MXPA96005702A - Assembly of decal and method for elabora - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for making a decal assembly, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a label having fixed information printed on one side thereof, (b) printing variable information on the label on the same face as fixed information, (c) assembling the label with the fixed and variable information on it in a sticker assembly comprising the label, a reinforcing sheet on which the label is positioned, a mesh of adhesive sensitive to the pressure, of substantially uniform tack on its entire surface, covering the label and at least a portion of the reinforcing sheet that surrounds the label, and a release liner positioned on the adhesive mesh and the label

Description

SET OF DECAL AND METHOD TO PREPARE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to stickers and gummed labels, i.e., labels coated with an adhesive. More specifically, the invention relates to said labels that are retroreflective, and which are provided with an adhesive material. variable printing, and a method for making them, which can be implemented simply and inexpensively to produce individualized labels The present invention also relates to the apparatus for laminated articles and said apparatus also transfers adhesives to substrates in order to produce such articles such as decals and gummed labels 2 Related Technique All states in the United States, validate various requirements related to motor vehicles, issuing to the owner of the vehicle a sticker to be placed on the vehicle indicating compliance with the particular requirement. These requirements include , but are not limited to, payment of taxes, mechanical inspection of the vehicle, emissions inspections, payment for access to parking, and membership of the fire department. At present, the stickers that indicate compliance with all these requirements are made in a central location, and normally, they are issued by one of three means (1) The decal is requested and sent to the recipient by mail from a central location (2) The decal is issued from several government offices in the state (3) decal is issued by large numbers of private businesses in the state The information placed on these decals, have at most, a control number for the state, in order to track the decals In several states, the control number is essentially unusual, given the difficulty of keeping track of the receiver, when the receiver places the sticker with a particular control number, and who can make the The lack of compliance Often, the state only has partial control over the decals sent to a particular dispatch site, and most rely on the issuer to return information equal to that of the receivers with stickers. Due to the above difficulties, with Frequently, states find it problematic to track decals for validation. Also, fraud can be committed by stealing a decal instead of acquiring it through the proper procedures by buying and using a fake decal, and buying a decal for one vehicle and using it in another vehicle (referred to as "transfer1 of stickers) One way to avoid fraud, is to print, at the time of issuance, specific information of the vehicle on a decal made of a material that can not be falsified. This is difficult to do under the present production systems of decals , since the decals are produced and In a central location using expensive automatic equipment Such costly equipment can not be justified in terms of cost, for non-centralized government offices (such as state offices of the department of motor vehicles) and private places. Therefore, the decals issued by several Government offices or private places, need a low cost system, which can produce the same decals as expensive automatic equipment, found in a central place. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Based on the foregoing, there is a need for a decal coated with adhesive, and particularly a retroreflective decal, which has variable information printed on it and which is coated with adhesive, as well as for a simple multi-purpose apparatus, which can serve both to apply laminated products to documents and papers and which also serves to apply adhesive, including dry adhesives, to materials of various sizes in such a way that a wide variety of labels and decals can be produced. The decal and method of this invention, provides unregistered emissions of a retroreflective decal having variable information printed thereon, on an on-demand basis. The apparatus of the present invention can be applied to transparent plastic laminates to master substrates of varying sizes and can also transferring adhesive to substrates of various sizes not being limited by length. The adhesive transfer can be applied to any surface of the article, as required. The apparatus may also apply dry adhesives from coated liners for release from both sides to a substrate. In accordance with the present invention, the individual labels are printed on a master screen. In a preferred embodiment, the master mesh is a retroreflective sheet. Microperforation can be provided at the corners of and between individual labels. According to the present invention, a decal assembly comprises a reinforcing mesh, a printed label placed on the reinforcing mesh, an adhesive mesh applied to the label and the reinforcement mesh, and a removable lining mesh that carries the mesh of adhesive and applied on the label and the reinforcement mesh. The label and the adhesive mesh on the label define the actual decal. For use, the releasable mesh is peeled off to reveal the adhesive mesh, the label, and the reinforcing mesh. The decal, (ie, the label and the adhesive mesh covering the label) can be separated from the adhesive mesh surrounding the reinforcing mesh and applied to a surface. In an alternative embodiment, the master mesh on which the labels are printed, comprises a printable thermal transfer strip laminated over a portion of its width and its entire length with retroreflective lamination. In addition to providing microperforation at the corners and between adjacent labels, microperforation can also be provided at the inner edge of the retroreflective lamination to define a line of separation between the two portions of each label. Both label portions can be printed by example for providing a decal and receipt for the decal After separation from the master roll, the individual label is folded along the line of separation, and then inserted into the apparatus according to the invention to form a set of decal comprising a reinforcement mesh, the bent label, a mesh of adhesive applied over the bent label and the reinforcement mesh, and a removable liner mesh carrying the adhesive mesh, and placed over the folded label The folded label is placed in the apparatus with the retroreflective portion facing the adhesive mesh and the non-laminated portion facing the the reinforcing mesh, such that only the retroreflective portion receives the adhesive. Once the adhesive coated label is separated from the reinforcing mesh, the laminated and unlaminated portions can be separated from each other along the length of the reinforcing mesh. the microperforated separation line To avoid fraud in vehicle sticker applications, vehicle-specific information can be printed at the time of issuance on a decal made of a material that can not be falsified. Vehicle-specific information may include, but It is not limited to the vehicle identification number (NIV); license plate number (which often includes both letters and numbers, and is therefore referred to later as "the characters on the license plate"); brand, type, and color of the vehicle; name of the owner of the vehicle; address of the owner of the vehicle; and a bar code that encodes some or all of this information. Stolen, fake and transferred decals can be easily identified by visual inspection. The issuance of stickers, can be controlled by computer, so that the state has an accurate database of the use of the decal. Low-cost printers are available to print vehicle-specific information. For decals placed on the license plate of a vehicle or on the body of the vehicle and that need to last less than two years, only one printer is needed. For window decals and decals that need to last more than two years, a secondary operation is required. Both the adhesive and a lamination film must be added after the printing operation. To date, there is no simple method and equipment available to add the adhesive or laminate the film that is cost effective. Three modalities are contemplated for a multi-purpose adhesive laminating and transfer apparatus to produce a retroreflective, adhesive label in accordance with the present invention. In a first embodiment, a multipurpose adhesive transfer and lamination device is provided, which has a frame member with mounting means for receiving a first roller material such as a sheet or roll of film coated with berable adhesive. first pressure roller extends transversely through the base An upper frame is pivotally secured to the base The upper frame member has means for mounting or securing a roll of material such as a lamination film or a paper or film having an affinity for an adhesive greater than that of the release liner A second pressure roller extends transversely through the upper frame member, with the upper frame member placed in the operative position in relation to the base, the pressure rollers are They are coupled or they are closely next to each other An actuator that can be of power or that can e being a manual such as a manual crane, it is provided to drive or rotate at least one of the pressure rollers. The upper frame member can be pivoted to an open position to facilitate loading the rolls of material into the base and the leg member. upper frame and to facilitate its insertion between the pressure rollers. In an alternative embodiment, one of the pressure rollers is mounted on a wedge plate in such a way that the rollers can be "opened". The upper and lower rollers containing the lamination meshes or adhesive transfer material have caps of tension that can be adjusted to prevent the roils from being traversed as they remove the material. Tension caps can be pre-set by the material supplier or can be adjusted at the time of use. A feed tray can be mounted either to the base or to the upper frame member to feed the master copy to be processed. By way of example, the lower feed roll can be a flexible film with an adhesive and the top feed rolls a supply of film having an affinity for adhesive greater than that of the release liner. A pre-printed master copy, such as a master copy consisting of labels printed repetitively on a sheet, can be fed via the feed tray to the interface between the pressure rollers. The adhesive will be transferred from the lower mesh to the labels with excess adhesive being picked up by the upper mesh. The labels are now provided with an adhesive and can be supplied to a cut edge provided on the back of the device. In a second alternative mode, the apparatus is similar to that of the first embodiment, except that it has a frame consisting of opposite side walls. The side walls are again provided with vertically extending grooves and horizontally extending grooves which accommodate the insertion of a pair of feed rolls. In this alternative embodiment, the side walls of the frame are fixed and the separation of the pressure rollers is achieved by means of a wedge plate arrangement.

