PRINTABLE MAGNETIC LABEL TAPE, MAGNETIC LABEL, AND METHOD OF MAKING

Abstract

A printable magnetic label tape including a magnetic first layer and a printable second layer. The printable magnetic label tape includes spaced apart transverse oriented lines of weakness along the length of the label tape. A printable magnetic label, and methods of making.

Claims

1. A printable magnetic label tape configured for use with a thermal printer, the tape comprising: a first layer comprising a magnetic or magnetic receptive material, the first layer having spaced apart transverse oriented lines of weakness located along a length of the tape to define separable labels; a thermally printable second layer, the second layer having spaced apart transverse oriented lines of weakness located along the length of the tape to further define the separate labels; and an adhesive connecting the first layer to the second layer together.

2. A printable magnetic label tape configured for use with a thermal printer, the tape comprising: a first layer comprising a magnetic or magnetic receptive material, the first layer having spaced apart transverse groove lines located along a length of the tape to define separable labels connected together, the groove lines in the first layer only partially extend through a thickness of the first layer; a thermally printable second layer, the second layer having spaced apart transverse oriented groove lines located along the length of the tape to further define the separable labels connected together, the groove lines in the second layer completely extend through a thickness of the second layer, the groove lines in the second layer are located at same positions of the groove lines in the first layer; an adhesive connecting the first layer to the second layer together; and notches spaced apart along both edges of the tape and aligned with the groove lines in the first layer and second layer to further device the separable labels connected together, wherein the tape is configured for a user to tear apart the separable labels after thermally printing the tape.

3. The tape according to claim 1, wherein the lines of weakness are groove lines provided at least partially through the thickness of the first layer and second layer.

4. The tape according to claim 1, wherein the lines of weakness of the first layer are defined by groove lines provided at least partially through the thickness of the first layer.

5. The tape according to claim 1, wherein the lines of weakness of the second layer are defined by groove lines provided at least partially through the thickness of the second layer.

6. The tape according to claim 4, wherein the lines of weakness of the second layer are defined by groove lines provided at least partially through the thickness of the second layer.

7. The tape according to claim 1, wherein the lines of weakness of the first layer are located at same positions as the lines of weakness of the second layer.

8. The tape according to claim 1, wherein the lines of weakness of the first layer are located at different positions as the lines of weakness of the second layer.

9. The tape according to claim 3, wherein the groove lines are formed by scoring the first layer and second layer.

10. The tape according to claim 3, wherein the groove lines are separation lines between separate portions of at least one of the first layer and second layer.

11. The tape according to claim 3, wherein the groove lines are provided only on one side of the tape.

12. The tape according to claim 11, wherein the groove lines are provided on the side of the tape having the second layer.

13. The tape according to claim 12, wherein the groove lines in the first layer extend completely through the second layer into the first layer.

14. The tape according to claim 13, wherein the groove lines in the first layer extend completely through the second layer into the first layer, and extend only partially through the second layer.

15. The tape according to claim 3, wherein the groove lines in the second layer are completely through a thickness of the second layer.

16. The tape according to claim 3, wherein the groove lines in the first layer extend into the first layer to a depth from 40% to 60% of a thickness of the first layer.

17. The tape according to claim 3, wherein the groove lines in the first layer extend into the first layer to a depth from 45% to 55% of a thickness of the first layer.

18. The tape according to claim 3, wherein the groove lines in the first layer extend into the first layer to a depth of about 50% of a thickness of the first layer.

19. The tape according to claim 1, wherein the lines of weakness are defined by perforated lines.

20. The tape according to claim 1, further comprising a registration device configured for registering the tape relative to the thermal printer.

21. The tape according to claim 1, wherein the registration device comprises spaced apart notches disposed along at least one edge of the tape.

22. The tape according to claim 21, wherein the notches are registered relative to the at least one of the lines of weakness in the first layer and second layer.

23. The tape according to claim 22, wherein the notches are aligned with at least one of the lines of weakness in the first layer and second layer.

