CN102781784B - Apply the system and method for heat transfer label - Google Patents

Abstract

Describe deformable tag processor and relevant method.Treater is heated and near label as heat transfer label, with by one or more design from label be applied to container or other on the surface.Treater and method are very suitable for label to be applied on compound curved surface.Also illustrate the large-scale label applying method using the assembly of multiple tag processor.Also illustrate and labelling in operation for optionally making label area contact and other assemblies adhered on the container of movement and method.

Description

Apply the system and method for heat transfer label

Cross reference related application

This application claims the preceence of the international application no PCT/US2010/43343 submitted on July 27th, 2010 and be the part continuation application of this application, international application no PCT/US2010/43343 requires the U.S. Provisional Application number 61/228 submitted on July 27th, 2009,719, in the U.S. Provisional Application number 61/299 that on January 29th, 2010 submits to, 165 and the rights and interests of U.S. Provisional Application numbers 61/296,715 submitted on January 20th, 2010.The application also requires the preceence of the U. S. application numbers 12/853,429 submitted on August 10th, 2010 and is the part continuation application of this application.The application also requires the U. S. application number 12/532 submitted on September 24th, 2009, the preceence of 845 and be the part continuation application of this application, U. S. application number 12/532,845 be on April 4th, 2008 submit to PCT/US2008/59397 371, and require the U.S. Provisional Application number 60/910 submitted on April 5th, 2007,282 and the rights and interests of U.S. Provisional Application number 60/938,019 submitted on May 15th, 2007.The application also requires the U. S. application number 12/237 submitted on September 25th, 2008, the preceence of 737 and be the part continuation application of this application, U. S. application number 12/237,737 is the part continuation applications of PCT/US2008/59397 submitted on April 4th, 2008, and require the U.S. Provisional Application number 60/910 submitted on April 5th, 2007,282 and the rights and interests of U.S. Provisional Application number 60/938,019 submitted on May 15th, 2007.The application also requires the U. S. application number 12/237 submitted on September 25th, 2008, the preceence of 761 and be the part continuation application of this application, U. S. application number 12/237,761 is the part continuation applications of PCT/US2008/59397 submitted on April 4th, 2008, and require the U.S. Provisional Application number 60/910 submitted on April 5th, 2007,282 and the rights and interests of U.S. Provisional Application number 60/938,019 submitted on May 15th, 2007.The application also requires the rights and interests of the U.S. Provisional Application numbers 60/299,151 submitted on January 27th, 2010.All aforementioned application are incorporated to herein with its entirety by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to and heat transfer label is applied to the curved surface particularly equipment of compound curved surface and method.The invention still further relates to labelled method, particularly heat transfer label is applied to the method for container.The invention particularly relates to the applying of label on container curved surface and zero defect remains thereon.

Background technology

Label is applied on container or bottle to provide information such as the supplier of container or the inclusion of container to be known.Such container and bottle can have various shape and size, to hold many dissimilar materials as washer solvent, pharmaceutical chemicals, personal care product, motor oil, beverage etc.

Polymeric film material and face material are used as label in every field.For many application, to polymeric labels, the demand of especially transparent polymeric labels constantly increases, because they provide without label look for decorative glasses and plastic container.Paper label hinders the observability of inclusion in container and/or container.Transparent polymeric labels adds the visual aesthetic feeling of container and product therefore.In package decoration market, polymeric labels universal just with than paper label speed increment faster, this is because consumer products companies just constantly attempts the outward appearance of its product of renewal.Polymeric film labels also has the mechanical characteristics than paper label excellence, as stronger pulling strengrth and wear ability.

Traditional polymer pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) label be usually difficult to adhere to smoothly the container with curved surface and/or complicated shape and not wrinkling on curved surface, play thorn (darting) or arch upward (lifting).As a result, heat shrinkable sleeve label (heat shrink sleeve label) is generally used to this kind ofly have complex-curved container.The operation of labelling of sleeve type label is by using following process and method to implement: this process and method form pipe or the sleeve of heat shrink films, the pipe of described heat shrink films or sleeve are placed on container and also heat so that shrink film, to fit with the size and dimension of container.Alternatively, container be retracted label use following methods fully wrap up: wherein direct volume continuously from membrane material by shrink film is applied on container, then heats the label of parcel and container are fitted.But, in bottle applying labels that is simple or compound shape operates, in the process during applying label or after applying label, often there is label defect.The label of these misuses causes the extra treatment step of many waste materials or possibility high cost.

Therefore, it is desirable that such method: wherein design and/or mark and can be applied to curved surface, especially compound curved surface, and do not have defect to occur.

Eliminate or reduce the advantage that foregoing problems also can produce other, as reduced the total capital cost of process equipment, reduce the ground space relevant to label application process, increase equipment life by reducing heat exposure, and increase conformability and the reliability of method due to process simplification.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides the improvement of operation of labelling, labelling especially by hot transfer printing is applied to the improvement of the method for goods by design.

The difficulty relevant to previously known system and method and shortcoming are overcome in the present process and apparatus, this method and equipment relate to the flexible member of heat, this element uses heat transfer label assembly easily and as one man one or more designs is applied to container, especially there is the container of compound curved surface, and zero defect occurs.

On the one hand, the invention provides and execute heating transfer design to the method for container from carrier element or sheet material.Hot transfer printing design comprises the region being placed on ink on carrier element or other coloured preparations.Method comprises provides tag processor, and tag processor comprises the hard framework of second that (i) defines first surface and relative orientation, and described framework defines the opening extended between the first face and the second face; (ii) flexible member, its be adjacent to the first surface of described framework and second at least one place and extend through the opening of framework, and protruding from second of described framework.Flexible member is defined for the outside face of contact carrier element.Flexible member also limits the interior hollow region that can pass in and out from the first surface of described framework.Label contact force is applied to element from after second outwardly directed part of framework, flexible member is deformable.Method also comprises heating flexible member.Method comprises further and hot transfer printing design and carrier element being placed between the outside face of flexible member and container.Method comprises in addition makes the outside face of flexible member contact with carrier element, and hot transfer printing design is contacted with container.Method also comprises label contact force is applied to flexible member, and by this, flexible member is out of shape, and hot transfer printing design is transferred to container at least in part.

On the other hand, the invention provides the label processing system comprising heat transfer label, heat transfer label comprises carrier element or sheet material, and the region of the ink be placed on carrier element or other coloured preparation.Label processing system also comprises tag processor, for heating and make label contacting container simultaneously.Tag processor comprises the hard framework of second that (i) defines first surface and relative orientation, and described framework defines the opening extended between the first face and the second face; (ii) flexible member, its be adjacent to the first surface of described framework and second at least one place and extend through the opening of framework, and protruding from second of described framework.Flexible member is defined for the outside face of contact label.Flexible member also limits the interior hollow region that can pass in and out from the first surface of described framework.Label contact force is applied to element from after second outwardly directed part of framework, flexible member deformable.

As recognized, the present invention can carry out other and different embodiments, and its many details can change in all fields, does not allly depart from the present invention.Therefore, accompanying drawing and description are regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 is the diagram of the representative container with compound curved surface.

Fig. 2 is the diagram of Fig. 1 container with label, and wherein label is applied to the outside face of container ideally and extends in the region of compound curved surface.

Fig. 3 is the diagram of Fig. 1 container having label and play thorn (dart), and a transfixation produces after being everlasting and using existing known technology to be applied to container.

Fig. 4 is the perspective illustration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention flexible member.

Fig. 5 is the lateral plan of the flexible member shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is the front elevation of the flexible member shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is the perspective view according to the flexible member kept in preferred implementation frame assembly and shell (enclosure) and support of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the interior zone of flexible member, frame assembly and the shell disclosed described in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is the rear view of flexible member in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, frame assembly and shell.

Figure 10 is the section-drawing of the flexible member of AA along the line in Fig. 9, frame assembly and shell.

Figure 11 is the front elevation according to preferred flexible element of the present invention and another preferred implementation frame assembly.

Figure 12 is the transparent view of preferred implementation frame assembly shown in the Figure 11 not with flexible member.

Figure 13 is the transparent view of the container with label, is wherein partly adhered to container according to the preferred method of the present invention label.

Figure 14 is the birds-eye view of container and the part adheres label described in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is diagram according to the label of Figure 13 and 14 of the preferred process of the present invention and the schematic diagram that contacts at first between container and preferred flexible member.

Figure 16 be illustrated in the state shown in Figure 15 after the schematic diagram of contact further between label and container and flexible member.

Figure 17 be illustrated in the state shown in Figure 16 after the schematic diagram of contact further between label and container and flexible member.

Figure 18 be illustrated in the state shown in Figure 17 after the schematic diagram of contact further between label and container and flexible member.

Figure 19 be illustrated in the state shown in Figure 18 after the schematic diagram of contact further between label and container and flexible member.Figure 19 illustrates the typical roll-in structure towards more after-stage that flexible member adopts.

Figure 20 is that diagram causes owing to contacting with the container with curved outer profile the transparent view that flexible member is out of shape.

Figure 21 is for multiple label to be applied to the flexible member of multiple container and the preferred assembly of frame assembly simultaneously.

Figure 22 is the top perspective view of the preheating assembly used together with the assembly in Figure 21.

Figure 23 is the top perspective view of the assembly described in the Figure 21 with other accessory.

Figure 24 is the schematic elevational view according to another preferred implementation flexible member of the present invention.

Figure 25 is the schematic elevational view according to another preferred implementation flexible member of the present invention.

Figure 26 is the front elevation of the representative guide rail of the shape of container corresponding to label.

Figure 27 is the transparent view changing assembly according to the preferred implementation with flexible member of the present invention fast.

Figure 28 is the transparent view of the set according to quick change assembly of the present invention.

Figure 29 is the front elevation of the assembly set described in Figure 28.

Figure 30 is the front elevation of the set changing assembly fast, each air bag (bladder) using different size.

Figure 31 is that representational container and part execute tagged transparent view.

Figure 32 is the plan view from above of container and the label described in Figure 31.

Figure 33 is the transparent view scraping brush assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 34 is the transparent view scraping the preferred implementation strigil element used in brush assembly at Figure 33.

The preferred implementation that label area is applied to container by Figure 35 diagram scrapes brush assembly.

The structure of Figure 36 and 37 schematically diagram container and part contact label.

Figure 38 and 39 schematically diagram container and part contact label another structure.

Figure 40 and 41 schematically diagram container and part contact label another structure.

Figure 42-44 and 46-49 schematically describes the method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 45 is illustrated in the undesirably state that may occur potentially in operating process of labelling.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention provides for label and film being applied to the further improvement of curved surface as the strategy on the outer curved surface of various container, method, accessory and equipment.Although the present invention mainly describes, and heat transfer label or associated component are applied to container, should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to container.But the present invention can be used to various label or film to be applied on the surface of the goods of almost any type.Heat transfer label is particularly applied on container curved surface by the present invention.Further, the present invention also particularly by label as on the compound curved surface of heat transfer label is applied to various container.Although provide the description of various preferred equipment at this about applying pressure-sensitive label and/or shrink label, should be appreciated that described preferred equipment and related accessory also can be labelled with hot transfer printing and be combined.

At this with reference to the container with curved surface or compound curved surface.Curved surface is the surface limited by the line along crooked route movement.Compound curved surface is the curved surface of specific type, and wherein previously mentioned line is curve.The example of compound curved surface includes but not limited to: the outside face of spheroid, hyperbolic paraboloid and dome.Should be appreciated that the present invention can be used to label and film are applied on the surface of wide model kind, comprise flat surfaces and simple curved surface.But as explained in more detail herein, the present invention is particularly suitable for label and film to be applied on compound curved surface.

Hot transfer printing is labelled

Widely used is that hot transfer printing is labelled by the design method be imprinted on goods.The method uses paper substrate with label or sheet material usually, and label comprises peel ply, design is imprinted on peel ply with ink or other coloured preparation.In a successful hot transfer decorative technology, by goods are transported to transfer position, use heat and pressure, label is transferred to bottle or other goods, and the sheet material wherein carrying label is pressed towards goods and is transferred on the outside face of goods namely to be designed by label.

According to a further aspect in the invention, various tag processor, especially its corresponding flexible member, be used to other goods one or more designs being applied to container, bottle or concern from sheet material or other transferring member.Preferred implementation tag processor and flexible member thereof are highly suitable for hot transfer printing and label operation, are especially very suitable for design to be applied to compound curved surface.

More specifically, the invention provides hot transfer printing labeling method, it uses the decorative layers compressing tablet comprising design, designs and is transferred to goods from carrier element or sheet material.Carrier element or sheet material are heated to the first temperature, and this allows the design of decorative layers compressing tablet to be separated from carrier element.In some embodiments, the surface of flexible member is advantageously in the second slightly low temperature.In other embodiments, the surface of flexible member is in the second temperature of the temperature higher than sheet material.Still having in other embodiment, under the surface of flexible member is in the temperature identical with the temperature of sheet material.Decorative layers compressing tablet and design are pressed towards goods, form adhesive bond with goods.After flexible member is recalled, the design that carrier element or sheet material are easy to from adhering to now or be otherwise placed on goods is separated.In the following description, heat transfer label assembly generally comprises decorative layers compressing tablet, and decorative layers compressing tablet comprises the design that one or more will be transferred to corresponding goods.Further, heat transfer label assembly also comprises carrier element with decorative layers compressing tablet or sheet material.Heat transfer label assembly can comprise one or more peel ply be between decorative layers compressing tablet and sheet material, is beneficial to design from sheet separation.Decorative layers compressing tablet also can comprise other composition as the skin of hot transfer printing adhesives.After decorative layers compressing tablet contact goods, adhesives promotes that design keeps and adheres to goods.

In a preferred embodiment, heat transfer label assembly comprises non-wax based adhesive/peel ply, and it directly contacts with carrier element or sheet material.When carrier element is heated, adhesives/peel ply is used as the peel ply allowing decorative layers compressing tablet to be separated from carrier, and when being pressed towards goods when decorative layers compressing tablet and being transferred to goods from sheet material, adhesives/peel ply is used as adhesives.Heat transfer label assembly can at adhesives/comprise cerul peel ply between peel ply and carrier.By heating carrier element, non-wax adhesive/peel ply is softened, and is separated from carrier element during transfer printing.This layer also can be used as to form the adhesives of permanent bond with goods during transfer printing.

Heat transfer label assembly comprises ink design further.Optionally, heat transfer label assembly comprises the protective coating on ink layer.But this layer also can be omitted in numerous applications.

Optionally, heat transfer label assembly is at adhesives/comprise barrier layere further between peel ply and ink layer.At this barrier layere be included for preventing in ink sorptive to non-wax adhesive/peel ply.

The advantage that this embodiment has is, decorative layers compressing tablet could be designed or comprise halftone color (halftone color) multi-color decorative design by monochrome decoration forms.Another advantage of this embodiment is that decorative layers compressing tablet can be transferred to the goods of almost any type, no matter its shape or face bend degree, and does not cause the distortion of the design marking.Therefore, goods can be such as made up of pottery, glass, plastics, foil paper (paper foil) and various polymeric material, and the transfer printing substrate surface will shifted on it can be smooth or comprise compound curved surface, irregular surface or concave surface.As described in detail, for some application, design (one or more) goods be transferred on it are fabric or textiles, comprise textile material and nonwoven cloth material.

The heat transfer label assembly of preferred implementation comprises paper or sheet material, and it has the various layers forming decorative layers compressing tablet at coated on one side.Decorative layers compressing tablet generally comprises and the protective coating on the ink layer of the resinous coat of carrier contact (that is, adhesives/peel ply), covering resin coating and ink layer.

Still having in another embodiment, various tag processor as described herein can be labelled with hot transfer printing and permeable or " breathable " adhesives is combined design to be applied on fabric, textiles and analogue.

There is provided the representative heat transfer label of permeable adhesive and/or ink as follows.Typically, heat transfer label has four layers: temporary carrier layer, mark layer, hot transfer printing adhesive phase and being between mark layer and carrier and the peel ply contacted with it.After being in application on fabric, label is placed on fabric, hot transfer printing adhesive phase and clothing in contact.Executing tagged method can by any one of many known labeling methods---directly attaching, bias laid (tip on), blow subsides (blown on) etc.---completes and with Post RDBMS.Preferably, tag processor as described herein and flexible member thereof are used to mark layer and hot transfer printing adhesive phase to be applied to fabric.

Can be heated by the side of temporary carrier.Then temporary carrier is removed from peel ply, and the mark only leaving printing is attached to fabric face by adhesives.Temporary carrier and peel ply form the carrier part of label, and it is used as the carrier of label but is not transferred to fabric.Mark layer and hot transfer printing adhesive phase form the transfer section of label, and it will be transferred on fabric.Each layer in the transfer section of label is preferably breathable.Each layer in carrier part needs not to be breathable, because it is not transferred to fabric.

Heat transfer label can comprise at least one with lower floor further at transfer section: the white layer between mark layer and adhesive phase, hyaline layer between mark layer and peel ply, and the hyaline layer when using white layer between white layer and adhesive phase.White layer can provide contrast background color for mark, does not have obvious deviation to make the outward appearance of mark with the color of fabric.Hyaline layer can be used to protection mark layer and change the adhesive bonding property of mark layer to peel ply.Another hyaline layer can be used to change the adhesive bonding property between adhesive phase and white layer.

Carrying carrier or sheet material provide mechanical strength for label construction, are convenient to process and operation.It also allows labei sheet rolled-up or stacking to store until carry out further processing or being attached to article of apparel.Paper or polymer film can be used as supporting body.Preferred supporting body is that heat stabilized polymer film is as PET.Multiple material can be used to supporting body, carrier element or sheet material.Except the material mentioned, also consider that fabric, textiles, nonwoven fabrics and textile material can be used as supporting body herein.Also consider that heat transfer label assembly can comprise one or more fabrics or textle layers.Consider the combination of all these materials.The preferred thickness of supporting body film is 2 to 7 mil thick.Be more preferably 4 to 6 mils.

Peel ply is low melting material, and it has suitable adhesive bonding property for mark layer or clear coat when deployed.Suitable adhesive bonding property digit synbol or clear coat can be placed on peel ply, but also can be separated from peel ply in hot transfer process.The release liner of peel ply can be wax-based material or polysiloxane.Release liner may further include polymer adhesive with other additive as delustrant.When selecting wax to be used for release liner, the wax of some types can on the surface of the ventilative label of hot transfer printing generation after stain, and hydrophilic wax is preferred.The preferred melting range of wax is 70 to 150 DEG C.More preferably use melting range at the wax of 100 to 120 DEG C.An example of hydrophilic wax is Unithox D-300, from the nonionic wax emulsion of Baker Petrolite, and 23.5% solid.Another example is the E6 release liner that can derive from Avery Dennison RIS division.Wax layer can be solvent-based or water base, and can comprise the additive of identical with the layer of the transfer section of label group, and this will discuss in detail following.Wax layer can be printed or be coated with.The thickness of wax peel ply between about 1 to about 10 micron, but more preferably between about 1 to about 5 micron.

