] Traditionally, the foregoing tag is generally produced by laminating together layers of substantially continuous webs of material, e.g., in roll form, die cutting or otherwise forming individual tags therein, and re-rolling the laminate construction. Accordingly, each roll produced then contains a plurality of such tags. In one conventional embodiment, the process consists of at least two passes through coating and/or laminating stations. For example, in a first pass, the second adhesive layer 18 is coated on the siliconised side of the release liner 20 and the tear-resistant layer or film 16 is laminated thereto. Then in a second pass, the first adhesive layer 14 is coated on top of the tear- resistant layer 16 and the thermal paper or top layer 12 is laminated thereto. In this way, the overall construction of the tag is accomplished.

[0005] In use, the conventional tag is generally first printed with desired indicia on the print receptive top layer 12, e.g., via direct thermal printing. Then, the release liner 20 is removed exposing the second adhesive layer 18 on the back side of the tag. The release liner 20 is generally disposed of subsequent to its removal. The remaining portion of the tag (i.e., absent the release liner 20) is then folded or otherwise wrapped around a handle or some other similar part of a piece of luggage being tagged. Ultimately, the exposed second layer of adhesive 18 is brought into contact with itself thereby adhering and/or otherwise joining the back side of the tag to itself so as to create a closed loop around the handle or other like part of the luggage around which the tag was wrapped or folded.

[0006] While generally acceptable, the foregoing tag and/or method of producing the same has some limitations. For example, the two pass construction technique is generally more time consuming and/or costly, e.g., when compared to a one pass technique. Additionally, the use of a disposable release liner is generally wasteful. Finally, the overall construction also uses a significant amount of material and/or layers and accordingly allows for relatively fewer tags on a roll of otherwise equal weight and/or size, e.g., as compared to a tag which uses relatively less material and/or fewer layers.

[0007] Accordingly, a new and/or improved luggage tag and method for producing the same is disclosed which addresses the above-referenced problem(s) and/or others.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] In accordance with one embodiment, a multilayer luggage tag is provided. The tag includes: a first layer receptive to printing; a second layer resistant to tearing; and, a third layer of adhesive, the adhesive joining the first and second layers together. Suitably, the tag comprises no more than one layer of adhesive, and optionally, a line of weakening is formed in the second layer, the line of weakening defining a flap in the second layer, the flap including a first end which is integrally connected to the second layer and a second end opposite the first end, the second end being selectively freeable from the second layer.

[0009] In selected embodiment, the first layer may comprise a thermal paper and/or the second layer may comprise a tear-resistant polymer film, e.g., such as polyethylene terephthalate. Optionally, the second layer may have formed on a first major surface thereof, which faces the first layer, a release layer, e.g., such as silicone, which effectively releases the adhesive of the third layer therefrom. On a second major surface of the second layer, opposite the first major surface, there may be provided a printable top coating.

[0010] In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a roll containing a plurality of the multilayer luggage tags. [0011] In accordance with still another embodiment, a method is provided for making the multilayer luggage tags. The method includes: providing the first layer as a first web of material; providing the second layer as a second web of material; coating the third layer of adhesive on at least one of the first and second layers; and laminating the first and second webs of material together with the third layer of adhesive therebetween. Suitably, the coating and laminating steps are executed by a single pass through respective coating and laminating stations and/or no more than one laminating step is employed to construct the multilayer luggage tag.

[0012] Numerous advantages and benefits of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification.

Brief Description of the Drawing(s)

[0013] The inventive subject matter disclosed herein may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting. Further, it is to be appreciated that the drawings may not be to scale.

[0014] FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic illustration show a cross-section view of a conventional luggage tag.

[0015] FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatic illustration showing a cross-section view of a luggage tag in accordance with aspects of the present inventive subject matter.

[0016] FIGURE 3 is a diagrammatic illustration showing a front or top view of the luggage tag of FIGURE 2.

[0017] FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic illustration showing a back or bottom view of the luggage tag of FIGURE 2. [0018] FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the relative positions of cut lines shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 in overlapping relationship to one another.