24. A method of making a printable magnetic label tape configured for use with a thermal printer, the method comprising: providing a first layer comprising a magnetic or magnetic receptive material; providing spaced apart transverse groove lines in the first layer located along a length of the tape to define separable labels connected together, the groove lines in the first layer only partially extend through a thickness of the first layer; providing a thermally printable second layer; providing spaced apart transverse oriented groove lines in the second layer located along the length of the tape to further define the separable labels connected together, the groove lines in the second layer completely extending through a thickness of the second layer, the groove lines in the second layer are located at same positions of the groove lines in the first layer; applying adhesive to at least one of the first layer to the second layer; adhering the first layer and second layer together; providing notches spaced apart along both edges of the tape and aligned with the groove lines in the first layer and second layer to further define the separable labels connected together.

25. The method according to claim 25, wherein the groove lines in the first layer and the second layer are provided at one station, and the notches along both edges of the tape are made at another station.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the groove lines in the first layer and the second layer are provided at one station, and the notches along both edges of the tape are made at the same one station.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 is a planar view of the printable magnetic label tape according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a planar view of the printable magnetic label separated from the printable magnetic label tape shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a center longitudinal cross-sectional view of the printable magnetic label tape shown in FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a broken away longitudinal cross-sectional view of another printable magnetic label tape according to the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a broken away longitudinal cross-sectional view of a further printable magnetic label tape according to the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a broken away longitudinal cross-sectional view of an even further printable magnetic label tape according to the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a broken away longitudinal cross-sectional view of another further printable magnetic label tape according to the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a planar view of another printable magnetic label tape according to the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a planar view of a further printable magnetic label tape according to the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a planar view of Example #1 of a printable label according to the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating a method of making a printable magnetic label tape according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] A printable magnetic label tape 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The printable magnetic label tape 10 comprises a plurality of successive separable labels 12 positioned along the length of the label tape 10. A label 12 separated from the label tape after printing is shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] The printable magnetic label tape 10 comprises separable labels 12 connected together along spaced apart lines of weakness 14 located along the length of the label tape 10. For example, the lines of weakness 14 are oriented transverse relative to the length of the label tape 10.

[0051] The lines of weakness 14, for example, can be score lines, grooves, grooves made by score lines, perforations lines, spaces or separations, or combinations thereof. For example, the score lines can extend partially through a thickness of the label tape 10 from one side or both sides of the label tape 10.

[0052] The depth of the score lines or grooves in the label tape 10 is critical. If the score lines or grooves are too shallow, the label tape 10 cannot be separated into printed labels 12. If the score lines or grooves are too deep, the label tape 10 becomes structurally unstable and subject to breakage during handling or printing of the label tape 10. For example, the score lines or grooves can completely extending through the thickness of the printable second layer 12b and only partially through the thickness of the magnetic first layer 12a. For example, the score lines or grooves are made to be 40% to 60% of the thickness of the magnetic first layer. For example, the score lines or grooves are made to be 45% to 55% of the thickness of the magnetic first layer. For example, the score lines or grooves are made to be 50% of the thickness of the magnetic first layer.

[0053] The label tape 10 further comprises spaced apart notches 16 provided along both edges of the label tape 14 along the length thereof. Alternatively, the notches 16 can be located along only one edge of the label tape 10. The notches 16 are configured to be detected by a printer (e.g. thermal printer) loaded with the label tape 10 so that the printer can register the printing of the labels 12. For example, the notches are located and aligned with the lines of weakness 14 to locate the separable edges of the labels 12. In this manner, the printer can then register the label tape 10 using the notches 16, for example, to center the printing on each label 12 being successively printed on by the printer 12. Alternatively, the notches 16 can be located on the label tape 10 at a different location, for example, at the center of each separable label 12 along the edge of the label tape 10. Alternatively, or in addition, the notches 16 can be replaced with holes, slots, and/or markings (e.g. printed markings) provided on or in the label tape 10 for registering the label tape 10 with the printer. More specifically, the notches and/or markings can be used as proximity markings so that the sensor(s) of the printer (e.g. thermal transfer printer) recognize the start/stop positioning to allow proper jogging of the label based on the size/print of the label.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1 the labels 12 are printed with printed matter 17, including text and a barcode 18.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the label tape 10 comprises a magnetic first layer 12a connected (e.g. adhered) to a printable second layer 12b by an adhesive layer 12c. For example, the printable second layer 12b can be a thermally printable layer. The magnetic first layer 12a can be an already magnetized layer or a magnetic receptive layer. The magnetic first layer 12a comprises magnetizable particles 18 embedded is a substrate material. For example, a suitable magnetic layer for the magnetic first layer 12a can be various grades or types of ferrite bound within a thermoplastic elastomer compound mixture that may consist of materials such as copolymers, elastomer polymers (e.g. EVA), thermoplastic polyolefins (e.g. LDPE), and polyolefin elastomers (e.g. PIB, isotactic propylene), synthetic rubbers (e.g. butyl, nitrile, styrene-butadiene), chlorinated or sulfonated polyolefins (e.g. CPE, Hailon, Hypalon), various mixing agents, antioxidants, fillers, etc. The compounds may be premixed, milled, and/or mixed and then either extruded or calendared.

