Reactive labels and methods of making and using the same
The label, system, and method include a first label portion having a pre-print, a first adhesive means for affixing the first label portion substantially about the circumference of the object, and a composition coating at least one of a portion of the first label and a portion of the second label portion, wherein the composition is reactive to activation by targeted laser light, and wherein activation of the composition provides a secondary printing in addition to at least one of the pre-print and the second pre-print.
1 . A unitary label suitable for attachment to an object having a circumference, said label comprising:
a first label portion having a pre-print;
a first adhesive means for affixing said first label portion substantially about said circumference of said object;
wherein said first label portion and a second label portion having a second pre-print have a combined length which is at least approximately equal to said circumference of said object; and
a composition coating at least one of a portion of said first label and a portion of said second label portion, wherein said composition is reactive to activation by targeted laser light, and wherein activation of said composition provides a secondary printing in addition to at least one of the pre-print and the second pre-print.
2 . The label of claim 1 , wherein said laser light activates printing of indicia within said composition.
3 . The label of claim 2 , wherein said printed indicia in said composition is a bar code.
4 . The label of claim 2 , wherein said printed indicia in said composition is an expiration date.
5 . The label of claim 2 , wherein said printed indicia in said composition is a tracking number.
6 . The label of claim 2 , wherein said printed indicia in said composition is a graphic.
7 . The label of claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises a varnish.
8 . The label of claim 1 , wherein said composition comprises a laser-reactive protective coating.
9 . The label of claim 8 , wherein said laser reactive protective coating comprises at least a solvent, a binder and an oxyanion of a multivalent metal.
10 . The label of claim 9 , wherein said laser light comprises a CO2 laser operating at a wavelength of approximately 10,600 nm.
11 . The label of claim 9 , wherein said oxyanion comprises one of a molybdat, tungstate and an analogous transition metal compound.
12 . The label of claim 9 , wherein said solvent comprises one of water, ethanol, ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and hydrocarbons.
13 . The label of claim 9 , wherein said binder comprises one of an acrylic, cellulose and a polyester.