In some embodiments, the every one deck being attached to the heat transfer label of goods preferably shows permeability to air, that is, allow moisture to penetrate through.Permeability to air stems from the use of the poly-mer that can form ventilative film.Those polymeric nature be hydrophilic and form monolithic membrane that is, there is no the film of the interconnection structure of micropore.The permeability to air of these hydrophilic polymers is that molecular water is along the diffusion of hydrophilic polymer side chain and the result with conduction.This mechanism is described in detail in J.Mater.Chem., and in 2007,17,2775-2784, it is incorporated to herein by reference with its entirety.Hydrophilic polymer also can absorption condensation water allow water to pass through polymer film, and this process is commonly referred to water wicking (waterwicking).

Ventilative hydrophilic polymer comprises aqueous based dispersions and Solvent based dispersions.The example of water-based hydrophilic polymeric dispersions comprises Permax 202, Permax 230, Permax 300 and Permax803, and all these is from the Lubrizol Corp. of Ohio, USA Wickliffe.Preferred hydrophilic ventilative poly-mer has the polyalkylene oxide of grafting as the part of side chain instead of main chain, if Lubnin etc. is at U.S. Patent number 6, described in 897,281.The dispersions of polyurethanes that Permax 230 right and wrong are ion stabilized, solid values is 33%.The MVTR value using its desciccator diaphragm when erectting water tumbler (uprightwater cup) (ASTM E-96B) is 500g/m ²/ sky, using when reversing water tumbler (inverted water cup) (ASTM E-96BW) is 4500g/m ²/ sky.When at the temperature higher than 250 ℉ during melting, Permax 230 also has the melt viscosity allowing it to flow into fabric, makes it can ideally for preparing ventilative hotmelt.

The example of solvent-based hydrophilic polymer comprises the ventilative polyurethane SU-55-074 from Stahl Corp, and it is the solution of 30% solid in toluene/IPA compound.Use polyisocyanate as the HDI tripolymer Coronate HXLV from Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., such poly-mer also can be cross-linked through carbamate groups.Preferred solvent for such poly-mer comprises propylene and dipropylene glycol.

Except hydrophilic polymer, in transfer section, the formulation of every layer may further include liquid-carrier, and one or more following components: poly-mer, wax, additive, pigment etc.Additive comprises chemical substance as wetting agent, rheology modifier, surface tension improvers, levelling agent, mold release etc.

Liquid-carrier can be water or solvent.The example of suitable solvent comprises dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetic acid esters, gamma-butyrolacton, n-ethyl pyrrolidone etc.When water is used as liquid-carrier, can still require to there is cosolvent, to contribute to stable formulation.Suitable cosolvent comprises propylene glycol, ester and glycol ether/ester.The example of cosolvent comprises dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetic acid esters and MPG series.

Wetting agent keeps the avidity of formulation during processing with wetting.The example of wetting agent comprises: the compound of MPG, dipropylene glycol, diethylene-glycol, glycerine etc. or glycol and wax, as the Aqualube AQ54 from Nazdar Corp.

Rheology modifier provides suitable flow characteristic for formulation.Concerning formulation, Newtonian flow performance or viscoelastic fluid flow performance are preferred.For screen printing, the viscosity of formulation is preferably 10,000cp to 100,000cp.For other printing process as flexographic printing or intaghlio printing, the viscosity of formulation preferably in lower scope, such as 5-250cp, and Newtonian flow performance is preferred.The example of rheology modifier comprises relevant Hdyrophilic polyurethane as the DSX1415 from Cognis Corp., and from the BorchiGel L75N of Borchers, or the thickening agent of alkali swellable is as the UCAR Polyphobes 102 and 106 from Dow Chemical.

Surface tension improvers or inhibiter can be anion or non-ionic.Preferably there is the non-ionic of low foaminq power and nonfluorinated.The example of suitable surface tension improvers comprises alkoxylated polysiloxane as the TegoWet 270 from Tego-Degussa or the BYK 319 from BYK Chemie, ethoxylated hydrocarbons is as the Triton CF-10 from Dow Chemical, or derived from the alcohol of acetylene as from Air Products and Chemicals, the Surfynol 104E of Inc..

Also defoamer can be used as the BYK 24,28,19 from BYK Chemie.

For mark layer and white layer, pigment is important.To be dispersed in water in advance or pigment paste in organic solvent is preferred.The example of such pigment comprises the pigment concentrate Aurasperse series from BASF.Such as, Aurasperse W-308 is the white TiO containing 71% solid ₂concentrate.It can be used in white background layer.Aurasperse W-7012 is the concentrated black pigment having 35% solid.It can be used in the black ink of color layer.

PH buffering agent also can be the part of formulation.The effect of buffering agent is by regulating the reactivity of crosslinking agent keep the pH value of formulation and extend the storage period of liquid ink.When using any type of alkali to cause thickening, pH buffering agent is also used to the rheological characteristic controlling formulation.Suitable pH buffering agent is DMAMP-80, and from the alkamine product of Dow Chemical, it is the 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl isophthalic acid-aqueous propanol solution of 80%.DMAMP-80 can make alkali swellable thickening agent as UCAR Polyphobes 102 and 106 thickening from Dow Chemical effectively.

Optional hyaline layer is used as protective cover or varnish to give the resistance to abrasion of label increase and resistance to scratch effect.It is also for regulating label to the adhesive bonding property supporting peel ply.This layer should be deposited uniformly.Preferred thickness is about 1 to about 20 micron.

Mark is colored designs layer, and it is for showing the visual information of label.This layer should be breathable, but permeability to air can be the function of the solid pigment inclusion of ink.For color layer, importantly use color pigment instead of dyestuff.Colored carriers in ink typically provides the resistibility to environmental factor of enhancing and does not demonstrate the tendency of heat sublimation.Preferred colored carriers for marking is organic pigment and inorganic pigment.The thickness of mark can be the function of pigment concentration (preferably meeting the requirements of the comparatively lower bound needed for color density or minimum) and permeability to air (more high better).Preferred thickness is about 10 to about 50 microns.

White background layer provides contrast background for colored designs layer.This layer should be printed equably and is breathable.Preferred thickness is about 20 to about 200 microns.It has all features of colored designs layer, in addition, it requires that the Chinese white of higher level deposits the pigment of > 50% (in the solid film compound), because its hiding power should exceed the background colour of the fabric that label combines.If the color of fabric substrate is white, white background layer can be optional.For this layer, no matter how are the color of fabric substrate or character, preferably consistent with mark background.This layer of preferred pigment is the TiO of silica or alumina treatment ₂, because they are also hydrophilic.

If white background layer is inadequate to the binding power of adhesive phase, optional hyaline layer is used as articulamentum.For some TiO ₂the white formulation that load is many, this especially requires.

The adhesive phase used in typical heat transfer label preferably meets following requirement: a) when heating until 5 to about 50 seconds time, melting and flowing in fabric between about 250-350 ℉, b) there is the high-temperature wash test that suitable modulus requires to tolerate some apparel manufacturer, and c) to syntheticfibres, there is suitable binding power.Adhesive thickness can in the scope between about 20 and about 500 microns.

Because after hot transfer process adhesive phase will with clothing in contact, and after therefore it is hidden in mark layer and other layer in use, thus have two kinds of methods make this layer ventilative: by using ventilative hotmelt, or by the style printing (pattern printing) of airtight hotmelt, or the combination of the two.When using style printing, binder deposition, in discrete position, makes to leave space between adhesives, so that moisture or condensed water can pass through.Ventilative adhesives can be used to fill the space between airtight adhesives at least in part.

When using ventilative heat transfer label described herein, typically, heat transfer label has at least 100g/m when measuring through ASTM 96E method D ²the MVTR in/sky.Preferably, when ASTM 96E method D measures, the MVTR scope of label is at 400 to 900g/m ²/ sky.

Should be appreciated that the hot transfer printing labeling method of preferred implementation is not limited to aforesaid specific label, carrier element and structure.But, the present invention includes and use preferred implementation equipment as described herein and tag processor to carry out the labelled plurality of optional method of hot transfer printing and scheme.Although about applying polymeric film labels, especially pressure-sensitive label and/or thermal contractive label provide the following description of various labeling apparatus in general manner, but be to be understood that, equipment also can be used to apply one or more designs, as the form of decorative layers compressing tablet from heat transfer label assembly.

Flexible member is used to apply label

Specifically, the invention provides flexible label applicator or processor elements and associated component, when using according to optimization technique as herein described, label is applied to by it curved surface does not have defect as played thorn and the adjoint problem generation such as wrinkling.This technology makes label be applied on container curved surface by using unique Synchronous Heating and wiping operation and does not have defect.

Flexible member, its various characteristic and for supporting and using the various framework of this element and associated component all to be encyclopaedized herein.In addition, the preferred aspect of the label and film that are applied to container also describes at this.And the preferred aspect of the adhesives relevant to label and other side and label details are described at this.In addition, all encyclopaedize at this by using flexible member to execute tagged method for optimizing.

Flexible member

The invention provides flexible member or barrier film, it is suitable for contact label, label assembly, film (one or more) or other similar accessory and exerts pressure to described label to make label contact and to adhere to vessel surface.Generally, label is applied to the outside face of container, and as previously mentioned, this container is bending or has bending profile or shape.In many cases, some region of container can have complex curve.The application of the invention, label can be applied on these areas in flawless mode.

Flexible member is sufficiently rigid so that element kept its shape before contact label (one or more) or container (one or more).Therefore this element non-excessively rigid be flexible, to make element after contact and in applying load as being easily out of shape under label contact force.This preferred characteristics is encyclopaedized at this, but it is deformable to mention that flexible member refers generally to.

Flexible member can be provided multiple difformity, size and structure, as long as it has described deformable characteristic.Preferably, flexible member limits outwardly surface or dome surface as convex surface, for contacting label and/or container.Flexible member also limits interior hollow region, preferably can pass in and out from the position that outwardly mating surfaces is contrary.

Flexible member provides heat to label and/or container to be also preferred.Therefore, flexible member is also at least partially and preferably preferred along its outwardly surface heat transmission along its outside face, so that this heat is reached label and/or container subsequently, especially when contacting label.Heat can be provided in a variety of ways along the surface of flexible member.But, provide thermal source normally preferred in flexible member inside.Then the heat of flexible member inside conducts as passed through the outside face being transferred to element by the wall of flexible member.Should be appreciated that the flexible member that the present invention includes without any heating arrangement.In this form of the present invention, one or more temperature booster is used to heating label and/or film.

Heat source preferred for flexible member is the electric resistance heater of flameless combustion device as electricity consumption.Alternatively, the dish that passes through of thermal medium or polydisc conduit also can be placed on the inside of flexible member.Another thermal source is still had directly to give thermal medium at the empty internal of flexible member.The example of such medium includes but not limited to air, other gas, fluid or flowable liquid.Such as, liquid hydrocarbon such as oil can be used to heat and/or the interior hollow region of filling flexible element.But air is usually preferred because its be easy to obtain and its seepage be not consider item.

Heating coil or heating unit are provided in the embodiment of flexible member inside, the particular configuration of coil pipe or unit can be provided to conduct heat to the desired region of flexible member, as the outer peripheral areas of cheese exterior surface area with optimization.Generally speaking, the preferable configuration of temperature booster or pattern depend on the concrete geometric configuration of the bottle that flexible member contacts and each label thereof.Preferably, oval or circular-mode can be used, and temperature booster is placed on the relative inner wall surface near flexible member along the region corresponding with the perimeter that label is applied in.This is preferred, because the label segment having adhered to container usually need not be heated, and such as bosom region.In this literary composition, this is encyclopaedized.

In the preferred form of flexible member, when element contacting container and label, outside dome area and be that its attached sidewall is bent, is out of shape and moves sometimes.Therefore, any heating arrangement is as normally preferred in stratie is not directly attached to flexible member.But the present invention considers such structure and arranges to be used.Such as, the heater element of flexible print can be applied to inside face or the outside face of flexible member.Also consider that the electric resistance heater of electricity consumption can be formed in flexible member or otherwise be placed in flexible member.

The cheese label contact outside face of heating flexible member can complete in almost any mode.Such as, multiple thermal source, heating arrangement and/or other technology can be used.In some applications, multiple temperature booster is used can be preferred.Such as, first temperature booster can be used to the air heating the interior hollow region entering flexible member.First temperature booster can be such as the electric resistance heater of electricity consumption.Second temperature booster may be provided in the inside of flexible member and relatively fixing.Second temperature booster can be the form of the electric resistance heater of electricity consumption or utilize one or more coil pipe, and coil pipe is passed through in heat-transfer fluid flowing.During heating flexible member operates to make to label, the external temperature of flexible member is at least 38 DEG C, most preferably is about 120 DEG C to about 150 DEG C.Should be appreciated that the outside face of flexible member is depended on many factors by the temperature that heats or range of temperatures, comprise the heat shrinkability characteristic of such as label and the performance of adhesives.Also consider that another group temperature booster can be used to heating label and/or container before it contacts flexible member.These temperature boosters can be placed on the outside of flexible member.Such as, one or more infrared heater can be used.Infrared lamp is preferred, because it often heats target and the label of concern, and the environment of not circumference.Preferably, for some application, before it is finally applied to container, label is heated to the temperature of at least 38 DEG C.Multiple method of heating and technology can be used, to increase the temperature of the outer surface of flexible member.

For some preferred embodiment, expect to use single thermal source.That is, for some application, preferably, use one or more inlet heater with during entering flexible member at air or before heat the air entered, and do not use one or more temperature booster in flexible member inside.The temperature booster being provided in flexible member inside is preferably radiation heater.Remove or avoid such interior heater can provide obvious cost savings.But, be to be understood that, the present invention includes: wherein heat by the system being provided in only flexible member inside, the system of heating is wherein provided by the temperature booster in inlet heater and flexible member, and the system using the temperature booster of third party or other supplemental heater and inlet heater and/or flexible member inside to be combined.

Some another feature provided preferred embodiment relate to the use of the one or more air manifolds be usually arranged in flexible member.In preferred system configuration, during operation of labelling, hot air is continuously circulated through one or more flexible member.When one or more flexible member contacts and presses to the corresponding container with label, excessive air is discharged.Then, when placing flexible member and leaving container and label and be no longer in contact with it, new air is introduced.New air is preferred by heating, because such practice avoids use can cool the air of the ambient temperature of flexible member.

The flexible member of many preferred implementations, framework and/or casing assembly use single entrance, and hot air introduced by the rear wall for the inside along closing flexible element.Guide hot air to enter flexible member inner especially by single entrance, make to produce higher temperature region along flexible member.Uneven region is like this less desirable.

Therefore, for some application, use air manifold or diffuser assembly to be preferred in flexible member inside.Air manifold can be various shape and size.Air manifold is used at flexible member internal distribution hot air, thus more uniformly heats flexible member.

Air flow manifold or diffuser can be various different shape, size and/or structure.Such as, can provide one or more diffuser plate, the hot air of introducing is drawn towards diffuser plate.The air-flow of flowing is diffused device plate (one or more) and turns to, thus guides to flexible member other region inner.As passed through the opening part stationary diffuser plate at air intake, diffuser plate can be placed directly in the air stream of flowing.Other element can be combined with diffuser plate, as one or more pin or other flow divert element.Generally speaking, any element causing or impel the flowing of the air of flexible member inside that turbulent flow occurs can be used.

The particularly preferred embodiment of air manifold is tubulose diffuser.Tubulose diffuser is preferably the form of to flow with the hot air inlet pipeline that is communicated with or conduit, and is made into suitable size and shape to be arranged on the inside of flexible member.Pipeline or conduit limit the inner flow passage of longitudinal extension.Pipeline or conduit also limit multiple hole in the sidewall of pipeline and any end wall or other hole.The air being entered flexible member by entrance is conducted through pipeline and exits pipeline through multiple hole.The pattern in hole or arrangement are such, and the hot air exiting pipeline equably or substantially heat the inside of flexible member equably and the antetheca of the preferably flexible member of heating final contact label.Such as, the representative mode in hole can comprise two rounds and extends along the length of pipeline.The diameter in each hole or hole is approximately 1.5mm, separates about 25mm.Two rows separate with 60 °, and are directed toward inner side and the front surface of flexible member inside.This orientation of row is used for lateral side regions hot air being guided to the flexible member usually needing so heating.

The interior hollow region of flexible member can be open or be communicated with air, under being therefore in barometric pressure.Alternatively, the connection between interior zone and outside atmosphere can be local or completely limited, so that under interior zone is in and is greater than or less than atmospheric pressure.Flexible member also can be configured or engage with other accessory, so as between flexible member deformation phases the pressure change of the interior hollow region of element, and the pressure before being different from distortion in this region.Such as, as being preferably configured between the interior hollow region of flexible member and outside atmosphere of encyclopaedizing herein provides local restricted to be communicated with.Before distortion, this restriction is not completely, so that under interior hollow region is in barometric pressure.After distortion, the volume of interior hollow region reduces.Because the restriction of mentioned local and volume reduce, the pressure in the interior hollow region of flexible member is increased to and is greater than atmospheric pressure.The increase of pressure is preferably provisional, because the air in interior hollow region is allowed to the interior zone exiting flexible member.These aspects are described in this article in further detail.

Preferably, flexible member did not have pressurized before label application process.That is, preferably, under the interior hollow region of flexible member is in barometric pressure.By optionally controlling flow limitation, the increase that the pressure in flexible member is controlled and the maintenance of exiting the air of flexible member during operation of labelling.Preferably, after each label applies operation, the inclusion of flexible member is discharged, so that the pressure in flexible member revert to barometric pressure.Preferably, the interior peak pressure measured of the interior hollow region of flexible member is less than 34,500N/m ², be more preferably less than 27,600N/m ², be most preferably less than 20,700N/m ².But should be appreciated that and the present invention includes other emission measure, the peak pressure of use is less than or greater than these pressure mentioned.Generally speaking, apply in operating process at label, to a certain degree stable and constant air flows into flexible member by open discharge orifice.When flexible member contact label and container, flexible member is by subcontract, and in some cases, when it contacts label and container completely, flexible member will be collapsed.