[0056] The adhesive layer can be a continuous layer or a discontinuous layer (e.g. dots, matrix, rectangles, circles, different shapes of applied adhesive). Alternatively, the adhesive layer 12c can be eliminated if the materials of the magnetic first layer 12a and printable second layer 12b are such that they can be laminated together without adhesive.

[0057] The label tape 10 comprises the magnetic first layer 12a and the printable second layer 12b. The magnetic first layer 12a comprises magnetic particles 18 embedded within one or more substrate materials. The magnetic first layer 12a can be magnetized or non-magnetized or un-magnetized. The printable second layer 12b can be one or more coatings (e.g. multiple coating layers) applied to the magnetic first layer 12a (e.g. by printing, gravure printing, applied by anilox roll). For example, the coating can be a heat resistant styrene-acrylic polymer. Wax may be added for scratch/scuff resistance along with a filler (e.g. clay, silica) to improve receptivity of the thermal transfer ribbon/resin. Specific coatings are selected to meet desired end use such as chemical/oil resistance, scratch resistance, UV resistance, dimensional stability (e.g. to “lay-flat”), temperature/moisture resistance, appearance (e.g. color), surface finish (e.g. gloss, semi-gloss, flat finish), reflective, metallic, printed wood grain, and glow-in-the-dark property. Further, the coating can be made with or without surfactants. Alternatively, the printable second layer 12b can be a film or laminate. For example, the film or laminate can be paper, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), vinyl, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), laminated or adhered to the magnetic first layer 12a. The particular film is selected to meet desired end us such as chemical/oil resistance, appearance (e.g. color), surface finish (e.g. gloss, semi-gloss, matte), reflective, metallic, printed wood grain, and glow-in-the-dark property.

[0058] A detailed view of a line of weakness 14 of the label tape 10 is shown in FIG. 4. For example, the line of weakness 14 can be a groove 15 extending completely through the thickness of the printable second layer 12b and partially through the thickness of the magnetic first layer 12a. The groove 15 can be created in various manners. For example, the groove 15 can be a score line created by using a scoring tool on the upper surface of the label tape 10. For example, the scoring tool use can have various profiles to provide particular profiles of the groove created by the scoring tool. In FIG. 2, for example, the scoring tool can have a V-shaped profile to create the groove 15, as shown, having a V-shaped profile. Alternatively, the V-shaped groove 15 can be machined (e.g. milled, water jet, laser), pressed, punched (e.g. using punch tool), cut (e.g. using rotary knife, circular cutting tool, saw), etched, or formed by other suitable methods or processes.

[0059] A detailed view of another line of weakness 14′ of the label tape 10′ is shown in FIG. 5. The line of weakness 14′, for example, is a full depth groove 15′ extending completely through the thickness of the printable second layer 12b′ or a gap or space (i.e. separation) between separate printable second layers 12b′ 12b′ of the adjacent labels 12′, 12′. For example, the groove 15′ can be made in the printable second layer 12b′ after assembly of the magnetic first layer 12a and the printable second layer 12b. Alternatively, the printable second layer 12b′ is made into separate portions or pieces prior to assembly with the magnetic first layer 12a′, and applied so as to create the space or gap defining the groove 15′ located between the separate adjacent printable second layers 12b′, 12b′.

