Patent ID: 7691218
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,B65C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of attaching a label with top and bottom surfaces to a thermoplastic substrate, the method comprising the steps of: A. Placing the bottom surface of the label in contact with a surface of the substrate; B. Forming a hole through the label contacting the label with a probe comprising a retractable, heated tip nested within a heated first sleeve that is nested within and joined to a second sleeve to form a shoulder, the tip and first sleeve (i) heated to a temperature sufficient to melt that portion of the label with which they make contact, and (ii) each having lateral sides and a cross-sectional area, the hole formed in the label having a periphery defining a cross-sectional area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of the first sleeve; C. Melting a portion of the substrate beneath the hole in the label by extending the heated tip from the first sleeve and advancing it through the hole in the label into the substrate, the first sleeve removed to a position above the label before the tip is extended from the first sleeve and into the substrate, such that the substrate in contact with the tip melts and is (i) displaced by the advancing tip onto the top surface of the label through a space defined by the periphery of the hole and the lateral sides of the tip, (ii) contacts the shoulder, and (iii) spreads beyond and forms a rim about the periphery of the hole; and D. Retracting the tip of the probe from the substrate and into the first sleeve.