In a third embodiment, an adhesive transfer and separation apparatus is provided, for multiple purposes, to receive a cartridge that is inserted to supply material in order to carry out the necessary operation of lamination or transfer of adhesive. The cartridge has a box-like housing in which the upper and lower supply rolls containing mesh of adhesive rolling or transfer material are rotatably mounted The rolls have tensioning caps which can be adjusted to prevent the supply rolls from being traversed as They take out material The covers are fixed previously according to the operation that is being carried out and the characteristics of the material The clamping lids can be fixed previously by the supplier of material at the moment they are inserted in the cartridge The user selects the appropriate cartridge for the operation that will be carried out The first and second second pressure rollers extend transversely in the housing at an intermediate location to the cartridge supply rollers The pressure rollers have an elastic coating and are coupled to each other or are slightly spaced in parallel relation from one to the other Preferably, the roller The lower pressure is displaced downwardly from the upper pressure roller towards the cartridge. An actuator is provided, which may be of power or may be manual such as a manual crane, to drive or rotate at least one of the pressure rollers. which, in turn, drives the other roller A feed tray removably mounts to the housing to facilitate feeding to the article to be processed Preferably, the feed tray is removably secured in a general horizontal location aligned with the clip The tray of feeding carries a guide that extends transversely and a cleaner that uniformizes, cleans and places the master copy fed along the tray A discharge opening is provided in the back of the housing and a cutting blade can be manually operated by a lever to cut up the substrate in a desired location, together with an anvil bar By way of example, the lower feed roll may comprise a flexible film with an adhesive coating The upper feed roll comprises a supply of the film having an affinity for adhesive The upper and lower films are feeding between the pressure rollers The tray is placed in position and a preprinted master copy such as a master copy containing repetitively printed labels on a sheet that can be fed via the tray to the interface between the pressure rollers passing between the surface of the tray and the cleaner The adhesive will be transferred from the bottom film To the labels, the excessive adhesive being picked up by the upper film. Now, the labels are provided with an adhesive that is picked up by the upper film. The labels are now provided with an adhesive and are attached to the lower film and can be separated one of the other by the blade in the discharge opening. When used, labels can be detached from the film substrate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is best understood by reading the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Modalities with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals, refer to similar elements throughout it, and in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view that illustrates the steps of a method according to the present invention for printing variable information on a label; Figure 2 is a simplified, diagrammatic side view of the apparatus for forming a decal assembly using the label of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a hand roller for forming a decal according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a decal assembly according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the decal assembly of Figure 4, showing the release liner being peeled off; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the decal assembly of Figure 5, showing the release liner removed and the decal being detached from the reinforcement; Figure 7 is a top plan view of the master copy laminated along a portion of its width with a second material, for use in an alternative embodiment of the decal assembly according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a perspective of an alternative embodiment of a decal assembly using the master copy of Figure 7, folded in half along its length, showing the release liner and the label being separated from the reinforcement sheet, Figure 9 , is a cross-sectional view of the decal assembly of Figure 8, Figure 10 is a perspective view of the transfer device of the present invention shown in an operative position, Figure 11 is a sectional view of the device of the present invention shown in an operative position taken along the line 11-11 of Figure 10, Figure 12 is a partial side view showing the di Figure 13 is a view taken along lines 13-13 of Figure 10, with the feed rollers removed, Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the device. , Figure 15, is an end view of a feeding roll, Figure 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16-16 of Figure 14, Figure 17 is an exploded view showing the tensioner cap positioned at the end of a feed roll, Figure 18 , is a partial rear perspective view, showing the blade, Figure 19, is a view showing a master copy fed between the press rolls, Figure 20 is a plan view of the master copy of the feed showing the Applied adhesive, Figure 21, is a plan view of the upper feed mesh showing the uptake of the excess adhesive thereon, Figure 22 shows the removal of the adhesive from the lower mesh, Figure 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, Figure 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24-24 of Figure 23, Figure 25 is a perspective view of the transfer apparatus of the present invention Figure 26 is a perspective view of the supply roll containing a cartridge removed from the apparatus; Figure 27 is a sectional view taken along line 27-27 of Figure 26; Figure 28 is a perspective view illustrating the installation of a cartridge, Figure 29 is a detailed view of the cutting mechanism, Figure 30 is a side view, partially in section, showing the cartridge in place and a master cup feeding the device, Figure 30A, is a detail view of the cleaner as indicated in Figure 30, Figure 31 is a sectional view taken along line 31-31 of Figure 30, Figure 32, is a detailed view of the pressure rollers, Figure 33 is a sectional view taken along line 33-33 of Figure 32, Figure 34 is a side view showing a master copy being fed between the pressure rollers, Figure 35 shows a set of c License Plate Tax Allocations, Figure 36, shows a record decal set, Figure 37 shows a label to be used on a decal set that provides the number of a house, boat, or snow vehicle, Figure 38 shows a decal assembly incorporating the label of Figure 37, Figure 39 shows a decal assembly for a license plate of a vehicle, and Figure 40 shows a vehicle registration decal assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES To describe the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for clarity., the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology thus selected, and it should be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose. Referring now to Figures 1-3, the simplified apparatus 1000 is shown to form a set of retroreflective decals 2000, of the type shown in Figures 4-6 or a decal set 2000 'of the type shown in Figures 8 and 9, these sets of decals 2000 and 2000', are made in accordance with the method according