Overlaminated Code-Shield Label for Smudge-Proof Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label printing methods require multiple printing passes, exposing unprotected ink to smudging or damage, especially when a transparent overlaminate is not printed on, compromising the readability of alphanumeric characters or images.

Innovation Solution

A label design featuring a transparent overlaminate strip extending beyond the opaque strip to wrap around and protect the printed area, ensuring the ink or images remain intact during application to containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transparent overlaminate is applied to protect printed information, then the ink is protected from smudging or damage, but the readability of alphanumeric characters or images is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of printed informationVSAvoidreadability of alphanumeric characters

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The label is divided into two distinct strips: an opaque strip containing the printed information and a transparent overlaminate strip that extends beyond it. This segmentation allows the printed area to remain uncovered and readable while the extended transparent portion provides protection without interfering with the visibility of the alphanumeric characters on the opaque strip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple printing passes are used to add specific information, then generic and specific information can be printed, but the unprotected ink is exposed to smudging or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to print generic and specific informationVSAvoidprotection of ink from damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent overlaminate strip is pre-applied to the label in an extended position that reaches back to cover the first area containing printed information. This preliminary protective action ensures that subsequent printing operations on the opaque strip occur with the ink protected from smudging or damage, while still allowing multiple printing passes to add both generic and specific information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 extended transparent overlaminate effectively shields the printed information from smudging or damage, allowing for initial generic printing followed by specific information addition without compromising readability.

Implementation Method 1

The extended transparent overlaminate effectively shields the printed information from smudging or damage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection:

Implementation Method 2

a second die cutting module configured to laminate the web of transparent laminate over the first cut web of stock outside of the first areas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Data Source

PatentUS12548475B2Code-shield label

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 PLATINUM PRESS INC

AI summary

A label including a first strip including a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first strip includes an opaque material. The first strip further includes a first area proximate the first end. The first area includes a first length along a longitudinal axis common to the first strip. The label also includes a second strip including a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, wherein the second strip includes a transparent material. The second strip is laminated over the first strip such that the third end is disposed outside the first area. The fourth end extends beyond the second end a distance at least equal to the first length.