Battery stripping assembly for exposing safety features including aversive agents

Abstract

Battery peel assembly for exposing a safety feature including an aversive agent. A peel assembly for a battery for exposing a safety feature including an aversive agent includes a first adhesive layer adhered to a base layer. Optionally, a layer including a colorant is disposed on top of the first adhesive layer and coupled to the first adhesive layer. A layer including a water-soluble material and an aversive agent is disposed on top of the first adhesive layer and coupled to the first adhesive layer. A second adhesive layer is disposed on top of the layer including the water-soluble material and coupled to the layer including the water-soluble material. A dead stripe layer is disposed between the second adhesive layer and the base layer. Optionally, a label is disposed on top of the second adhesive layer and coupled to the second adhesive layer. The second adhesive layer is adapted and arranged to release from the layer including the water-soluble material when a peeling force is applied, so that when a peeling force is applied to the second adhesive layer, the second adhesive layer and the dead stripe layer can be removed from the layer including the water-soluble material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to stickers for batteries, and more particularly to a battery cell peel-away assembly for exposing safety features including aversive agents. Background Art

[0002] Electrochemical cells or batteries are generally used as a source of electrical energy. The battery comprises a negative electrode, generally referred to as the anode, and a positive electrode, generally referred to as the cathode. The anode comprises an electrochemically active anode material that can be oxidized. The cathode comprises an electrochemically active cathode material that can be reduced. The electrochemically active anode material is capable of reducing the electrochemically active cathode material. A separator is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The battery components are housed in a can or casing, generally made of metal.

[0003] When a battery is used as an electrical energy source in an electronic device, the anode and cathode make electrical contact, thereby completing a circuit that allows electrons to flow through the device, and this results in corresponding oxidation and reduction reactions that produce power to the electronic device. The electrolyte is in contact with the anode, cathode, and separator. The electrolyte contains ions that flow through the separator between the anode and cathode to maintain charge balance throughout the battery during discharge.

[0004] There is a growing demand for portable power sources for electronic devices such as: toys; remote controls; audio devices; flashlights; digital cameras and peripheral photography equipment; electronic games; toothbrushes; radios; clocks and other portable electronic devices. Consumers want readily available power sources for these electronic devices. As battery technology improves and more powerful batteries are developed, smaller batteries are becoming more prevalent, especially in toys and small handheld devices. As a result, smaller batteries, often referred to as button cells and / or coin cells, have become more popular.

[0005] Although button cell batteries are common in many portable consumer electronic devices, the size, shape, and appearance of these batteries (particularly coin cells with a diameter of 20 mm, such as 2016 lithium cells, 2025 lithium cells, and 2032 lithium cells) can pose a swallowing hazard, particularly to infants, young children, and pets, due to the similarity in size between the esophagus of infants, young children, and pets and the coin cells. These hazards can result in personal injury, especially if the cell is swallowed without the knowledge of others around them. Additionally, some of these button cell batteries pose relatively greater hazards than other button cell batteries, which consumers may not fully appreciate. For example, if swallowed, coin cell batteries (such as 2016 3V lithium cells, 2025 3V lithium cells, and 2032 3V lithium cells) can cause electrolysis of body fluids and / or burning of wet esophageal / organ tissue. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one aspect, a peeling assembly for a battery for exposing a safety feature including an aversive agent includes a first adhesive layer adhered to a base layer. Optionally, a layer including a colorant is disposed on the first adhesive layer and coupled to the first adhesive layer. A layer including a water-soluble material and an aversive agent is disposed on the first adhesive layer and coupled to the first adhesive layer. A second adhesive layer is disposed on the layer including the water-soluble material and coupled to the layer including the water-soluble material, and optionally, a label is disposed on the second adhesive layer and coupled to the second adhesive layer. A kill stripe layer is disposed between the second adhesive layer and the base layer, and the second adhesive layer is adapted and arranged to release from the layer including the water-soluble material when a peeling force is applied by peeling a portion of the kill stripe layer from the base layer, so that the second adhesive layer is decoupled from the layer including the water-soluble material. When a peeling force is applied to the kill stripe layer, the label (when present), the second adhesive layer, and the kill stripe layer can be removed from a subassembly having a layer including a water-soluble material, a layer including a colorant (when present), and the first adhesive layer.