to the invention A master copy 120 for use in the method, is chosen based on the particular application of the decal For a window decal, the master copy 120, preferably is a laminate that receives adhesive such as a die-cut, check laminate with an adhesive face ("VCA") wound on a rail or reel as shown in Figure 1 A suitable VCA laminate material, which is difficult to fake is "3M # 2500" VCA laminate material, which is commercially available from "3M" For a decal to be affixed to a vehicle body, the master copy 120 may be, for example, "3M # 3750" license plate laminate material or "3M # 5330" laminate validation material, both are commercially available from 3M. During manufacturing, die cutting (using, for example, a conventional rotating die system) can be used to micro-perforate the corners by rounding and to micro-perforate the edges between the adjacent decals 128 to facilitate the separation of individual transfers 128 from one another. "Weeds" (i.e., leftovers around the finished edges of the decals) can be cut into strips after the die cut to provide corners of RCR (ie, rounded) The fixed information 126, can be pre printed together with the manufacture of the decals 128 for example, in multiple colors using "Flexographic ™ processing, a non-expensive, high-speed printing process, which uses flexible plates on a cylinder to print graphic information in colored ink, and which is well known to those skilled in the art Variable information 126a, can be easily and inexpensively printed on an on-demand basis using a thermal transfer printer 1002, computer controlled on its site A diagrammatic representation of a printer thermal transfer 1002, and a computer controller 1004 for the same, to print variable information 126a, in master copy 120, is shown in Figure 1 Thermal transfer printer 1002, is of conventional design, for example, it can be use a 'Zebra Strips' printer (which is commercially available from Cebra Technologies Corpor ation of Vernon Hills, Illinois) The master copy 120, with the preprinted fixed information 126, and wound on a rail or cartridge, is placed in the housing of the printer 1010. The computer controller 1004 is programmed to allow the operator enter the variable information into variable information fields and print the variable information on a thermal wax tape 1012, using the printing head 1004 of the printer. For example, for a set of vehicle-related decals, the driver's display screen the computer 1004, can drive the operator in the department of state expeditions of motor vehicles, to obtain necessary information of the vehicle and of the variable owner, of the owner of the vehicle and to introduce it in the controller of the computer 1004 The controller of the computer 1004, can be linked to a central computer, in such a way that the state authorities can ner access to vehicle and owner information Printer 1002, aligns the labels 128 using preprinted time stamps on the master copy 120, together with the fixed information 126 The variable information 126a, is transferred after the thermal wax tape 1014 onto an individual decal A suitable thermal transfer ribbon is the black thermal transfer ribbon "3M # VP5130" which is commercially available from 3M The final label 128 is cut after the roll 120 by means of scissors 1020, a cutter 1022 incorporated in the housing of the printer 1010, or other conventional means, or is separated along the microperforations between the labels 128, and is formed in a decal assembly 2000 as shown in Figure 4, using, for example, the apparatus 10 according to the present invention, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 2, or using a manual roller 1030, as shown in Figure 3. The decal assembly 2000, comprises a reinforcement sleeve 112, the decal 128, a mesh of adhesive 106, applied to the label 128, and the reinforcement mesh 112, and a releasable liner mesh 102 carrying the adhesive mesh 106, and placed over the label 128; the label 128 and the adhesive mesh 106 on the label 128, defining the actual decal. Suitable adhesives for adhesive mesh 106 are "3M # 9457, 3M # 457MP, 3M # 9172, and 3M # 932FL", which are commercially available from 3M. as shown in Figure 5, the releasable mesh 102 is peeled off to reveal the adhesive mesh 106, the label 128, and the reinforcing mesh 112. The decal (i.e., the label 128 and the adhesive mesh 106 covering the label 128) can be separated from the adhesive mesh 106 surrounding it, and the reinforcing mesh 112 as shown in Figure 6 and applied to a surface. As indicated above, where the decal has to be applied to a window, the VCA laminate can be used for the tag 128, and where the decal has to be applied to a vehicle body, the laminate the license plate, or validation laminate, can be used for the label 128 Due to the exposure received by the body of the decals, it is desirable to provide transparent overlaminated sheets (eg, 3M # 7735FL transparent overlaminate sheets, commercially available from 3M) for the printed non-adhesive side of the decal This can be achieved by adhering the overlaminate sheet to the printed side of the label 128 before its assembly to the releasable mesh, the adhesive mesh, and the reinforcing mesh, using the apparatus described below An alternative embodiment of decal set 2000 ', is shown in Figures 8 and 9 To make the decal set 2000', the mae copy stra 120 ', shown in Figure 7, comprises a printable thermal transfer strip laminated over a portion of its width and its full length with retroreflective lamination 2002, the retroreflective lamination 2002, can be adhered to the master copy 120' by a mesh of suitable adhesive 2004, using conventional methods For vehicle applications, the printable thermal transfer strip, can be a polymer strip such as "Kimdura", a polypropylene polyester, or any other material that is resistant to heat and water used in the interior of a vehicle In addition to providing microperforation at the corners and between the individual labels 128 ', the microperforation can also be provided on the inner edge of the retroreflective sheet 2002, to define a separation line 2006 between the two halves of each label 128 'The master copy 120', is printed as described above with respect to the copy ma It is envisaged that the retroreflective portion of the label 128 'will be printed for use as a decal, while the unlaminated portion of the label 128' will be printed to be used as a receipt accompanying the decal. After separation from the master copy roll, the individual label 128 'is folded along the separation line, and then inserted into the apparatus 10 to form a decal assembly 2000' comprising a reinforcement mesh 112, the bent label 128 ', an adhesive mesh 106 applied over the bent label 128' and the reinforcing mesh 112, and a hollow liner mesh 102 carrying the adhesive mesh 106, and placed over the bent label 128 'The bent label 128 ', is placed in the apparatus 10 with the retroreflective portion laminated facing the adhesive mesh 112 and the non-laminated portion facing the reinforcing mesh 112 The label 12', can be folded either with the print facing inward or outward, depending on the desired application Due to the fold, only the laminated portion is covered by the adhesive mesh 106 Once the label 128 'with the adhesive mesh 106 is separated from the refue mesh 112, the laminated and unlaminated portions can be separated from each other along the microperforated line of separation, and