[0019] FIGURE 6 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the back or bottom view of the luggage tag of FIGURE 2 with optional indicia pre-printed on an exposed print receptive layer.

Detailed Description of the Embodiment(s)

[0020] For clarity and simplicity, the present specification shall refer to structural and/or functional elements, relevant standards and/or protocols, and other components that are commonly known in the art without further detailed explanation as to their configuration or operation except to the extent they have been modified or altered in accordance with and/or to accommodate the preferred embodiment(s) presented herein.

[0021] With reference now to FIGURE 2, a luggage tag according to aspects of the present inventive subject matter is shown. As illustrated, the tag is made from a primary construction 30 including a top layer 32 and an adhesive layer 34. In one suitable embodiment, the top layer 32 is a thermal paper or other like material suitable for thermal printing and the adhesive layer 34 is a PSA.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, a backing 40 is adhered to the primary construction 30 via the adhesive layer 34. As shown, the backing 40 is a siliconised film, i.e., a polymer film or layer 44 having a silicone layer 42 coated or otherwise formed thereon. Suitably, the layer 44 is a tear-resistant polymer film, e.g., such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other tear- resistant layer. As shown, a printable top coating or other like layer 46 is coated or otherwise formed on the outward facing or exposed side of the backing 40.

[0023] Suitably, the silicone layer 42 allows and/or otherwise facilities the release of selected portions of the backing 40 (e.g., a flap 50 as shown in FIGURE 4) from the adhesive layer 34 while leaving the adhesive substantially intact on the primary construction 30. Moreover, while the layer 42 is referred to herein as a silicone layer, it is to be appreciated that optionally other suitable release materials may be used instead of or in conjunction with silicone.

[0024] In one suitable embodiment, the present tag is produced by (i) laminating together layers of substantially continuous webs of material, e.g., in roll form, (ii) die cutting or otherwise forming individual tags therein, and (iii) re-rolling the laminate construction. Accordingly, each roll produced then contains a plurality of such tags. Suitably, the process proposed herein consists of only a single pass through a coating and/or laminating station. For example, initially two webs of material (e.g., rolled or otherwise) are provided, namely, (i) a web of material (e.g., thermal paper) which forms the top layer 32 and (ii) a web of material (e.g., polymer film such as siliconised PET having a printable top coating) which forms the backing 40. Then, in a single pass, the adhesive layer 34 is coated on the siliconised side of the backing 40 and the thermal paper or top layer 32 is laminated thereto. In this way, the overall laminar construction of the tag is accomplished. Suitably, after the primary construction 30 and the backing 40 have been laminated together, both the primary construction 30 and the backing 40 are subjected to cutting or other like operations to form perforations, cuts, scores and/or other like weakened lines, e.g., as illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4, respectively.

[0025] With reference now to FIGURE 3, suitably, the primary construction 30 is subjected to a perimeter forming cut or the like which forms an outer perimeter 36 for the primary construction 30 of the tag. Optionally, the matrix (i.e., the portion of the primary construction 30 outside the perimeter 36) may be removed from the backing 40 after the perimeter 36 is formed.

[0026] Additionally, as shown in FIGURE 3, a series or collection of cut lines 38 are also optionally formed in the primary construction 30. Suitably, the cut lines 38 and/or the perimeter forming cut extend entirely or substantially all the way through the depth of the primary construction 30. Any one or more or all of the aforementioned cuts or some portions thereof may be formed, e.g., via die cutting, laser cutting, etc. Any one or more or all of the aforementioned cuts or some portions thereof may be continuous cuts or an array of small closely spaced discontinuous cuts (i.e., a perforated cut) or some combination thereof. Alternately, any one or more or all of the aforementioned cuts or some portions thereof may in fact be lines of weakness or score lines as opposed to actual cuts. Nevertheless, in one exemplary embodiment, the perimeter 36 is formed by a continuous cut extending entirely or nearly entirely through the primary construction 30 and the cut lines 38 are also continuous cuts extending entirely or nearly entirely through the primary construction 30.

