Method of utilizing surface tension of water to transfer labels onto containers in automatic high-speed labeling machines
OwnerMichael J. West, Jimmy D. Williamsoninventors
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Abstract
A method is disclosed whereby water is used to transfer labels onto containers in automatic high-speed labeling machines thereby leaving no glue residue on a container's surface, and making them amenable for recycling. The method further provides for adjustment of water's surface tension if necessary by surfactants to cause wettability of a variety of surfaces undergoing labeling, but said label is permanently attached to the container by friction, rather than by glue, after evaporation of the water.
Claims6
A method of utilizing surface tension of water to transfer labels onto plastic containers in automatic high-speed labeling machines,
- said method comprising the following steps:
- (a) propelling plastic containers in a labeling machine while causing them to rotate around their vertical axes;
- (b) applying a thin but uniform coating of water onto a container's surface;
- (c) providing a length of label slightly longer that a circumference of the container;
- (d) contacting the rotating container with the leading edge of the label;
- (e) transferring said label to the container by surface tension of water;
- (f) wrapping the label around the container by rotating the container;
- (g) bonding the trailing edge onto the leading edge of the label by glue.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.