the laminated portion covered by the adhesive mesh 106 defines the actual decal Examples of different types of decals and sets of stickers according to the present inventionare shown in Figures 35-40. Figure 35 shows a 2000a license plate tax decal set, of a type similar to the 2000 decal set shown in Figures 4-6 for the 2000a decal set, the fixed information 126 printed on the master copy 120, comprises, for example, the state (in this case, Minnesota) and a legend identifying the decal (in this case, "94-PAID PAID-94"), may also be included other information, such as some kind of logo (indicated in Figure 35 by the reference letter L). The variable information 126a, added to the master copy 120 in the Office of the Department of Motor Vehicles, comprises, for example, the number of license plate (shown in Figure 35 as "ABC 123"), information identifying the vehicle, for example, make, style and color (shown in Figure 35 as' FORD- "DR-BLUE"), and the number vehicle identification ("A5677JKG9907543" in l Figure 35) In this case, the master copy 120 is preferably retroreflective VCA sheet, although other types of sheets can also be used This type of decal set can be used for other applications, such as numbers of houses, boats, vehicles for snow, etc. and on license plates for vehicles As shown in Figures 37 and 38, in a set of decals 2000c that provides a number of house, boat, or vehicle for snow, the fixed information is omitted The number ( shown in figure 37 as "123") is printed as the variable information 126A, and then laminated prior to assembly using transparent overlaminate sheets 114, as described above with respect to a vehicle body decal. The number may be printed normally or inverse (negative) As shown in Figure 39, in a decal set 2000d for a vehicle license plate, for example of the type used in the United Kingdom, the variable information 126a comprises the license characters (shown in Figure 39 as "1234567") and the adhesive mesh 106 is applied to the printed side of the label 128. To be assembled on a license plate, the release mesh the label is removed from the reinforcement mesh, and then the label is applied to a transparent plastic plate of acrylic, polyester, or the like, which can be fastened to the vehicle. Figure 40 shows a set decal 2000a 'of two-part vehicle registration, similar in type to decal assembly 2000' shown in Figures 8 and 9 For decal assembly 2000a ', the portion facing releasable mesh 102, comprises the decal portion which is to adhere to a vehicle window, and can be printed as described above with respect to Figure 36. The portion facing the reinforcement tire 112, comprises the receipt portion for the c decalcomment set 2000'a, the fixed information 126 printed on the receipt portion of the master copy 120, comprises an identification legend (in this case, "REGISTER OF MOTOR VEHICLES OF THE MINESOTE STATE") The variable information 126a, added to the master copy in the Office of the Department of Motor Vehicles, comprises, for example, the characters of the license plate (shown in Figure 37 as "MNOPQR"), the vehicle identification number (shown in the Figure 37 as "JK632585622178MNB"), information identifying the vehicle, for example, brand and style (shown in Figure 37 as "2 DR CORVETTE"), the registration date (shown in Figure 37 as "05/12/95"), and the name and address of the vehicle owner. Referring now to Figures 10 to 15, a first embodiment of the apparatus for forming a decal assembly is shown, in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus is generally designated by the number 10 The terms "following" and "prior" or "frontal" and "subsequent" as used herein, refer to the orientation of the feeding path through the device The apparatus 10, includes a lower frame or base member 12, and an upper frame member 14 The lower frame member 12, consists of separate side plates 20 and 22, secured in spaced relationship by the transversely extending spacer rod 24. The internal faces of the side plates 20 and 22 are provided with hop-extending slots 26a and 26b which provide mounting means to adapt the insertion of the rollers. of feed as will be explained later The side plates 20 and 22 are each shown in a rectangular shape, having a lower edge 30 which serves as a support surface or shelf for the apparatus 10 and a horizontal upper edge 32 The upper frame member 14 , includes a pair of separate side plates 40 and 42 The side plates 40 and 42, are shown each having upper edges ei lower 44 and 46 and front and rear edges 50 and 52, respectively An angular surface 54 extends between the lower edge and the front edge to facilitate access to the pressure rollers for loading and unloading Plates 40 and 42 are pivotally mounted to the lower plates 20 and 22, by means of the pivot connection 60 In the normal operative position, the lower edge 46 of the upper side plates 40 and 42, rests on the upper edge 32 of the lower side plates 20 and 22 In the open position, as shown in Figure 12, the upper frame member 14, is tilted back around the joint of the pivot 60 to a position in which the upper surfaces of the lower end plates 20 and 22 gather the edges lower 46 of the upper end plates 40 and 42 to provide access for loading and unloading The feeding mat is secured in the upper frame member 14, by inserting a roll of a arrangement 110 in the slots 62a and 62b extending vertically on the inner surface of the opposing plates 40 and 42 An upper pressure roller 64, extends transversely between the side plates 40 and 42 of the upper frame member 14 positioned adjacent the lower edge 42 of the plates 40 and 42 The upper pressure roller 64 includes an axial shaft 66 that is rotatable in a suitable bearing 70 A nut or retainer cap, not shown, is provided at the left end of the shaft 66, as Figure 10 Arrow 66 is covered by a cylindrical roller member 72 of elastic material such as rubber Arrow 66 projects outside the side plate 42 and is shown carrying a manual crane 74 to manually rotate the roller 72 and the arrow 66 Alternatively, the roller 66 can be driven by an electric drive motor. A pinion gear 76 is secured to the arrow 66 adjacent to the surface exterior of the side plate 42, as best seen in Figure 13 A second lower pressure roller 80, extends transversely between the lower side plates 20 and 22, placed in parallel to the upper pressure roller 64 The lower pressure roller 80 , it can be aligned vertically with the upper pressure roller 64, but preferably it is moved forward a small distance beyond the upper pressure roller 64, as for example 0635 cm, as seen in Figure 11 The lower pressure roller 80 , has an arrow 82 that is rotatable in the bearings or stubs 84 in the side plates 20 and 22 A lower pinion gear 86, is carried on the extension of the arrow 82 in the side plate 22 When the upper frame 14 is in its In the operating position, the lower pinion gear 86 will engage the upper pinion gear 72 so that the upper pressure roller shaft drive is actuated. 