Stock material or miscellaneous articles – Layer or component removable to expose adhesive
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-17
2002-05-21
Ahmad, Nasser (Department: 1772)
Stock material or miscellaneous articles
Layer or component removable to expose adhesive
C040S299010, C040S310000, C040S312000, C283S081000, C428S040500, C428S041300, C428S041500, C428S041700, C428S200000, C428S203000, C428S204000, C428S345000, C428S35500R, C428S424400, C428S424800
Reexamination Certificate
active
06391416
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a returnable plastic crate provided with at least one ink only label, to a process for applying an ink only label to a polymeric surface and to a system for using returnable crates.
More in particular the present invention is directed to a technique for labelling returnable plastic crates and more specifically to a technique for applying decorative promotional and/or informational labels to plastic crates. Still more particularly, the invention is directed to a technique for using a label composite which applies only the inks of the graphics to a polymeric substrate, a method for applying the label inks to the crate, a method of strengthening of same through a post coating encapsulation of the inks in conjunction with a post treatment, and finally the ability to remove the composite ink label without altering the crate, i.e. without destructive treatment of the substrate surface, so that it can be relabelled.
Plastic crates are presently labelled in one of three different ways. The predominant method is to silk screen a non-removable permanent image prior to end user use. Such labels offer a highly durable finish with 2 or 3 color availability to promote enclosed product at the consumer level. This technique offers limited colors, lacks the improved graphics that other labelling techniques offer, is not flexible in its ability to have graphic changes to meet market strategies leading to large inventories of obsolete units, tends to show signs of wear after only four (4) trips (typical crate life expected at 60 return trips) and is relatively expensive as compared to other label techniques.
A second way encompasses glueing printed paper labels to the plastic crates at the time of filling and sealing. This type of label offers an almost unlimited art potential. However, this type of label offers little resistance to label damage from handling and exposure to moisture and will not survive the washing procedures required of a returnable container thereby requiring relabelling.
A third, and more recently developed crate labelling technique, is that of applying a thin pressure sensitive label. This is a widely used method but has limited service life, it is difficult to remove when desired and is comparatively expensive.
The need for the returnable crate is a direct result of industry preference and government legislation with regard to returnable (refillable) containers in various parts in the world in lieu of one way packaging. In this type of recycling environment a whole new market has been created for the handling of packaged beverage containers. This is presently true of both refillable PET and glass bottle containers. Certain countries, Europe in particular, have invested large sums of money in the creation of distribution systems that rely heavily on the returnable crate concept.
Typically the only product presentation in such a recycling (refillable) market is that which can be printed on the exterior of the crate. Due to handling, space and storage considerations the only marketing, name brand, promotional, UPC code or other informational presentation is that which is printed on the exterior of the crate. The reason is that typically the crates are stacked at commercial outlets such as grocery stores with only the side and end panels showing. As such, the presentations on the said panels of the crates are the only distinguishing features from one product to another.
In the use of returnable crates it would be very interesting to be able to use one uniform crate for various different products or brands. However, this is only possible if there exists an easy and inexpensive method of providing an image or imprint on the crate, which is also easily removed after the crate is returned to the bottling line for refilling.
On the other hand, it is important that the label, image or imprint on the crate is durable, especially during transport and storage, more importantly is durable even when subjected to humid conditions.
Accordingly it is an object of the invention to provide a returnable plastic crate having an imprint, label or image on at least one of its surfaces, which is durable, scratch, wear, weather and moisture resistant during use, but which is easily removable during crate washing upon return to the factory.
It is another object of the present invention to offer a method of labelling plastic containers such as beverage bottle crates.
It is a further object of this invention to label the plastic container at the time of beverage bottle loading so that the label is indicative of the special contents.
It is also an object of the invention that the label on the plastic container shall be impervious to all handling contact and ambient storage conditions both outdoor and indoor.
It is also an object of the invention that the label, if desired, be readily and completely removed in the standard crate washer used when the plastic container is returned to the beverage plant for refilling.
It is also an object of the invention that the properties of the label with respect to removing it can be controlled, so that the label will not be removed or damaged in standard crate washing operations, but only under specific, more severe crate washing operations.
It is an object of the present invention that the labels incorporate a full range of graphics, from a simple one color up to a full photographic reproduction.
Finally it is also an object that the method be simple and low cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects are achieved by the returnable plastic crate according to the present invention, which is provided on at least one surface with an ink only label that is removable by caustic washing, said label being adhered to said at least one surface of said crate by an activated adhesive layer.
In this respect the term “ink only label” is used to define a label that does not have a paper or plastic backing, but which comprises an image layer of ink, which is directly applied to a surface. Quite often the surface remains at least partly visible through the image layer. An ink only label may conveniently be applied to a surface by image transfer, using a reverse printed label.
The label to be used in accordance with the present invention is essentially based on an ink image without a backing material. The ink image is adhered to the surface of the crate by an adhesive, and the surface of the image may be protected by a protective layer.
The present invention provides a distinct improvement over the prior art systems, which were based on paper or plastic labels. In order to remove these labels expensive high pressure equipment was necessary, especially in case labels were required on adjacent sides of the crate. Removal of the labels through simple soaking, as in the present invention, is virtually impossible. Further the residues of the labels have a tendency to clog the crate washing equipment.
The system of the present invention is less expensive and environmentally more friendly, as the residues of the ink only label are easily recovered from the soaking water and recycled.
The present invention also provides the possibility to use the label for scanning possibilities, for example by including a UPC (bar) code therein, which code may be used to define the recipient, the contents or any other information that is suitable. The system also allows the producer to reduce the stock of crates, as it is no longer necessary to keep stock crates of all brands or types. The system according to the present invention makes it possible for a producer to have only one type of crate for each type of material, for example bottle, irrespective of the brand of the material. This makes it possible to reduce tie stock of crates tremendously. Of course the reductions would be even greater if the whole industry in a country or continent would decide to use the system.
In such a case many different producers (bottlers) of beverage containers would share common crates, and yet maintain individual market identification via the pr
Blom Patrick Johannes
Brandt Thomas Lynn
Rosens Erwin Anton
Wilkens Daniel Nathaniel
Ahmad Nasser
Heineken Technical Services B.V.
Pearne & Gordon LLP
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