[0007] According to another aspect, a battery safety system includes: a battery having a can, a first terminal, and a second terminal; and a peeling assembly for exposing a safety feature including an aversive agent adhered to one of the first terminal and the second terminal. The peeling assembly includes: a first adhesive layer adhered to the one of the first terminal or the second terminal; optionally, a layer including a colorant disposed on the first adhesive layer and coupled to the first adhesive layer; a layer including a water-soluble material and an aversive agent disposed on the first adhesive layer and coupled to the first adhesive layer; a second adhesive layer disposed on the layer including the water-soluble material and coupled to the layer including the water-soluble material; a dead stripe layer disposed between the second adhesive layer and the one of the first terminal or the second terminal, and the second adhesive layer is adapted and arranged to release from the layer including the water-soluble material when a peeling force is applied by peeling a portion of the dead stripe layer off the one of the first terminal or the second terminal, so that the second adhesive layer is decoupled from the layer including the water-soluble material; and optionally, a label disposed on the second adhesive layer and coupled to the second adhesive layer. When a peel force is applied to the dead stripe layer, the label (when present), the second adhesive layer and the dead stripe layer can be removed from the subassembly having the layer including the water soluble material, the layer including the colorant (when present) and the first adhesive layer.

[0008] According to the teachings of the present disclosure, any one or more of the aforementioned aspects of a peel-off assembly for a battery or battery safety system for exposing a safety feature including an aversive agent may further include any one or more of the following features.

[0009] In some optional forms, the base layer includes a plastic film, a coated paper sheet (such as a wax paper sheet), or a laminate including a top layer (including a plastic film or a coated paper), or a combination thereof. In yet other aspects, the base layer includes a battery pole, such as, for example, a negative terminal or a positive terminal of a battery. In various improvements, the battery pole includes a first inner portion and a second outer portion, and the first adhesive layer is disposed on and connected to the second outer portion, and the dead stripe layer at least partially overlaps the first inner portion. In one example, the second outer portion includes an annular shape, and a layer including a water-soluble material and a layer including a colorant (when present) are provided in the shape of an annular object (a complete ring around the battery 12). In another example, the second outer portion includes an annular shape, and a layer including a water-soluble material and a layer including a colorant (when present) are provided in the shape of an annular sector. The angle of the annular sector is less than or equal to 360 degrees, for example, less than or equal to 180 degrees. In yet other improvements, the first inner portion includes a non-printed area of ​​the battery pole. In yet other refinements, the first inner portion comprises a diameter of approximately 11 mm or less.

[0010] In yet other optional forms, the colorant includes a dye, a pigment, a polymer dye, or a combination thereof. In some improvements, the layer including the colorant includes a water-based ink. In yet other improvements, the water-based ink includes a black dye.

[0011] In yet other optional forms, the water-soluble material includes an aversive agent. In some improvements, the aversive agent includes a bittering agent. In some improvements, the water-soluble material includes an aversive agent, such as denatonium benzoate, at greater than about 200 ppm, for example, between about 200 ppm and 20,000 ppm, such as about 500 ppm, about 1000 ppm, about 2500 ppm, about 5000 ppm, about 10,000 ppm, about 15,000 ppm, or about 20,000 ppm.

[0012] In yet other optional forms, the dead stripe layer comprises the shape of a circular segment. In some refinements, the circular segment comprises an arc of less than 180 degrees. In yet other refinements, the dead stripe layer comprises an area less than half the area of ​​the label. In some refinements, the dead stripe layer comprises non-metallized polyester.

[0013] In yet other alternatives, the first adhesive layer comprises a relatively high surface energy acrylic adhesive.

[0014] In yet other alternatives, the first adhesive layer is substantially free of polyvinyl alcohol.

[0015] In yet other alternatives, the second adhesive layer comprises a soluble acrylic adhesive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming subject matter, the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a battery cell having a peel-away assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure for exposing safety features including an aversive agent.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of a battery cell and a peel-away assembly for exposing safety features including aversive agents.

[0019] Figure 3 is an exploded side view of a representative peel assembly for exposing a security feature including an aversive agent, such as adhered to a base layer or film.

[0020] Figure 4 is a top view of a battery cell including a battery cell for exposing a battery terminal such as a battery terminal. Figure 1 A peel-away component that includes a safety feature for aversive agents.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Side view of a battery cell.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A top view of a battery cell having a portion for exposing a not shown Figure 1 A peel-off assembly of a security feature comprising an aversive agent comprises a label layer, a second adhesive layer and a dead stripe layer.

