Patent Publication Number: US-2009220768-A1

Title: Repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap for decoratively wrapping an article and methods for manufacturing repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap. In embodiments, the giftwrap includes a substrate sheet having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is an outwardly facing upper surface and the second surface is and inwardly facing inner surface when the giftwrap is applied to the article. The giftwrap also includes a decorative ink layer applied to the first surface of the substrate and a release coating layer applied to the first surface over the decorative ink layer. Thus, the decorative ink layer resides between the substrate sheet and the release coating layer. Further, the giftwrap includes an adhesive layer applied to the second surface of the substrate sheet. The adhesive layer adheres the giftwrap to the article. The release coating layer is configured to allow the adhesive side of the substrate to be removed from the release coat side of the substrate without removing portions of the decorative ink layer when the giftwrap has overlapped and been secured to itself, such as when it is on a roll or when it needs to be repositioned during the wrapping of a package. 
     In one aspect, the present invention is directed to repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap for decoratively wrapping an article. In this aspect, the giftwrap includes a substrate sheet having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is the outer or upper surface and the second surface is the inner or lower surface when the giftwrap is applied to the article. The giftwrap also includes a decorative ink layer applied to the first surface of the substrate and a release coating layer applied to the first surface over the decorative ink layer. Thus, the decorative ink layer resides between the substrate sheet and the release coating layer. Further, the giftwrap includes an adhesive layer applied to the second surface of the substrate sheet. The adhesive layer adheres the giftwrap to the article and/or to itself as needed. Still further, the release coating layer is configured to allow the adhesive side of the giftwrap to be removed from engagement with the release coat side without removing portions of the decorative ink layer. 
     In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap for decoratively wrapping an article. The method includes applying a decorative ink layer to a first surface of a substrate sheet. The substrate sheet has a first surface that is an outer or upper surface and a second or lower surface that is an inner surface when the giftwrap is applied to an article. The method further includes applying a release coating layer to the first surface of the substrate sheet over the decorative ink layer. Thus, the decorative ink layer resides between the substrate sheet and the release coating layer. Further, the method includes applying an adhesive layer to the second surface of the substrate such that the adhesive layer adheres the giftwrap to the article. In this aspect, the release coating layer is configured to allow repeated removal of abutting contact between the adhesive side of the giftwrap and the release coat side without removing portions of the decorative ink layer. 
     In yet another aspect, the release coating layer provides for a first uniform coat on the first surface of the substrate sheet and the adhesive layer provides for a second uniform coat on the second surface of the substrate sheet. Both the first uniform coat and the second uniform coat maintain consistent properties irrespective of the type of the substrate sheet or decorative ink layer used, thereby providing, when in contact, a consistent and uniform peel strength. In one embodiment of this aspect, the adhesive layer consists of a pressure-sensitive two-component acrylic microsphere adhesive and the release coating layer consists of a high-gloss ultraviolet-cured acrylic coating. 
     Having briefly described an overview of embodiments of the present invention, an more detailed discussion of the various embodiments, referring to the various figures, is provided below. 
     It should be noted that this Summary is provided to generally introduce the reader to one or more select concepts described below in the Detailed Description in a simplified form. This Summary is not intended to identify key and/or required features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary top perspective view of an unrolled sheet of repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and having a corner thereof turned up to illustrate both a first surface and a second surface of the giftwrap; 
         FIG. 2  is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap, illustrating the various layers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exemplary perspective view of a sheet of repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap in a rolled configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is an exemplary perspective view of a sheet of repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap applied to an article to create a decoratively-wrapped package, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. 
     Referring to the drawing figures in general, and initially to  FIG. 1  in particular, an exemplary view of an unrolled sheet of repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap is shown. A corner of the giftwrap has been turned up such that both a first upper surface and a second lower surface of the giftwrap, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, are illustrated. The giftwrap  100  has a first or upper surface  102  and a second or lower surface  104 . The first surface  102  includes a decorative ink layer  106  and a transparent release coating layer  108 . Additionally, second surface  104  includes an adhesive layer  110 . In embodiments, the decorative ink layer  106  and the coating layer  108  are provided substantially entirely over first surface  102 . Similarly, the adhesive layer  110  is provided substantially entirely over second surface  104 . 