66 by crane 72 or by other means of power, will impart rotation to both pressure rollers 64 and 80 As mentioned above, the device 10, can be used as a laminator or as an adhesive transfer device, for example, to create sets of decals In the case of being used as a adhesive transfer device, a bottom feeding roll 100 carrying a transfepble adhesive, is secured in the lower frame member 12 With reference to Figures 13 or 16, the lower feed roll 100, comprises a mesh 102 of vehicle material flexible having release characteristics and a maila of adhesive or coating 106 on the upper surface of the mesh 102 With the lower feed roller 100 in position, the end of the mesh 102, extends over the lower roller 80 as shown in FIG. Figures 11 and 19 An upper feed chute 110, is placed in engagement with the slots 62a and 62b on the interior surface The upper side plates 40 and 42 The upper feed roll 110, in the case of adhesive transfer, will consist of a mesh 112 of material such as non-expensive paper or film having an affinity for the adhesive. The end of the mesh 112 , it extends between the pressure rollers 64 and 80, with the end of the sleeve secured adhesively to the mesh of a master copy 501 on the lower roller 100 Referring to Figures 19 to 22, the master copy 120 comprises a continuous sheet of material having an upper surface 122 and a lower surface 124 The upper surface 122 is printed with the signals 126 forming a repeating pattern of the labels 128 which have been preprinted as desired, the master copy 120 can be any documents or series of preprinted documents Before being fed into the machine, labels 128 can be preprinted with both fixed and variable information, such as Previously Once the upper feed rollers 100 110 have been placed, the upper frame member 14 is rotated to a closed position by bringing the pressure rollers 64 and 80 into close engagement or closeness with the meshes 106, 112, and copy master 120 compressed therebetween A feed tray 130, which comprises a pineapple feed surface 132, and opposite extending flanges 132a and 132b, is suspended from the side plates 20 and 22 of the bottom frame member 12 This is achieved by coupling the flanges 132a and 132b with the respective upper edges 32 of the side plates 20 and 22 With reference to Figure 21, the cutting bar 150, which extends transversely between the lower side plates 20 and 22, is shown rearwardly of The pressure springs 64 and 80. The cutter bar 150 has a sharp edge 152, which allows the operator to manually separate a master copy manually. 120 at any location as processed when it emerges backward from between the pressure rollers 64 and 80. The master copy 120 is aligned on the feed tray 130 with the free edge of the master copy 120 placed on the mesh or coating. exposed adhesive 106 on the mesh 102 of the lower feed roll 100 The part slightly protruding outward of the lower pressure roll 80, facilitates securing the master copy 120 at its location The operator operates the device 10 by operating the crane 74 which will rotate the roller upper pressure 60 and by means of the internally engaged pinion gears, causes rotation of the lower pressure roll 80 This rotation will advance the mesh 112 of the upper feed roll 110, the mesh 102 of the lower feed roll 100, and the copy master 120 As the master copy 120 proceeds between the pressure rollers 64 and 80, the coating or mesh of adhesive When exposed 106 from the lower mesh 102, they will be transferred to the lower surface 124 of the master copy 120 The upper mesh 112, will lift any excess non-transferred adhesive to the master 120, such as, for example, the areas outside the perimeter of the labels 128 The labels 128 should be narrower than the vehicle mesh 012 and the adhesive mesh 106, in order to ensure complete coverage of the individual labels 128 by the adhesive mesh 106 Furthermore, the upper collecting mesh 112 must be wider than the adhesive mesh 106 in order to ensure that all of the adhesive mesh is collected in excess 106 surrounding the labels 128 The resulting sticker sets 2000 can then be separated by dividing between the adjacent labels 128 The labels 128 are shown being on a continuous strip that has been preprinted with the desired indication 126 and 126a Alternatively, a single label 128 can be printed with the required fixed indication 126, and the variable indication 126a, and then can be separated from the master copy 120 and ava nzar through the machine 10 in the same way as the master copy 120, as described in the immediately preceding paragraph Note that the master copy 120 (or a single label 128) can be oriented either with the indication 126 and 126a looking up or down, depending on user requirements For example, if labels coated with adhesive 128 should be applied to the inside of a window, label 128, in most cases, could be fed into the machine 10 with the printing 126 and 126a facing down, positioned so that the adhesive 106 could be applied on the printing 126 and 126a. The apparatus 10 can also apply lamination to any of the upper or lower surfaces of a substrate or adhesive. the upper or lower surface of a substrate or both, replacing a mesh of lamination material for the lower carrier mesh 102 or the upper collecting mesh 112. the device 10, you can also perform combination operations to apply both a sheet material and an adhesive to a substrate. The characteristics of the lower carrier mesh 102, are such that the adhesive 106 is not an aggressive adhesive adhered loosely to the surface of the mesh 112, (although, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the adhesive 106 must aggressively adhere to the upper collecting mesh 112, and the label 128. Therefore, the lower carrier mesh 102, serves as a removable cover that can be peeled off at the moment when the label 128 is to be used by adhesively applying the label 128 to a surface A significant advantage of the device 10 of the present invention is that the lower and upper feed rollers 100 and 110 can be provided to the end user, properly pre-coated and tensioned so that they are not traversed during the operation. of the feed rollers 100 and 110, is achieved by means of a tensioning device, best appreciated in Figures 16 and 17, which is it is used in the same way with both rolls 100 and 110. In Figures 16 and 17, one end of a feed roll die 200 is shown around which the roll of the mesh material of any roll 100 or 110 is wound. The die 200 is a cardboard or plastic cylinder having an end face 210 and an inner wall 212 which receives an end cap 214 The end cap 214 can be molded plastic or any similar material, and has a cylindrical inner wall 216 axially extending protrusion 220, is formed in the end cap 214 concentric with the cylindrical inner wall 216 An axial hole 222, extends through the protrusion 220 The end cap 214 is placed slightly inward of the end face 210 of the feed roll die 200, and can be adhesively secured in place to the inner wall 212 of the feed roll die 200 A circular end plate 230 abuts the face end 210 of the die 200 and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the die 200 The end plate 230 has a central opening 240 which receives the threaded shaft of the bolt 246 A nut 250 engages the threaded end of the outer bolt 246 from the inner end of the cover 214 A spring 252, is interposed between the nut 250 and the inner end of the cover 214 The head of the bolt 246 is brought against the exposed outer surface of the end plate 230 and the position of the nut 250 determines the resistance to friction that exists between the surface interior of the end plate 230 and the end face 210 of the die 200 of the roller This tension is pre-adjusted by the manufacturer to provide the proper tension of the roll depending on the type of material, matepai size, thickness of the material or other factors The ears of assembly 260a and 260b project from the end plate 230 and