Should be appreciated that except some application or in some applications, the present invention can use multiple assembly, replace flexible member described herein, label or film be applied on curved surface.Such as, various machine elements can be used, especially use spring or other biased element.Also label applicator or the tag processes element that can use employing compressible foam is considered.

Flexible member can be formed by almost any material, as long as this element is enough pliable and tough, that is, and deformable, and show good permeability of heat, durability and frictional behaviour.Material for the preferred classes of flexible member is polysiloxane.

More properly be called silicone or the polysiloxane of polymerization, polysiloxane is the inorganic-organic polymer of mixing, and chemical formula is [R ₂siO] _n, wherein R is that organic group is as methyl, ethyl or phenyl.What these materials generally comprised inorganic silicon-oxygen main chain (...-Si-O-Si-O-Si-O-...) and were attached to silicon atom has pusher side base, and silicon atom is four-coordination.

In some cases, there is pusher side base that two or more these-Si-O-main chains can be used to link together.By changing-Si-O-chain length, side base and being cross-linked, the polysiloxane with multiple performance and composition can be synthesized.Its denseness can change, to rubber until duroplasts from liquid to gel.Modal polysiloxane is linear polydimethylsiloxane-(PDMS), a kind of silicone oil.The silicone materials of second largest class is based on organic siliconresin, and organic siliconresin is formed by dendritic and caged oligosiloxane.

Particularly preferred polysiloxane for the formation of flexible member is called Rhodorsil the available silicone elastomer of commercialization of V-240.Rhodorsil v-240 can obtain from the BluestarSilicone of Rock Hill, SC..The silicone rubber compound that this silicone elastomer is two components, addition curing, room temperature or heat accelerate solidification.It is designed to the rubber of 60 Shore hardnesss (Shore A), has the resistance to pressure of high strength character, long storage life, low shrinkage percentage, excellent detail rendition, good peel property and enhancing.Rhodorsil the formula of V-240 is general as shown in the following Table 1:

Table 1-Rhodorsil formula

Component	CAS registration number	Percentum
			Methylvinyl-polysiloxane	----------------
Quartz (SiO 2)	14808-60-7	15-40
			Filler	----------------
Calcium carbonate	471-34-1	1-5
			Platinum complex	----------------	＜0.1

As will be explained herein, in some applications, be desirably in surface label being applied to concern before or apply during heating label.Further, as previously mentioned, heating arrangement can be introduced in the interior hollow region of flexible member.Therefore, expect that the material of flexible member shows relatively high permeability to heat and is beneficial to the outside face of heat transfer to flexible member.Preferably, the permeability of heat of flexible member is at least 0.1W/ (m DEG C), be more preferably at least 0.15W/ (m DEG C), be more preferably at least 0.20W/ (m DEG C), be more preferably at least 0.25W/ (m DEG C), most preferably be at least 0.275W/ (m DEG C).

For the embodiment that flexible member is formed by silicone elastomer, the thickness of flexible member wall is preferably about 2.3mm to about 3.0mm.Should be appreciated that concrete wall thickness depends on the selection of material, the deformation characteristic of expectation and other factors.Therefore, the present invention is never limited to such wall thickness.

Most preferably, flexible member is the outwardly directed Crumple element of cheese.This element can comprise one or more arc sidewall or multiple straight wall, and they are arranged to form interior hollow region.In a preferred form, flexible member is included in four sidewalls extended between substrate and cheese label mating surfaces.Four walls arrange perpendicular to adjacent wall to form square or rectangular.Substrate is preferably along antelabium (lip) form that the total limit of four sidewalls extends.Dome-shaped surface extends from the limit of the sidewall relative with antelabium.Whole flexible member, that is, its substrate, sidewall and dome surface, can by molded silicone elastomer Rhodorsil as the aforementioned v-240 and easily being formed.The exact shape of flexible member, size and structure depend primarily on the shape of label bottle to be applied, size and structure.For many application, flexible member can be avette with cheese front.But, should be appreciated that the flexible member that the present invention includes almost any shape.

The concrete shape of flexible member and/or structure depend primarily on the shape of label and the shape of container or profile.Although for many application, the flexible member with the front appearance of arc or circular edge, general rectangular and symmetry may be applicable, but for some application, it can be preferred that use has asymmetric flexible member that is front and/or side profile.There is provided and describe the example of the flexible member with asymmetric profile herein.

Flexible member framework and assembly

The present invention is also provided for supporting flexible element, and preferably joint element is beneficial to element is located and the framework contacting label and/or container.Preferably, framework is hard and can be made up of the composite material of one or more metals, polymeric material or the necessary performance shown as described more completely herein.

Preferably, in a form, provide the framework with relatively flat shape, which defines two rightabout sides and define relatively large central opening.Opening is made into suitable size and shape to hold and to receive flexible member.Therefore, after in opening flexible member being placed on framework, framework extends and is that element provides support and promotes movement and the location of flexible member around flexible member.In a preferred embodiment, flexible member comprises multiple sidewall.Therefore, preferably, framework defines the opening with multiple sidewalls of flexible member with same shape.For the set of the linear sidewalls of flexible member, the shape of the opening limited in framework is preferably corresponding with the shape of the set of sidewall.Further, preferably, the quantity of linear sidewalls is corresponding with the quantity at the inner linear edge of frame openings.

In some applications, can preferably provide one or more guide rail, when being connected with framework, guide rail also extends against flexible member substantially from framework.One or more guide rail relative to flexible member locating and orienting with make they for limit flexible member distortion degree and/or direction.Guide rail can be fixed by technology known in the art or otherwise be formed together with framework.Preferably, guide rail is positioned in around aforesaid frame opening.Preferably, guide rail extends from framework front or otherwise stretches out, in some applications, and can from its horizontal expansion.

Each guide rail also can comprise other accessory one or more, or itself can extend with the direction expected relative to flexible member.Such as, orientable second track element can provide along the remote area of guide rail adjustably.Second track element can extend transverse to the longitudinal axis of guide rail or have a certain degree with the longitudinal axis relative to guide rail.Position and the concrete angle orientation of the second guide rail are preferably selectable, can change the second track element when needed relative to the orientation of flexible member and position to make user.

Another preferred feature is still had to be to provide the guide rail namely towards the guide rail front of flexible member along its inner face with given shape or profile in many embodiments.Promote that the contact between flexible member and container/label strengthens inside guide rail that is that use moulding or that have profile.Have sidewall that is bending or that tilt and/or arc container or below above for some, the roll-in using the guide rail had inside contoured to be conducive between flexible member and label contacts.In addition, the guide rail having inner side corresponding with the outline of container side or cardinal principle is provided to be conducive to flexible member movement further around container profile.And, also find to use the inner side guide rail corresponding with the shape of container to be conducive to the angular zone of label and outer end region to be applied to container.

Framework is preferably formed by steel or aluminium, although also consider other material multiple.Guide rail and/or the second track element are also preferably formed by steel or aluminium.Guide rail can be integrally formed with framework.Alternatively, can as by welding or being fixed to framework by the one or more fastener of use at formation framework rear rail.As described in, the second track element (one or more) can relative to guide rail (one or more) and/or framework location be preferred.Therefore, optionally orientable assembly is used for each second guide rail to be removably fixed to corresponding guide rail is preferred.

The present invention also provides shell or other installation component.Preferably, framework and/or flexible member are attached to shell.Shell is preferably made into suitable size, shape and structure to be attached to or to be fixed to framework to otherwise.Shell also may be used for the heating arrangement holding flexible member.These aspects all describe in further detail herein.

In addition, for some embodiments, provide adjusting part can be preferred, optionally can be conditioned relative to framework to make the position of guide rail.Such adjusting part can provide in a variety of forms, but preferred assembly comprises the track of a pair perpendicular positioning, and guide rail optionally can be located and engage in orbit.Use such adjusting part can make the upright position of one or more guide rail when needed easily and locate easily.The perpendicular positioning of guide rail can be expect to make the label of different size and/or placement location be applied on the container of concern.

Framework and shell and the assembly finally comprising flexible member may further include other accessory one or more.As previously mentioned, heating arrangement is preferably provided in the interior hollow region of flexible member.Preferably, such heating is provided by the stratie of one or more electricity consumption.Element can have various different shape and structure.Equally, as previously mentioned, the conduit carrying the heating medium that can flow can be placed in the interior hollow region of flexible member.Suitable insulation component and heater element combine provide to stop contact with flexible member direct normally preferred.But if flexible member is formed by enough resistant to elevated temperatures material, then such insulation component can be unnecessary.

The assembly of framework, flexible member and shell preferably further comprises ventilation oralia, and it extends on the open rear section region of flexible member.Ventilation oralia is provided to the passage of the interior hollow region of flexible member.After introducing assembly, ventilation oralia contacts and preferably seals the face of the backward directions of contact flexible member and/or framework.Ventilation oralia preferably limits one or more opening, and opening extends through ventilation oralia, and it allows air to pass through.Air can introduce make the internal pressurization of flexible member and/or heat flexible member by these openings.After flexible member distortion, as after contact label and container, by one or more openings of limiting in ventilation oralia, air is derived the empty internal of flexible member.Total flow area of the opening of ventilation oralia can be selected or change to make the speed of air turnover flexible member be limited or control in addition.This strategy can be used to slow down the speed of flexible member distortion.These aspects are encyclopaedized herein.

In some applications, especially those relate in the application that (volume) manufactures on a large scale, preferably as utilized the multiple assembly of framework (one or more), flexible member (one or more) and/or shell (one or more) with parallel construction, in parallel construction, accessory leans on each other mutually.

The head assembly that another optional feature of the present invention is to provide " changing fast ".In these embodiments, provide removable head assembly, it carries temperature booster (one or more), framework and electronic components optional in flexible member, flexible member.This removable head assembly can easily be combined with larger framework or supporting component or step rate equipment known in the art and remove from it.A flexible member and associated component thereof are fast and effeciently transformed into another flexible unit and associated component thereof to provide removable head assembly to guarantee.When use the flexible member with particular configuration be better than another there is heteroid flexible member time, this can be expect.Removable head assembly is preferably configured to make it can easily combine or be fixed to other framework or step rate equipment.Electric power connection is connected with signal and has connected preferably by plug, although the present invention includes the connected system using other.These and other aspect encyclopaedizes in conjunction with the description of representative preferred implementation in this article.

Label/film

As previously mentioned, it is preferred that various system, equipment and accessory are used to heat transfer label and/or mark to be applied to goods, should be appreciated that system, equipment and accessory also can be used to pressure-sensitive label and/or shrink label to be applied to goods.

Polymer film useful in label construction---the present invention relates to it to apply---and preferably has the shrinkage of balance.The shrinkage of balance allows film to shrink in multiple directions, thus when label is applied to curved surface, is close to the profile of compound curved surface.The film that there is overbalance and shrink can be used, that is, in a direction, there is high shrinkage and there is in other direction the film of the contraction being low to moderate moderate.The useful film with balance contraction allows multiple label shape to be applied to multiple container shapes.Generally speaking, the film with balance contraction performance is preferred.

In one embodiment, when polymer film is measured by ASTM method D 1204, maximum collapse (S) is at least one direction at least 10% 90 DEG C time, in other directions, is contracted in S+/-20% scope.In another embodiment, film is about 10% to about 50% 70 DEG C of maximum collapse (S) at least one direction, in other directions, is contracted in S+/-20% scope.In one embodiment, maximum collapse (S) is at least 10% at 90 DEG C, in other directions, is contracted in S+/-20% scope.In one embodiment, the contraction initial temperature of film is within the scope of about 60 DEG C to about 80 DEG C.

Described shrink film must be that heat is contractile and should have enough hardness to use traditional labeling apparatus and method---comprising printing, die-cut and label transfer---distributes.The labelled equipment that the hardness of required film depends on the size of label, the speed of applying and uses.In one embodiment, the hardness of described shrink film in longitudinal direction (MD) is at least 5mN, records as tested (Bending Resistance test) by L & W bending resistance.In one embodiment, shrink film has the hardness of at least 10mN or at least 20mN.The hardness of shrink film in release-disc (peel plate) with higher linear velocity suitably distributing labels be important.

In one embodiment, in fabrication line process is labelled in automation with per minute at least 30 unit, preferably per minute at least 250 unit until described die cut label is applied to described goods or container by the linear velocity of per minute at least 500 unit.Also consider that the present invention can be combined with fast to operate to per minute 700 to 800 unit or higher method.

In one embodiment, shrink film has 2% following secant modulus, as recorded by ASTMD882, upper for about 138,000,000N/m in longitudinal direction (MD) ²to about 2,760,000,000N/m ², be about 138,000,000N/m laterally (or transversal) direction (TD) is upper ²to about 2,760,000,000N/m ².In another embodiment, 2% secant modulus of film is about 206,000,000N/m in the vertical ²to about 2,060,000,000N/m ², be about 206,000,000N/m in the horizontal ²to about 2,060,000,000N/m ².Described film can have in the horizontal than modulus low in the vertical, is easy to distribute (MD) to make described label, is that stickiness and/or compressibility (squeezability) keep enough low modulus at TD simultaneously.

Described polymer film can be made up of orthodox method.Such as, described film can use double bubble process (double bubble process), tentering method makes or can comprise blown film.

Shrink film useful in the label can be monolayer constructions will or multi-ply construction.The layer (one or more layers) of shrink film can be formed by being selected from following poly-mer: polyester, polyolefin, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, poly(lactic acid), its copolymer and blend.

Polyolefin comprises homopolymer or the copolymer of alkene, and described alkene is the aliphatic hydrocarbon with one or more carbon-carbon double bond.Alkene comprises containing the olefine of 1-alkene also referred to as alpha-olefin, as 1-butylene, with the internal chain alkene of carbon-carbon double bond on the non-end carbon atom of carbochain, as 2-butylene, there is the cycloolefin of one or more carbon-carbon double bond, as cyclohexene and norbornadiene, and ring polyenoid, it is the Noncyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon with two or more carbon-carbon double bonds, as Isosorbide-5-Nitrae-butadidenne and isoprene.Polyolefin comprises the olefine homopolymer from single alkene monomers, as polypropylene homopolymer; From the olefine copolymer of at least one alkene monomers and one or more other olefinic monomer, wherein first olefine listed is the main component of copolymer, as propylene-ethylene copolymers and propylene-ethylene-butadiene copolymer; From the cycloolefin homopolymers of single cycloolefin monomers; With the cyclic olefine copolymer from least one cycloolefin monomers and one or more other olefinic monomer, wherein said first cycloolefin listed is the main component of copolymer; And the compound of any aforesaid olefin polymer.

In one embodiment, shrink film is the multilayer film comprising a core layer and at least one top layer.Top layer can be printable top layer.In one embodiment, multilayered shrink films comprises a core layer and two top layers, and wherein at least one top layer is printable.Multilayered shrink films can be laminated film.

The thickness of film can in the scope of 12-500 or 12-300 or 12-200 or 25-75 micron.Difference in rete can comprise the difference of thermoplastic polymer components, the difference of additive component, the difference in orientation, the difference of thickness or its combination.The thickness of core layer can be 50-95% or 60-95% or the 70-90% of film thickness.The thickness of top layer or two skin combined can be 5-50% or 5-40% or the 10-30% of film thickness.

With regard to impressionability or to regard to the adhesive bonding property of adhesives, film can carry out processing further on a surface or upper surface and lower surface all carry out processing to strengthen the property.Process comprises use finish coat as such as lacquer, and effects on surface applies the high-energy discharge comprising bunch discharge, and effects on surface applies flame treatment, or the combination of any aforementioned processing.In embodiments of the present invention, film all processes on both surfaces, and in another embodiment, film carries out Corona discharge Treatment on a surface and carries out flame treatment on the surface at another.

If expected, shrink rete and can comprise pigment, filler, stabilizer, bright protective agent or other suitable modifier.Film can also comprise antiblocking agent, lubricating additive and antistatic additive further.Useful antiblocking agent comprises inorganic particle, as clay, talcum, calcium carbonate and glass.Lubricating additive useful in the present invention comprises polysiloxane, wax, fatty acid amide, aliphatic acid, metallic soap and particle as silica, synthesis amorphous silica and polytetrafluorethylepowder powder.Antistatic additive useful in the present invention comprises alkali metal sulfonate, polyether-modified polydiorganosiloxanepolyurea, polyalkylphenylsilox,ne and tertiary amine.

In one embodiment, shrink film by micropunch to allow the air retained from the sediment-water interface release between label and label adhesive article.In another embodiment, shrink film is permeable to allow fluid overflow from adhesives or overflow from product surface.In one embodiment, in shrink film, deflation hole or slit is provided.

The present invention can be used to apply, process and combine multiple label, film and other element.Such as, the present invention can be combined with the label of the known almost any type of shrink label, pressure-sensitive label, pressure sensitive shrink label, heat seal label and packaging and field of labelling or film.

The other side of adhesives and label

The description of useful pressure sensitive adhesive is found in Encyclopedia of Polymer Scienceand Engineering (polymer science and engineering cyc), Vol.13, Wiley-lnterscience Publishers (New York, 1988).The other description of useful PSA is found in Polymer Science and Technology (polymer science and technology), Vol.1, lnterscience Publishers (New York, 1964).Traditional PSA, comprises acrylic PSA, rubber-based PSA and silicon resin base PSA is useful.PSA can be solvent type adhesive or can be water base adhesives.Also hot-melt adhesive can be used.In one embodiment, PSA comprises acrylic emulsion adhesives.

Adhesives has enough compatibilities to guarantee that good viscosity is fixed with the side of the film applying adhesives.In one embodiment, select adhesives rear until 24 hours fully can remove from pet container to make label apply.Also adhesives is selected not migrate in film to make adhesive component.

In one embodiment, described adhesives can be formed by acrylic acid based polymer.Any acrylic acid based polymer that consideration can form the adhesive phase with the viscosity enough adhering to substrate can play a role in the present invention.In some embodiments, acrylic polymers for pressure sensitive adhesive layer comprise by comprise in alkyl about 4 to about 12 carbon atoms at least one alkyl acrylate ester monomer be polymerized formed those, and exist with the amount being about 35-95% by the weighing scale of poly-mer or copolymer, as at U.S. Patent number 5,264, disclosed in 532.Optionally, described acrylic-based pressure sensitive adhesives can be formed by single type of polymer.

The glass transition temperature comprising the psa layer of acrylic polymers can change by regulating the amount of the polar monomer in copolymer or " hard monomer ", and as U.S. Patent number 5,264,532 instruct.The percentage by weight of the hard monomer of acrylic copolymer is larger, and glass transition temperature is higher.Consider that the hard monomer useful to the present invention comprises vinyl acetate, carboxylic acid and methacrylate, its concentration by weight at the weighing scale by poly-mer about 0 in about 35% scope.

