Removable Heat-Transfer Label Assembly for Fabric

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label technologies face challenges in creating a durable yet removable image on articles, particularly on garments, where improperly applied heat-transfer labels can be difficult to remove without damaging the fabric and require timely intervention, limiting the window for correction and increasing processing inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A label assembly comprising an image forming laminate with an ink layer and an image removing laminate, where the remover layer is activated by heat or radiation to bond stronger than the ink layer to the article, allowing for the removal of the entire image forming laminate or a portion of it without damaging the underlying fabric.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If heat-transfer labels are applied to garments to create permanent care labels, then the label durability and adhesion to fabric are improved, but the ability to remove the label without damaging the fabric deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel adhesionVSAvoidfabric damage during removal

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The label assembly is divided into two functional segments: an image forming laminate for permanent adhesion to the fabric, and an image removing laminate with a remover layer that can be selectively applied to transfer adhesive to the label. This segmentation allows the label to be either permanently fixed or easily removable depending on the application needs, resolving the contradiction between durability and removability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If heat-transfer labels are made permanently adhered to withstand laundering, then the label reliability under adverse conditions is improved, but the flexibility to correct misapplied labels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel permanence under launderingVSAvoidability to correct misapplied labels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The image removing laminate acts as an intermediary tool that temporarily mediates between the permanently adhered label and the fabric. By applying heat and pressure, the remover layer transfers adhesive to the label, creating a temporary bond strong enough to remove the label from the fabric without damaging it, thus enabling correction of misapplied labels while maintaining the option for permanent adhesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If aggressive pressure-sensitive tape is used to remove heat-transfer labels, then the removal capability is improved, but the time window for effective removal and processing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel removal capabilityVSAvoidtime window for removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical scraping and picking process with a thermal-adhesive transfer process. By applying heat and pressure, the remover layer's adhesive transfers to the label, creating a controlled bonding mechanism that allows for easier and more reliable label removal within an extended time window, improving both ease of operation and processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 formation of a lasting, removable image on articles with improved adhesion and abrasion resistance, allowing for easy correction of misapplied labels at any time without fabric damage, enhancing processing efficiency and reducing waste.

Implementation Method 1

an ink layer, said ink layer being bondable to the article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

said remover layer, upon being activated by heat and/or radiation, being bondable to said ink layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat activation: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

said remover layer, upon being activated by heat and/or radiation, being bondable to said ink layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation activation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS7758938B2Label assembly and method of using the same to label articles durably yet removably

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A label assembly and method of using the same to label articles durably, yet removably. In one embodiment, the label assembly is used to label fabric articles, such as clothing, and comprises (a) an image forming laminate for forming an image on the fabric article, the image forming laminate comprising an ink layer, the ink layer being bondable to the fabric article; and (b) an image removing laminate for removing the image from the fabric article, the image removing laminate comprising a remover layer, the remover layer, upon being activated by heat and/or light, being bondable to the ink layer of the image forming laminate; (c) whereby, upon bonding of the image removing laminate to the ink layer, the bonding between the image removing laminate and the ink layer is stronger than the bonding between the ink layer and the fabric article.