     When the giftwrap  100  is applied to an article, for example, to create a package, the adhesive layer  110  of the second surface  104  will adhere to the article. Thus, the giftwrap  100  is configured to be applied to an article without necessitating the use of other fastening devices, such as string or tape. Instead, the adhesive layer  110  of the second surface  104  creates a self-adhesive wrap that is functional without the use of other fastening devices. Additionally, the adhesive layer  110  of second surface  104  is able to adhere to other portions of the giftwrap  100 . For instance, as will be discussed in more detail below, when an article is wrapped, it is often necessary to fold portions of the giftwrap  100  over portions of the article that have already been covered with the giftwrap  100 , thereby requiring contact between the adhesive layer  110  of the second surface  104  and the contact layer  108  of the first surface  102 . In these instances, embodiments of the present invention contemplate that the adhesive layer  110  will selectively adhere to the first surface  102  (and more specifically to the release coating layer  108  of the first surface  102 ). 
     Although the adhesive layer  110  will adhere to the release coating layer  108  of the first surface  102 , the contact between the surfaces does not create a permanent adhesion. Stated differently, the release coating layer  108  will, in embodiments, be configured so that the adhesive layer  110  of second surface  104  can be removed from the release coating layer  108  of the first surface  102  without removing any of the decorative ink layer  106 . The properties of the adhesive layer  110  and its interaction with the release coating layer  108  provide the capability of repositioning during wrapping because the giftwrap  100  can be repositioned without destroying the aesthetic value of decorative ink layer  106  and without compromising the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer  110 . Thus, after repositioning the giftwrap  100 , the wrapped article will appear as if no repositioning was necessary because there will not be portions of decorative ink layer  106  that have been damaged, nor will the giftwrap  100  be entirely wasted when there has been a need for repositioning. 
     Additionally, the properties of the contact between the adhesive layer  110  of the second surface  104  and the release coating layer  108  of the first surface  102  provide for effective rolling of the giftwrap during manufacture and for packaging, shipping, and marketing purposes. Without the release coating layer  108 , oftentimes self-adhesive giftwrap would be destroyed even before the giftwrap was used by a consumer because the contact between an adhesive and a decorative ink would cause the decorative ink to be damaged upon unrolling the giftwrap. By using the release coating layer  108  of embodiments of the present invention, however, this damage is prevented because the release coating layer  108  acts as a protective barrier to the decorative ink layer  106 . 
     In embodiments, the release coating layer  108  further provides for a uniform coat over first surface  102  of the giftwrap  100  and, similarly, the adhesive layer  110  provides for a uniform coat over second surface  104  of the giftwrap  100  (although uniform, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate that the adhesive is applied in a pattern and may not cover the entirety of second surface  104 ). For instance, without the release coating layer  108 , various substrates and various decorative ink patterns may resulting in varying peel strengths despite using the same adhesive layer  110 . In one example, an artistic design calling for low ink coverage may have a different peel strength than an artistic design calling for a high ink coverage, even using the same substrate. Where the substrate is changed, the differences in peel strengths between the various giftwrap designs may be compounded because of varying binders and fillers in the makeup of the paper. Without the release coating layer  108 , adjustment of the adhesive used may be necessitated for each type of paper and/or decorative ink design. But, with the release coating layer  108 , the various properties of the substrate and the decorative ink layer  106  do not affect the repositionability of the giftwrap  100 . 
     Stated differently, various substrate materials and various decorative ink layers may be used in conjunction with a single adhesive type because the release coating layer  108  ensures a uniform coat, and a uniform contact surface, for the adhesive layer  110  to stick to. In other words, the release coating provides a known, controlled surface for adherence of the adhesive layer. Further, in embodiments, the uniform contact surface between the release coating layer  108  and the adhesive layer  110  has a uniform peel strength. Therefore, not only does the release coating layer  108  provide for repositionability, but also the release coating layer allows manufacturers of self-adhesive giftwrap to use various substrate materials and various decorative inks without having to adjust the properties of the adhesive layer  110 . A single adhesive compound is compatible with various substrate materials and various decorative inks because the adhesive layer  110  will contact the release coating layer  108 , irrespective of the underlying substrate and decorative ink. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , more detailed explanation of the various layers will be discussed with regard to the exemplary cross-sectional view of repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap that is shown, illustrating the various layers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cross-section of the giftwrap  100  includes the release coating layer  108 , the decorative ink layer  106 , a substrate sheet  112 , and the adhesive layer  110 . In embodiments, the release coating layer  108  may include a variety of coatings. For instance, release coating  108  may be a high-gloss, ultraviolet-cured acrylic coating. In embodiments, the high-gloss ultraviolet coating may contain silicone leveling agents, leaving the surface of release coating  108  with a low surface energy making it difficult to adhere to. In other embodiments, release coating layer  108  may be a water-based gloss coating with silicone leveling. In yet other embodiments, release coating layer  108  may be a waxed release coat. Each of these various embodiments is contemplated by the inventors and within the scope of the present invention. 
