Pressure sensitive adhesive labels and manufacture thereof

Abstract

A novel method of making a laminated label construction is provided which involves (1) providing a temporary carrier having a first relatively strong release surface and a second relatively weak release surface on opposite sides thereof, (2) forming a heat sealable lacquer on said first release surface so as to form a label face film having a predetermined edge configuration, (3) forming indicia on at least one selected portion of said label face film (in the case where printed labels are desired), and (4) forming a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive in overlying bonded relationship with the indicia (when present) and the protective lacquer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive has lateral dimensions less than those of the label face film. The lacquer face film comprises at least one heat-activatable ingredient that becomes tacky when heated and thereby provides heat-sealing properties. The carrier may be an elongate web that is wound on itself to form a roll-type package, with the pressure-sensitive adhesive facing outwardly and engaged by the weak release surface of the carrier. The differential release prevents any blocking or offsetting of the label as roll is wound and unwound. Each labels is easily peeled off of the web and transferred to a workpiece or other receiving object such as a plastic bottle by application of heat and pressure, whereby the edge of the lacquer film forms a heat seal with the surface of the receiving object.