are engageable in the mounting slots 26a and 26b and 62a and 62b respectively provided on the inner surfaces of the lower side plates 20 and 22 and the upper side plates 40 and 42 of the applicator device Therefore, the insertion of a supply of feedstock into the upper and lower frames is achieved The existing or used feed rollers are removed by sliding them out to uncouple the ears from the slots. The new roll is inserted by aligning the mounting ears with the slots and sliding the new feed roll into place. The feed rolls are they can supply with various types of feed material meshes having a loose adhesive coating and a release coating on the opposite surface. Figures 23 and 24 show a second alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention which is generally designated by the number 400. The elements that are the same or similar to the elements described with respect to the preceding figures are identified by the same numerals. The apparatus 400 of Figures 23 and 24 has a frame comprising opposite side walls 436 and 438. The side walls 436 and 438, again they are provided with grooves that extend vertically 62a and 62b, and horizontally extending slots 26a and 26b, which accommodate the insertion of the feed rolls 110 and 100, respectively. In this embodiment, the side walls 436 and 438 of the frame are fixed, and the separation of the pressure rollers 64 and 80 is achieved by means of a wedge plate arrangement as will be explained below. Because the mounting slots 62a and 62b are arranged vertically, the weight of the feed roll 110 will keep it in the proper position. Preferably, the feed rollers 100 and 110 are positioned as close as possible to the pressure rollers 64 and 80, to maintain accurate feeding and minimize misalignment. It may be convenient to provide positive drive means for driving the feed roll 100 right-handed as shown in Figure 23. At this end, a joint 430 is pivotally secured at the pivot point 432, to the interior of the side wall 436 A similar connection can be arranged on the inner side wall 438. A spring 434 is disposed below the groove 26a. When the feed roll 100 is inserted, the link 432 can be turned downward as indicated by the arrow and engages the spring 434 to apply a driving force to the feed roll 100 in order to keep it in a secure position . As indicated above, it is desirable that the pressure rollers 64 and 80 be separated to provide access in order to load the apparatus. In the above embodiment, shown in Figures 10 to 14, access was provided by a two-part frame arrangement. , in which one portion of the frame is pivotal with respect to the other In the embodiment of Figures 23 and 24, the lower preshon roll 80 extends between the inner side walls of the side plates 436 and 438 and is mounted on the opposite ends on the bearings 440 The upper pressure roller 64, is provided with the opposed flat arrows 444a and 444b, which are respectively received in the bearings 446a and 446b in the opposite wedge plates 450 and 452. The wedge plates 450 and 452 are vertically slidable and are propelled upwards by the springs 460. In Figure 24, the rollers 64 and 80 are shown in a closed position in which they are in close contact or coupling. The pressure rollers 64 and 80 are held in position by the arrow 462 which is operated by the pressure coupling lever 470. The arrow 462 has notches. or slots 480 at either end adjacent the inner walls of the side plates 436 and 438. It will be appreciated that the rotatable lever 470, the arrow 462, will be rotated, engaging the samples or slots 480, with the upper ends of wedge plates 450 and 452 This will allow the wedge wedges 450 and 452, the pressure roller 64, to move upwardly away from the lower pressure roller 80 In the posi As shown in Figure 24, the arrow 462 is rotated in engagement with the wedge plates 450 and 452 to force the wedge plates 450 and 452 and the upper pressure roller 64 downwardly in engagement with the roller lower 80, overcoming the driving of the springs 460 Referring to Figures 25 to 34, a third embodiment of the apparatus for making a retroreflective label according to the present invention is shown. Elements that are the same or similar to the elements described with respect to to the preceding figures, are identified by the same numbers. The apparatus is generally designated by the number 600 and includes a housing generally designated by the number 612 having a base 614, opposite side walls 616 and 618, an upper part 620 and a wall rear 622 The rear wall 622 of the housing is inclined upwardly and outwardly in the panel 622a from the base 614 to a location where the wall Sterior extends vertically in panel 622b. As seen in Figure 30, a batch opening 630 is defined between panels 622a and 622b through which substrate and processed articles are discharged. As best seen in Figures 30 at 32, an upper pressure roller 64 extends transversely between the side walls 650 and 652 spaced outwardly from the edge of the side walls 650 and 652. The upper pressure roller 64 includes a rotating axial arrow 66 in suitable bearings or bushings. at opposite ends Arrow 66 is covered by a cylindrical roll member 72 of resilient material such as rubber Arrow 66 extends to the outside of side plate 618 and is shown carrying a manual crane 74 for manually rotating the roller and Alternatively, the rollers 64 and 80 can be driven by an electric motor, not shown. A pinion gear 76 is secured to one end of the arrow 66. Ady The inner surface of the side plate 618 A second lower pressure roller 80, extends transversely between the side walls 616 and 618 placed parallel to the upper pressure roller 64 The lower pressure roller 80, can be aligned vertically with the upper pressure roller 64, but preferably is preferably moved forward, a forward distance of upper pressure roller 64, as for example, about 0625 cm as best seen in Figure 30 Lower pressure roller 80, has an arrow 82 which is rotatable in the bearings 84 located inside the opposite side walls A pinion gear 86 is mounted on one end of the arrow 82 The pinion gear 86 engages the pinion gear 76 on the upper pressure arrow 66 , so that the actuation of the upper pressure roller 64 by means of the crane 74, or medium power gold, impart opposite to both pressure rollers 64 and 80 rotate as indicated by arrows in Figure 32 A principal advantage of the present invention is that they can provide substrates spans the user in an easy to use cartridge, contained therein, which allows the user to select and simply insert the appropriate cartridge. As indicated above, the device of the present invention can be used for multiple purposes for adhesive transfer and lamination. The adhesive can be transferred to any surface of the master copy and can be a dry adhesive As shown the cartridge 640 includes a lower feed roll 100 and a top feed roll 110 as previously described each containing a film maila or other flexible substrate material The 640 cartridge includes a frame 642 having opposite side walls 650 and 652, a top part 654, and bottom part 656 A front wall 660 has a substantially rectangular opening 662 therein Side walls 650 and 652, of the cartridge 640, have horizontal depressions 662 provided in the same to receive a 670 feeding tray The feeding tray 670, has a flat feed surface 672 with opposite extending flanges 674, said flanges can be removably inserted into the horizontal depressions 662 of the cartridge 640. A