Abstract: An improved release system for heat transferable laminates wherein a transferable substrate which contains a design layer is transferred from a carrier web onto an article such as a plastic bottle or container upon application of heat and pressure. The carrier web includes a nonwax polyethylene layer.The improved release system includes a polyethylene layer portion of the carrier web in contact with and adhered to a nonwax transfer layer portion of the transferable substrate. The transferable substrate including the ink design layer transfers to the article upon application of heat to the carrier while the article contacts the laminate. The transferred substrate on the article is clear and exhibits improved scuff and abrasion resistance. The nonwax transfer layer portion of the transferable substrate advantageously contains an oil which becomes activated upon application of heat to promote release of the transferable substrate from the carrier web to the article.

Abstract: An improved release system for heat transferable laminates wherein a transferable substrate which contains a design layer is transferred from a carrier web onto an article such as a plastic bottle or container upon application of heat and pressure. The carrier web includes a nonwax polyethylene layer.The improved release system includes a polyethylene layer portion of the carrier web in contact with and adhered to a nonwax transfer layer portion of the transferable substrate. The transferable substrate including the ink design layer transfers to the article upon application of heat to the carrier while the article contacts the laminate. The transferred substrate with design layers on the article is clear and exhibits improved scuff and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A heat transfer pad molded over elongated projections, such as bolts, to conduct heat to the pad interior, and securely maintain the pad on a support. A heater assembly slideably retains the pad and support, and includes replaceable heating elements, which are insulated from a mounting assembly.

Abstract: An improved release formulation for use in a heat transferable laminate wherein an ink design image is transferred from a carrier support to an article by application of heat to the carrier support. On transfer the release splits from the carrier and forms a protective coating over the transfered design. The improved release is coated onto the carrier as a solvent based-wax release. The release coating is then dried to evaporate the solvent contained therein. The improved release has the property that its constituents remain in solution down to temperatures approaching ambient temperature. Upon transfer, the release forms a protective coat which may be subjected to hot water. The improved release contains a montan wax, a rosin ester or hydrocarbon resin, a solvent, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a low vinyl acetate content.

Abstract: Apparatus for heat transfer labelling of articles using a resilient pad maintained at elevated temperatures. Decorative laminates affixed to a support member such as a web are fed to a heated platen. A resilient pad consisting of a silicone elastomer is pressed against the laminate at the heated platen, whereby the laminate adheres to the pad when it retracts from the platen. The heated pad is then pressed against an article to be labelled, to which the transfer substrate adheres in preference to the pad surface. The resilient pad is typically heated to a temperature above ambient temperature but lower than that of the heated platen. The pad is heated by repetitive contact with the platen, and additionally by an independent heater. The pad may include one or more interior heating elements, or an exterior radiant heater located adjacent the pad during periods between label transfers. This apparatus is well suited to the labelling of articles of a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and materials.