[0023] Figures 7A-7E It is used to expose Figure 3-6 Schematic representation of certain adhesive areas of a peel assembly including an aversive agent safety feature. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The electrochemical cell or battery can be a primary battery or a secondary battery. A primary battery means that it can only be discharged (e.g., exhausted) once and then discarded. Primary batteries (or disposable batteries) are described, for example, in David Linden's "Battery Handbook" (4th edition, 2011). Secondary batteries (or rechargeable batteries) are intended to be recharged and used repeatedly. Secondary batteries can be discharged and recharged many times, for example, more than fifty times, more than one hundred times or more times. Secondary batteries are described, for example, in David Linden's "Battery Handbook" (4th edition, 2011). Therefore, the battery can include various electrochemical connections and electrolyte combinations. Although the description and examples provided herein are generally directed to primary alkaline electrochemical cells or batteries, it should be understood that the present invention is applicable to primary and secondary batteries of aqueous, non-aqueous, ionic liquid and solid-state systems. Therefore, primary and secondary batteries of the above-mentioned systems are within the scope of this application, and the present invention is not limited to any particular embodiment.

[0025] In general, the peeling assembly described herein for exposing a safety feature including an aversive agent provides one or more safety mechanisms that help prevent and / or identify the ingestion of a battery by a person (such as a child). The peeling assembly includes an aversive agent (e.g., an aversive agent that can induce a child to spit the battery out of the body due to an unpleasant taste). Additionally, the peeling assembly may have a layer including a colorant (e.g., a dye, a pigment, a polymer dye, or a combination thereof) that signals to the consumer that a film is present on the battery. In some embodiments, the layer including the colorant and therefore the colorant itself may dissolve and / or become dispersed when in contact with a body fluid such as saliva, so that the colored fluid is deposited on the child's skin, which advantageously allows an adult to quickly identify the potential ingestion of the battery by the child. The peeling assembly may also include a textual and / or graphical description of the safety feature on a peeling portion that must be removed before the battery can be used to provide power in the device.

[0026] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a stripping assembly 10 for a battery 12 for exposing a safety feature including an aversive agent is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the stripping assembly 10 is attached to the negative terminal 18 (corresponding to the anode) of the battery 12. The battery can or housing 15 forms the outer surface of the battery 12. In other embodiments, the stripping assembly 10 may be attached to the positive terminal 20 (corresponding to the cathode) of the battery 12. As used herein, the terms "pole" and "terminal" are used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the battery 12 may include a coin cell or button cell. For example, the battery 12 may include a lithium coin cell battery, such as, for example, a 2016 3V lithium cell, a 2025 3V lithium cell, and a 2032 3V lithium cell. In some embodiments, the battery 12 may include an outer diameter between about 16 mm and about 24 mm, for example, about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the terminal 18 of the battery 12 may include a first inner portion 13 (e.g., a non-printed area), which in some cases may have a diameter of about 11 mm or less. As used herein, a "no print zone" is a portion of a battery terminal 18 where the manufacturer prohibits direct application of print, adhesive, or laminate to ensure proper electrical contact when the battery is installed in a battery-powered device. The first inner portion 13 may be surrounded by a second outer portion 16 having an annular shape. In some embodiments, the second outer portion 16 may have an outer diameter of about 20 mm and an inner diameter of about 11 mm. In other embodiments, other battery types and / or sizes may be used.

[0027] Now turn to Figure 3 , the peeling assembly 10 includes a first adhesive layer 14c. The first adhesive layer 14c contacts and thereby fixes the peeling assembly 10 to a base layer 20, which may include a carrier surface, such as a plastic film, a coated paper sheet (such as a wax paper sheet), or a laminate including a top layer (including a plastic film or coated paper), or when the peeling assembly 10 is adhered to a battery, the base layer may include a battery surface, such as a battery terminal 18, 19 (e.g., corresponding to the anode or cathode of the battery). The plastic film, coated paper sheet, or laminate 20 may be used during the manufacture and transportation of the peeling assembly 10. The peeling assembly 10 may be easily removed from the carrier surface (e.g., plastic film, coated paper sheet, or laminate) before the peeling assembly 10 is fixed to the battery 12.