PSA can be acrylic, as at U.S. Patent number 5,164,444 (acrylic emulsions), U.S. Patent number 5,623,011 (adhesive propylene yogurt liquid) and U.S. Patent number 6,306, instruct in 982 those.Adhesives also can be rubber-based, as U.S. Patent number 5, and 705, those (the rubber hot melts) of instructing in 551.Adhesives also can comprise the compound of the radiation-curable of monomer and initiating agent and other composition, as U.S. Patent number 5, instruct in 232,958 (UV curing acrylics) and U.S. Patent number 5,232,958 (EB solidification) those.Because it relates to acryloid cement, so these patents are openly incorporated to by reference.

The available PSA of commercialization can be used in the present invention.The example of these adhesivess comprises from H.B.Fuller Company, and St.Paul, Minn are with the available hot melt PSA of HM-1597, HL-2207-X, HL-2115-X, HL-2193-X.The available PSA of other useful commercialization comprises from Century Adhesives Corporation, Columbus, Ohio available those.Another useful acrylic acid PSA comprises the blend of emulsion polymer particle and dispersion tackifier particles, and as U.S. Patent number 6, in the embodiment 2 of 306,982, generality describes.Poly-mer is made by the emulsion polymerization of 2-EHA, vinyl acetate, di-2-ethylhexyl maleate and acrylic acid and methacrylic acid comonomers, as U.S. Patent number 5,164, described in 444, producing weight-average diameter is the latex particle size of about 0.2 micron and the gel content of about 60%.

The commercial examples of hot-melt adhesive is the H2187-01 sold by the Ato Findley of Wis, Wauwatusa, Inc..In addition, U.S. Patent number 3,239, the rubber-based periodic copolymer PSA described in 478 also may be used for adhesives of the present invention structure, therefore this patent being openly incorporated to by reference because of its this kind of hot-melt adhesive, and this adhesives will describe more fully following.

In another embodiment, include with the pressure sensitive adhesive of rubber based elastomers material comprise represent with diblock structure A-B, three block A-B-A, star or coupled structures (A-B) n linear, branching, grafting or star block copolymer, and these combination, wherein A represents hard themoplasticity phase or block, it is at room temperature nonrubber state or glassy state or crystalline state but is liquid at relatively high temperatures, B represents soft section, its in use or under room temperature be rubbery state or elastomeric.These thermoplastic elastomers can comprise from the non-rubbery segments of about 75% to about 95% by weight and the nonrubber state segment from about 5% to about 25% by weight.

Nonrubber state segment or hard section comprise mono-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer and poly-nuclear aromatic hydrocarbons poly-mer, more particularly comprise the aromatic hydrocarbon of the vinyl replacement that can be monocycle or dicyclo in essence.Elastomeric material such as polyisoprene, poly-butadiene and styrene butadiene rubbers can be used to form rubbery block or segment.Useful especially non-rubbery segments comprises the saturation of olefins rubber of polydiene and ethylene/butylene or ethylene/propene copolymer.A rear rubber can by corresponding unsaturated polyester alkene fraction as poly-butadiene and polyisoprene be obtained by its hydrogenation.

The periodic copolymer of operable vinylaromatic hydrocarbon and conjugated diene comprises those any one showing elastomer performance.Periodic copolymer can be diblock, three blocks, many blocks, starblock, poly block or graft block copolymer.Run through this specification sheets, provide term diblock, three blocks, many blocks, poly block and graft or the standard implication of graft block with regard to the architectural feature of periodic copolymer its standard implication for defining in document, described document is as Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering (polymer science and engineering cyc), Vol.2, (1985) John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 325-326 page and J.E.McGrath are at Block Copolymers (periodic copolymer), ScienceTechnology, Dale J.Meier, Ed., Harwood Academic Publishers, 1979, 1-5 page.

Such periodic copolymer can comprise conjugated diene and the vinylaromatic hydrocarbon of different proportion, comprises those of vinylaromatic hydrocarbon comprising and go up by weight to about 40%.Therefore, segmented copolymer can be used, and it is linear or star symmetry or asymmetric, and it has with general formula A-B, A-B-A, A-B-A-B, B-A-B, (AB) _0,1,2the structure that BA etc. represent, wherein A is polymer blocks or the conjugated diene/vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon tapered copolymer blocks (tapered copolymer block) of vinylaromatic hydrocarbon, and B is the rubbery feel polymer block of conjugated diene.

Periodic copolymer can be prepared by any block polymerization of knowing or process for copolymerization, and method comprises the adding continuously of monomer, increasing progressively of monomer adds or coupling technology, as such as U.S. Patent number 3,251,905,3,390,207,3,598,887 and 4,219, set forth in 627.As everyone knows, by utilizing the difference of the Copolycondensation rate of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, making the compound combined polymerization of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, tapered copolymer blocks can be incorporated in segmented copolymer.Multiple patent comprises U.S. Patent number 3,251,905,3,639,521 and 4,208,356 preparations describing the segmented copolymer containing tapered copolymer blocks.

The conjugated diene that can be used to prepare poly-mer and copolymer comprises 4 to about 10 carbon atoms, more generally comprises those of 4 to 6 carbon atoms.Example comprises 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl isophthalic acid, 3-butadidenne (isoprene), 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, chloroprene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-hexadiene etc.Also the compound of these conjugated dienes can be used.

The example that can be used to the vinylaromatic hydrocarbon preparing copolymer comprises the styrene of styrene and various replacement as o-methyl styrene, p-methylstyrene, p-tert-butylstyrene, 1,3-dimethyl styrene, AMS, Beta-methyl styrene, p-isopropyl styrene, 2,3-dimethyl styrenes, chloro styrene, to chlorostyrene, adjacent bromstyrol, the chloro-4-methyl styrene of 2-etc.

The copolymer of many above-mentioned conjugated dienes and vinyl aromatic compound is commercially available.Before the hydrogenation, the number-average molecular weight of periodic copolymer is about 20,000 to about 500,000, or about 40,000 to about 300,000.

In copolymer, the mean molecular weight of each block can change in certain limit value.In most of the cases, vinyl aromatic block has about 2000 to about 125,000 or between about 4000 and 60, the number-average molecular weight of the order of magnitude between 000.Before the hydrogenation or after hydrogenation, conjugated diene block has about 10, the number-average molecular weight of the order of magnitude of 000 to about 450,000 or about 35,000 to 150,000.

Equally, before the hydrogenation, the contents of ethylene of conjugated diene portion is generally about 10% to about 80%, or about 25% to about 65%, especially, when expecting that the periodic copolymer of modification demonstrates caoutchouc elasticity, it is 35% to 55%.The contents of ethylene of periodic copolymer can be recorded by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

The instantiation of diblock copolymer comprises styrene-butadiene (SB), styrene-isoprene (SI) and hydrogenated derivatives thereof.The example of triblock polymer comprises s-B-S (SBS), styrene-isoprene-phenylethene (SIS), AMS-butadidenne-AMS and AMS-isoprene AMS.The example that can be used as the commercially available periodic copolymer of adhesives in the present invention comprise from Kraton PolymersLLC with trade name KRATON available those.

Comprise Isosorbide-5-Nitrae isomeride and 1, after the SBS copolymer hydrogenation of the non-rubbery segments of 2 isomer mixtures, obtain styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) periodic copolymer.Similarly, the hydrogenation of SIS poly-mer produces styrene ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS) periodic copolymer.

The selective hydration of periodic copolymer can be undertaken by the various method known, and is included in catalyst if Raney nickel, noble metal are as carried out hydrogenation under the existence of platinum, palladium etc. and soluble transition metal catalyst.Operable applicable method for hydrogenation wherein under the existence of soluble hydrogenation catalyst, carries out those methods of hydrogenation with H-H reaction by dissolving in inert hydrocarbon diluent containing diene polymer or copolymer as cyclohexane.These methods are described in U.S. Patent number 3,113,986 and 4, and 226, in 952.This hydrogenation of periodic copolymer is carried out with degree by this way, to produce selective hydration copolymer, the unsaturated content of residue that described selective hydration copolymer has in polydiene block be hydrogenation before its original unsaturated content about 0.5% to about 20%.

In one embodiment, the conjugated diene portion at least 90% of periodic copolymer is saturated, and more commonly at least 95% is saturated, and vinyl aromatic portion is not by obvious hydrogenation simultaneously.Useful especially hydrogenated block copolymer is that the periodic copolymer of styrene-isoprene-phenylethene is as the hydrogenated products of styrene-(ethylene/propene)-styrenic block polymers.When polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene block copolymer is hydrogenated, expect that 1,2-poly-butadiene and the ratio of Isosorbide-5-Nitrae-poly-butadiene are about 30: 70 to about 70: 30 in the polymer.When such periodic copolymer is hydrogenated, ethene and the 1-butene block copolymer (EB) of the product obtained and routine are similar.As previously discussed, when conjugated diene uses isoprene, ethene and the propylene-based block copolymer (EP) of the hydrogenated products obtained and routine are similar.

Many selective hydration periodic copolymers can obtain from Kraton Polymers with total trademark " Kraton G. " business.An example is Kraton G1652, and it is SBS tri-block of hydrogenation, comprises the styrene end block of by weight about 30%, and is the mid-block of ethene and butene-1 copolymer (EB).The G1652 of lower molecular weight form can obtain with title Kraton G1650.Kraton G1651 is another kind of SEBS periodic copolymer, and it comprises the styrene of by weight about 33%.Kraton G1657 is SEBS diblock copolymer, and it comprises the styrene of about 13%w.This styrene-content is lower than the styrene-content in Kraton G1650 and Kraton G1652.

In another embodiment, selective hydration periodic copolymer has following chemical formula: B _n(AB) _oa _p, wherein n=0 or 1; O is 1 to 100; P is 0 or 1; Each B is mainly before the hydrogenation has about 20, the conjugated diene block of the polymerization of the number-average molecular weight of 000 to about 450,000; Each A is mainly the vinylaromatic hydrocarbon block of the polymerization with about 2000 to about 115,000 number-average molecular weights; Block A forms by weight about 5% to about 95% of copolymer; The degree of unsaturation of B block is less than about 10% of original degree of unsaturation.In other embodiments, the degree of unsaturation of B block is decreased to after hydrogenation and is less than 5% of its original value, and the average degree of unsaturation of hydrogenated block copolymer is decreased to and is less than 20% of its original value.

Periodic copolymer also can comprise functionalized poly-mer, and as can by making α, the undersaturated monocarboxylic acid of β-alkene or dicarboxylic acids reagent reacting obtain to the selective hydration periodic copolymer of above-described vinyl-arene and conjugated diene.The reaction of carboxylic acid reagent in this graft block copolymer can be undertaken in the presence of radical initiators in the solution or by melting method.

Be described in numerous patent with the preparation of the conjugated diene of carboxylic acid reagent grafting and the various selective hydration periodic copolymers of vinyl-arene, comprise U.S. Patent number 4,578,429,4,657,970 and 4,795,782, the disclosure of these patents relates to the selection hydrogenated block copolymer of conjugated diene and vinyl aromatic compound and the preparation of these compounds.U.S. Patent number 4,795,782 are described and give the example being prepared graft block copolymer by solution methods and melting method.U.S. Patent number 4,578,429 comprise Kraton G1652 (SEBS) poly-mer maleic anhydride and 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-bis-(t-butyl peroxy) hexane carry out grafting in double screw extrusion machine example by frit reaction.

The example of the maleinization selective hydration copolymer of the available styrene of commercialization and butadidenne comprises Kraton FG1901X, FG1921X and FG1924X, and it is often referred to as maleinization selective hydration SEBS copolymer.FG1901X comprise about 1.7% by weight be bonded functional group (bound functionality) and about 28% styrene by weight of succinic anhydride.FG1921X comprises about 1% group of the bonded functional for succinic anhydride by weight and 29% styrene by weight.FG1924X comprises the styrene of about 13% and the bonded functional group for succinic anhydride of about 1%.

Useful periodic copolymer also can from Nippon Zeon Co., and 2-1, Marunochi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan obtain.Such as, Quintac 3530 can obtain from Nippon Zeon, and it is considered to linear styrene-isopreene-styrene block copolymer.

Undersaturated elastomeric polymer and other is not inherently the poly-mer of viscosity and copolymer can be endowed viscosity when mixing with outside tackifier.Tackifier are generally hydrocarbon resin, wood resin, rosin, rosin derivative etc., when its with total binder composite by weight about 40% to about 90% or the concentration of about 45% to about 85% by weight exist time, give described elastomeric polymer binder formulation by the characteristic of pressure sensitive adhesive.Composite containing the tackifier additive being less than about 40% by weight does not show enough " quickstick " or Initial adhesion usually to work as pressure sensitive adhesive, is not therefore be inherently viscosity.On the other hand, the composite with too high adhesion promoting additive concentration usually demonstrates too small bond strength and can not be intended to suitably play a role in the Structural application using foundation the present invention to make at great majority.

Consider that any tackifier compatible with elastic polymer composition that those skilled in the art know can be used to embodiments of the present invention.A kind of such tackifier found that there is are Wingtak 10, and it is at room temperature the synthesis polyterpene resin of liquid, and by Ohio, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Akron sells.Wingtak 95 is tackifying resins of synthesis, and also can obtain from Goodyear, it mainly comprises the poly-mer derived from piperylene and isoprene.Other suitable adhesion promoting additive can comprise aliphatic hydrocarbon resin Escorez 1310 and C ₅-C ₉(aromatic modified aliphatic series) resin Escorez 2596, the Exxon by Tex, Irving manufactures.Certainly, as will be understood by the skilled person in the art, various different adhesion promoting additive can be used for putting into practice the present invention.

Except tackifier, other additive can be comprised in PSA to obtain the performance expected.Such as, can comprise plasticizer, known plasticizers reduces the glass transition temperature of the adhesive composition containing elastomeric polymer.Useful examples of plasticizers is Shellflex 371, the naphthenic that can obtain from Texas, Shell Lubricants.Also antioxidant can be comprised on adhesive composition.The antioxidant be applicable to comprises from Ciba-Geigy, Hawthorne, N.Y. available Irgafos 168 and Irganox 565.Also cutting agent can be comprised as wax and inhibiter in adhesives.

Pressure sensitive adhesive can apply from solvent, emulsion or suspending fluid or with hot melt.By any known method, adhesives can be applied to the inside face of shrink film.Such as, (die coating), curtain type coating, spraying, dip-coating coating, roller coat, intaglio plate coating or flexographic plate technology can be coated with by mould and apply adhesives.With pantostrat, discontinuous layer or pattern, adhesives can be applied to shrink film.The whole inside face of the adhesive phase of pattern application coverlay substantially.As used herein, " substantially cover " means with continuous print pattern covers film surface, and is not intended to comprise and is only applying adhesives along the leading edge of film or the band of trailing edge or be applied on film " spot welding ".

In one embodiment, viscosity body insulation (deadener) is applied to the part of adhesive phase with the goods allowing label to adhere to complicated shape.In one embodiment, non-cohesive material such as ink point or microballon is applied to overflowing with the air allowing the adhesive phase when label is applied in slide on product surface and/or to allow the interface between label and goods to retain at least partially of adhesive surface.

Single adhesive phase can be used or multiple adhesive phase can be used.Depend on used shrink film and tagged goods or container will be executed, use first adhesive phase and the second adhesive phase can be expected, the contiguous shrink film of first adhesive phase, the second adhesive phase has different compositions to obtain enough viscosity, peel strength and shearing strength value on the surface that will be applied to goods or container.

In one embodiment, pressure sensitive adhesive has enough shearing strength values or bond strength excessively bounces back after label is placed on goods by the label adhering to goods under heat effect to stop, there is enough peel strengths to stop the film of label protruding from goods, further, there is enough viscosity or grip labelling in operation can adhere to goods fully to make label.In one embodiment, when shrink film shrinks after the heating, adhesives moves together with label.In another embodiment, in its position, to make to shrink with shrink film, label does not move adhesives fixed labels.

Except the hot shrinkable polymer film of single or multiple lift, heat shrink films can comprise other layer.In one embodiment, the metalized coated of metallic film is deposited on the surface of polymer film.Heat shrink films also can comprise printable layer on polymer film.Printable layer can be placed between heat shrink and adhesive phase, or printable layer can be positioned on the outside face of shrinkage layer.In one embodiment, film reverse side is printed with design, image or word and directly contacts with the container of applying film to make the printing face of epidermis.In this embodiment, film is transparent.

Label of the present invention also can comprise the layer of ink-receptive composition, and it strengthens the print capacity of polymer shrink layer or metal level (if existence), therefore obtains the quality of printable layer.Various such composite is known in the art, and these composites generally include adhesives and pigment, as being dispersed in silica in adhesives or talcum.The existence of pigment decreases the drying time of some ink.Such ink-receptive composition is described in U.S. Patent number 6, in 153,288 (Shih etc.).

Printable layer can be ink layer or graph layer, and according to type information and/or required shown design, printable layer can be monochromatic printable layer or multi-color printing layer.These comprise variable marking data as sequence number, bar code, trade mark etc.The thickness of printable layer, usually in about 0.5 to about 10 micrometer range, is about 1 to about 5 micron in one embodiment, is about 3 microns in another embodiment.The ink used in printable layer comprises the ink of commercially available water base, solvent-based or radiation-curable.The example of these ink comprises the Sun Sheen (product of Sun Chemical, be accredited as the dilutable polyamide ink of alcohol), Suntex MP (the product of Sun Chemical, be accredited as solvent-based ink, preparation is used for acrylic acid coated substrate, the printout surface of PVDC coat substrates and polyolefin film), X-Cel (the product of Water Ink Technologies, be accredited as water base film ink, for printed films substrate), the Uvilith AR-109 Rubine Red (product of DawInk, be accredited as UV ink) and the CLA91598F (product of Sun Chemical, be accredited as multibond black solvent base oil ink).

In one embodiment, printable layer comprises polyester/vinyl ink, polyamide ink, acrylic ink and/or polyester ink.Printable layer can be formed in a conventional manner, by such as intaghlio printing, flexographic printing or UV flexographic printing etc., ink composite comprises the above-mentioned type resin, applicable pigment or dyestuff and one or more volatile solvents be applicable in one or more desired region of film.After ink application composite, the volatile solvent component evaporation of ink composite, only leaves non-volatile ink component and forms printable layer.

If necessary, the binding power of ink to polymer shrink film or metal level (if existence) surface can be improved by technology well known to those skilled in the art.Such as, as mentioned above, ink primer or other ink adheres accelerator can be applied to metal level or polymer film before applying ink.Alternatively, polymer film surface can be corona treated or flame treated to strengthen the binding power of ink to polymer film.

