Patent Application
20080113127
The present invention relates to labels applied to containers such as bottles, and more particularly, to a label that insulates the container, thereby reducing heat transfer to maintain the temperature of the beverage within the container.
Beverages such as beer and soda are commonly made available to consumers in beverage bottles. Beer is preferably kept refrigerated prior to consumption, since most consumers prefer to drink cold beer. Although a beverage bottle is a convenient container to distribute the beverage to consumers, the beverage within the bottle quickly warms after it has been removed from its refrigerated or cooled environment.
Heat transfer from the environment to the contents of the container occur in different ways. One significant mode of heat transfer is by conduction. If an object having a higher temperature than the beverage contacts the bottle, heat transfer will occur, thus warming the beverage within the bottle. It is well known that when a consumer holds a beverage bottle, heat will be conducted from the consumer's hand to the bottle, and the beverage will quickly warm. Other modes of heat transfer can also occur, such as heat transfer by convection from the surrounding air, or heat transfer by radiation from exposure to sunlight.
In order to address the problem of heat transfer with respect to beverage bottles, there are a number of references that provide various means to insulate a beverage container in order to reduce heat transfer, and maintain the beverage at a desired temperature. One reference includes U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,567. This reference discloses an elongated sheet of cross-linked polyethylene foam which can be imprinted with conventional printing inks. The foam sheet is wrapped around the surface of the container to be insulated. A strip of adhesive is used to connect the ends of the foam sheet.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,281 discloses an insulating label comprising a layer of ink placed on the face of a paper stock substrate, and an adhesive layer disposed on the backside of the paper stock substrate. A thin, waterproof layer of foam is attached to the adhesive layer of the paper stock substrate. The printed face of the label is protected by a clear film or coating. The label can be used either as an aftermarket wrap, or as a label that is an integral part of the container as it is produced from the manufacturer.
Other references that disclose labels with insulating characteristics include the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,792,536 and 4,889,234.
Although labels having insulation features are known, there is still a need to provide an insulating label that is inexpensive to manufacture, and can be easily secured to the container when shipped from the manufacturer. Additionally, it is desirable to provide a label that does not substantially alter the appearance or size of the container. It is also desirable to provide insulation in a manner that does not detract from the artwork or printing on the label.
In accordance with the present invention, an insulative label is provided that may be applied to a container in order to insulate the container from various modes of heat transfer, particularly heat transfer by conduction that may occur when a consumer's hand contacts the container. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the label comprises a multi-layered configuration, taking advantage of air gaps between the layers to provide the insulation effect. More specifically, a film base layer attaches to an exterior surface of the container. Placed over the film base layer is a grid pattern comprising an ink and varnish mixture. Preferably, the grid pattern is applied to the film base layer by printing. The ink and varnish mixture is especially adapted for application by known printing processes. Once applied, the grid pattern extends away from the film base layer; preferably about 2-4 thousands of an inch. The grid pattern is allowed to dry, and then a laminate top layer is placed over the printed grid pattern. The top laminate layer has a coating of adhesive that is disposed on its border allowing the top laminate layer to be secured to the underlying film base layer. The grid pattern has a number of irregular gaps or spaces. The air trapped in these gaps serves as a layer of insulation to help prevent heat transfer, particularly by conduction. Another way in which to describe the ink and varnish mixture which extends away from the film base layer is to characterize it as a honeycomb configuration wherein there are a plurality of separate cells, and between the cells are gaps that enable air to be trapped therein when the top laminate layer is applied. The laminate top layer may be preprinted with the desired product identification, or the top laminate layer may be printed after it has been secured to the grid pattern.
Particular advantages of the present invention include the provision of an insulative label that is very thin, non-obtrusive, and is easily incorporated within a label manufacturing process for use with high-speed labeling and filling lines. Ultimately, the insulative characteristics provided by the label of the present invention are economical and easy to manufacture.
Also referring to
With respect to characterizing the grid pattern as a honeycomb configuration, the protrusions 28 may be defined as cells, and the gaps or spaces 30 are found between the individual cells.
The upper surface 26 may be printed to recite the product information as desired. The lower surface 24 of the label is secured to the exterior surface of the container, such as by adhesive applied to surface 24.
The label 10 is shown applied to a bottle B in
While the foregoing invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment, it shall be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made to the invention which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, in accordance with the scope of the claims appended hereto.
