WO2013074882A2

WO2013074882A2 - Puncture resistant battery label

Info

Publication number: WO2013074882A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/065449
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xinhui ZHOU; Jun Zhang; Fanjia KONG; Xinhui Zhang; Hailang HUANG
Original assignee: Avery Dennison Corp
Current assignee: Avery Dennison Corp
Priority date: 2011-11-18
Filing date: 2012-11-16
Publication date: 2013-05-23
Anticipated expiration: 2014-05-18
Also published as: WO2013074882A3

Abstract

A puncture resistant battery label is described. The battery label has a multilayer construction and in certain versions, includes a collection of spaced apart material regions along an inner face of the label. The labels can be used instead of metal casings or shells typically used in battery constructions.

Description

PUNCTURE RESISTANT BATTERY LABEL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/561,352 filed November 18, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present su bject matter relates to a puncture resistant battery la bel. SUMMARY

[0003] The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previously known products, la bels and methods are addressed in the present la bels and methods.

[0004] In one aspect, a multilayer battery la bel is provided. The la bel comprises a first layer of a first polymeric material. The first layer defines an outer face of the battery la bel. The la bel also comprises a second layer of a first ad hesive materia l. The second layer of the first adhesive material is disposed on the first layer of the first polymeric material. The la bel also comprises a third layer of a second polymeric material disposed on the second layer of the first adhesive material. And, the la bel also comprises a fourth layer of a second adhesive material disposed on the third layer of the second polymeric material. The fourth layer of the second adhesive material defines an inner face of the battery la bel. [0005] In another aspect, a labeled battery is provided. The labeled battery comprises a battery defining an external surface. And, the labeled battery comprises the previously noted multilayer battery label applied about the battery such that at least a portion of the inner face of the battery label contacts the external surface of the battery.

[0006] In yet another aspect, another multilayer battery label is provided. The label comprises a first layer of a first polymeric material. The first layer defines an outer face of the battery label. The label also comprises a second layer of a first adhesive material. The second layer of the first adhesive material is disposed on the first layer of the first polymeric material. The label also comprises a plurality of spaced apart material regions disposed on the second layer. Each material region including a third layer of a second polymeric material disposed on the second layer, and a fourth layer of a second adhesive material disposed on the third layer.

[0007] In still another aspect, a labeled battery is provided which comprises a battery defining an external surface. The labeled battery also comprises the previously noted multilayer battery label applied about the battery such that at least a portion of the inner face of the battery label contacts the external surface of the battery.

[0008] In yet another aspect, a multilayer battery label is provided which comprises an outer layer assembly including (i) a first layer of polymeric material, the layer of polymeric material defining an outer face of the battery label, and (ii) a first layer of an adhesive disposed on the layer of polymeric material. The first layer of the adhesive defines an inwardly directed face. The battery label also comprises a plurality of spaced apart material islands disposed on the inwardly directed face of the layer of the adhesive, each island including (iii) a second layer of polymeric material and (iv) a second layer of an adhesive disposed on the second layer of polymeric material, the second layer of adhesive defining an inner face of the battery label. [0009] And, in still another aspect, a labeled battery is provided that comprises a battery defining an external surface, and the previously noted multilayer battery label applied about the battery such that at least a portion of the inner face of the battery label contacts the external surface of the battery.

[0010] As will be realized, the subject matter described herein is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of a representative embodiment battery label.

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective schematic view of the label of Figure 1 and a battery disposed on an inner face of the label prior to application of the label to the battery.

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective schematic view of the battery and label of Figure 2 after application of the label to the battery.

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective schematic view of another representative embodiment battery label.

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective schematic view of the label of Figure 4 and a battery disposed on an inner face of the label prior to application of the label to the battery.

[0016] Figure 6 is a perspective schematic view of the battery and label of Figure 5 after application of the label to the battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Battery labels are described which are puncture resistant, and preferably puncture- proof. In certain applications, the la bels are used to replace a metal wall or metallic case such as a stainless steel shell conventionally used as a battery outer wall.

[0018] Figures 1-3 illustrate a representative embodiment multilayer battery label 10. The label 10 comprises a layer of a first film 20, a layer of a first adhesive 30 disposed on the layer of the first film 20, a layer of alternating regions of a second film 40 and a third film 50 disposed on the layer of the first adhesive 30, and a layer of a second adhesive 60 disposed on the layer of the second and third films 40 and 50, respectively. The second adhesive 60 defines an inner face 62 of the battery label 10. And, the layer of the first film 20 defines an oppositely directed outer face 22 of the battery label 10. Details as to the first, second, and third film materials; and the first and second adhesives are described below.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective schematic view of the battery label 10 of Figure 1 with a battery 70 prior to application of the label 10 thereto. The battery 70 is centrally disposed on the inner face 62 of the label 10. Prior to and during label application, the battery 70 is generally contacted with the adhesive inner face 62 of the label 10.