Useful ink primer can be transparent or opaque, and priming paint can be solvent based or water base.In one embodiment, priming paint is radiation-curable (such as UV).Ink primer can comprise paint and diluent.Paint can be made up of one or more polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyester copolymer, polyurethane, polysulfones, polyvinylidene chloride, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, SAN, ionomer, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic polymers and copolymer based on sodium salt or zinc salt or ethylene methacrylic acid, polycarbonate, polyacrylinitrile, vinyl-vinyl acetate copolymer and the compound of two or more thereof.The example of operable diluent comprises alcohol as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and butanols; Ester is as ethyl acetate, propyl acetate and butyl acetate; Aromatic hydrocarbon is as toluene and dimethylbenzene; Ketone is as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; Aliphatic hydrocarbon is as heptane; With and composition thereof.Paint and the ratio of diluent depend on ink primer apply required by viscosity, the selection of this viscosity is in art technology.Ink primer layer can have the thickness of about 1 to about 4 micron or about 1.5 to about 3 microns.

Transparent polymer protective overcoat or outer covering layer may reside in label of the present invention.Protectiveness external coating or outer covering layer label be fixed to substrate as container before and after provide label to expect performance.Printable layer existing clear topcoat can provide extra performance as antistatic property, hardness and/or thermal life in some embodiments, and external coating can protect printable layer from such as weather, sunlight, wearing and tearing, moisture, water etc.Clear topcoat can strengthen the performance of printable layer below to provide more gloss and abundanter image.Protectiveness protective clear layer can also be designed to wear-resistant, radiation hardness (such as UV), chemicals-resistant, heat-resisting, thus protects the label particularly deterioration that causes from these reasons of printable layer.Protectiveness outer covering layer also can comprise antistatic additive or antiblocking agent to provide the process be more prone to when high-speed label is applied to container.Protective cover is applied to printable layer by the technology can known by those skilled in the art.Polymer film from liquid deposition, can apply (being laminated to printable layer) as preform film, etc.

When there is transparent external coating or outer covering layer, single or multiple lift structure can be had.The thickness of protective cover, usually in about 12.5 to about 125 micrometer ranges, is about 25 to about 75 microns in one embodiment.The example of external coating is described in U.S. Patent number 6,106, in 982.

Protective cover can comprise the thermoplastic polymer of polyolefin, ethene and propylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyacrylates, polymethyl methacrylate, epoxy, leifa, copolymer or terpolymer, ionomer and composition thereof.

Transparent protective cover can comprise UV absorbers and/or other light stability agent.Usefully hindered amine absorbers in UV absorbers, it can obtain from Ciba Specialty Chemical with trade name " Tinuvin ".Operable light stability agent comprises from Ciba Specialty Chemical with trade name Tinuvin 111, Tinuvin 123 (two-(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate), Tinuvin 622 (dimethyl succinate and 4-hydroxyl-2,2,6, the poly-mer of 6-tetramethyl-1-piperidine ethanol), Tinuvin 770 (two-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-sebacate) and the available hindered amine light stability agent of Tinuvin 783.Other light stability agent comprises from Ciba SpecialtyChemical with the available hindered amine light stability agent of trade name " Chemassorb ", particularly Chemassorb 119 and Chemassorb944.The concentration of UV absorbers and/or light stability agent upper to by weight about 2.5% scope in, be by weight about 0.05% to about 1% in one embodiment.

Protective clear layer can comprise antioxidant.Can be used in and prepare any antioxidant useful in thermoplastic film.These comprise hindered phenol and organic phosphite.Example comprise from CibaSpecialty Chemical with trade name Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076 or Irgafos 168 available those.The concentration of antioxidant in thermoplastic film composition can upper to by weight about 2.5% scope in, be by weight about 0.05% to about 1% in one embodiment.

Release liner can be adhered to adhesive phase to protect adhesive phase before label is applied to substrate during transport, storage and process.Lining allows at the punched and matrix of label from after facestock layer is peeled off and until individual tag effectively processes a series of individual tag when manufacturing line of labelling is sequentially allocated.Release liner can have the surface of relief and/or have the surface that the ink point of non-cohesive material as microballon or printing is applied to lining.

Flexible member is used to execute tagged method

The invention provides unique method, wherein label is optionally also heated, shunk and is applied on the surface of concern simultaneously, is preferably applied on the compound curved surface of container.The flexible member of preferred implementation with at flexible member with the label placed between the surface of label will be received contact.The dome-shaped surface of flexible member promotes the contact initially occurring in the central area of label between label and flexible member, as long as label and flexible member are proper alignments.By flexible member near label, the surface contact of label and concern.As this paper explained in greater detail, in a preferred method, before the Contact of label and flexible member, label at least contacts partly along the core of label or region and adheres to the surface of concern.When flexible member is near label, further contact occurs between flexible member and label, this makes again label and the area of contact paid close attention between surface increases.I the area of contact between () flexible member and label and between (ii) label and concern surface increases in label applying process, and the direction increase that the core typically first contacting the position of label with the dome-shaped surface from label and/or flexible member is outside.When flexible member is further near label, flexible member contacts label more in large area.As will be understood and herein in greater detail, flexible member will be out of shape and the shape of the vessel surface taking label to be applied in.As a result, label is applied on container with being engaged.This feature mode namely outside gradually from center with increasing the mode that contact combines, and believes the key factor obtaining the applying of zero defect label.

In addition, according to a further aspect in the invention, the flexible member of heating is used to carry out the program.This guarantees to heat during outwards applying label gradually simultaneously.The application of heat-shrinkage material as pressure sensitive heat shrink label is comprised for label, method is preferably carried out like this, label is heated and is contracted to just in the degree contacted and before being bonded to curved surface, corresponds to the surf zone that will receive with this region contacting label to make label area.Because flexible member is gradually to outer contacting, any air retained along label and the interface paying close attention to surface is all discharged by towards label edges.The method is ongoing until the outer rim of label contacts and adheres to pay close attention to surface.

During label is applied to container, flexible member contact label and container.The amount that flexible member is applied to the power of label is referred to as label contact force at this.Generally speaking, the amount of this power depends on the characteristic of label, container and adhesives.But normally, label contact is at least about 690N/m ²to about 6900N/m ²preferred.But should be appreciated that and the present invention includes the use that the label being greater than or less than this tittle applies power.

According to the present invention, the scheme of " center is outside " is used to apply label.Therefore, the contact between flexible member and label also occurs in the outside process in center.The order that the region of term " center is outside " index label or part are applied in or contact or order.First, one or more central areas of label are contacted.Subsequently, when maintaining this contact, then other regions one or more being positioned at the label beyond the center of label or central area are touched.This process is continued, and to make after contact and adhesion are positioned at the label area beyond central area, contact is kept, and other regions one or more being positioned at aforementioned areas label are more outward touched subsequently.This process is continued, until the fringe region of label contacts and adheres to container.Use this technology guarantee reduce or at least significantly reduce bubbling be trapped within label under or between label and container.

The present invention includes and use multiple cycle time.Such as, in mass-manufacturing environment, total time durations for a circulation is about 0.5 to about 2.0 seconds, about 0.9 second is preferred, and a described circulation is that flexible member moves towards each other with label/container, contacts, label is adhered to container and then flexible member and label/container move away from each other.The present invention includes the cycle time being greater than or less than these values.

Operable particularly preferred method aspect is operating referred to herein as " double-clicking (double hit) ".For some operations of labelling, expect to apply around container horizontal expansion or at least part of so label.Such as, for each pair of tag extending around container surroundings or wrap up close to 180 °, the contact of reaching between the outer peripheral areas of flexible member and each label is usually difficult to.By using double-click scheme, larger contact can be produced between its corresponding label between its label on the first flexible member and a vessel faces and in the second flexible member and other vessel faces.The specific flight delay of flexible member that double click operation uses flexible member relative relative to it and/or the combination of trip distance.

Generally speaking, executing in this specified scheme tagged along the relative direction face of container, by transfer or moving meter towards container by the first stroke distances, the label on the first surface of the contacting container gradually of first tag processor with flexible member as described herein.There is flexible member and the second tag processor of placing along the opposite side of container substantially also contact and preferably while second of contacting container on label.Second face is relative with first surface substantially.By shifting or move this element towards container by the second stroke distances, the flexible member of the second tag processor contacts the second label gradually.Preferably the first trip distance and the second trip distance different from each other.For the present invention, the first trip distance is greater than the second trip distance.After contacting gradually from the first and second flexible members, element withdraws from the contact with container.Then, process is repeated, and the trip distance except the second tag processor is greater than the trip distance of the first tag processor.Preferably, in " double-click " operation of this Part II, the trip distance of the second tag processor equals the trip distance of the first tag processor in the operation of Part I.

More specifically, in preferred double click operation, the first flexible member on the side of container moves towards container in the direction of the forwarder transverse to container place usually.While the first flexible member movement, the second flexible member on the opposite side of container also shifts to container, and is also horizontal direction.But the stroke of the first flexible member movement or distance are greater than stroke or the distance of the second relative flexible member.This makes the first flexible member in longer stroke, be in mobile status with more fully around container and the first label because the second element do not stop or otherwise hinder the first flexible member along by external container region around.After the complete or sufficient stroke of the first flexible member, two flexible members are all recalled subsequently.After recalling, the first and second flexible members and then by location towards container.But the second flexible member fully extends and near container and the second label, and the stroke that the first flexible member experience is shorter.After contact between the second label and the second flexible member completes, the first and second flexible members are withdrawn.

Fig. 1 diagram has one or more representative container 10 comprising the region of the especially one or more compound curved surface of outer curved surface.Container 10 limits outer surface 12, and it comprises at least one complex bend region 16.Complex bend region 16 typically extends or extends along this position in or the position that connects intersected with each other at the adjacent surface of container 10.Typically, one or more smooth or substantially smooth region 14 is also included in the outer surface 12 of container 10.Should be appreciated that container can comprise and seldom or almost do not have flat site, as when spherical container.

Fig. 2 and 3 diagrams have the representative container 10 described in Fig. 1 of label 20, and label 20 is applied in going up at least partially on outer surface 12 and in the complex bend region 16 of container 10.The external margin 26 that label 20 usually limits central area 22 and extends around the periphery of label 20.Label 20 also limits one or more outer peripheral areas 24, extends between its central area 22 at label and edge 26.The advantageous applications of Fig. 2 diagram label 20, wherein label does not play thorn or other defect.Fig. 3 diagram usually apply label to container complex bend region after the undesirably result that occurs.Label under the undesirably application state shown in Fig. 3 is marked as 20 '.Feature normally one or more thorns, wrinkling or other defects of label 20 ', are referred to as 21.Play thorn 21 and usually occur in the label area be arranged on the complex bend region 16 of container 10.Usually, thorn 21 is played and/or other defect is present in the perimeter (one or more) 24 of label 20.As is understood, if container 10 that Fig. 2 applied and showed and label 20 expect.Further, the state containing the label 20 ' of numerous thorns 21 or other defect shown in Fig. 3 is less desirable.

Fig. 4 to 6 is diagram foundation the preferred embodiment of the present invention flexible member 30 schematically.Flexible member 30 preferably includes substrate 32, dome area 36 and one or more sidewall 34, and sidewall 34 extends between substrate 32 and dome area 36.Element 30 limits outside face 46 and inside face 48.Inside face 48 limits the interior hollow region in flexible member 30.Interior hollow region can pass in and out from the trailing edge of flexible member, and is encyclopaedized herein.Flexible member 30 also can be described about various region.Dome area 36 preferably show outwardly or projection profile and limit extreme end position 40, that is, along flexible member 30 outside face 46, the plane position farthest that extends from substrate 32 or substrate 32.Extreme end position 40 is in along in the central area 38 of dome area 36 restriction, and is preferably in centre or the center of dome area 36.What extend between the central area 38 and sidewall 34 of dome area 36 is one or more perimeters 42 of dome area 36.Should be appreciated that and the present invention includes multiple flexible member, it has various shape and structure.In preferred, many flexible members uses circular or arcuate edge and angle.

The preferred assembly of the foregoing soft element 30 that Fig. 7 to 10 diagram is kept by framework 50 and shell 90, support and installs.The assembly that Fig. 7 diagram is only partly assembled, to show the ventilation oralia 80 be substantially placed on after flexible member 30.As Fig. 7 usually shows, framework 50 limits the second oppositely namely directed forward face 54 of first surface 52, second directed backward, extends and the outer rim 56 be between face 52 and 54 and inner edge 58 around the periphery of framework 50.Inner edge 58 limits opening 60, and it is preferably made into suitable size and moulding to receive flexible member 30.In graphic embodiment, opening 60 is the rectangles with circular or arcuate angle.This shape is corresponding with the shape of the sidewall 34 of flexible member 30.Should be appreciated that the almost any shape that the present invention includes opening 60.Preferably, framework 50 is flat or relatively flat.Flexible member 30 is inserted into the opening 60 limited in framework 50.Preferably, substrate 32 (the not showing in the figure 7) contact of flexible member 30 first surface 52 near framework 50 are placed.Further, the sidewall 34 of flexible member 30 and dome area 36 extend through opening 60 and outwards exceed the second face 54 of framework 50.

Fig. 7 is the one or more guide rail 62 of diagram also, and it is preferably combined with framework 50 provides.One or more guide rail 62 be preferably fixed to framework 50 or with formed together with framework 50 to otherwise, and preferably to stretch out from the second face 54 of framework 50.Guide rail 62 generally limits the outer wall 68 of terminal edge 64, inwall 66 (see Fig. 8) and opposite orientation.In some applications, guide rail 62 is preferably placed near the opening 60 of framework 50 restriction.Such as, in the embodiment described in Fig. 7 to 8, use two guide rails 62, the opposite side along the opening 60 limited in framework 50 arranges two guide rails 62.But, should be appreciated that guide rail can be positioned at other position in other application numerous.Such as, guide rail can be located to make flexible member to be deformed into is not its shape that is natural or default shape.Further, preferred guide rail 62 location parallel to each other, and with the longitudinal axis of half rectangular aperture 60.Fig. 7 also illustrates guide rail 62 and extends equal distance from the second face 54 of framework 50, and can extend about 10% of the distance that flexible member 30 extends from the second face 54 to about 100%.For many application, preferably, when measuring from the second face 54 of framework, guide rail 62 extends such distance, and it is about 25% of the distance recorded between the second face 54 and the distal-most position 40 of flexible member 30 to about 75%.

With further reference to Fig. 7 to 10, assembly also comprises shell 90.Preferably, shell 90 is housing or other structures for installing and keep various accessory.Generally speaking, shell 90 comprises one or more wall 92 and rear wall 94.Wall 92 can comprise roof, diapire and relative sidewall.Preferably, one or more conduit 96 and erecting device 98 can be provided along the trailing edge of shell.Composition graphs 9 and 10 describes these aspects in more detail.

As previously mentioned, the ventilation oralia 80 that also uses in the preferred assembly of diagram of Fig. 7.Ventilation oralia 80 limits one or more air passages 82 as shown in Figure 8, and air passage 82 extends through plate 80, to allow fluid as the interior hollow region of air turnover flexible member 30.As shown in Figure 7, oralia 80 of ventilating preferably is positioned between framework 50 and shell 90.

Fig. 8 diagram is by the assembly of Fig. 7 fully assembled, and flexible member 30 is represented by dotted lines thus shows the inside of flexible member 30.As described in, preferably, in flexible member 30, provide thermal source.Therefore, assembly 100 comprises temperature booster 100, and temperature booster 100 is preferably placed in the interior hollow region of flexible member 30.As previously mentioned, temperature booster can be multiple different form.For present embodiment, temperature booster 100 is that the electric resistance heater of electricity consumption is as the temperature booster of 480 volts 600 watts.Parasite 102 or other protectiveness baffle plate are preferably provided.Parasite 102 preferably extends between temperature booster 100 and sidewall 34 (not shown) of flexible member 30.Parasite 102 can comprise reflective surface will with reflection from the radiant heat energy of temperature booster 100 away from the sidewall 34 of flexible member 30.One or more temperature sensor 104 can be placed on the inside of flexible member 30 to obtain the information about heating condition and temperature conditions.The air passage 82 that Fig. 8 also limits in the diagram ventilation part of oralia 80 and plate 80.

Fig. 8 also one or more optional hole 91 of diagram, it may be provided in shell 90, guide rail 62 or the two or other accessory.Can provide hole 91 with allow air from the inner loop of shell 90 to the outside face outside of flexible member 30 or one or more regions of outside face along flexible member 30.Exit shell 90 due to relatively hot air and to be directed toward or at least along by flexible member 30, optional hole 91 may be used for the heating of the outside face promoting flexible member 30.

Other accessory of the preferred assembly of Fig. 9 and 10 diagram flexible members 30, framework 50 and shell 90 and device.One or more conduit 96 preferably extends and inside for guiding air or other fluid to enter flexible member 30 from the rear wall 94 of shell 90.Usual air is under stress directed into the entrance 95 limited in conduit 96.The air flowed by conduit 96 enters the interior hollow region of flexible member 30 by air passage 82.

Temperature booster 110 can be provided to be communicated with as be linearly communicated with conduit 96 or otherwise flowed.Temperature booster 110 is for heating the air that enters conduit 96 or other fluid to reduce the other heating load forcing at the temperature booster 100 be placed in flexible member 30.Should be appreciated that temperature booster 110 can comprise a body section or the part of conduit.Although multiple heating device and scheme can be used to temperature booster 110, preferred temperature booster be the electric resistance heater of electricity consumption as 170 volt 1, the temperature booster of 600 watts, it is from Sylvania of Exeter, and New Hampshire can obtain.

With further reference to Fig. 9 and 10, also the preferred rear wall 94 on shell as along shell 90 provides one or more erecting device 98.Erecting device 98 can make the shell 90 comprising flexible member 30 facilitate and be fixed to one or more supporting member safely.

The cross sectional drawing that Figure 10 is flexible member 30, the line AA in Fig. 9 taken from by framework 50, shell 90 and conduit 96.Figure 10 diagram temperature booster 100 and 110 and the preferred disposition for making air be passed in and out the conduit 96 of the hollow region of flexible member 30 by one or more air passage 82.Should be appreciated that single air passage 82 can be used to provide the connection between the inside of flexible member 30 and conduit 96.Therefore, the air entering flexible member 30 is moved ahead by conduit 96 and air passage 82.The present invention also comprises air flowage structure, wherein air enters flexible member 30 by conduit 96 and air passage 82, and exits flexible member by other air passages one or more (do not know in Figure 10 and point out) provided in ventilation oralia 80 and/or shell 90.