[0060] A detailed view of a further line of weakness 14″ of the label tape 10″ is shown in FIG. 6. The line of weakness 14″, for example, is a full depth groove 15″ extending completely through the thickness of the printable second layer 12b″ and extending partially through the thickness of the magnet first layer 12a″. For example, the groove 15″ has a U-shaped profile. The U-shaped groove 15″ can be machined (e.g. using a mill, water jet, laser or groove making tool), pressed, punched (e.g. using punch tool), cut (e.g. using rotary knife, circular cutting tool, saw), etched, or formed by other suitable methods or processes.

[0061] A detailed view of a further line of weakness 14′″ of the label tape 10′″ is shown in FIG. 7. The line of weakness 14′″, for example, is a full depth groove 15′″ extending completely through the thickness of the printable second layer 12b′″ and extending partially through the thickness of the magnet first layer 12a′″. For example, the groove 15′″ has a U-shaped profile. The U-shaped groove 15′″ can be machined (e.g. using a mill, water jet, laser or groove making tool), pressed, punched (e.g. using punch tool), cut (e.g. using rotary knife, circular cutting tool, saw), etched, or formed by other suitable methods or processes.

[0062] Another printable magnetic label tape 110 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 8.

[0063] The printable magnetic label tape 110 comprises separable labels 112 connected together along spaced apart lines of weakness 114 located along the length of the label tape 110. For example, the lines of weakness 114 are oriented transverse relative to the length of the label tape 110.

[0064] The lines of weakness 114, for example, can be perforation lines comprising a plurality of perforations 115 located along a line. For example, the perforations 115 can be partial or full thickness perforations through the thickness of the printable second layer 112b, and partial or full thickness perforations through the thickness of the magnetic first layer 112a. The lines of perforations 114 provide lines of weakness of the label tape 110 to allow the labels 112 to be separated (e.g. by tearing, bending, or bending and tearing).

[0065] The label tape 110 further comprises spaced apart notches 116 located along both edges of the label tape 114 along the length thereof. Alternatively, the notches 116 can be located along only one edge of the label tape 110. The notches 116 are configured to be detected by a printer (e.g. thermal printer) loaded with the label tape 110 so that the printer can register the printing of the labels 112. For example, the notches are located and aligned with the lines of weakness 114 to locate the separable edges of the labels 112. In this manner, the printer can then register the label tape 110 using the notches 116, for example, to center the printing on each label 112 being successively printed on by the printer 112. Alternatively, the notches 116 can be located on the label tape 110 at a different location, for example, at the center of each separable label 112 along the edge of the label tape 110. Alternatively, or in addition, the notches 116 can be replaced with holes, slots, and/or markings (e.g. printed markings) provided on or in the label tape 110 for registering the label tape 110 with the printer.

[0066] A further printable magnetic label tape 210 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 9.

[0067] The printable magnetic label tape 210 comprises separable labels 212 connected together along spaced apart lines of weakness 214 located along the length of the label tape 210. For example, the lines of weakness 214 are oriented transverse relative to the length of the label tape 210.

[0068] The lines of weakness 214, for example, can be perforation lines comprising a plurality of perforations 215 located along a line. For example, the perforations 215 can be partial or full thickness perforations extending through the thickness of the printable second layer 212b, and partial or full thickness perforations extending through the thickness of the magnetic first layer 212a. For example, the perforations 215 extend through the thickness of the label tape 210. The lines of perforations 214 provide lines of weakness of the label tape 210 to allow the labels 212 to be separated (e.g. by tearing, bending, or bending and tearing).