     In various embodiments, the release coating layer  108  may be applied to the substrate sheet  112  and the decorative ink  106  using a number of techniques. For instance, release coating  108  may be applied from a solvent solution, from a water-based emulsion, or from an entirely solid ultraviolet-cured formulation. Each of these applications of the release coating layer  108  are contemplated and within the scope of the present invention. 
     As previously discussed with reference to  FIG. 1 , decorative ink  106  is, in various embodiments, applied to the substrate sheet  112 . As illustrated, the decorative ink  106  resides between the substrate sheet  112  and the release coating layer  108 . In embodiments, substrate sheet  112  may be paper or plastic film. In other embodiments, substrate sheet  112  may be any material suitable for wrapping an article. Similarly, the decorative ink  106  may, in embodiments, be any ink suitable for printing on the substrate sheet  112 . 
     The adhesive layer  110  is configured to adhere the giftwrap  100  to an article. In embodiments, the adhesive layer  110  may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive. For instance, the adhesive layer  110  may consist of a two-component acrylic microsphere adhesive. As will be understood and appreciated by those having skill in the art, in embodiments the adhesive may have a plurality of microspheres and the microspheres may have varying diameters. For instance, in one embodiment, the microsphere diameter may range from 10 to 40 microns. In another embodiment, the range may be narrower, for instance, 20 to 30 microns. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive may include microspheres having a mean diameter of approximately 25 microns. Each of these embodiments, and others, for adhesive microsphere properties are contemplated and within the scope of the present invention. As will be understood and appreciated by those having skill in the art, the elastomeric microspheres limit the contact points between the adhesive layer  110  and the release coating layer  108 , moderating the overall tack at a desirable level. It should be noted, however, that the present invention is not limited only to the pressure-sensitive adhesives described herein. Instead, it is contemplated by the inventors and within the scope of the present invention that other adhesives may be used. For instance, an ultra low tack adhesive that does not have microspheres may be used in various embodiments. 
     Further, in various embodiments of the present invention, the adhesive layer  110  may have various properties. For example, in embodiments, the adhesive layer  110  will include a moderate tack, allowing the giftwrap  100  to retain its removability and repositionability. In other embodiments, the adhesive layer  110  may be configured to withstand various environmental scenarios. For instance, in various embodiments, the adhesive layer  110  may be configured to hold a wrapped article, without unwrapping, in temperatures up to 140° F. Also, in embodiments, the adhesive layer  110  may be configured to maintain stability through heat and humidity alterations, ensuring that the tack is controlled and unchanged during a product life of up to several years. Further, the adhesive layer  110  may be configured to ensure that, once an article has been wrapped with the giftwrap  100 , no adhesive residue is left on the article when the giftwrap  100  is removed. In yet other embodiments, the adhesive layer  110  may be configured to retain its aesthetic features, even in the presence of various environmental elements, such as ozone. Thus, as described herein, various adhesives with various properties are contemplated by the inventors and within the scope of the present invention. 
     In embodiments, the adhesive layer  110  may be applied to the substrate sheet  112  using various techniques. For instance, the adhesive may be applied using printing processes such as, but not limited to, rotogravure or flexography. Also, in various embodiments, the adhesive may be applied with various coating processes such as but not limited to blade coaters, Mayer rods, roll coaters, or air knives. In embodiments, the adhesive layer  110  may be applied in-line along with the decorative ink printing (decorative ink printing may be performed using, in embodiments, rotogravure, flexography, or lithography). Thus, in embodiments, the adhesive is applied along with the decorative ink in a single pass to either a web or sheets of giftwrap. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary view of repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap  100  in a rolled configuration is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As previously discussed, rolled giftwrap  100 , when unrolled, will not damage the decorative ink  106  or compromise the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer  110  because of the release coating layer  108 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , an exemplary view of repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap  100  applied to an article to create a decoratively-wrapped package  114  is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The package  114 , as illustrated, has been wrapped with the giftwrap  100  discussed herein. Because the giftwrap  100  is self-adhesive, there is no need for any separate fastening devices such as string or tape, as previously discussed. Separate fastening devices may, however, be used by the user if so desired. Also, because of the properties of the adhesive layer  110  and the release coating layer  108  previously discussed herein with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the decorative ink  106  on the package will not be damaged. Flaps  116  illustrate an instance, other than in a roll, such as the rolled giftwrap  100  of  FIG. 3 , in which the adhesive layer  110  may contact the release coating layer  108  of the giftwrap  100 . Even if the flaps  116  were repositioned during wrapping of the package, the decorative ink  106  would not be damaged and the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer  110  would not be compromised. 
     The present invention has been described herein in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope. 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap and methods for manufacturing repositionable self-adhesive giftwrap. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and within the scope of the claims.