초록 ▼

A laminate including a plurality of layers, wherein one of the layers is a heat-activatable expandable layer including a thermally expandable composition. The heat-activatable expandable layer includes a plurality of microcapsules containing the thermally expandable composition. This thermally expan

A laminate including a plurality of layers, wherein one of the layers is a heat-activatable expandable layer including a thermally expandable composition. The heat-activatable expandable layer includes a plurality of microcapsules containing the thermally expandable composition. This thermally expandable composition includes an easily volatilizable hydrocarbon, and a binder resin. When subjected to high temperatures during the process of applying a label, the microcapsules rupture and the thermally expandable composition “foams,” which can be used to provide a texture to the label, and can raise or surround the graphics of the label.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A label comprising: a plurality of layers, said plurality of layers includinga heat-activatable expandable layer having a first surface and a second surface, said second surface being opposite said first surface, wherein said expandable layer includes a composition comprising a binder resin and a

1. A label comprising: a plurality of layers, said plurality of layers includinga heat-activatable expandable layer having a first surface and a second surface, said second surface being opposite said first surface, wherein said expandable layer includes a composition comprising a binder resin and a solvent, and wherein said binder resin is present in a range of about 50% (wt.) to about 80% (wt.) of said expandable layer, and said solvent is present in a range of up to about 20% (wt.) of said expandable layer;an adhesive layer, said adhesive layer being separate and distinct from said heat-activatable expandable layer, and said adhesive layer being disposed in direct contact with said first surface of said heat-activatable expandable layer; andan ink layer having a first surface and a second surface, said first surface of said ink layer being disposed proximal to said second surface of said heat-activatable expandable layer such that said heat-activatable expandable layer is positioned between said ink layer and said adhesive layer; andwherein said second surface of said ink layer is: (a) the outermost surface of the label, when the label is applied to an article; or(b) in direct contact with a wax layer, the wax layer being the outermost surface of the label when the label is applied to an article; or(c) in direct contact with a protective lacquer layer. 2. The label of claim 1, wherein said adhesive layer is a heat transfer adhesive layer. 3. The label of claim 2, wherein said composition further comprises a colorant. 4. The label of claim 3, wherein said colorant is present in a range of about 1% (wt.) to about 5% (wt.) of said expandable layer. 5. The label of claim 3, wherein the colorant is chosen from a nonionic water-based pigment dye and an anionic dye. 6. The label of claim 2, wherein said composition is associated with a plurality of microspheres. 7. The label of claim 6, wherein said microspheres are present in a range of about 10% (wt.) to about 50% (wt.) of said expandable layer. 8. The label of claim 6, wherein said microspheres include a volatilizable hydrocarbon. 9. The label of claim 6, wherein said microspheres encapsulate a gas. 10. The label of claim 9, wherein said gas is isobutane. 11. The label of claim 6, wherein said composition is disposed on an outer surface of said microspheres. 12. The label of claim 6, wherein said microspheres are heat-rupturable. 13. The label of claim 12, wherein said microspheres are adapted to rupture at temperatures at or above 180° F. 14. The label of claim 2, wherein said binder resin is chosen from acrylic binders, vinyl acrylic copolymer binders, vinyl acetate homopolymer binders, styrene acrylic binders, and phenoxy binders. 15. The label of claim 2, wherein the solvent is chosen from distilled water and isopropanol. 16. The label of claim 1, further comprising a wax release layer. 17. The label of claim 16, wherein said expandable layer is disposed between said adhesive layer and said wax release layer. 18. The label of claim 17, wherein said wax release layer is in contact with said expandable layer. 19. The label of claim 16, wherein the wax release layer includes material selected from paraffin, montan wax, and microcrystalline wax. 20. The label of claim 16, wherein said expandable layer is adjacent said ink layer such that said ink layer is in contact with said expandable layer. 21. The label of claim 16, wherein said expandable layer is adjacent said ink layer such that said expandable layer intercalates around said ink layer. 22. The label of claim 16, wherein said expandable layer is disposed between said ink layer and said adhesive layer. 23. The label of claim 16, wherein said ink layer includes material selected from polyamides and polyesters. 24. The label of claim 16, further comprising a protective layer. 25. The label of claim 24, wherein said protective layer is disposed between said wax release layer and said ink layer. 26. The label of claim 24, wherein said protective layer includes polyester. 27. The label of claim 1, further comprising a protective layer. 28. The label of claim 1, wherein said adhesive layer is adapted to contact an article to which the label is to be applied. 29. The label of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer includes a polyamide. 30. The label of claim 1, wherein said tactile feature imparted by said expandable layer is substantially similar to a second tactile feature of a surface of an article to which the label is applied. 31. The label of claim 1, wherein the expandable layer is in the form of a pattern or design to provide a graphic, text, or other decoration that is less than the surface area of the label. 32. The label of claim 1, wherein said heat-activatable expandable layer, when in a heat-activated state, provides at least a tactile feature.