Figure 11 and another preferred implementation framework 150 of 12 diagrams.Figure 11 display and flexible member 30 are framework 150, Figure 12 diagram framework 150 of assembled relation itself.Framework 150 limits the face 154 of first surface 152, second relative orientation and outer rim 156 and inner edge 158.Inner edge 158 limits opening 160, and it is made into suitable size and moulding to engage and to receive flexible member 30.Framework 150 comprises two guide rails 162 extended from the second face 154 of framework 150.Each guide rail 162 limits the outer wall 168 of terminal edge 164, inwall 166 and opposite orientation.Second guide rail 170 or wing elements are preferably placed along the stub area of each guide rail 62.Second guide rail 170 preferably extends at a certain angle with reference to its corresponding guide rail 162.Each second guide rail 170 limits inside end 172 and relative external end 174.Each second guide rail 170 is preferably removably fixed to corresponding guide rail 162, can optionally be changed to make the position of the second guide rail 170.Preferably, by using adjustable fixation kit 176, each second guide rail 170 can refer to its corresponding guide rail 162 and optionally locates.Fixation kit 176 provides the firm connection of the end section of the second guide rail 170 to respective track 162, most preferably allows the relative position of the second guide rail 170 to be changed.The threaded fasteners of the groove extended through in the second shown guide rail can be used.Second guide rail 170 is for providing further physics to limit to the distortion of flexible member 30.The flexible member 30 of Figure 11 diagram deformation state, the sidewall 34 of element 30 contacts the inside end 172 of the second guide rail 170 to limit the sidewall 34 outwards distortion further of flexible member 30.

Label is applied to the container that container especially has one or more complex bend region 16 according to flexible member 30 of the present invention by Figure 13 to 18 schematically diagram use.With reference to Figure 13 and 14, provide the container 10 that previous composition graphs 1 to 3 is described.Provide label 120, it limits central area 122, outer rim 126 and outer peripheral areas 124, and outer peripheral areas 124 extends between central area 122 and edge 126.Should be appreciated that for the ease of display label, the thickness of label 120 is exaggerated.Label 120 also limits outside 128 and inner face 130.The pressure sensitive adhesive of effective dose preferably extends on the whole inner face 130 of label 120.Label 120 comprises heat-shrinkage material, and preferably, label comprises the material showing balance contraction performance as described herein.

Preferably, label 120 initially contacts along the region of container 10 and retains.Preferably, the label inner face 130 in the central area 122 of label contacts with the plane domain 14 of container 10.Other region such as outer peripheral areas 124 of label 120 is not in contact with it, and outer peripheral areas 124 is on the complex bend region 16 of container 10.The inner face 130 of label 120 preferably includes pressure sensitive adhesive, and therefore after described contact, label 120 keeps contacting with container 10.Should be appreciated that and the present invention includes multiple label applying technology, label, container and label material.As previously mentioned, except those surfaces comprising complex curve, the present invention also can be used to film and label to be applied on other surface structure.Such as, the present invention can be used to label to be applied on the vessel surface of the combination of flat, that only comprise simple curve or these geometric configuratioies.

The contact gradually of the further diagram label 120 pairs of containers 10 of Figure 15 to 19.After initial between label 120 with container 10 contacts, flexible member 30, especially the dome shaped region 36 of flexible member contacts with the outside 128 of label 120.This is shown in Figure 15.Be to be understood that, this contact can be completed: (i) makes flexible member 30 shift to static container 10 and label 120 by following, (ii) make container 10 and label 120 shift to static flexible member 30, or (iii) make container 10 move to label 120 and flexible member 30 to contact.Contact between flexible member 30 and label 120 preferably initially occurs in central area 38, most preferably occurs in distal-most position 40 that the dome shaped region 36 along flexible member 30 limits or comprises this position.About label 120, preferably initially occur in the central area 122 of label 120 with the contact of flexible member 30.

Flexible member 30 near container 10 and label 120, as shown in Figure 16 to 19.Due to the flexible characteristic of element 30, element 30 starts distortion and continuous deformation, and it adopts profile and/or the shape of container 120 by this.By applying load or other power, flexible member 30 is near container 10 and label 120 (or container and label near flexible member).As previously mentioned, the amount of load is such, and the pressure being applied to label is preferably about 690N/m ²to about 6900N/m ².Flexible member 30 is found in the order of Figure 15 to 19 with contacting gradually between container 10 and label 120.In contact to the degree shown in Figure 19, flexible member 30, and/or the container 10 that label 120 fully adheres to is separated from each other.As a result, label is applied to container suitably.

In the whole process described by the order of Figure 14 to 19, flexible member 30 is preferably heated.As explained above, heating preferably occurs like this, and the perimeter 42 (see Fig. 4) of the dome shaped region 36 of flexible member is heated prior to the central area 38 of dome area 36.This practice is conducive to the outer peripheral areas 124 of only heating label 120.Normally, the region of the label of the compound curved surface of contacting container is peripheral label area 124.According to the present invention, the speed that control factor increases as the Contact of heat, the rate of heat addition, flexible member and container/label and label apply power, heated to make the outer peripheral areas of label and be contracted to suitable degree, so that after contacting with container compound curved surface, label does not play thorn, wrinkling or other defect.Further, after the Contact of label and container, viscosity combines the further movement eliminating the label segment contacted with container.

Figure 20 is the transparent view of the Contact of diagram flexible member 30 and container 10, the typical degree that its display flexible member 30 is out of shape.In this illustration, container 10 is transparent, thus display adheres to the label 120 on it.The effect of guide rail 162 and the second guide rail 170 is clearly shown.Flexible member 30 is as being prevented from due to the existence of guide rail 162 and the second guide rail 170 with the outside lateral deformation in the direction of arrow B.Contact occurs between sidewall 34 region of flexible member 30 and guide rail 162 and 170.

The assembly 200 of the multiple flexible member of Figure 21 diagram, each flexible member to be supported and is contained in foregoing corresponding framework and shell and is referred to as label applicator 210.Specifically, assembly 200 comprises first group 220 of label applicator 210 and second group 230 of label applicator 210.Two groups 220 and 230 are preferably arranged to and align toward each other, and are separated by forwarder 240 or other products transfer system.Assembly 200 is shown as on the opposite side that is configured to label is applied to container (not shown), is applied at one time especially on six (6) containers.According to this aspect of the invention, or even spaced multiple container (not shown)s, be placed on the forwarder 240 of movement.Forwarder 240 is at the direction mobile containers of arrow C.Each group 220,230 of label applicator 210 selectively is positioned at X as shown in figure 21 and Y-direction.Each group 220, the movement of 230 and direction and speed coordinated with the container matches adjacent with the hexad of movement on forwarder 240.Representational circulation is as follows.Pass through X for each group 220,230 ₁and Y ₁movement on direction is withdrawn.After each one group of quantity of preferably carrying part contact label as shown in fig. 13 that target container that is six moves to group 220,230 side, then group is with X ₂direction is moved.X ₂each group 220 on direction, the speed of 230 and the speeds match of the target container of movement on forwarder 240.With X ₂moving simultaneously of direction, each group 220,230 with Y ₂direction is moved toward the target container on forwarder 240.Come in contact along with between each flexible member 30 and corresponding label, each group 220,230 is continued mobile.As previously in conjunction with as described in Figure 14 to 19, each label is applied to its cell therefor.When label is just applied in, the set of group 220,230 and six target containers is just with arrow C and X ₂direction move.After label applies, each group 220,230 is passed through it with arrow Y ₁direction is moved and is withdrawn.When group 220,230 is at Y ₁when direction is withdrawn, forwarder (beam) is still with X ₂direction is moved.Until at Y ₁after direction head is recalled completely, forwarder starts at X ₁direction is moved and is thought that next group target container is prepared.

The movement of group 220,230 can be carried out by various different technology and assembly.In a method, by the servomotor (servo motor) of one or more electricity consumption, each group is positioned on moveable slide assemblies, and this slide assemblies can be selectively located on linear track.Also each of action imparting group 220,230 that one or more cam pack can be used to expect is considered.

Although the aforementioned description at one time label being applied to six (6) containers is provided, should be appreciated that the present invention can be modified to and label is applied to almost any amount of container simultaneously, be set as " n " herein.Preferably, the scope of n is normally about 1 to about 20, is more preferably about 4 to about 10.Be appreciated that the present invention is never limited to these configurations.But the present invention can be used to apply or almost side by side apply label to the container group of quantity more than 20 simultaneously.And, although the assembly described in Figure 21 being the face of two relative directions for label being applied to container, the present invention includes only single label and being applied to each container or three or more labels and being applied simultaneously configuration to each container.

Figure 22 is the plan view from above of the pre-heating station 300 that the assembly 200 that can describe with Figure 20 is combined.With reference to Figure 22, display forwarder 240 is transmitting multiple container 310.Each container 310 in every one side in two main face with label.Each label is with the mode localized contact shown in Figure 14 and adhere to cell therefor face.The set that the set of container 310 is transferred into temperature booster as the side of primary heater 320 and secondary heater 330, the label of primary heater on the first side of heating container 310, the label of secondary heater on the second side of heating container 310.As previously mentioned, multiple heater types, thermal output and configuration can be used.But preferred heater 320 and 330 is forms of infrared heater.The label leaving this pre-heating station typically has the temperature of about 38 DEG C.But, should be appreciated that label is depended on many factors by the actual temp heated, comprise the thermal contraction activation temperature of such as label.

With reference to Figure 23, the container 310 left from Figure 22 pre-heating station and label enter previously with the assembly 200 of Figure 21 in conjunction with description.Executed tagged container completely and be designated as container 310 '.Should be appreciated that during transporting through assembly 200, container and corresponding label thereof experience the operation described in Figure 15 to 19.

Figure 24 schematically diagram comprises the front elevation of preferred implementation flexible member 430 of substrate 432, dome area 436 and one or more sidewall 434.As shown, when observing just above along it, flexible member 430 has rectangular shape substantially, and it has circular angle or edge.Substrate 432 extends around the periphery of element 430 substantially.It is symmetrical that element 430---is designated as Y-axis---about its vertical (vertically) axle substantially.Element 430 is also substantially about its width (level) rotational symmetry being designated as X.

The front elevation of Figure 25 schematically another preferred implementation flexible member 530 of diagram, they one or more sidewalls 534 comprising substrate 532, dome area 536 and extend betwixt.Dome area 536 comprises outward extending lower angular zone 536a and 536b.In this embodiment, the feature of flexible member 530 is only about an axle---the shape of its longitudinal axis Y symmetry.The shape of flexible member 530 is different and is not in relation to axle X symmetry.As previously mentioned, the shape of flexible member and/or profile at least depend on the shape of label and/or the shape of container or profile.Due to outward extending lower angular zone 536a and 536b, the flexible member 530 described in Figure 25 contacts the comparatively low edge of label and lower angular zone more fully than the flexible member 430 of Figure 24.In addition, should be appreciated that and the present invention includes multiple flexible member shape and structure.Concrete shape and the characteristics determined constructed primarily of label and container of flexible member.Therefore, be appreciated that the present invention is never limited to specific compliance element as herein described as element 430 and 530.

Figure 26 diagram pair of guide rails 662, by using screwing element 685, guide rail 662 adjustable ground and optionally engaging with framework or other supporting member maybe can be located, and screwing element 685 extends through the hole 687 of restriction in each guide rail 662.The inner side 665 that each guide rail comprises upper area 664, lower area 666 and extends betwixt.As shown in figure 26, container 10 is placed between the guide rail 662 that separates for a pair.Container 10 has curved side as shown in figure 26 or lateral side regions.Guide rail 662 is each is preferably made into suitable shape or profile with coupling, laminating or substantially corresponding to the lateral side regions of container 10.Therefore, the inner side 665 of each guide rail 662 preferably leans on container 10 and extends, and near-earth relative to container 10 separates.

More specifically, as described in Figure 26, the transverse area 10a that container 10 limits outwardly or protrudes, inside guide rail, 665 limit the concave surface guide rail inside region 665a be inwardly recessed accordingly.In addition, container 10 limits the concave surface transverse area 10b be inwardly recessed further, inside guide rail 665 limit corresponding outwardly or the guide rail inside region 665b protruded.For many application, particularly preferably be, the structure of inner side very corresponding to and follow the profile of paid close attention to container substantially.Therefore, the interval between the inner side of guide rail and container, when being positioned to suitable relation with it, is relatively uniform and constant from guide upper region to guide rail lower area.This and concrete described in Figure 26 are arranged to be formed and contrast, and between wherein relatively large interval is provided at inside container and guide rail, close to guide rail lower area, and relatively narrow interval is close to guide upper region.

The further diagram preferred implementation of Figure 27 " changes " transparent view of system 700 fast.Quick change system comprises flexible member 730, guide rail 762 and frame assembly 750.Guide rail 762 is adjustable grounds and optionally opposing frame 750 is orientable, and can perpendicular positioning preferably by the one or more orbit element 752 of use.System 700 comprises for system 700 is removably engaged to larger framework or support, or as previously mentioned, is engaged to many devices of step rate equipment (not shown).The example of detachable coupling device like this comprises clamping element (clamping members), as shown by 710.Other fastening device can be used as threaded fasteners.

Figure 28 and the multiple quick change system 700 of 29 diagrams, it is referred to as combination 800 of labelling.Figure 28 is the transparent view of combination 800 of labelling, and Figure 29 is its front elevation.Each system 700 is as above as described in reference Figure 27.Each system 700 optionally engages with frame part 780.Each frame part 780 comprises the device for guiding hot air to enter flexible member 730, as having air intake 740 and the air discharge port 744 of linear electric operate heater 743.With further reference to Figure 28 and 29, what limit in framework 750 is air entry apertures 741 and air discharge port opening 742.As previously in conjunction with as described in the temperature booster 110 in Figure 10, temperature booster 743 can comprise internal flow region or pipe section.Therefore, the hot air being flowed through temperature booster 743 by entrance 740 enters the inside of flexible member 730 through opening 741.Hot air, at flexible member 730 Inner eycle, is preferably disperseed by air manifold or diffuser (not shown) further, and leaves through opening 742 with by air discharge port 744.Be positioned in each flexible member 730 is temperature booster 790.Clamping element 710 or other fixation kit can be used to optionally and removably pull down flexible member 730, its guide rail 762 and framework 750 thereof from other framework 780.

The quick change system of what Figure 30 diagram five was different are designated as 700a, 700b, 700c, 700d and 700e, each system uses the flexible member being designated as 730a, 730b, 730c, 730d and 730e of different size.Each system can comprise one or more guide rail as 762c and 762e, or not containing such guide rail.In addition, each system can comprise temperature booster 790a, 790b, 790c, 790d and 790e of different size, shape and configuration, and it is placed in flexible member.Fixing device or other removable coupling device 710 are provided for each system 700a-700e.Figure 30 also illustrates the preferred arrangement of air openings 741 and 742 relative to flexible member 730a-730e.No matter how, after framework 750 is bonded to framework 780 (see Figure 28), air openings 741 and 742 aligns with air intake 740 and air discharge port 744 size of flexible member 730a-730e.This configuration promotes that a system 700 is removed and be installed as another system quickly and easily further, as system 700e replaced with 700a or vice versa.As is understood, this can make a flexible member be replaced by another easily.Therefore, the flexible member with the particular configuration being designed for a label and/or Container Type easily can be replaced when using another container and/or label.Figure 30 also illustrates representative air manifold 737, and it has empty internal and limits the multiple holes 738 extending through manifold internal wall.Should be appreciated that air manifold 737 can use almost any pattern or the layout in hole 738, and be never limited to the detailed description of the invention described in Figure 30.

The present invention is also provided for the various label processing system making label contacting container.These systems comprise tag processor, its for while heating label make label contacting container.Tag processor is preferably as described herein.Label processing system also comprises one or more label, and it is for heating and contacting container by treater.

Strigil element is used to apply label

Generally speaking, the invention provides various technology and assembly, for one or more regions of label or label assembly are applied to container.Specifically, technology and assembly are used to the region controlling the label contacted with container.By geometric configuration, size or the ratio of optionally abstract factory " flag-shaped tail (flag) " during operation of labelling, can obtain and the comparatively strong of label application process is controlled comprehensively.Using the labelling in operation of thermal contractive label and pressure sensitive adhesive, the techniques described herein and assembly have special significance.

Label in operation such as applying label to some on complex-curved, use multi-step scheme.Especially, this multi-step scheme has the thermal contractive label for applying to use pressure sensitive adhesive.Initial by only making the desired region of a part of contacting container of label, label or label assembly are applied to container or other receiving surface.Keep label as pressure sensitive adhesive contacting container relative to container along the adhesives of the exposure after label, container moves usually on a conveyor.The label area do not contacted with container produced is in the industry sometimes referred to as " flag-shaped tail " or " wing (wing) ".

Then in various different technology, make label fully contact with container and adhere to container, these technology depend primarily on the geometric configuration of container and the characteristic of label and adhesives.To using the thermal contractive label of pressure sensitive adhesive, the remaining label segment that do not contact or " flag-shaped tail " preferably make it contact with container with deformable thermal element.The movement of thermal element and temperature are carefully controlled to temperature label or its part being heated to expectation, with the degree of shrinkage making label segment reach expectation.Relative to the contact occurred between label and container, control carefully heating with reduce or avoid ideally wrinkling, play thorn, Edge lift or other defect produce in the label applied.

The invention provides label segment or the system and method that is applied to fully on the container of movement in flawless mode.Label is initial to be contacted with the container of movement and is carried by it.In a form of the present invention, label is put on container further, but is not apply completely, to retain one or more label flag-shaped tail.Scrape brush assembly by one or more subsequent operation as used thermal flexibility, label can be fully applied on container, and label flag-shaped tail can be applied to cell therefor region.In another form of the present invention, label can be fully applied on container.In this form, the flag-shaped tail produced after initial label contacts with container fully contacts with container.

Figure 31 diagram typically has the container 810 of the container outer surface 812 of the label 820 applied according to the present invention.Specifically, label only partly contacts with container or receiving surface at first, keeps not contacting with container to make the label segment of one or more expectation.The state that Figure 31 diagram is such, wherein label 820 partly contacts with container 810 and partly adheres on it.

It is region 830 that initial contact area between label 820 and container 810 is described in Figure 31 and 32.The residue label area do not contacted with container is flag-shaped tail 832a and 832b.As previously shown, the part that term " flag-shaped tail " the index label in this place do not contact, typically comprises one or more fringe region.Although two flag-shaped portion 832a be separated and 832b are shown in Figure 31 and 32, should be appreciated that three or more flag-shaped tails or single flag-shaped tail can be associated with label and its initial applying on container.824 are generally designated as above before label 820.And label 820 be below denoted as next 822.The adhesives 828 of effective dose as pressure sensitive adhesive, 822 placing below typically along label 820.