[0028] The first adhesive layer 14c may be shaped to form a ring (a complete ring around the battery 12) or a sector of a ring (eg, a partial ring or an arcuate shape) to attach to the battery 12 ( Figure 1) of the battery 12. Generally speaking, a partial ring covering between about 25% and 75% of the diameter of the battery 12 (or more specifically, a partial ring disposed in the second outer portion 16 and covering between about 25% and 75% of the diameter of an inner ring, the inner ring being concentric with the outer diameter of the battery to which the assembly 10 is to be applied) is preferred for ensuring / facilitating electrical contact between the batteries 12 arranged in series. By being attached to the second outer portion 16 of the battery 12, the first adhesive layer 14c avoids the unprinted area 13 of the battery 12, thereby avoiding harmful contact interference between the negative terminal 18 (or in other embodiments, the positive terminal 20) and the device to be powered by the battery 12. Additionally, the shape and relative positioning of the first adhesive layer 14c allow for multiple batteries 12 to be arranged in series in a device if desired; thus, the first adhesive layer 14c does not prevent electrical contact between the respective positive and negative battery poles of two batteries 12 in series. In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer 14c and / or the double-sided tape 14 are shaped so that the angle of the sector is less than or equal to 360 degrees, for example less than or equal to 180 degrees. In other embodiments, the first adhesive layer 14c and / or the double-sided tape 14 are provided as a complete ring around the battery 12 within the second outer portion 16.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the first adhesive layer 14c is provided by a double-sided tape 14, which includes a first adhesive layer 14c, a carrier substrate 14b (typically a polymer film) and an additional adhesive layer 14a. In other embodiments, the first adhesive layer 14c is provided as a discrete layer. The double-sided tape advantageously provides structural rigidity to a safety feature including an aversive agent applied thereon and coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the adhesive of the first adhesive layer 14c and the additional adhesive layer 14a is an adhesive of relatively high surface energy. The relatively high energy adhesive may be substantially free of polyvinyl acetate and / or substantially free of polyvinyl alcohol. The term "substantially free" refers to an adhesive composition comprising less than 10% by weight, less than 5% by weight, less than 3% by weight, less than 2% by weight, less than 1% by weight and / or less than 0.5% by weight of polyvinyl acetate and / or polyvinyl alcohol. A relatively high energy adhesive is useful because it bonds well to high energy surfaces (such as metals) and promotes wetting of formulations or inks including water soluble materials deposited thereon. Suitable adhesives for the first adhesive layer 14c include, but are not limited to, printable acrylic adhesives and modified acrylic adhesives, such as, for example, those sold as 3M™ Imprintable Label Materials (3M, St. Paul, MN), including 3M™ Adhesive 350, 3M™ Adhesive P1212, and 3M™ High Performance Permanent Tackifying Adhesive P1410; those sold as NEOCRYL® Solid Acrylic (DSM), including NEOCRYL® B-723 and NEOCRYL® B-725; and those sold as high release adhesives for permanent applications (Avery Dennison Corporation, Glendale, CA), including S8764, S8769, S8810, and S8841. Of course, other adhesives may also be used to provide the first adhesive layer 14c and the additional adhesive layer 14a.

[0030] Optionally, the layer 22 including a colorant may be disposed on the first adhesive layer 14c and coupled to the first adhesive layer 14c (or to the double-sided tape 14 providing the first adhesive layer 14c). Therefore, although the layer 22 including a colorant is shown in the illustrated embodiment, the layer 22 including a colorant need not be present in the peeling assembly 10 for exposing a security feature including an aversive agent according to the present disclosure. The layer 22 including a colorant may be directly or indirectly coupled to the first adhesive layer 14c (or to the double-sided tape 14 providing the first adhesive layer 14c). Direct coupling involves direct contact. Indirect coupling involves coupling through another intervening layer. When present, the layer 22 including a colorant is shaped and positioned substantially the same as the first adhesive layer 14c and / or the double-sided tape 14 described above. More specifically, the layer 22 including a colorant may be shaped to form an annulus (a complete ring around the battery 12) or a sector of an annulus (e.g., a partial ring or an arcuate shape) to overlap the battery 12 ( Figure 1 ) of the second outer portion 16. In general, as described above, a partial ring covering between about 25% and 75% of the diameter of the battery 12 (or more specifically, a partial ring disposed in the second outer portion 16 and covering between about 25% and 75% of the diameter of the inner ring, which inner ring is concentric with the outer diameter of the battery 12 to which the assembly 10 is to be applied) is preferred for ensuring electrical contact. By overlapping the second outer portion 16 of the battery 12, the layer 22 including the colorant avoids the unprinted area 13 of the battery 12, thereby avoiding causing harmful contact interference between the negative terminal 18 (or in other embodiments, the positive terminal 20) and the device to be powered by the battery 12. Additionally, the shape of the layer 22 including the colorant allows multiple batteries 12 to be arranged in series in a device when desired; therefore, the layer 22 including the colorant does not prevent electrical contact between the corresponding positive and negative battery poles of two batteries 12 in series. In some embodiments, the layer 22 including the colorant is shaped so that the angle of the sector is less than or equal to 360 degrees, for example, less than or equal to 180 degrees. In other embodiments, the layer 22 including the colorant is provided as a complete ring around the battery 12 within the second outer portion 16 .