cleaner assembly 680 is mounted on the upper surface of the feed tray 670, as seen in Figures 25, 30, and 30A. The wiper assembly 680 has a bar 682 that extends transversely through the feeder tray 670 adjacent to the entrance to the pressure area. The bar 682 has a pad 684 of elastic or soft material such as felt, soft plastic fabric or rubber, which is coupled lightly to the master copy as it passes between the set of cleaners 680 and the infeed surface of the tray 672 The cleaner assembly, serves for various functions , since it cleans, uniformizes and guides the master copy as it enters the press between the pressure rollers 64 and 80 A particularly function important of the cleaner assembly 680, is to tension the master substrate by keeping it flat and aligned with the sheet material and the adhesive meshes resulting in better alignment especially when intermittently feeding the sheets. The cleaner assembly 680 also has an arm 690 which is driven towards up by a spring 692 The arm 690 is pivotally attached to the edge of the feed tray 670 in the fulcrum 694 such that the cleaner assembly 680 is thought to be lightly coupled with the material passing under the pad 684 The bar Cleanser 682, can be lifted to facilitate loading of a master copy by manually depressing the outer end of arm 690 against the force of spring 692. Preferably, pad 684 can be replaced when required. Referring to Figures 28 and 29, the blade 702 having a cutting edge, they extend transversely adjacent to the discharge opening. at 630. The blade 702 can be moved vertically upwards from a non-driven position to a cutting position by means of the lever 704 to which the blade 702 is attached. The lever 704 is pivotally secured to the interior of the side wall of the housing. 616 and the pivot rod 706 The downward movement of the lever 704, on the handle 710, will move the blade 702 upwardly in engagement with the anvil rod 712 which is fixed at the bottom of the panel 622b and extends transversely Preferably, the blade 702 is mounted on a vehicle 714 by means of the bolts 720 having compression springs 722 thereon, which urge the blade 702 toward the anvil rod 712. Therefore, when the cutting action occurs, the flat surface of the blade 702, moves along the anvil rod 712, which provides a self-cleaning action The upper end of the panel 622a is slightly curved with again in 720 as shown in Figure 30, to facilitate uniform flaking of the article being processed The area indicated by the number 720, may be covered with a suitable low friction material, such as that sold under the trademark "Teflon" An important advantage of the present invention is that the lower and upper feed rolls 100 and 110 are provided to the user properly pre-lauded and tensioned as described above, so that they are not traversed during the operation and to provide adequate tracking. The proper tensioning The proper tension of the rolls of feed 100 and 110, is achieved by means of the tensioning device previously described with respect to Figures 15 and 16 The upper horizontal mounting grooves 724a and 724b, and the lower horizontal mounting grooves 726a and 726b, are provided on the inner surfaces of the side walls of the cartridge 650 and 652 to receive the mounting ears 260a and 260b projecting outward from the end plates 230 of the tensioning devices provided on the feed rollers 100 and 110 Therefore, it will be appreciated that the insertion of a supply of suitable feed substrate is easily achieved. The user simply selects the appropriate cartridge 640, and places the cartridge 640 in the opening in the front side of the housing 612 The cartridge 640 is closed in place in the housing 612 in an upright position by closing the retaining members 730 The feed rolls 100 and 110 can be various types of material such as sheets transparent, paper or film to remove excessive adhesive, or rolls of material having a coating with loose adhesive and a release liner on the opposite surface The tray 670, is inserted in a generally horizontal position in the opposite horizontal depressions 664, in the side walls of the cartridge 650 and 652 As mentioned before, the device 40 0 can be used as a laminating device or as an adhesive transfer device. In the case of being used as an adhesive transfer device, the lower feeding roll 100 comprises a film carrying an easily transferable adhesive. upper feed 110, could normally be a flexible carrier material mesh having release characteristics on a lower surface and a coating of adhesive on the other surface With the rollers of this type in position, the end of the feed roll maila lower 100, extend over the lower pressure roll 80. The upper feed roll 110, on the adhesive transfer side, will consist of a mesh of material such as non-expensive paper or film, having an affinity for the adhesive The end of the mesh extends between the pressure rollers 64 and 80 with the end of the mesh secured to dhesively to the mesh of the master copy in the lower feed roll 100 The master copy 120 is as previously described with respect to Figures 20 to 22 The master copy 120 is aligned on the feed tray 670 with the free edge for driving the master copy 120, placed on the exposed adhesive surface 106, of the lower feedstock 102 at the interface of the pressure roller The slightly forwardly projecting portion of the lower pressure roller 80, facilitates securing the master copy 120 in place The mesh 112 of the upper feed roll 110, is fed from the cartridge 640 to the interface of the pressure roller on the upper side of the master copy 120 The operator then operates the machine 600 operating the crane 74 the which will rotate the upper pressure roller and by means of the internal coupling pinion gears 76 and 86, will cause the rotation of the roller of lower pressure 80 The rotation will also advance the upper mesh 112, the lower mesh 102, and the master copy 120 The master copy 120 is uniform, guided, and cleaned as it passes between the cleaner 680 and the upper surface of the tray As the master copy 120 between the pressure rollers 64 and FIG. 80 in the interface pressure area, the exposed adhesive 106 from the lower mesh 102, will be transferred to the lower surface of the master copy 120 The upper mesh 112 will collect any excessive adhesive not transferred to the master copy 120, such as the adhesive 106 in the areas outside the perimeter of the areas of the labels 128 As previously described, the decal assembly can be easily separated from the meshes as it emerges from the discharge opening in the back of the machine. Note that as previously described the master copy 120 can be oriented as any impression or indication that looks up or down depending on the req. User requirements The modifications and variations of the modalities described before the present invention are possible, as appreciated by those skilled in the art, in view of the above teachings. Therefore, it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced in a manner other than that specifically described

Claims (57)

1. CLAIMS 1. A decal set comprising: a label; a reinforcing sheet, said label being placed non-adhesively on said reinforcing sheet; a mesh of adhesive covering said label and at least a portion of said reinforcing sheet surrounding the label, said adhesive mesh being sensitive to pressure and substantially uniformly tacky over its entire surface; and a coiocado release liner on said adhesive mesh and said label.
