Coating processes – Nonuniform coating – Mask or stencil utilized
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-29
2001-05-22
Gray, Linda L. (Department: 1734)
Coating processes
Nonuniform coating
Mask or stencil utilized
C427S208200, C427S208400, C427S208600, C427S288000, C427S290000, C427S294000, C427S422000, C427S424000, C118S301000, C118S324000, C118S319000, C118S040000, C156S521000, C156S529000, C156S568000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06235345
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Labeling machines are used to apply labels to all types of containers, both cylindrical containers and non-cylindrical containers, such as regular and irregular shaped polygons. One type of conventional label is a self-stick label, also called a pressure-sensitive label, which is carried by a backing strip. Self-stick labels are expensive and create a large amount of waste. Self-stick labels typically used with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers, such as milk jugs and juice bottles, are commonly a paper/propylene/adhesive laminate. When such self-stick labels are applied to conventional HDPE containers, the label must be cut out, often by hand, before the container can be recycled. Therefore, a tremendous amount of waste is created by the use of conventional laminated, self-stick labels on the estimated eight to ten billion one-gallon and half-gallon HDPE containers used in the U.S. annually.
Another type of commonly used labels is cut from continuous label material wound onto a roll. Labels made from continuous label material are more economical than self-stick labels and are often made from thin, stretchable film. To reduce the cost, the film keeps being made thinner. This stretchiness can make it difficult to ensure that the labels are properly cut.
Conventional labeling machines remove the continuous label material from the roll and feed the label material to a cutting system. The continuous label material is then cut into labels which are transferred face down onto the circumferential surface of a vacuum drum where they are held in place by vacuum. As the drum rotates the labels pass a glue roller which applies adhesive to the back (outer) surface of the label, typically at its leading and trailing edges. The label, with the adhesive applied thereto, is released from the drum as it comes into contact with and is applied to a container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an efficient and cost-effective method for applying adhesive to labels.
A label adhesive application assembly includes an adhesive sprayer which directs heated adhesive towards labels passing along the label path. A movable heated adhesive shield is used to control the spray of the heated adhesive to the proper region of the label. The adhesive shield includes a moving window, through which the adhesive is sprayed, surrounded by a heated overspray-intercepting surface. The intercepted adhesive is collected by the surface and drains into an adhesive collector for recycling.
The label adhesive station can be used with different types of labeling machines. For example, one type passes a continuous length of label material along the outer surface of a label supporting and cutting assembly. The outer surface preferably has a number of slots through which blades pass to cut the length of label material into cut labels. Another type of labeling machine cuts the label from continuous label material using a rotary anvil, around which the label material passes, and a rotary die registered with the rotary anvil. The rotary die has a blade which cuts the label material resting on the rotary anvil. The waste material surrounding the die-cut label is then removed and preferably recycled.
A primary advantage of the invention is that it is especially useful for running rolls of uncut label material made of polystyrene and/or polyethylene and/or other plastic material. The invention is especially useful for applying shaped labels, typically made of polystyrene, polypropylene or other plastic materials, to rectangular HDPE containers used in the dairy and allied industries. With the invention the cost of labels can be reduced and the ease of recycling is greatly enhanced. Other recyclable label material can also be used. The costs of using the present invention are expected to be reduced by about 30 to 50 percent over the cost of self-stick labels conventionally used with HDPE containers.
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Williamson Jimmy D.
Williamson, Jr. Jimmy D.
Emch, Schaffer, Schaub & Porcello, Co, L.P.A.
Gerro Plast GmbH
Gray Linda L.
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