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective schematic view of the battery 70 having the battery label 10 applied about the battery 70, to thereby form a la beled battery 100.

[0021] Figures 4-6 illustrate another representative embodiment multilayer battery label 110. The label 110 differs from the previously described label 10 by having a plurality of spaced apart material regions or "islands" that generally define an inner face of the label. The size, height, and arrangement of the material islands are largely dependent upon the shape and size of the battery to receive the label. By using material regions or islands spaced apart from one another, interference between inner portions of the label is avoided when wrapping the label about a battery. The label 110 comprises a layer of a first film 120, a layer of a first adhesive 130 disposed on the layer of the first film 120, a layer of spaced apart regions of a second film 140 disposed on the layer of the first adhesive 130, and a layer of a second adhesive 160 disposed on the layer of regions of the second film 140. The second adhesive 160 defines an inner face 162 of the battery label 110. And, the layer of the first film 120 defines an oppositely directed outer face 122 of the battery label 110. Details as to the first and second film materials; and the first and second adhesives are described below.

[0022] Referring further to Figure 4, the label 110 comprises a plurality of spaced apart material regions or islands, illustrated in Figure 4 as islands A, B, C, D, and E. Typically, island C is centrally disposed along the length L of the label 110 defined by the layers 120 and 130. Label 110 also has a width W as shown in Figure 4. Islands B and D are spaced on opposite sides of the middle island C, and symmetrically arranged relative to island C. Islands A and E are spaced distally from islands B and D, respectively, and are typically each positioned along distal edges of the label 110. Although a wide array of arrangements, configurations, and shapes are contemplated for the islands, a representative configuration is as follows. The islands B and D are each spaced from corresponding side edges of the middle island C, a distance shown in Figure 4 as The distance l_x is generally equal to the thickness or height of layers 140 and 160 constituting each of the islands, shown in Figure 4 as height h. The islands A and E are each spaced from corresponding side edges of the islands B and D a distance shown in Figure 4 as l₂. The distance l₂ is generally equal to li and thus equal to the thickness or height of layers 140 and 160 constituting each of the islands. The dimensions I and h are each equal to the thickness of a battery to which the label 110 is applied. The length of each of the islands A and E is generally equal to one half of the length of island C. The width of each of the islands A-E is generally equal to the width W of the label 110. All references to length are taken along spans that are parallel with the length L of the label 110 shown in Figure 4. And all references to width are taken along spans that are parallel with the width W of the label 110. [0023] Figure 5 is a perspective schematic view of the battery label 110 of Figure 4 with a battery 170 prior to application of the label 110 thereto. The battery 170 is centrally disposed on the inner face 162 of the label 110. Prior to and during label application, the battery 170 is typically contacted with the adhesive inner face 162 of the label 110.

[0024] Figure 6 is a perspective schematic view of the battery 170 having the battery label 110 applied about the battery 170, to thereby form a labeled battery 200.

[0025] The material of the first film in layers 20 and 120 can be any appropriate material used in the labeling arts such as a graphic carrier label or film facestock typically used in pressure sensitive adhesive labels. In certain embodiments, the material for the first film in layers 20 and 120 is one or more of polyethylene (PE), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, and/or combinations thereof. The film is typically transparent, however films having other optical characteristics could be used. The thickness of the film for layers 20 and 120 is typically from about 20 μιη to about 150 μιη, and generally about 50 μιη. In certain versions, the first film is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a thickness of 25 μιη.

[0026] The material of the second film in layers 40 and 140 is one or more of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene napthalate (PEN), polycarbonate, and/or combinations thereof. The film has a thickness of from about 50 μιη to about 300 μιη, with typical thicknesses depending upon the particular application. In certain versions, the second film includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a thickness of 150 μιη.

[0027] The material of the third film, e.g. layer 50 of the label 10 depicted in Figures 1-3, is a polyurethane (PU), however other relatively soft materials could be used. The thickness of the third film is typically from about 10 μιη to about 300 μιη. In certain versions, the third film comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) having a thickness of 150 μιη. [0028] The adhesive used in the first adhesive layer such as layers 30 and 130 is a pressure sensitive adhesive or structural adhesive. A representative adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive commercially available from Avery Dennison Corporation under the designation FASSON S333. The FASSON S333 adhesive is an emulsion acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive. The S333 adhesive is a general purpose industrial grade clear adhesive. Another representative adhesive that may be used is FASSON DS015 which is a solvent adhesive also available from Avery Dennison. The thickness of the first adhesive layer is from about 10 μιη to about 40 μιη and typically about 25 μιη.