[0031] In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a dye, a pigment, a polymer dye, or a combination thereof. The layer 22 comprising a colorant comprises a colorant (e.g., a dye, a pigment, a polymer dye, or a combination thereof) so as to provide a clear signal to the consumer that a film is present on the battery. In some embodiments, the layer comprising a colorant, and thus the colorant itself, can dissolve and / or become dispersed when exposed to body fluids such as saliva to color the saliva and thus the mouth and / or other parts of the body of a person (such as an infant or toddler who has placed the battery 12 in his or her mouth) so that an adult can easily identify the possibility that the child has ingested a battery and can take appropriate steps to help the child. In some embodiments, the layer 22 comprising a colorant comprises a water-based ink. Thus, suitable water-based inks may be provided in the form of inks deposited thereon including, but not limited to, inkjet formulations including a colorant and a polyvinyl alcohol agent, such as, for example, polyvinyl alcohol () and, although generally any colorant may be used, in one aspect the water-based ink may include a black dye or black pigment, for example, a black pigment dispersion approved for indirect food contact (such as, black dispersion 6C11B14525 () and various colored inks sold under the AQUAFLEX trademark ().

[0032] The layer 24 including a water-soluble material is disposed above and coupled to the first adhesive layer 14c. In the illustrated embodiment, the layer 24 including a water-soluble material is indirectly coupled to the first adhesive layer 14c via the layer 22 including a colorant. In other embodiments, the relative positioning of the layer 22 including a colorant and the layer 24 including a water-soluble material may be reversed such that the layer 24 including a water-soluble material is directly coupled to the first adhesive layer 14c, and the layer 22 including a colorant is indirectly coupled to the first adhesive layer 14c via the layer 24 including a water-soluble material. Similar to the first adhesive layer 14c and the layer 22 including a colorant (when present), the layer 24 including a water-soluble material is shaped and positioned substantially the same as the first adhesive layer 14c to form an annulus (a complete annulus surrounding the battery 12) or a sector of an annulus (e.g., a partial annulus or an arcuate shape) to overlie the battery 12 ( Figure 1) of the second outer portion 16 of the battery 12. Generally speaking, as described above, a partial ring covering between about 25% and 75% of the diameter of the battery 12 (or more specifically, a partial ring disposed in the second outer portion 16 and covering between about 25% and 75% of the diameter of an inner ring, the inner ring being concentric with the outer diameter of the battery to which the assembly 10 is to be applied) is preferred for ensuring / facilitating electrical contact between the batteries 12 arranged in series. By overlapping the second outer portion 16 of the battery 12, the layer 24 including the water-soluble material avoids the unprinted area 13 of the battery 12, thereby avoiding causing harmful contact interference between the negative terminal 18 (or in other embodiments, the positive terminal 20) and the device to be powered by the battery 12. Additionally, the shape and relative positioning of the layer 24 including the water-soluble material allows multiple batteries 12 to be arranged in series in a device when desired; therefore, the layer 24 including the water-soluble material does not prevent electrical contact between the respective positive and negative battery poles of two batteries 12 in series. In some embodiments, the layer 24 comprising water-soluble material is shaped such that the angle of the sector is less than or equal to 360 degrees, for example less than or equal to 180 degrees. In other embodiments, the layer 24 comprising water-soluble material is provided as a complete ring around the battery 12 within the second outer portion 16 .

[0033] Useful water-soluble materials have a solubility in water greater than 50 mg / L, greater than 100 mg / L, greater than 500 mg / L, or even greater than 1000 mg / L. Non-limiting examples of water-soluble materials include, but are not limited to, sugars, polyethers (such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyethylene oxide (PEO)), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyamide (PA), polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol and modified polyvinyl alcohol, acrylate copolymers, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, pullulan, gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose, polysaccharides, natural polymers (including but not limited to agar, guar gum, xanthan gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan and starch), modified starches (including but not limited to ethoxylated starch and hydroxypropylated starch), copolymers of the foregoing, salts thereof, and combinations of any of the foregoing. The water-soluble material is preferably a biologically inert material that is non-toxic or less toxic. Suitable water-soluble materials include, but are not limited to, water-soluble films sold under the ADVASOL™ trademark (Sekisui America Corporation, Secaucus, NJ) and polyvinyl alcohol-based films (MonoSol LLC, Merrillville, IN).