Specifically, the present invention relates to multistep and to label operation, wherein pressure-sensitive label first partly contacts along the outside of container with desired locations.Label is subject to wiping operation with side by side also increasing, and other region of label contacts with container and adheres to container by this.Preferably, wiping operation is terminated before whole label contacts with container.Most preferably, scraping is only carried out until at least one or more flag-shaped tail exists.At joint, wiping operation completes, and the container now with the label of part applying is drawn towards another technological operation, as contacted with flexible thermal element.But as previously mentioned, the present invention includes such operation of labelling, wherein label, preferably pressure-sensitive label contact with container fully and be applied to container does not have flag-shaped tail to make the label of applying.

Although do not wish to be bound by any particular theory, this multistep is labelled to operate and is found to be particularly suitable for applying thermal contraction pressure-sensitive label on the vessel surface that container curved surface especially has compound curved surface.Typically, this kind of container has to a certain degree flat or slight bow and protruding front or rear region, and this region curves inwardly to be formed the complicated bend shoulder or side that cross with the respective surfaces of container opposite side significantly along its transverse area.Attempt in flawless mode that particularly thermal contraction pressure-sensitive label is applied on very bending and usually complicated bending area is very difficult by label.Surprisingly, the application of the invention, first makes label selected areas contact with a part for container, and then by label of optionally swiping, contact and execute tagged other parts to container, label can easily be applied in.Preferably, scraping proceeds to the degree that at least one or more label area do not contacted with container retains.The label segment do not contacted with container is label flag-shaped tail.Preferably, the flag-shaped tail of formation is corresponding to also thus covering the container area with composite curvature.Then flag-shaped tail is applied on the compound curved surface of container as the flexible heating device as described in such as by one or more follow-up operation.In some applications, label is likely applied completely not leave label flag-shaped tail.To these application, may not need the process of labelled container flexible heater assembly.

Figure 33 is the transparent view scraping brush assembly 840 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.The various brush assemblies of scraping that this place is stated are for optionally applying label, and namely with controlling scraping incrementally contacts one or more regions of label, one or more regions of label comprise the label area of (i) all or part of contact as the region 830 in Figure 31 and 32, and (ii) all or part territory, flag-shaped tail region as one or two region 832a and 832b in Figure 31 and 32.Preferred implementation scrape brush assembly 840 at first applying label from label dispenser (not showing Figure 33) and being further used for incrementally applying also " scraping " label to container.Scrape brush assembly 840 and comprise framework 850, strigil element 860, cam 880 and Cam Follower element 870.These accessories each will be described herein in detail.

Framework 850 generally comprises the one or more elements for supporting and locate strigil element 860.Preferably, framework 850 comprises upper frame member 852, lower frame member 854 and one or more supporting member extended between which as vertical support member 856.Framework material therefor can be almost any material with proper strength and rigidity.The limiting examples of frame material comprises metal as steel and aluminium, and the plastics of relative rigidity.One or more fabricated section 858 or other standing finish can be used to strigil element 860 fix or be attached to framework 850 to otherwise.Framework 850 to be pivotally mounted on support or other fixed equipment in (not shown) to make framework 850 rotate about pivot 842 as shown in figure 33.Preferably, framework 850 and strigil element 860 fixed thereon, can rotate about pivot 842 with the direction of arrow B.The implementation of the pivot movement of framework will be described in detail herein.

Strigil element 860 is illustrated in Figure 34 separately.Although the present invention includes various forms and the structure of strigil element 860, element 860 preferably have restriction above 861 and reverse below 863 the shape of relatively flat.Strigil element 860 also comprises one or more blade 862, and blade 862 preferably stretches out from edge or lateral side regions side direction.Blade 862 is preferably flexible with deformable, so the material being elected to be blade is selected by the corresponding.Representative example as the material of blade 862 includes but not limited to polysiloxane, rubber, flexiplast and various composite material.Strigil element 860 also comprises strigil element 864, and strigil element 864 is preferably placed along the terminal edge of blade 862 or region.During brush assembly 840 is scraped in use, strigil element 864 contacts label along one or more contact areas 866 of strigil element 864.The material (one or more) being elected to be strigil element 864 depends on that the characteristic of label and the smoothness of strigil element 864 and element move past the trend of label.The limiting examples that can be suitable as the material of strigil element 864 includes but not limited to the elastomeric material etc. of cotton textile fibres or non-textile fiber, polymeric material, casting.According to the material of label and the characteristic of any printing or coat, also can expect to use one or more lubricants or friction to reduce agent along strigil element.In addition, be appreciated that strigil element 860 of the present invention comprises various shape, structure and material.Specifically preferably scrape brush assembly 840 for described herein, preferred strigil element 864 along blade 862 whole length or substantially whole length extend continuously.Further, preferred blade 862 strigil element 860 whole length or substantially whole length extends continuously.

The brush assembly 840 of scraping of preferred implementation also comprises Cam Follower element 870.Cam Follower element 870 engages with framework 850 and is preferably fixed to framework 850, is passed to framework 850 to make the movement of element 870.As described in Figure 33, by one or more bolt or other fastener, Cam Follower element 870 can be fixed to the upper frame member 852 of framework 850.Other fixed form can be used as welding, adhesives or the Cam Follower element 870 being integrally formed the one or more elements with framework 850.Preferable configuration described in Figure 33 encyclopaedizes herein.Cam Follower element 870 can be various shape and structure.Preferably, element 870 limits near-end 876 and relative far-end 874, is attached to framework 850 at near-end 876 element 870.Far-end 874 preferably limits the Cam Follower surface 872 towards cam member 880.In the preferable configuration of element 870, Cam Follower surface 872 along the transverse side of element 870 or fringe region especially distally 874 or its part provide.Cam Follower element 870 can be formed by almost any material, and as metal comprises such as steel and aluminium, or plastics are as Lexan, polyethylene or other low-surface-energy material.

In some embodiments, scrape brush assembly 840 and also can comprise cam member 880.Cam member 880 is oriented to can operate with Cam Follower element 870 circulating motion, the preferably crank motion that engage to make the motion of element 880 cause follower element 870 and limit in advance.In the representative construction described in Figure 33, cam member 880 moves in a linear fashion with the direction of arrow A, due to the operated joint with Cam Follower element 870, this causes framework 850 and strigil element 860 to carry out reciprocal pivot motion in the direction of arrow B, specifically, pivotally 842 motions.Preferably, cam member 880 limits towards Cam Follower element 870, specifically towards the cam face 882 on Cam Follower surface 872.As will be appreciated, after the joint between cam member 880 and Cam Follower element 870 or between joint aging time, a part for the part contact cam face 882 on Cam Follower surface 872.Although the present invention includes multiple structure and arrangement, preferably, cam member 880 and Cam Follower element 870 are arranged like this, make the linear displacement of cam member 880 cause Cam Follower element 870 to carry out reciprocal pivot motion.

The typical locating and orienting of the container 810 of part contact label 820 is carried in Figure 35 diagram.The first contacting container upstream of label, preferably directly the upstream of brush assembly 840 is scraped in contact.In particularly preferred method detailed in this article, label 820 is first by scraping brush assembly 840 contacting container 810.Once be in contact with it, container continues to carry label that part applies towards scraping brush assembly 840, contacts further and be applied to container at this label with container.Typically, container 810 is placed on mobile by scraping on the forwarder 890 of brush assembly 840.Multiple forwarder can be combined with various brush assembly of scraping of the present invention.Generally speaking, the container of forwarder transmission is preferably arranged and is equidistantly separated by each other with Bedpan on a conveyor and relative to each other arranges equably.Container preferably arranges, although be appreciated that the container arrangement mode that the present invention includes other on a conveyor with single line (file line) of lining up.For the structure of forwarder, general preferred use linear conveyor, especially such forwarder, its forwarder part is linear and with rectilinear direction transmission container by scraping brush assembly, specifically strigil element.Further preferably, forwarder is transmission container in a continuous manner, to make container move continuously, and most preferably makes container move to be in continuous moving by during strigil element.The movement of forwarder 890 is preferably synchronously carried out with the movement of cam member 880 (not shown), with make when container 810 shift to scrape brush assembly 840 time, first Cam Follower 870 is removed from container 810, then shifts to container 810.Specifically, preferably, when the container 810 that forwarder 890 and its are placed is moved first increasing amounts C ₁time, Cam Follower element 870, framework 850 and strigil element 860 pivotally move around axle 842 (being shown in Figure 33) in the direction of arrow D and leave container 810.Enough Linear-movings are carried out as completed first increment C at forwarder ₁afterwards, forwarder 890 continues and experiences Linear-moving further as second increment C ₂.When the container 810 that forwarder 890 and its are placed moves by second increment C ₂time, Cam Follower element 870, framework 850 and strigil element 860 pivotally move around axle 842 (being shown in Figure 33) towards container 810 with the direction of arrow E.According to the relative position of cam member 880 and Cam Follower element 870, and the profile on cam face 882 and Cam Follower surface 872 or shape, the various motions of strigil element 860 relative to container 810 and label 820 thereof can be realized.When container 810 and label 820 move by strigil element 860, do not contact with container 810 in this moment and be that then the part of the label 820 of the upstream of element 860 is pushed through element 860, in particular by strigil element 864.According to shape and the structure of strigil element 864, the Zone Full of label or only selected zone can be close to container 810 and be in contact with it.Therefore, according to aforementioned aspect, the size of one or more flag-shaped tail, shape and orientation can be controlled selectively.Make the additional label of container and local through thermal flexibility element with thermal contraction and before final label adheres to container, this to expect especially.

According in another preferred implementation of the present invention, scrape brush assembly 840 and do not comprise and there is no cam member 880.But Cam Follower element 870 is oriented to periodically contact the mobile container by scraping brush assembly.More preferably, Cam Follower 870 is oriented to periodically to contact the upper area of each container as the perimeter of container neck or the threaded portion upwards extended receiving lid or other container closure member.Configuration and positioning cam follower element 870 are driven by container itself to make element, have impelled the simple operation of correlated process, coherentization and precision.The operation of the high speed that this preferred implementation is possible, because at great majority---if not all---, business-like label containers, container by upper conveyor element along movement forwarder maintenance in position.The mating surfaces of upper conveyor element normally rub strengthen to impel the joint between this element and container.When container set along lean on and through scraping brush assembly move time, the multiple containers be placed between upper conveyor and bottom forwarder are enough to be kept in position to make it support, i.e. the Cam Follower element 870 of the not each container of moving contact.

Should be appreciated that and the invention provides such assembly, its can selective control almost any flag-shaped tail or other do not contact the shape of label area, size and orientation.Therefore, before the applying of final label and/or label thermal contraction, the present invention can adapt to almost any structure of the label that local applies on container, and can be used to form or change one or more flag-shaped tails relevant to label.Or the label that the present invention can be used to local applies is applied to container completely not stay flag-shaped tail.

Such as, Figure 36 describes container 810, and label 820 localized contact is to container 810.The region that label 820 contacts with container 810 is shown as region 830, and the label area of contacting container 810 is not shown as region or flag-shaped tail 832a and 832b.Container 810 moves through strigil element 864 with arrow F direction.Therefore, flag-shaped tail 832a is the downstream of strigil element 864, and flag-shaped tail 832b is the upstream of this element.In this example, the strigil element 864 of strigil element 860 (not shown) contacts with the container 810 of movement in the center in region 830.When container 810 and label 820 move through strigil element 864, element increasingly contacts or " scraping " label 820 from its initial center to the position of the outer edge area of close label 820 subsequently, as shown in figure 37.As Figure 37 mark, scraping label 820 after, initial flag-shaped tail 832b is completely eliminated by making this label area contacting container 810.As a result, the ratio in region 830 or face area increase.Because scraping or contact do not occur in downstream flag-shaped tail 832a, this flag-shaped tail remains unchanged.Should be appreciated that apostrophe is combined those regions after representing strigil element 864 wiping operation with region 830 and 832a.

Figure 38 and the initial container 810 of 39 diagrams and label 820, label 820 local contacts to make contact area 830 relatively little compared to flag-shaped tail region territory 832a and 832b with container 810.In this example, expect the size or the ratio that only reduce upstream flag-shaped tail 832b, and unlike the example of Figure 36 and 37, eliminate this flag-shaped tail completely.Then the flexible member (not shown) of heat can be used to label flag-shaped tail 832b to be applied to container.

Figure 40 and another example of 41 diagrams, wherein label 820 is initially along the front edge contacting container 810 of label 820.Relatively large upstream flag-shaped tail 832b retains.The assembly of preferred implementation can be used to increase the contact area between container 810 and label 820, that is, region 830, thus reduces or eliminates upstream flag-shaped tail 832b completely, as shown in figure 41.

In particularly preferred method according to the present invention, scrape brush assembly and be combined with label dispenser.Figure 42-44 and 46-49 is illustrated in each stage according to carrying out during the preferred embodiment of the present invention labeling method.The potential problem that Figure 45 may occur during being illustrated in operation of labelling.In these figures, a series of detailed indicative icon is provided, and which depict the optimization technique using described preferred assembly to apply label and scraping label.Generally speaking, scrape the various accessories of brush assembly, container and label as previously mentioned, and mark by similar reference numerals in 900 series.Therefore, such as, framework 950 is marked in Figure 42-49.Framework 950 is with aforesaid framework 850 is corresponding herein.The each diagram of Figure 42-49 label operation during container 910, wherein label 920 is applied to the outside face of container by the strigil element 960 that framework 950 carries.In these figures, label dispenser is depicted schematically as 935, and it has label dispenser chute 936, and label 920 is sent from chute 936.Almost the label dispenser of any type can be used in assembly described herein, system and method.Generally speaking, label dispenser optionally positioning label outside being configured or being adopted as near container expectation.

With reference to Figure 42, strigil element 960 and framework 950, in out of the way local pivotable, should or be distributed between strigil and container so label can be used for.This is completed by Cam Follower, and such as, the graphic follower 870 of Figure 35, it contacts and pushes away container neck.Specifically, along with container 910 shifts to strigil element 960 and framework 950 with the direction of arrow G, strigil and framework move away container 910 with the direction of arrow H.Preferably, the movement of strigil 960 and framework 950 is results of the Contact of the outside face of the neck 915 of Cam Follower (not shown) and container 910.In this concrete stage of labelling operation, move strigil 960 and framework 950 with the direction of arrow H and generally occur in before container 910 arrives, indicated by the upstream that the center 902 as container in Figure 42 910 is in framework 950.Center 902 is geometric centres of container 910, and is limited by the intersection point of container bisecting plane 902x and 902y.Figure 42 also describes the far-end of label dispenser 935 or the preferable configuration of chute 936.In this preferred orientation of chute 936, label 920 with parallel or leave distributing box 935 at least substantially parallel to container 910 towards the direction of the tangent line in the face of strigil and framework, and contacts with the infall of plane 902y at it with container 910.This tangent line represents with dotted line z in Figure 42.

With reference to Figure 43, when container 910 continues close to strigil and framework, Cam Follower starts strigil 960 is moved to container 910.Then strigil starts to guide label into container.Specifically, container 910 continues the assembly shifting to strigil element 960 and framework 950 with the direction of arrow G.Due to the camsurface appearance of Cam Follower (not shown), then framework 950 shifts to the container 910 of movement with the direction of arrow I in Figure 43.Arrow I direction mobile continues the contact area 966 of strigil element 960 to be contacted with label 920 and makes label 920 shift to container 910.At this one-phase of process, container center 902 is near the chute 936 of label dispenser 935.

With reference to Figure 44, label is placed on container by strigil 960, and its position is determined by the shape of Cam Follower (not shown).This move forms label flag-shaped tail and controls the length of flag-shaped tail.Importantly, label is scratched device and is applied to container to eliminate or to avoid bubble to be formed in the label.If be applied on container by label before strigil applies like this, so can produce and less desirablely adhere to situation in advance, it usually brings bubble into.Specifically, in Figure 44, the assembly of strigil element 960 and framework 950 is shifted to the container 910 of movement further with arrow J direction.This causes the contact area 966 of strigil element 960, and it makes label 920 touch container 910.It should be noted that producing such contact makes the front edge of label keep not contacting with container 910, thus produces label flag-shaped tail 932a.At this one-phase of label application process, the center 902 of container is approximately close to the chute 936 of label dispenser 935.

The less desirable example adhering to situation in advance of Figure 45 diagram.In this case, the contact between label 920 and container 920 occurs in the upstream of the contact area 966 of strigil element 960.As explained above, bubble is formed in this region generally causing being designated as T below label 920.

In figures 4-6 can, strigil moves along container, is thus swiped on container by label.Specifically, at this one-phase of operation of labelling, the center 902 of container 910 is in the downstream of the chute 936 of label dispenser 935 now.Container continues to move with the direction of arrow G.Another preferred practice according to the present invention is the speed regulating label 920 to send from label dispenser 935, is strained a little or stretches from label dispenser to make label 920 due to the container 910 of this junction labels contact movement in process.This practice is found to promote that label is bubble-freely applied on container.

With reference to Figure 47, label is separated from chute 936 and exits completely.Strigil continues label 920 to swipe on container.Specifically, when container continues to move along the direction of arrow G, label 920 contacts with container 910, and is scratched device element 960 and swipes.At this one-phase of operation of labelling, the center 902 of container is the downstream of strigil 960 and framework 950.

With reference to Figure 48, strigil completes label to the scraping on container, but strigil does not wipe horizontal tail portion label edges completely.This generates the flag-shaped tail of hangover.The stroke limitation of strigil strigil contacts with container, further so flag-shaped tail produces.Consider that strigil can be separated from container, can be controlled to make the length of afterbody flag-shaped tail by changing cam configuration.More specifically, labelling the stage shown in Figure 48, container 910 continues to move along the direction of arrow G.Label 920 is locally applied to container 910 now, so flag-shaped tail 932a and afterbody flag-shaped tail 932b before existing.At this one-phase of process, the contact area 966 of strigil element 960 is positioned over the downstream of container center 902, and between the center 902 and afterbody face 910b of container 910.

In Figure 49, strigil starts to remove from the path of the container 910 of movement, starts to carry out subsequent vessel to make process.That is, strigil element 960 and framework 950 are removed with the direction of arrow K from container 910.This process is recycled and reused in the upstream of container 910 and follows another container (not shown) of container 910 closely.

