1. Technical Field
The present disclosure and some embodiments generally relate to a label system, and more specifically, to a label system with at least one writable surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various types of objects do not have a suitable writing surface. For example, metal keys for unlocking locks (e.g., car door locks, house locks, padlocks, etc.) do not have a suitable writing surface. These keys are often made from a flat piece of metal configured to engage movable pins in the lock. To unlock a lock, a key can be inserted into the lock and then turned to align the lock's internal pins. Once the internal pins are properly aligned, the lock can be opened. Unfortunately, the outer metal surface of the key does not provide a suitable writing surface for receiving ink or graphite from a writing instrument. An individual often memorizes the size or shape of certain keys and corresponding locks in order to select the proper key for opening the lock. It is often difficult to remember which key corresponds to a particular lock, especially if a large number of keys are kept together, for example, on a key chain or key ring.
Some embodiments disclosed herein include the realization that a label system can be applied to various types of objects. The label system can include one or more labels, each label having a receiving surface adapted to receive indicium or indicia. As used herein, the term “indicia” is broadly construed to include, without limitation, one or more symbols, text, characters, numerals, graphics, artwork, logos, trademarks, decorative elements, handwriting, printing, combinations thereof, and other markings that can be used to convey information.
The receiving surface can be a writable surface for permanently retaining an applied substance, such as ink, graphite, and the like. The writable surface can protect the substance that has been written onto it from smudging or smearing after the substance has dried, set, or the like. Smudging or smearing can cause significant visual alterations of the applied substance. For example, if text is written on the writable surface using the applied substance, smudging or smearing may render the text unrecognizable. Non-permanent ink is one type of substance that is prone to smudging and/or smearing if applied directly to a metal surface. Advantageously, writing (e.g., writing in ink and/or graphite) on the writable surface can retain its shape even when a person slides, for example, their fingers across the writing.
In some ink writable embodiments, the writable surface is more ink penetrable than a surface to which the label system is applied. The amount of ink that permanently penetrates into and through the writable surface is greater than the amount of ink that penetrates the surface to which the label system is applied.
The label system in some embodiments may include at least one label that is temporarily or permanently coupled to a non-writable surface of an object, such as a metal surface. The label can be a monolayer (e.g., a single substrate) or multilayer label. In multilayer embodiments, the label can include one or more layers of paint, polymers, coating materials, combinations thereof, and other materials suitable for forming a writing label.
The label can be coupled to various types of objects (e.g., keys, tools, and other known objects) having at least one surface (e.g., a surface that is suitable or unsuitable for receiving indicia). Many types of surfaces can be somewhat unsuitable for writing upon, such as bare metal surfaces. The label can improve writability, legibility of writing, and the like. The label can be applied to metal, ceramic, composites, or plastic, as well as other materials suitable for receiving the label.
In some embodiments, a key for operating a mechanical lock comprises a key main body and a label system coupled to the key main body. The key main body comprises a head and an elongate body connected to the head. The elongate body is configured to physically engage and operate the mechanical lock. The label system defines a writable surface. The head, in some embodiments, can be conveniently gripped by a user to insert the key into the lock.
The label system in some embodiments includes a writable surface made by a process comprising applying a liquid composition to the key main body and allowing the liquid composition to form a solid layer defining the writable surface. In some embodiments, the writable surface is adapted to protect a substance (e.g., ink or solid pigment, or both) that is applied to the writable surface via a writing implement from at least one of smudging and smearing.
In some embodiments, a key comprises a key body and means for receiving and permanently retaining indicia written by a writing instrument. The means for receiving and permanently retaining indicia is coupled to the key body. The key body comprises a head and an elongate body coupled to the head. The elongate body is configured to physically engage and operate a lock. The means for receiving indicia can protect a substance applied thereto using a writing implement.
In some embodiments, a key comprises a label system coupled to a key main body. The label system can comprise mostly a first material, and the key main body can comprise mostly a second material that is different from the first material. For example, the label system can comprise at least 90% by weight of a polymer, and the key main body can comprise at least 90% by weight of a metal. If needed or desired, an adhesive or bonding agent can be used to couple the label system to the key main body.
In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a key is provided. The method can include coupling a label system to a key blank. The label system can have a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. In some embodiments, the first surface includes a writable surface, and the second surface can be physically coupled to the key blank.
