Pressure sensitive shrink label

Abstract

A label for application to a surface having at least one compound curve is provided. The label comprises a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film.

1 . A pressure sensitive adhesive label for application on a surface having at least one compound curve, the label comprising:
 a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface, and a machine direction and a trans direction, the film having an ultimate shrinkage S in at least one direction of at least 10% at 90° C., wherein the shrinkage in the other direction is S±20%; and   a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film.   
     
     
         2 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the heat shrinkable film comprises a film selected from polyester, polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, copolymers thereof and blends thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the heat shrinkable film comprises a polyolefin. 
     
     
         4 . The label claim of  1  wherein the heat shrinkable film comprises a multilayer film having a core layer and at least one skin layer. 
     
     
         5 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the stiffness of the film is at least 5 mN in the machine direction. 
     
     
         6 . The label of  claim 1  further comprising a print layer between the heat shrinkable film and the adhesive layer, wherein the heat shrinkable film is transparent. 
     
     
         7 . The label of  claim 1  further comprising a print layer on the outer surface of the heat shrinkable film. 
     
     
         8 . The label of  claim 7  further comprising a protective layer overlying the print layer. 
     
     
         9 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the adhesive layer comprises an emulsion adhesive. 
     
     
         10 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the adhesive layer comprises a hot melt adhesive. 
     
     
         11 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the adhesive layer comprises a solvent based adhesive. 
     
     
         12 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the heat shrinkable film comprises a multilayer coextruded film. 
     
     
         13 . The label of  claim 1  further comprising a release liner adhered to the pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
         14 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is continuous. 
     
     
         15 . The label of  claim 1  wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is patterned and the pattern substantially covers the inner surface of the film.