[0034] The layer 24 comprising water-soluble material comprises an aversive agent. In general, the aversive agent comprises a bittering agent. In some embodiments, the water-soluble material comprises an aversive agent greater than about 200 ppm, for example, between about 200 ppm and 20000 ppm, such as about 500 ppm, about 1000 ppm, about 2500 ppm, about 5000 ppm, about 10000 ppm, about 15000 ppm or about 20000 ppm, for example denatonium benzoate. In other embodiments, the water-soluble material may comprise ammonium benzoate, denatonium benzoate, denatonium saccharin, denatonium chloride, sucrose octaacetate, 2,3-dimethoxy strychnine, quasin, flavonoids, quercetin, sphingomyelin, gum lipoate toxin, capsaicin, novanillamine, piperine, allyl isothiocyanate or a combination of the foregoing.

[0035] The dead stripe layer 26 is disposed between the second adhesive layer 28 and the base layer 20 (e.g., the carrier surface or the pole 18 or 19 of the battery 12). Because the dead stripe layer 26 is non-adhesive on one side, the dead stripe layer 26 facilitates gripping a portion thereof in a manner that allows the second adhesive layer 28 to be released or decoupled from the layer 24 comprising a water-soluble material and / or the layer 22 comprising a colorant (when present) when a peeling force is applied, the peeling force being sufficient to overcome any bonding interaction between the second adhesive layer 28 and the layer 24 comprising a water-soluble material and / or the layer 22 comprising a colorant. As used herein, the term "dead stripe layer" refers to a film, layer, or tape having at least one surface that renders other substrate surfaces in contact therewith non-adhesive. Thus, the dead stripe layer can be positioned between a first substrate or surface and a second substrate or surface (e.g., an adhesive layer) and oriented toward the second substrate or surface to prevent or significantly reduce adhesion between the film, layer, or tape and the second substrate. In some embodiments, the peeling force (as measured on stainless steel) is between 2 N and 12 N. The dead stripe layer 26 at least partially overlaps the first inner portion 13 of the battery 12 (e.g., the non-printed area), but may also overlap the layer 24 including the water-soluble material, the layer 22 including the colorant (when present), or portions thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the dead stripe layer 26 does not overlap either the layer 24 including the water-soluble material or the layer 22 including the colorant.

[0036] In one embodiment, the dead stripe layer 26 comprises the shape of a segment of a circle (i.e., the area formed by the chord of the circle and the arc of the circle), but of course, the dead stripe layer may be provided in other shapes / forms. In one particular aspect, the dead stripe comprises a smaller segment of a circle, i.e., the dead stripe layer 26 comprises an area less than half the area of ​​the second adhesive layer 28 or the label 30. In other embodiments, the dead stripe layer 26 may comprise an area greater than or equal to half the area of ​​the second adhesive layer 28 or the label 30.

[0037] In some embodiments, the dead stripe layer 26 comprises a non-metallized polyester. The non-metallized polyester advantageously allows the dead stripe layer 26 to have a colored surface (e.g., red) facing downward toward the carrier layer 20, so that the consumer can easily identify the colored surface in the final peel assembly 10 described herein to facilitate the removal of the label 30 (when present), the second adhesive layer 28, and the dead stripe layer 26 from the subassembly having the layer 24 including the water-soluble material, the layer 22 including the colorant, and the layer 14 including the first adhesive layer when an appropriate peel force is applied to the dead stripe layer 26. In other embodiments, the dead stripe layer 26 may include a metallized polyester, such as silver mylar or other metallized films.

[0038] The second adhesive layer 28 is disposed over and coupled to the dead stripe layer 26, and in the illustrated embodiment, the label 30 is disposed over and coupled to the second adhesive layer 28. As described above, when sufficient peel force is applied to the dead stripe layer 26, the label 30 (when present), the second adhesive layer 28, and the dead stripe layer 26 can be removed from the subassembly having the layer 24 including the water-soluble material and the layer 22 including the colorant (when present).