In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a key comprises applying a liquid to a key blank and allowing the applied liquid to become solid so as to form a label system. The liquid can become a solid via drying, cross-linking, cooling, setting, and the like. The label system has a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The first surface, in some embodiments, includes an anti-smudge, anti-smear writable surface adapted to receive a substance from a writing implement. The second surface is physically coupled to the key blank. In some embodiments, the anti-smudge, anti-smear properties are somewhat similar or equal to the anti-smudge, anti-smear properties of conventional writing paper or notebook paper.
In some embodiments, the writable surface of the label system disclosed herein includes an anti-smudge and/or anti-smear finish. The finish can reduce, inhibit, or substantially prevent marring of a substance applied to the writable surface. The properties of the writable surface can allow, for example, a ballpoint pen to convenient apply ink onto the writable surface or a pencil to apply a solid pigment (e.g., graphite, charcoal, etc.) onto the writable surface. The coefficient of friction of the writable surface can be sufficiently high to permit the writing instrument to consistently apply a substance. In some embodiments, the coefficient of friction is similar or equal to the coefficient of friction of conventional writing paper or notebook paper. The frictional interaction between the writing instrument and the writable surface can be increased or decreased, as desired. Thus, a user can conveniently apply permanent writing to the writable surface using a wide range of writing instruments.
A label of the label system can be physically coupled to a key blank via one or more adhesives. Additionally or alternatively, the label can be directly coupled to the key blank. For example, a substance, such as paint, can be applied to the key blank to form the discrete label. The paint contacting the key blank can dry to physically couple the label to the key blank.
In some embodiments, one or more bittings can be formed in an elongate main body of a key blank after coupling a label system to the key blank. Advantageously, different key blanks and label systems can be selected for a desired machining process. Bittings can be formed in the elongate main body without damaging or altering the label system. For example, the label system can be applied to a flat head of the key blank from which the elongate main body extends.
After forming the bittings, a user can write one or more indicium on the writable surface of the label system. Alternatively, one or more indicium can be applied to the writable surface before forming the one or more bittings. Thus, the key blank with a writing or label system provides flexibility when applying indicium.
In some embodiments, a key comprises a label system and a key main body that is relatively thick as compared to the label system. The label system can include a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. A thickness can be defined by the first and second surfaces. This thickness can be less than a thickness of a flat head of the key main body.
A label can comprise one or more compositions. A composition can be made, in whole or in part, of paper, fibers, plastics, resins, polymers, rubber, additives (e.g., nanoparticles, light activated additives, and other additives to alter the properties of the label), paint, adhesives, binders, fillers, or combinations thereof. The monolayer or multilayer label can be made of one or more materials that can provide a suitable writing surface. For example, the label can be made of fibers (wood pulp) and one or more additives (e.g., nanoparticles) that improve properties of the label, such as water resistance, writability, and the like. The label can be made of natural materials or synthetic materials, or both.
The present detailed description is generally directed to a label system having at least one indicia receiving surface suitable for receiving various types of indicium or indicia. The label system can be applied to an outer surface of an object so as to improve the ability to label and identify the object. Many specific details and certain embodiments are set forth in the following description and in
It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a label” includes a single label and/or a plurality of labels. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The key 100 can be used to unlock various types of locks (e.g., door locks such as car door locks, house door locks, padlocks, and the like), ignition system locks, and other types of locks known in the art. The indicia 120 can identify which lock can be unlocked with the key 100. For example, a user can write on the indicia writing surface 110 to identify the key 100 with a corresponding lock. If the key 100 is kept with other keys, the user can use the indicia 120 to distinguish the key 100 from the other keys.
To unlock a lock, a user can conveniently grasp the head 130 and insert the elongate main body 140 into an opening of the lock. Once the key 100 is properly inserted into the lock, the user can rotate the key 100 to move internal components of the lock until the lock is opened.
As used herein, the term “key” is a broad term that includes, but is not limited to, a mechanical structure or device which is used to operate and open a lock. A mechanical key, for example, can physically contact, move, and align pins of a mechanical lock. Exemplary keys can be in the form of a house key, automobile key, skeleton key, barrel key (e.g., a key used to open a bicycle lock), and the like. Sensors, chips (e.g., RFID chips), transponders, power supplies (e.g., batteries), combinations thereof, and other types of components or systems can be incorporated into the key. Thus, the label system 101 can be used with various types of keys.
The illustrated key 100 of
Referring to
The receiving substrate 180 can be a layer, film, coating, sheet, or the like. The thickness t of the substrate 180 can be less than the thickness th of the head 130. Thus, the substrate 180 may not noticeably alter the feel of gripping the head 130. In other embodiments, the thickness t of the substrate 180 can be equal to or greater than the thickness th of the head 130.