[0027] With reference now to FIGURE 4, a flap or flap portion 50 is defined in the backing 40 by a roughly u-shaped cut line 60 made therein. The flap 50 is generally an elongated portion of the backing 40 contained within an outer periphery thereof and integrally formed and/or connected therewith at a first end 52 and having a free end 54 opposite the first end 52. As shown, a pair of peel stops 62 are formed at either end of the cut line 60 by semi-circular portions or arcs at the respective ends of the cut line 60. Of course, the cut line 60 may be otherwise shaped or formed at the ends thereof to produce other suitable peel stops. Suitably, a peel edge or finger tab 56 is also optionally formed by the cut line 60 at the free end 54 of the flap 50.

[0028] Additionally, as shown in FIGURE 4, cut lines 70 and 72 are also optionally formed in the backing 40. Suitably, the cut lines 60, 70 and/or 72 extend entirely or substantially all the way through the depth of the backing 40. Any one or more or all of the aforementioned cuts or some portions thereof may be formed, e.g., via die cutting, laser cutting, etc. Any one or more or all of the aforementioned cuts or some portions thereof may be continuous cuts or an array of small closely spaced discontinuous cuts (i.e., a perforated cut) or some combination thereof. Alternately, any one or more or all of the aforementioned cuts or some portions thereof may in fact be lines of weakness or score lines as opposed to actual cuts. Nevertheless, in one exemplary embodiment, the cut line 60 is a continuous cut extending entirely or nearly entirely through the backing 40 and the cut lines 70 and 72 are perforated cuts extending entirely or nearly entirely through the backing 40. [0029] FIGURE 5 shows the relative positions of the respective cut lines shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 in overlapping relationship to one another. As seen in FIGURE 6, optionally, the backing 40 has pre-printed thereon, e.g., on the print receptive top coat 46, desired indicia or information.

[0030] In use, a tag is generally first printed with desired indicia on the print receptive top layer 32, e.g., via direct thermal printing. Suitably, the tag is then removed from a roll thereof, e.g., by ripping or otherwise separating it from the roll along the line 72. Optionally, additional information or indicia may be printed on the backing 40, i.e., on the print receptive top coat 46. For example, after the tag has been removed from the roll, a user may selectively mark one or more designated boxes or the like with a writing instrument (e.g., such as an ink pen or the like) or otherwise write desired information or indicia on the top coat layer 46.

[0031] To attach the tag to a handle or other like part of a piece of luggage, the flap 50 is opened exposing the adhesive layer 34 thereunder. To open the flap 50, suitably a user grips the finger tab 56 at the free end 54 of the flap 50 and pulls the same toward the first end 52 of the flap 50, thereby peeling the flap 50 from the adhesive layer 34 which remains intact on the top layer 32, e.g., due to the release layer 42 on the backing 40. Suitably, the peel stops 62 limit the degree to which the flap 50 can be peeled in this manner.

[0032] The tag is then folded or otherwise wrapped around a handle or some other similar part of a piece of luggage being tagged. Of course, optionally, the tag could be folded or wrapped around the handle or other like part of a piece of luggage either prior to or after opening of the flap 50. In either case, ultimately, the portion of the adhesive layer 34 under the flap 50, which is exposed by the opening of the flap 50, is brought into contact with the tag (e.g., on a back side thereof) thereby adhering and/or otherwise joining the tag to itself so as to create a closed loop around the handle or other like part of the luggage around which the tag was wrapped or folded. [0033] As seen in FIGURE 3, suitably, the cut lines 38 form one or more distinct self- adhesive labels 39 which can be selectively removed from the backing 40 and adhered elsewhere as desired. Each label 39 comprises the respective portion of the top layer 32 defined by the cut lines 38 along with the corresponding underlying portion of the adhesive layer 34. Optionally, the labels 39 are printed with desired indicia or information at the time of printing the rest of the top layer 32. As can be appreciated, when a label 39 is removed, suitably the adhesive layer 34 remains intact thereon, e.g., due to the release layer 42 on the backing 40.

