Container labeling system

Abstract

A system and method for rapidly labeling a blow-molded hollow container made of a plastic composition subject to out-gassing after de-molding. Otherwise, conventional high speed silk screen labeling technology and processing is employed shortly after container fabrication de-molding in order to accurately deposit a continuous liquid layer of conventional silk screen ink over an external container surface area designated for application thereon of a self-adhering pre-printed label. The label is rapidly and accurately transfer applied over the silk screen coated area immediately after the same has dried, and even while out-gassing is still occurring from the de-molded to container. However, the protective ink barrier coating prevents formation of bubbles beneath the label. Those gases in the container wall resident beneath the label-affixed area can then nevertheless out-gas by migrating out of the container internal wall surface. Also, labeling may be silk screen imprinted on the container surface in a designated label-receiving area, and/or on non-designated surface area concurrently with barrier coating of the designated area. A gas-blocking clear ink barrier layer may be silk screened over the silk screen imprinting, and then the label applied over the gas-blocking layer of clear ink when dry. The label may be 'peelable' for customer rebate return without thereby altering the labeling information remaining on the container. The pre-printed label may be a replicate of the label-covered imprinting so that the 'trade dress' need not be altered by the peelable label, and so that the container surface area available for permanent labeling is maximized.