The receiving substrate 180 can be coupled to the key main body 102 before, during, or after the formation of the contoured section 150 of
Various types of manufacturing processes can be used to form the receiving substrate 180. Painting (e.g., brush painting, drip on painting, and the like), deposition processes (e.g., chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, and the like), spraying, dipping, printing (e.g., pad printing), and other types of coating processes can be used to form the receiving substrate 180. For example, the receiving substrate 180 can be formed by applying a liquid onto the head main body 170. In some embodiments, the liquid (e.g., a flowable substance such as paint, a uncured polymer, a thermoplastic at or above its melt temperature, and the like) is painted onto the head main body 170. The liquid can set, cure, or dry to form the solid substrate 180. In some embodiments, a preformed receiving substrate 180 (e.g., a precut adhesive film) is applied to the head main body 170. The substrate 180 can comprise paint, polymers, adhesives, binders, fillers, fibers (e.g., plant fibers, wood fibers, and the like), dyes, colorants, additives, combinations thereof, and other substances suitable for forming a writing surface. Additionally, the receiving substrate 180 can comprise a first material and the key body 102 can comprise a second material that is different than the first material. The first material can have better writing characteristics, e.g., the ability to receive ink.
The surface 110 of
The color of the surface 110 can serve as an identifier or provide contrast with the indicia 120. For example, a white surface 110 is especially well suited to receive colored identifiers (i.e., non-white identifiers) or indicia. A colored surface 110 is especially well suited to receive identifiers or indicia of a different color. In some embodiments, different sections of the surface 110 can have different colors.
Referring to
The receiving section 200 can be formed by a machining process, grinding process, molding process (e.g., injection molding, compression molding, and the like), cutting process, stamping process, combinations thereof, and the like. The receiving section 200 can be formed before, during, or after the formation of the elongate body 140, head main body 170, or both.
In some embodiments, the indicia receiving surface 110 can be positioned below the outer periphery 210 of the head main body 170. In other embodiments, the receiving substrate 180 can protrude outwardly from the outer periphery 210. In such embodiments, the receiving substrate 180 can provide a convenient gripping surface.
With respect to
The label systems and their components described herein can have a shape that is generally polygonal (e.g., rectangular, square, trapezoidal, etc.), circular (see
Referring to
The bond strength between the label system 720 and the head 710 is sufficiently high to minimize, limit, or substantially prevent relative movement between the label system 720 and the head 710, even when a user writes on the label system 720 with a writing instrument, such as a ballpoint pen. The label system 720 can thus remain securely adhered to the head 710 when a wide range of external forces are applied.
After applying the label system 720, the elongate main body 712, having a somewhat uniform profile along its longitudinal length, can be processed to form the desired contoured section. As shown in
Indicia can be placed on the label system 720 at any time before, during, and/or after the manufacturing process of
The label system 720 can also be formed at other times during or after the manufacturing of the key main body. In some embodiments, the label system 720 is applied to the key after the bitting 750 is formed. It is contemplated that the method shown in
As noted above, the labels disclosed herein can be made, in whole or in part, of paper, fibers, plastics, polymers, rubbers, additives (e.g., nanoparticles, light activated additives, and other additives to alter the properties of the label), paint, adhesives, binders, fillers, or combinations thereof. The monolayer or multilayer label can be made of one or more materials that can provide a suitable writing surface. For example, the label can be made of fibers (wood pulp) and one or more additives (e.g., nanoparticles) that improve properties of the label, such as water resistance, writability, and the like. For example, coatings, materials, additives, and other teachings disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,192,992; 7,153,892; 7,151,123; and U.S. Patent Publications 20070071965; 20060258765; 20060041047; 20050234152; 20050203205; 20050203202; 20050196605; 20050171227; 20050170280; 20050170101; 20050170100 can be used. The above-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,192,992; 7,153,892; 7,151,123; and U.S. Patent Publications 20070071965; 20060258765; 20060041047; 20050234152; 20050203205; 20050203202; 20050196605; 20050171227; 20050170280; 20050170101; 2005017010 are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.
Various methods and techniques described above provide a number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods may be performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments disclosed herein. Similarly, the various features and acts discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such feature or act, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance with principles described herein. Additionally, the methods which are described and illustrated herein are not limited to the exact sequence of acts described, nor are they necessarily limited to the practice of all of the acts set forth. For example, the acts described in connection with
Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/923,271, filed Apr. 12, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US08/60108 | 4/11/2008 | WO | 00 | 6/14/2010 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60923271 | Apr 2007 | US |