[0029] The adhesive used in the second adhesive layer such as layers 60 and 160 is a pressure sensitive adhesive. A representative adhesive is commercially available from Henkel Corporation under the designation DU O-TAK 180-S225A. The DURO-TAK 180-S225A adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive useful for a wide range of applications. Another representative adhesive that can be used is FASSON DS017, which is available from Avery Dennison. The thickness of the second adhesive layer is from about 10 μιη to about 40 μιη and is typically about 25 μιη.

[0030] It is contemplated that a wide array of adhesives could be used for the first and/or the second adhesives described in the battery labels 10 and 110. For example, a wide array of emulsion and solvent-based acrylic and formulated pressure sensitive adhesives could potentially be used. Acrylic adhesives based upon acrylic esters such as 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) and ethyl acrylate are contemplated. In certain versions, the adhesive used in all layers of the battery labels is the same adhesive such as a pressure sensitive acrylic solvent adhesive. A representative example of such an adhesive is ETERAC 7017 from Eternal Chemical Co., Limited, of China.

[0031] Table 1 set forth below, lists several combinations of materials and layer thicknesses for battery labels corresponding to the representative embodiment battery label 110 depicted in Figures 4-6. The reference "S333" refers to the previously noted FASSON S333 adhesive. The reference "S225A" refers to the previously noted DURO-TAK 180-S225A adhesive. Table 1 - Representative Preferred Battery Labels

[0032] In Table 1, the battery label Example 7 used alternating regions of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film for the second layer of the battery label, e.g. films 40 and 50 in Figure 1 for example. The battery label Example 8 also used alternating regions of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film for the second layer of the battery label.

[0033] Table 2 set forth below, presents additional details and testing results concerning the battery la bels of Examples 7 and 8 noted in Table 1.

Table 2 - Aspects and Properties of Battery Labels

The puncture resistance measurements of the battery labels of Examples 7 and 8 were taken at two locations of the battery labels. For the puncture resistance measurements referring to "PET", the measurement was made at a location on the label at which the PET film in film layer 2 extended. Thus, the resistance measurement was made with respect to puncture of the battery label through the PET film in layer 2. Similarly, for the puncture resistance measurements referring to "TPU", the measurement was made at a location on the label at which the TPU film in film layer 2 extended. Thus, the resistance measurement was made with respect to puncture of the battery label through the TPU film in layer 2.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the battery label 10 is applied or "wrapped" about a battery 70 by positioning the battery 70 along the inner face 62 of the label, and in certain embodiments along a central location of the label 10. The opposite ends of the label 10 are then "wrapped" around the battery. The length of the label is such that the label ends abut one another.

[0035] Referring to Figures 4-6, the battery label 110 is applied or wrapped about a battery 170 in a similar fashion as described in conjunction with the battery and label of Figures 1-3. However, one of several particular techniques may be undertaken when positioning the label 110 about the battery 170.

[0036] Referring to Figure 5 for example, when wrapping the ends of the label 110 about the battery 170, the la bel may be folded about or along an edge Ai defined along an interior edge of island A. Similarly, the label may be folded about or along an edge Ei defined along an interior edge of island E. In this folding technique, the edges Ai, and Ei, are received in the corresponding valleys defined between islands A and B, and islands D and E, respectively. The result of this folding technique is depicted in the labeled battery shown in Figure 6. In an alternate technique, the label 110 may be folded about or along an edge B_x defined along the island B. The edge B_x is outwardly directed and faces the edge A₁₍ of the island A. Similarly, in this alternate technique, the label 110 is folded about or along an edge Di defined along the island D. The edge Di is outwardly directed and faces the edge Ei of the island E. In both techniques, the inner face portions of the islands B and D are placed alongside and typically in contact with the sides of the battery 170. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, in wrapping the label 110 about the battery 170, an inner face B₂ of the island B is positioned alongside a side 173 of the battery 170; and an inner face D₂ of the island D is positioned alongside a side 171 of the battery 170. It will be appreciated that the present subject matter includes a wide array of folding techniques and practices.

[0037] It will be understood that the present subject matter includes labels and batteries having a wide range of different dimensions relative to one another. For example, referring to Figures 2 and 5 for example in which batteries 70 and 170 are depicted residing on labels 10 and 110 respectively, it will be understood that the width of the battery can be less than the width of the label (the width dimension depicted in Figure 4). Alternatively, the width of the battery can be equal to the width of the label. It is also contemplated that in certain embodiments, the width of the battery could be greater than the width of the label. Furthermore, referring to Figure 2, it will be noted that the length of the battery 70 is greater than the length of the second film 40, and thus the length of the layer 40 is less than the length of the battery. The present subject matter includes embodiments in which the second film 40 has a length equal to, or greater than the length of the battery 70. Moreover, referring to Figure 5, it will be noted that the length of the battery 170 is less than the length of the island C, and thus the length of the island C is greater than the length of the battery. The present subject matter includes embodiments in which the island C (and the layers 140 and 160 constituting the island C) has a length that is equal to or less than the length of the battery 170.