Be appreciated that the present invention is never limited to any practice of labelling describing and show herein.Although do not wish to be limited to any concrete practice, generally speaking, preferred practice is as follows.Label contacts along the upstream of label or front edge or region with container at first.This edge or region need not comprise the foremost portion of label but generally be limited near the most front label segment.The most front label segment does not contact with container and therefore forms flag-shaped tail.Correspond to the most front flag-shaped tail and container area below the most front flag-shaped tail is generally complex bend.Flag-shaped tail can be contacted completely by the flexible member such as heated and is applied to the complex bend region of container in the operation below.

As described herein, execute tagged container with part and move by scraping brush assembly.Then scrape brush assembly makes label contact with container by selectivity wiping operation as herein described further.Preferably, scraping terminate like this, stay not with container area below---as described in, it is generally complex bend---the trailing edge flag-shaped tail of contact.In follow-up operation, by the flexible member of such as heat, trailing edge flag-shaped tail can contact completely and be applied to the complex bend region of container.

Also consider, other accessory such as pneumatic or hydraulic actuator or electrical servo motor can be used to optionally locate one or more accessory to realize other label and container structure.Such as, for framework 850, replace using pivotal arrangements, rail system and one or more servomotor can be used to optionally to locate strigil element 860 enter for label of swiping position and leave position, container and/or label flag-shaped tail are not passed through intrusively from strigil element 860.

The present invention also provides the method for various selective exposure label, the label that the container as selectivity scraping movement carries or its part.Method generally comprises provides movable cam element and movable framework assembly.Cam is so configured, and its movement is corresponding to the movement of the label that container and container carry.Framework preferably moves pivotly around vertical pivot.Strigil element is fixed or is otherwise bonded to movable framework.Framework is placed relative to the path of mobile containers, and to make when framework rotates, strigil element moves between two positions.A position, near strigil element contacting container path.In another location, the path of strigil and container from a distance.Herein about the term " near contact " that strigil element is used, refer to that this element is in such position---when container moves the label by the remote edge of strigil element during strigil element or stub area contacting container carry.

In a preferred method, Cam Follower is combined with movable framework provides.Framework is so positioned and orientation, and Cam Follower is operationally engaged with cam member.Most preferably, the movement of cam, Cam Follower and container connects each other together, to make framework pivotally rotate, makes, when the container of movement leans on framework, near strigil contacting container, to contact with the label that container carries to make strigil.When container moves through framework, framework pivotally rotates make strigil element from the path displacement of mobile containers or remove.

Further, provide the method for selective exposure label as described herein, wherein container itself is used as cam member.Method comprises provides Cam Follower, and it is by operating along the container set by Cam Follower movement.Cam Follower and container, as the periodic contact between container neck, can be used to the movement controlling strigil element.

Be appreciated that the modification that the present invention includes this method, and many technology of the label providing selective exposure to carry on the container of movement or label segment.

Use various equipment as herein described, system and method, multiple label, film and/or these assembly selectively are applied on container.Such as, the example for the typical material of label or label substrate includes but not limited to paper, polyester (Mylar), polyethylene and analogue.As described in, label or film can be the forms of heat shrink films.Shrink film useful in the label can be single layer structure or multiple-structure.The layer of shrink film or multilayer can be formed by the poly-mer being selected from polyester, polyolefin, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, poly(lactic acid), copolymer and their blend.Generally speaking, previous text about flexible member use described in any label or film, adhesives and its other in can be combined the label applying system of strigil element and method uses.The present invention can be used for applying multiple label, film and other element.Such as, the present invention with shrink label, pressure-sensitive label, pressure sensitive shrink label, heat seal label and can to pack and the label of almost any type of known of labelling or film are combined.The label using equipment as herein described, system and/or method to apply preferably has following several feature or aspect.Label is generally made into suitable size, and after contacting completely to make label or adhering to container, label does not extend around the whole periphery of container.Most preferably, when contacting with container completely, label edges or other region not with other edge or the region overlapping of same label.

The present invention is also provided for the various labeling systems producing labelled container.These systems are comprised container for optionally leaning on movement and place the label dispenser of label, label or multiple label and the assembly for optionally being contacted the one or more label areas placed along container by distributing box.Assembly comprises moveable framework, and framework comprises at least one frame element that can pivotably move.Assembly comprises the strigil element being bonded to frame assembly therewith movement further.Strigil element comprises the scraper element for contacting label.Assembly also comprises and being fixed on framework and the Cam Follower of movement therewith.The movement of Cam Follower and the mobile corresponding of container, scraper element optionally makes label contact on the container of movement by this.

After-baking

As herein institute describes in detail, various method and system is provided for the post-processing that elder generation is adhesively applied to container or other suprabasil label or film.Method generally comprises and is relatively also generally rapidly applying to heat immediately after label the label of applying or label assembly to specific temperature.Preferably, in this heating operation process, the adhesives between label and the surface of container or substrate is also heated by the mode similar to label.As this place " adhesively applies " to refer to be applied and the label kept by the exposed surface of one or more adhesive phase along container or substrate about the term as described in label.Label according to the applying of ad hoc approach process as herein described has the ratio of defects of reduction, the label confining force of increase and cohesive force and more beautiful outward appearance compared with the respective labels not using the method to apply.

Especially, the invention provides label and film are applied to curved surface as the scheme on the positive camber of various container and further improvements in methods.Although describe the present invention according to the processing scheme of the label be first applied on container or film, be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to container.But the present invention can be used to post-processing and first be applied to various label on the surface of the goods of almost any type or film.The present invention particularly processes the shrink label being first applied to container curved surface.Further, the present invention also particularly processes the label that is applied on the compound curved surface of various container as shrink label.

Be appreciated that the present invention can be used to process to be applied to kinds of surface and to comprise label on plane and simple surface and film.But, as herein describe in detail, the present invention is particularly suitable for being applied to the post-processing of label on compound curved surface and film and relevant adhesives thereof.

Usually, according to preferred method, heat is applied on the label that one or more elder generation has been applied on container at the specified time of labelling in operation and in certain hour section, so as after label to be applied on container thermal annealing label film material.Preferably, the adhesives be placed between label and receiving surface is also heated to identical degree or almost identical with label.The label applied is heated to minimize the label defect usually produced when aging, and as played thorn, wrinkling, bubble, the actual temp that plays limit etc. be found.These defects occurred after label applies usually are referred to as in this article " rear defect ".

Further, depend on concrete label application process, rear heating treatment method also can make one or more thermal pretreatment be omitted.For the label comprising heat-shrinkage material, after preferred applying, heating is carried out after the thermal contraction of label.Can execute by various method is heated on labelled container, as passed through to use infrared lamp, radiation heater, hot forced air oven (hot forced air oven), shrinkage baking channel (shrink tunnel) etc.Heat is generally determined by the characteristic of label material, the speed of label application process and the heat be applied to before the after heat stage on label.For the label comprising heat-shrinkage material, heat also depends on the shrinkage temperature of material.The almost any type it being executed tagged container can accept treatment technology described here.All these aspects are all described in detail herein.

Preferred processing method

Preferred processing method comprises the label first applied and adhesives is heated to specified temp at specified time in operation or thereafter of labelling.Preferably, the label of applying and adhesives are at room temperature or close under room temperature, are heated to the temperature from about 30 DEG C to about 150 DEG C, more preferably, are heated to the temperature from 50 DEG C to about 100 DEG C.Usually, the label that Fast Heating applies, as being typically less than 5 seconds, being preferably less than 3 seconds, is most preferably be less than 1 second.When using this Fast Heating, chien shih processing method as herein described can be used in the operation of nigh velocity bedy label.

In fact, the label applied reaches these specific temperature by the label assembly of applying is exposed to the temperature with at least 100 DEG C or higher environment in realize.Heating can be undertaken by any suitable method.Usually, heat by one or more heat transfer mechanism as conduction heating, advective heating, radiation heating or its combination are carried out.Multiple heating device or device can be used to heat the label applied and the adhesives of being correlated with.Non-limitative example includes but not limited to infrared lamp, radiation heater, hot forced air oven, hot cell, heat tunnel, thermal contact surface etc.Preferably, the radiation heater in room (chamber) or Indoor Thermal air pressure gun is used to heat, temperature when simultaneously leaving with infrared (IR) sensor measurement label.Heating device is well known in the art and easily obtains.

Preferably, treating process is included in and is applied to after container or substrate heating label and adhesive phase immediately.Term " immediately " used herein refers generally to lingeringly not start heating to label after the application and applies to carry out to make heating follow label closely.In practical situations both, heating is preferably less than in 5 seconds after applying label to be carried out, and is less than 1 second after most preferably applying label.But, be appreciated that the heating carried out like this after present invention resides in label applies, as after a few minutes or longer time durations, in some applications, after even during label applies latter several hours.In addition, consider that heating technique as herein described can be carried out for a long time after label applies, such as, apply at label rear until 24 hours carry out.Concrete temperature and time depends on label or film material used, the characteristic of label and adhesives to a great extent.

Applying label according to ad hoc approach process as herein described has the ratio of defects of reduction, the label confining force of raising and cohesive force and better outward appearance with adhesives compared with not using the label of the applying of the method.Particularly, state that the label for the treatment of technology process as herein described tends to keep their to apply at first, can't crumple, has been formed and has stung or occurred limit or along their edge or interfacial separation between label and acceptance surface.Therefore, the label for the treatment of technology process of the present invention compared with not carrying out the respective labels of method process as herein described, has the confining force of enhancing with adhesives, as during being characterised in that longer maintenance and the overall stronger binding power to lower surface.Defect such as disappearance that is wrinkling, that play thorn, bubble and/or a limit etc. produces better outward appearance and has more the label of aesthstic attractive force.From commercial point of view, these characteristics expect, particularly when label is on the container that displays in retail environment.

Although do not wish to be bound by any particular theory, believe that the various internal stress in polymeric labels or membrane material produce especially generation or increase during label applies at label.Internal stress in membrane material is significant especially during the applying of thermal contraction and/or thermal contractive label.Although the relatively permanent combination provided by adhesive for labels is for remaining on its initial applying state by label, the internal stress in label material can cause follow-up label distortion and apply position at first from it and move.These impacts generally show as wrinkling, to play the forms such as thorn label defect.Therefore, according to the present invention, after preventing label, the method and system of defect is provided.Usually, method comprises providing and has polymeric labels and adhesively apply substrate thereon as container.Method also comprises, and after applying label and after preferably applying immediately preceding label viscosity, the label of applying is heated to the temperature of the internal stress being enough to discharge in label material at least partially, thus prevents or at least reduces otherwise defect after the label that can occur.

According to preferred implementation method as herein described, find, the label of applying is heated at the specified point in operation of labelling the stress that specific temperature can discharge in label material (one or more) fully and can not occurs in addition to make described label defect.As described in, the label being applied to container curved surface, particularly clad vessel curved surface easily has these defects.Wondrous and unexpectedly, the heating technique stated by this place, these defects can be eliminated.In addition, carrying out specific heating operation makes label not have change in size.When using heat shrinkable material, this is very important.And,---carry out---if postheating operation as herein described needing the general one or more warm-up phases used in known label application process in some labels operation.

The system of defect after minimizing label

The present invention also provides the various system and relevant apparatus assembly of carrying out Method and Technology described herein.Preferably, system is used for reducing and eliminating defect after label ideally.System generally comprises for adhesively applying label to the assembly on container.The example that label applies assembly is provided in the U.S. Patent application of one or more following US Patent or publication: 4,192,703; 4,561,928; 4,724,029; 5,785,798; 7,318,877; 2005/0153427; With 2007/0113965.Should be appreciated that the present invention is never limited to uses these representativenesses one or more to label assembly.But, the labeling apparatus of almost any type can be used for the present system of defect after reducing label.One or more temperature booster is also comprised, for heating the label of applying after the viscosity of label is applied to container immediately according to system of the present invention.One or more temperature booster preferably can in the time durations being less than about 5 seconds by apply label from ambient temperature to the temperature of about 30 DEG C to about 150 DEG C.Should be appreciated that present system can use such temperature booster, it carries out described executing tagged heating at the time durations more than 5 seconds.The example of suitable temperature booster be herein aforesaid those.Preferably, system, more preferably, described label can be heated to the temperature of about 50 DEG C to about 100 DEG C by temperature booster.Preferably, system, more preferably, is heated to indication temperature by described label in the time durations that temperature booster in the time durations being less than 3 seconds, most preferably can be less than 1 second.Preferably, temperature booster is radiation heater.But, as described herein, multiple heating device can be used.System also can comprise one or more temperature sensor as infrared (IR) sensor, with during heating operation and measure the temperature of label afterwards expediently and accurately.

Embodiment

Under usually keeping flawless temperature lower than labelled container, container is pasted with polypropylene label.When applying, all labels are not applied defectively.Then labelled container is placed in the stove of 100 DEG C immediately, continues different length of the halts.The final temperature of label is measured at the terminal that stove is aging.Then container is checked after at room temperature aging one week.

Be not exposed to comparative sample failure due to formation defect after a week of after-baking.Be exposed to the after heat all samples of at least 30 seconds (square) at 100 DEG C aging rear by checking at one week.Based on these results, can believe that the temperature out of at least 50 DEG C in after heat step is enough to prevent the defect of this specific label material.

Although various processing method described herein has been combined in before label applies or during applying and has eliminated one or more heating steps to describe, should be appreciated that the present invention also comprises the treatment step operating and be combined of labelling with application of heat.Therefore, processing method described herein is considered to be used for many operations of labelling.

Although the present invention and various preferred implementation thereof describe according on curved surface label especially pressure sensitive shrink label being applied to container, but be to be understood that, except those surfaces relevant to container, the present invention also can be applicable to label, film or other thin flexible member are applied to other surface.And, also consider that the present invention can be used to such accessory to be applied in the plane of relatively flat.

International publication WO 2008/124581 is provided in applying pressure-sensitive label other details that especially pressure sensitive shrink label is relevant; U.S. Patent application publication 2009/0038736; With in U.S. Patent application publication 2009/0038737.

US Patent 4 is provided in, 610,744 to hot transfer printing relevant other details of technology of labelling; US Patent 6,698,958; U.S. Patent application publication 2008/0185093; U.S. Patent application publication 2007/0275319; U.S. Patent application publication 2007/0009732; U.S. Patent application publication 2005/0100689; International publication WO 2004/050262; International publication WO 2005/069256; US Patent 7,758,938; US Patent 6,756,095; International publication WO 2002/055295; US Patent 6,228,486; US Patent 6,461,722; International publication WO 2000/20199; International publication WO 2000/23330; US Patent 6,796,352; International publication WO 2002/12071; United States patent publication 2007/0281137; With in international publication WO 2007/142970.

From the following application and development of this technology, other benefits many certainly will become obvious.

The application of all patents as herein described, publication and article are incorporated to herein by reference with its entirety.

As mentioned above, the invention solves the many problems relevant with method to the equipment of previous types.But, be to be understood that, when not departing from the spirit and scope of the invention represented as claims, those skilled in the art can in order to explain that the present invention's essence describes herein and various change is carried out in the details of graphic parts or operation, material and arrangement.

Claims (14)

1. execute heating transfer design to the method for container from carrier element or sheet material, described hot transfer printing design comprises the region being placed on ink on described carrier element or other coloured preparation, and described method comprises:

There is provided tag processor, it comprises the hard framework of second that (i) defines first surface and relative orientation, and described framework defines the opening extended between the first face and the second face; (ii) flexible member, its be adjacent to the described first surface of described framework and second at least one place and extend through the described opening of described framework, and it is protruding from the another side of described framework, described flexible member is defined for the outside face contacting described carrier element, described flexible member limits the interior hollow region that can pass in and out from the first surface of described framework, after label contact force being applied to second outwardly directed componentry from described framework, described flexible member deformable;

Heat described flexible member;

Described hot transfer printing design and described carrier element are placed between the outside face of described flexible member and described container;

The outside face of described flexible member is contacted with described carrier element, and described hot transfer printing design is contacted with described container; With

Label contact force is applied to described flexible member, by this, described flexible member distortion, and described hot transfer printing design is transferred to described container at least in part.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein said hot transfer printing design comprises release liner layer, and it is at described ink or between other coloured preparation and described carrier element.

3. the method according to any one of claim 1-2, wherein said flexible member is heated to the temperature being enough to peel off described hot transfer printing design from described carrier element.

4. the method according to any one of claim 1-2, wherein said tag processor comprises the thermal source in the interior hollow region being placed on described flexible member further, for heating the outside face of described flexible member.

5. method according to claim 4, wherein said thermal source comprises the electric resistance heater of electricity consumption, and it is placed in the interior hollow region of described flexible member.

6. the method according to claim 1-2,5 any one, wherein said flexible member comprises silicone materials.

7. the method according to claim 1-2,5 any one, wherein said flexible member limits the longitudinal axis and is shaped as about the described longitudinal axis symmetrical.

8. the method according to claim 1-2,5 any one, wherein said framework comprises second at least one guide rail extended from described framework, and the lateral side regions that at least one guide rail described leans on described flexible member at least in part extends.

9. the method according to claim 1-2,5 any one, wherein said framework comprises the first guide rail and the second guide rail that extend from second of described framework, described first guide rail and the second guide rail separating at least partially by described opening.

10. method according to claim 9, wherein said flexible member is placed between described first guide rail and the second guide rail, and described first guide rail and the second guide rail are used for when applying the degree that described in label contact force to described flexible member limit, flexible member side is outwards out of shape.

11. according to claim 1-2,5, method described in 10 any one, wherein said flexible member comprises further:

Substrate, its described first surface with described framework contacts with at least one of described second;

Multiple sidewall, it stretches out from described substrate; With

Dome-shaped surface, wherein said dome-shaped surface comprises for the outside face heated with contact label;

Wherein said multiple sidewall extends and is integrally formed with described substrate and described dome-shaped surface between described substrate and described dome-shaped surface.

12. according to claim 1-2,5, method described in 10 any one, described limited opening four edges of wherein said framework, described flexible member comprises four sidewalls, and each sidewall is placed against corresponding edge.

13. label processing system, it comprises:

Heat transfer label, it comprises carrier element or sheet material, and the region of the ink be placed on described carrier element or other coloured preparation;

Tag processor, for heating and make label contacting container simultaneously, described tag processor comprises the hard framework of second that (i) defines first surface and relative orientation, and described framework defines the opening extended between described first surface and described second; (ii) flexible member, its be adjacent to the first surface of described framework and second at least one place and extend through the opening of described framework, and it is protruding from the another side of described framework, described flexible member is defined for the outside face of contact label, described flexible member limits the interior hollow region that can pass in and out from the first surface of described framework, after label contact force being applied to second outwardly directed componentry from described framework, described flexible member deformable.

14. label processing system according to claim 13, wherein said heat transfer label comprises the peel ply between region and described carrier element being placed on described ink further.