Removable Cup Appliqué With Repositionable Adhesive Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drinking cups with labels lack a removable and repositionable design that allows for easy transfer of graphics from the cup to other surfaces, limiting their reuse and versatility.

Innovation Solution

A peel-off appliqué or label with a release layer that can be applied to a drink cup using a repositionable adhesive or static cling, allowing for removable and repositionable graphics that can be transferred to other surfaces, featuring die-cut patterns and printed materials suitable for various container sizes and shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure sensitive adhesive is used to bond the label to the cup, then the label is securely attached to the container, but the label cannot be removed and repositioned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel attachment securityVSAvoidlabel removability and repositionability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The label system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a facestock layer with graphics, a repositionable adhesive layer, and a release liner layer. This segmentation allows the label to be applied securely during events and then cleanly removed and repositioned, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and removability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive properties are changed by using a repositionable adhesive instead of a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive. This parameter change in adhesive strength and reversibility enables the label to be both securely attached during use and easily removed and repositioned, resolving the contradiction between attachment security and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a traditional label is used on the cup, then the graphics are visible on the container, but the label cannot be transferred to other surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphic application to containerVSAvoidgraphic transferability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive parameter is changed from permanent to repositionable, enabling the label to be transferred from the cup to other surfaces. This maintains the ease of initial application while adding the versatility of transferability for promotional reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The label serves multiple functions: it decorates the cup during the event, can be removed without damage, and can be applied to other surfaces for continued promotional use. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a removable label is used, then the label can be transferred to other surfaces, but the label may not adhere securely during the event

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel transferabilityVSAvoidlabel adhesion during event

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is selected with specific repositionable properties that provide sufficient initial adhesion strength to secure the label during the event, while maintaining the capability for clean removal and reapplication. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between secure adhesion and transferability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the creation of reusable 'mini-poster' collectables that can be easily applied and removed from containers, enhancing the promotional value of cups at events and providing a versatile decoration option for different surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

A release layer allows the appliqué to be removed from the cup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeel-off:

Implementation Method 2

applied to a drink cup using a repositionable adhesive or static cling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRepositionable adhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

applied to a drink cup using a repositionable adhesive or static cling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStatic cling: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS10182673B2Containers with removable appliques

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 AMSCAN INC

AI summary

In an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein a sleeve that has a peel-off appliqué or label that includes desired graphics that can be combined with a drink cup or container. The label or appliqué or “collectable” acts as a “mini-poster” that is removable and repositionable. The label may have graphics of sports starts or other things such as musical performers, super heroes, etc. Particular embodiments include interior die cut images within the main graphic as “collectibles within a collectible.” In another example embodiment, a container appliqué is applied to the container.