[0038] Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology. [0039] As described hereinabove, the present subject matter overcomes many problems associated with previous strategies, systems and/or devices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of components, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present subject matter, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the claimed subject matter, as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A multilayer battery label, the label comprising:

a first layer of a first polymeric material, the first layer defining an outer face of the battery label;

a second layer of a first adhesive material, the second layer of the first adhesive material disposed on the first layer of the first polymeric material;

a third layer of a second polymeric material disposed on the second layer of the first adhesive material,

a fourth layer of a second adhesive material disposed on the third layer of the second polymeric material, the fourth layer of the second adhesive material defining an inner face of the battery label.

2. The multilayer battery label of claim 1 wherein the third layer also includes a third polymeric material.

3. The multilayer battery la bel of claim 2 wherein the second polymeric material and the third polymeric material are alternatingly arranged within the third layer.

4. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 1-3 wherein the first polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, and combinations thereof.

5. The multilayer battery la bel of any one of claims 1-4 wherein the second polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene napthalate (PEN), polycarbonate, and combinations thereof.

6. The multilayer battery label of claim 3 wherein the third polymeric material is polyurethane (PU).

7. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 1-6 wherein the first layer of the first polymeric material has a thickness of from about 20 μιη to a bout 150 μιη.

8. The multilayer battery la bel of any one of claims 1-7 wherein the second layer of the first adhesive material has a thickness of from about 10 μιη to about 40 μιη.

9. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 1-8 wherein the third layer of the second polymeric material has a thickness of from about 50 μιη to about 300 μιη.

10. The multilayer battery la bel of any one of claims 1-9 wherein the fourth layer of the second adhesive material has a thickness of from about 10 μιη to about 40 μιη.

11. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 1-10 wherein the first adhesive material is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

12. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 1-11 wherein the second adhesive material is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

13. The multilayer battery label of claim 2 wherein the first and the second polymeric materials are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the third polymeric material is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and the first and the second adhesive materials are a pressure sensitive acrylic solvent adhesive.

14. A labeled battery comprising:

a battery defining an external surface; and

the multilayer battery label of any one of claims 1-13 applied about the battery such that at least a portion of the inner face of the battery label contacts the external surface of the battery.

15. A multilayer battery label, the label comprising:

a plurality of spaced apart material regions disposed on the second layer, each material region including a third layer of a second polymeric material disposed on the second layer, and a fourth layer of a second adhesive material disposed on the third layer.

16. The multilayer battery label of claim 15 wherein the first polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, and combinations thereof.

17. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 15-16 wherein the second polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyethylene napthalate (PEN), polycarbonate, and combinations thereof.

18. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 15-17 wherein the first layer of the first polymeric material has a thickness of from about 20 μιη to about 150 μιη.

19. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 15-18 wherein the second layer of the first adhesive material has a thickness of from about 10 μιη to about 40 μιη.

20. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 15-19 wherein the third layer of the second polymeric material has a thickness of from about 50 μιη to about 300 μιη.

21. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 15-20 wherein the fourth layer of the second adhesive material has a thickness of from about 10 μιη to about 40 μιη.

22. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 15-21 wherein the first adhesive material is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

23. The multilayer battery label of any one of claims 15-22 wherein the second adhesive material is a pressure sensitive adhesive.

24. A labeled battery comprising:

a battery defining an external surface; and the multilayer battery label of any one of claims 15-23 applied about the battery such that at least a portion of the inner face of the battery label contacts the external surface of the battery.

25. A multilayer battery label comprising:

an outer layer assembly including (i) a first layer of polymeric material, the layer of polymeric material defining an outer face of the battery label, and (ii) a first layer of an adhesive disposed on the layer of polymeric material, the first layer of the adhesive defining an inwardly directed face; and

a plurality of spaced apart material islands disposed on the inwardly directed face of the layer of the adhesive, each island including (iii) a second layer of polymeric material and (iv) a second layer of an adhesive disposed on the second layer of polymeric material, the second layer of adhesive defining an inner face of the battery label.

26. The multilayer battery label of claim 25 wherein the plurality of spaced apart islands includes a first central island disposed between a second island and a third island.

27. The multilayer battery of claim 26 wherein the distance between the first island and the second island is equal to the distance between the first island and the third island.

28. The multilayer battery of claim 26 wherein the distance between the first island and the second island is equal to the total thickness of the second layer of polymeric material and the second layer of adhesive constituting the islands.

29. The multilayer battery label of claim 25 wherein the plurality of islands includes a total of five islands.

30. A labeled battery comprising:

a battery defining an external surface; and

the multilayer battery label of any one of claims 24-29 applied about the battery such that at least a portion of the inner face of the battery label contacts the external surface of the battery.