[0039] In some embodiments, the second adhesive layer 28 is disposed on a film comprising biaxially oriented polypropylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polyolefin, polyethylene, coextrudate, laminate, and combinations thereof. For example, the second adhesive layer 28 can be a soluble acrylic adhesive disposed on one side of a film comprising a material such as, for example, biaxially oriented, coextruded polypropylene. In the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive is disposed downwardly toward the battery poles 18, 19 so that the biaxially oriented film can directly receive the print or security label 30 (which need not be present). In one embodiment, the second adhesive layer 28 comprises a 2.3 mil thick biaxially oriented, coextruded polypropylene film comprising an acrylic adhesive (Fasson® 2.3M White BOPP TC / R143 / 1.2 MPET, Avery Dennison). The peel adhesion or peel force of the second adhesive layer 28 on stainless steel can be between 2 N and 12 N, for example, the peel force of the second adhesive layer on stainless steel can be about 8 Newtons (1.8 lbs). As used herein, the term "peel force" refers to the peak load for a 90° pull at a constant rate / speed until the tab is removed from the surface of the stainless steel plate according to ASTM-D6862. When the peel force for the second adhesive layer is within the aforementioned range, the inventors surprisingly found that the layer 24 including the water-soluble material, the layer 22 including the colorant (when present), and the first adhesive layer remain in place on the battery, despite the initial adhesion of the second adhesive layer 28 thereto and despite the subsequent removal of the subassembly including the dead stripe layer 26, the second adhesive layer 28, and the label (if present) therefrom.

[0040] The label 30 may serve as a safety awareness sticker. For example, the label 30 may include text and / or indicia describing the safety features of the peel assembly 10. For example, the label 30 may include a description of one or both of the water-soluble material layer 24 and the layer 22 including the colorant. In some embodiments, the label 30 may include an indication that swallowing may cause a gag reflex. Alternatively or additionally, the label 30 may include an indication that a colored stain deposited on the child's skin may indicate accidental ingestion.

[0041] The dead stripe layer 26 advantageously serves as a dead zone (i.e., no adhesive is in contact with the layer 24 comprising the water-soluble material or the layer 22 comprising the colorant) that allows a consumer to easily grasp a portion of the dead stripe layer 26 and peel off the dead stripe layer 26, thereby removing the subassembly comprising the dead stripe layer 26, the second adhesive layer 28, and the label 30 (when present), thereby exposing the battery terminal 18 for use in a device to be powered by the battery 12.

[0042] Figure 4-6The stripping assembly 10 is illustrated in various states on a battery 12 . Figure 4 The peel assembly 10 is illustrated prior to removal of the subassembly comprising the dead stripe layer 26, the second adhesive layer 28, and the label 30. The label 30 and the second adhesive layer 28 at least partially overlie both the first inner portion 13 and the second outer portion 16, while the layer 24 comprising the water-soluble material and the layer 22 comprising the colorant only overlie a portion of the second outer portion 16 (i.e., only forming a partial loop in the illustrated embodiment, but the layer 24 comprising the water-soluble material and the layer 22 comprising the colorant may be provided in any suitable pattern / shape that does not interfere with electrical contact between the terminals 18, 19 and the device to be powered by the battery 12). The dead stripe layer 26 also overlies portions of both the first inner portion 13 and the second outer portion 16, thereby forming a pull tab for a consumer, as described herein. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 10 is a side view of the stripping assembly 10.

[0043] Once the consumer grasps the dead stripe layer 26 and applies sufficient peel force, the subassembly including the dead stripe layer 26, the second adhesive layer 28, and the label 30 (when present) is separated from the layer 24 including the water-soluble material and the layer 22 including the colorant. After the subassembly is removed, the layer 24 including the water-soluble material and the layer 22 including the colorant (when present) remain attached to the battery 12 by being coupled to the first adhesive layer 14. The layer 24 including the water-soluble material and the layer 22 including the colorant are now exposed and can at least partially dissolve when in contact with bodily fluids and can therefore be used to act as a security feature.

[0044] Now turn to Figures 7A-7E , the disclosed peel assembly 10 advantageously produces good peel strength, wherein the layer 24 including the water-soluble material and the layer 22 including the colorant (when present) are adequately adhered to the battery 12 after the subassembly including the dead stripe layer 26, the second adhesive layer 28, and the label 30 are removed from the battery 12. For example, the second adhesive layer 28 is initially completely adhered to the base layer 20 (e.g., the pole 18 or 19 of the battery 12) throughout 100% of the first area 50. The dead stripe layer 26 prevents adhesion throughout the second area 52. In order for the peel assembly 10 to exhibit adequate adhesion during use, it has been found that the second adhesive layer 28 should remain adhered to at least 50% of the first area 50 after 14 days, thereby keeping the label 30 on the battery 12 until a peel force is applied to the dead stripe layer 26. For illustration, the second adhesive layer 28 may remain 50% adhered to the first area 50 in any continuous 50% area. For example, Figure 7B-7E Different adhered areas 60 and non-adhered areas 62 are illustrated which produce an overall 50% adhesion in the first area 50 .

