Labeled article and process for making pressure sensitive labels for use in a cold transfer method.
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat transfer labels used in garment applications face issues such as skin irritation, bond mark formation, dye migration, and damage to heat-sensitive fabrics, and are limited by the need for a heat source, which restricts their use and incorporation of sensitive items like chemical or physical sensing devices.
Innovation Solution
A cold transfer pressure sensitive label with a wet adhesion greater than 10 N/in, comprising an ink layer, a printable media layer, and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, allowing for durable attachment through repeated washing and drying cycles without heat, and enabling the incorporation of heat-sensitive items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heat transfer labels are used, then the label can be applied to the substrate, but the label feels stiff or rough at ambient temperature causing skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of bond formation from thermal (heat-activated) to mechanical/chemical (pressure-sensitive adhesive). The PSA layer remains tacky at ambient temperature, allowing the label to bond without heat while maintaining a soft, flexible texture that conforms to the substrate and does not cause skin irritation.
2Strength
If heat is used to apply the label, then the label bonds to the substrate, but bond marks or discoloration appear on the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heat) with a chemical/adhesive field (pressure-sensitive adhesive). The PSA layer forms bonds through adhesion chemistry and mechanical interlocking at ambient temperature, eliminating the need for heat and thereby preventing bond marks, discoloration, or thermal damage to the substrate.
3Ease of manufacture
If heat is used in the transfer process, then the label can be applied, but heat-sensitive fabric materials may be damaged or melt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the thermal bonding process with a pressure-sensitive adhesive bonding process. The PSA layer activates at ambient temperature through light pressure, enabling label application to heat-sensitive fabrics without risk of melting, distortion, or damage to the fabric fibers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If heat transfer labels are used, then the label can be applied to the substrate, but the process is limited to areas where a heat source is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat source requirement from the label application process. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer bonds at ambient temperature, eliminating the need for external heat sources and enabling label application in any location, including field conditions, outdoor events, or areas without electrical power.
5Ease of operation
If traditional pressure sensitive labels are used, then the label can be applied without heat, but the label falls off after washing and drying cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the adhesive parameters by formulating a PSA layer with high initial tack and strong wet adhesion properties. The adhesive is designed to penetrate and bond with fabric fibers during application, creating durable attachments that withstand repeated washing and drying cycles while maintaining application simplicity at ambient temperature.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cold transfer pressure sensitive label provides comfort and durability, remaining attached to substrates through washing and drying, and allows for the integration of sensitive items without heat damage, enhancing usability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on the opposite side of the ink layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive has a wet adhesion to substrate greater than 10 N/in (393.7 N/m).
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process of making a pressure sensitive label for use in a cold transfer process that can be used for garment identification and labeling. The pressure sensitive label can be applied on textile surface or any other surfaces for which heat transfer is unfavorable or unavailable. The pressure sensitive label can remain on the substrate to which it is attached through repeated washing and drying cycles.