[0069] The label tape 210 further comprises spaced apart notches 216 located along both edges of the label tape 214 along the length thereof. Alternatively, the notches 216 can be located along only one edge of the label tape 210. The notches 216 are configured to be detected by a printer (e.g. thermal printer) loaded with the label tape 210 so that the printer can register the printing of the labels 212. For example, the notches are located and aligned with the lines of weakness 214 to locate the separable edges of the labels 12. In this manner, the printer can then register the label tape 10 using the notches 16, for example, to center the printing on each label 12 being successively printed on by the printer 12. Alternatively, the notches 16 can be located on the label tape 10 at a different location, for example, at the center of each separable label 12 along the edge of the label tape 10. Alternatively, or in addition, the notches 16 can be replaced with slots 217 centered along and aligned with the lines of weakness 214 for registering the label tape 210 with the printer. The slots 217 can be replaced with multiple slots and/or through holes along the lines of weakness 214, or located at other locations on the label tape 210.

Example #1

[0070] A label tape according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 10. The label tape includes a label having a 6.0000 inch length and a 4.0000 inch wide. The lines of weakness defining the label are each provided by a 3.5000 score line.

[0071] The score line can be a single score line shown at the bottom of the label, or can be a double score line (i.e. pair of closely spaced apart score lines) shown at the top of the label. The single score line results in the label having a portion (i.e. ½ portion) of the notches remaining in the bottom corners of the label. The double score line results in the label having no remaining portion of the notches resulting in rounded upper corners of the label. For example, the top edge and bottom edge of the label can have corners with notch portions, if single scores lines are used at the top and bottom of the label. Alternatively, the top edge and bottom edge of the label can have rounded corners, if double scores lines are used at the top and bottom of the label. The double score lines at the top of the label are shown to be spaced apart 0.1240 inch.

[0072] The notches are provided through the complete thickness of the label tape shown. The label tape comprises a 0.004 inch thick laminate (i.e. printable layer), a 0.001 inch thick adhesive layer; and a 0.007-9 inch thick magnetic (i.e. magnetic layer).

[0073] The scores lines extend 0.004 inch deep into the laminate (i.e. extending completely through the thickness of the laminate layer), 0.001 inch deep into the adhesive (i.e. extending completely through the thickness of the adhesive layer), and 0.004 inch deep into the magnet (i.e. extending partially (½) through the thickness of the magnetic layer). The score lines are applied to the forward side (i.e. printable side) of the label tape.

Method

[0074] A method of making the label tape 12 is shown in FIG. 11. A roll 312a of the magnetic first layer 12a is provided along with a roll 312b of the printable second layer 12b.

[0075] At station 320, adhesive from tray 322 is applied to adhesive roller 324 to then apply a coat of adhesive to one side of the printable second layer 12b. Alternatively, or in addition, adhesive can be applied to one side of the magnetic first layer 12a (e.g. by a different adhesive tray and adhesive roller).

[0076] At station 330, the magnetic first layer 12a and the second layer 12b are adhered together by pinching rollers 332. The pinching rollers 332 define a nip to apply pressure to the label tape 12 being formed thereby.

[0077] At station 340, the notches 16 are cut into the label tape 12 via using a fly cutter including roller 342 with blade 344 and a platen roller 346 having a resilient cover (e.g. made of polyurethane). Station 340 is configured to provide spaced apart notches 16 along the edges of the label tape 10. The notches are cut through the entire thickness of the label tape 10.

[0078] At station 350, the transverse oriented groove 15 (i.e. line of weakness) is cut into the label tape 12 using a fly cutter including a roller 352 with blade 354 and a platen roller 356 having a resilient cover (e.g. made of polyurethane). Station 350 is configured to provide spaced apart transverse oriented grooves along the length of the label tape 12. The blade 344 of the fly cutter cuts completely through the entire thickness of the printable second layer 12b and adhesive layer 12c, and partially through the thickness of the magnetic first layer 12a.

[0079] At station 360, a roller 362 diverts the direction of the assembled label tape of separable labels 12 upwardly at an angle to a reeler for taking up the assembled label tape.

[0080] Alternatively, stations 340 and 350 can be combined into a single station. For example, a notch or notches along with a score line are cut into the label simultaneously with the same rotary die. For example, the rotary die can be built with multiple “ups” (e.g. 2 ups, 3 ups, etc.).