[0045] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean the recited value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0046] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, nor is it an admission that it alone or in any combination with any other referenced document or documents teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, if any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall prevail.

[0047] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention are covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A peel assembly for a battery for exposing a safety feature including an aversive agent, the peel assembly comprising: a first adhesive layer adhered to the base layer; Optionally, a layer comprising a colorant disposed over and coupled to the first adhesive layer; a layer comprising a water soluble material and an aversive agent disposed over and coupled to the first adhesive layer; a second adhesive layer disposed over and coupled to the layer comprising the water-soluble material; as well as a dead stripe layer disposed between the second adhesive layer and the base layer; Optionally, a label disposed on and coupled to the second adhesive layer, Wherein, the second adhesive layer is adapted and arranged to be released from the layer comprising water-soluble material when a peeling force is applied, so that when the peeling force is applied to the second adhesive layer, the second adhesive layer and the dead stripe layer can be removed from the layer comprising water-soluble material.

2. The stripping assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The tag exists.

3. The stripping assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The base layer includes a plastic film, a coated paper sheet, a laminate or a combination thereof.

4. The stripping assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The base layer includes a battery pole.

5. The stripping assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The base layer includes the negative terminal of the battery.

6. The stripping assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The layer including a colorant is present, and the colorant includes a dye, a pigment, or a combination thereof.

7. The stripping assembly according to claim 1, wherein: There is no additional layer between the dead stripe layer and the base layer.

8. The stripping assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The aversive agents include bittering agents.

9. The stripping assembly of claim 1 further comprising a battery having a pole having a first inner portion and a second outer portion, and wherein: The first adhesive layer is coupled to the second outer portion.

10. The stripping assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The second outer portion comprises an annular shape, and the layer comprising a water-soluble material has a shape of an annular sector.

11. The stripping assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The angle of the annular sector is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

12. The stripping assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The first inner portion includes an unprinted area of ​​the battery pole.

13. The stripping assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The first inner portion has a circular shape including a diameter of 11 mm or less.

14. The stripping assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The dead stripe layer includes a shape of a circular segment.

15. The stripping assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The circular segment includes an arc of less than 180 degrees.

16. The stripping assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The dead stripe layer includes an area equal to or less than half an area of ​​the second adhesive layer.

17. The stripping assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first adhesive layer includes a high surface energy acrylic adhesive.

18. The stripping assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The first adhesive layer contains less than 10% by weight of polyvinyl alcohol.

19. The stripping assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second adhesive layer includes a soluble acrylic adhesive.

20. The stripping assembly of claim 1, wherein: The layer comprising colorant comprises a water-based ink.

21. The stripping assembly of claim 20, wherein: The water-based ink includes a black dye.

22. The stripping assembly of claim 1, wherein: The dead stripe layer includes non-metallized polyester.

23. The stripping assembly of claim 1, wherein: The water soluble material includes between 200 ppm and 20,000 ppm of denatonium benzoate.

24. The stripping assembly of claim 6, wherein: The layer comprising a colorant is present, and the dye comprises a polymeric dye.

25. A battery safety system comprising: a battery having a can, a first terminal, and a second terminal; as well as A peel assembly for exposing a security feature including an aversive agent, the peel assembly comprising: a first adhesive layer adhered to one of the first terminal or the second terminal; optionally, a layer including a colorant disposed on the first adhesive layer and connected to the first adhesive layer; a layer including a water-soluble material and an aversive agent disposed on the first adhesive layer and connected to the first adhesive layer; a second adhesive layer disposed on the layer including the water-soluble material and connected to the layer including the water-soluble material; a dead stripe layer disposed between the second adhesive layer and the one of the first terminal and the second terminal; and optionally, a label disposed on the second adhesive layer and connected to the second adhesive layer, wherein the second adhesive layer is adapted and arranged to release from the layer including the water-soluble material when a peel force is applied thereto, so that the second adhesive layer and the dead stripe layer can be removed from the layer including the water-soluble material.

Images