[0034] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, three of the cut lines 38 (namely, those on the left hand side in the illustrated embodiment) form relatively smaller distinct self-adhesive labels 39, while one of the cut lines 38 (namely, the one on the far right hand side in the illustrated embodiment) forms a relatively larger distinct self-adhesive label 39. Optionally, the relatively larger distinct self-adhesive label 39 can be selectively removed from the tag along with an underlying portion 40a of the backing 40, e.g., by separating the backing 40 along the perforated cut line 70. As desired, the relatively larger self-adhesive label 39 can then be selective removed from the detached or separated portion 40a of the backing 40 and applied elsewhere at the user's convenience.

[0035] In any event, it is to be appreciated that in connection with the particular exemplary embodiment(s) presented herein certain structural and/or function features are described as being incorporated in defined elements and/or components. However, it is contemplated that these features may, to the same or similar benefit, also likewise be incorporated in other elements and/or components where appropriate. It is also to be appreciated that different aspects of the exemplary embodiments may be selectively employed as appropriate to achieve other alternate embodiments suited for desired applications, the other alternate embodiments thereby realizing the respective advantages of the aspects incorporated therein. [0036] Additionally, it is to be appreciated that certain elements described herein as incorporated together may under suitable circumstances be stand-alone elements or otherwise divided. Similarly, a plurality of particular functions described as being carried out by one particular element may be carried out by a plurality of distinct elements acting independently to carry out individual functions, or certain individual functions may be split-up and carried out by a plurality of distinct elements acting in concert. Alternately, some elements or components otherwise described and/or shown herein as distinct from one another may be physically or functionally combined where appropriate.

[0037] In short, the present specification has been set forth with reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the present specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A multilayer luggage tag comprising:

a first layer receptive to printing;

a second layer resistant to tearing; and,

a third layer of adhesive, said adhesive joining the first and second layers together.

2. The multilayer luggage tag of claim 1, wherein the second layer includes opposing first and second major surfaces, said first major surface facing the first layer and having formed thereon a release layer, said release layer effective to release the adhesive of the third layer therefrom.

3. The multilayer luggage tag of claim 2, wherein the second major surface of the second layer has formed thereon a coating receptive to print.

4. The multilayer luggage tag of either one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the release layer comprises silicone.

5. The multilayer luggage tag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second layer comprises a tear-resistant polymer film.

6. The multilayer luggage tag of claim 5, wherein the tear-resistant polymer film is polyethylene terephthalate.

7. The multilayer luggage tag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer comprises a thermal paper.

8. The multilayer luggage tag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive.

9. The multilayer luggage tag of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tag comprises no more than one layer of adhesive.

10. The multilayer luggage tag of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a line of weakening formed in the second layer, said line of weakening defining a flap in the second layer, said flap including a first end which is integrally connected to the second layer and a second end opposite the first end, said second end being selectively freeable from the second layer.

11. The multilayer luggage tag of claim 10, wherein the line of weakening comprises at least one of a continuous cut line, a perforated cut line or a score line.

12. The multilayer luggage tag of either of claims 10 or 11, wherein the line of weakening is generally u-shaped and includes two terminal ends proximate the first end of the flap.

13. The multilayer luggage tag of claim 12, further comprising:

at least one peel stop formed at one of the terminal ends of the line of weakening.

14. A roll including a plurality of multilayer luggage tags according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A method of making a multilayer luggage tag according to any of the preceding claims, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing the first layer as a first web of material;

(b) providing the second layer as a second web of material;

(c) coating the third layer of adhesive on at least one of the first and second layers; and

(d) laminating the first and second webs of material together with the third layer of adhesive therebetween.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein steps (c) and (d) are executed in a single pass through a coating station and a laminating station.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the multilayer luggage tag is assembled with no more than one laminating step.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, said method further comprising the step of:

(e) forming the line of weakening in the second layer.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein step (e) is executed after step (d).

20. The method according to either one of claims 18 or 19, wherein forming the line weakening comprises at least one of die cutting the second layer, laser cutting the second layer scoring the second layer.