2. 2. The decal assembly of claim 1, wherein said release liner is substantially co-extensive with the adhesive mesh mentioned. The decal assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sheet in the form of a transparent sheet, adhered to said label and interposed between said label said reinforcing sheet. 4. The decal assembly of claim 1, wherein said label is formed of retroreflective sheet material. 5. The decal assembly of claim 1, wherein said label has fixed and variable information printed on said front and back faces thereof. The decal assembly of claim 1, wherein said variable information includes the characters of the license plate. The decal set of claim 1, wherein said variable information includes the vehicle identification number. of decal comprising a reinforcing sheet having an inner face, an outer face, a pair of opposite side edges, and a pair of opposite end edges, said inner face of the reinforcing sheet, having an affinity for the adhesive, a label placed not adhesively on said inner face of said reinforcing sheet, said label having a front face, a rear face, a pair of opposite side edges, and a pair of opposite end edges, the label having a smaller width and length of the distance between said lateral edges of said reinforcing sheet, said rear face of said label, facing said internal face. of said reinforcing sheet and said side edges and ends of said label, a release liner sheet positioned on said label and said reinforcing sheet being said to be positioned inward of said side and end edges of said reinforcing sheet; release liner sheet having a front face, a rear face, a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of opposite end edges said release liner sheet having a width greater than said width of said label and smaller than the width of said reinforcing sheet, said inner face of said release liner sheet, facing the inner face of said reinforcing sheet and the front face of said label, said side edges of said release liner sheet being positioned toward outside said side edges of such a label, and such end edges of said liner sheet deliberating being positioned outwardly of such edge s ends of the label and substantially in register with said end edges of said reinforcing sheet, and a mesh of pressure-sensitive adhesive carried by said inner face of said release liner sheet and interposed between said internal face of said sheet of release liner, such a mesh being sensitive to pressure and substantially uniformly tacky over its entire surface, and said release liner sheet having releasing characteristics such that the adhesive layer is loosely adhered to said internal face of said release liner. such a release liner sheet 9 The decal assembly of claim 8, further comprising a transparent laminate sheet adhered to said label and interposed between said label and said reinforcement sheet 10 The decal assembly of claim 8, wherein the label is made of retroreflective sheets 11 The decal assembly of claim 8, wherein said label has fixed and variable information on said front and rear faces thereof The decal assembly of claim 8, wherein said variable information includes the vehicle license plate characters 13 The decal assembly of claim 8, wherein said variable information includes the vehicle identification number 14 The decal assembly of claim 8, said adhesive being a non-aggressive adhesive with respect to said reinforcing sheet 15 A set of decals for motor vehicles comprising a reinforcing sheet having an internal face, an outer face, a pair of opposite side edges, and a pair of opposite end edges , said internal face of such reinforcing sheet having an affinity for adhesive, a label placed non-adhesive on said internal face of such reinforcing sheet, said label having a front face, a rear face, a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of opposite end edges, the aforesaid label having a width and a smaller length of the distance between said side edges of said reinforcing sheet the aforementioned back face of said label facing said inner face of the reinforcing sheet and said side edges and ends of the label being placed inwardly of said side edges and ends of such reinforcing sheet , the label having variable information printed on one of the front and rear faces of the same, identifying a vehicle for which said label is issued, a sheet of release liner placed on said label and said reinforcing sheet, such sheet of lining of release having a front face, a back face, a pair of opposite side edges, and a pair of opposite end edges, said release liner sheet having a width greater than said width of said label and smaller than said width of said reinforcing sheet, the inner face of the release liner sheet facing said internal face of the reinforcing sheet and the front face of the label, said side edges of said release liner sheet being positioned outwardly from the side edges of said label, and said end edges of the release liner sheet being positioned outwardly from such end edges of the label. label and substantially in register with the end edges of said reinforcing sheet, and a mesh of pressure sensitive adhesive carried by the inner face of said release liner sheet and interposed between the inner face of the release liner sheet and said label, the mesh having substantially the same dimensions as the release liner sheet, the adhesive being an adhesive sensitive to the pressure, non-aggressive, which is substantially uniformly tacky over its entire surface, and said release liner sheet having release characteristics such that the adhesive mesh is not aggressive adhesive adhered loosely to said inner face of such liner sheet of liberation. The decal assembly of claim 15, further comprising a transparent laminate sheet adhered to said label and interposed between said label and said reinforcing sheet. 17. The decal assembly of claim 15, wherein said variable information includes the characters of the vehicle license plate. 18. The decal assembly of claim 15, wherein said variable information includes the vehicle identification number. 19. A method for forming a decal set, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a label having fixed information printed on a face thereof; (b) print variable information about the label on the same side as the fixed information; (c) assembling the label with the fixed and variable information thereon in a decal assembly comprising the label, a reinforcing sheet on which the label is placed, a mesh of adhesive sensitive to the pressure of substantially uniform tack over all its surface covering the label and at least a portion of the reinforcement sheet surrounding the label, and a release liner placed on the adhesive mesh and label 20 A method for forming a motor vehicle decal assembly using a label that have fixed information printed on it, comprising the steps of (a) obtaining from a client, variable information that identifies a motor vehicle for which the label is being issued to the customer, (b) entering information into a computer obtained from the customer, (c) printing the variable information on the label using a computer controlled printer, and (b) e assemble the label with the fixed and variable information thereon in a decal assembly comprising the label, a reinforcing sheet on which the label is placed non-adhesively, a mesh of adhesive sensitive to the pressure of substantially uniform tack over all its surface covering the label and at least one portion of the reinforcement sheet surrounding the label, and a release liner placed over the adhesive mesh and label 21 The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of adhering a laminated sheet to the face of the label on which the fixed and variable information is printed, between said steps (b) and (c). 22. A method for forming a decal set of motor vehicles, using a label having fixed information printed thereon, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining from a customer, variable information that identifies a motor vehicle for the which is issuing the label for the client; (b) entering information obtained from the client into a computer; (c) printing the variable information on the label using a computer controlled printer; and (d) assembling the label with the fixed and variable information thereon in a decal set comprising the label, a backing sheet on which the label is placed, a mesh of adhesive covering the label and at least one portion of the reinforcement sheet surrounding the label, and a release liner placed over the adhesive mesh and the label. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of adhering a laminated sheet to the face of the label on which the fixed and variable information is printed, between said steps (c) and (d). The decal assembly of claim 1, wherein said label comprises a strip having a pair of opposite side edges and a bent line intermediate said edges dividing said label into first and second portions, said strip being folded into said portion. fold line and said first portion facing toward the adhesive web and said second portion facing towards said reinforcing sheet. The decal assembly of claim 24, wherein said decalcomania further comprises retroreflective sheets adhered to said first portion and facing said adhesive mesh. 26. The decal assembly of claim 25, wherein said retroreflective sheet is substantially coextensive with said first portion. 27. The decal assembly of claim 25, wherein said strip is a printable thermal transfer strip. 28. The decal assembly of claim 27, wherein said strip is made of a material that is resistant to heat and water. 29. The decal assembly of claim 27, wherein said strip is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer and a polypropylene polyester. 30. The decal assembly of claim 25, wherein said bent line is perforated to define a line of separation between said first and second portions. 31- The decal assembly of claim 25, wherein said retroreflective sheet is printed to be used as a decalcomania and said second portion is printed to be used as a receipt accompanying said decal. 32. An application and transfer apparatus comprising: (a) a frame having opposite sides; (b) a first pressure roller rotatably mounted in said frame; (c) a second pressure roller rotatably mounted in said frame parallel to said first pressure roll and defining a pressure area with said first pressure roll, such pressure area having a feed side and a discharge side; (d) drive means for imparting rotation to at least one of said first and second pressure rollers; (e) first and second feed rolls of matter, said first and second feed rolls each having opposite ends and a generally cylindrical die around which the feed material is wound; (f) first mounting means for rotatably mounting said first feed roll thereon parallel to said first and second press rolls and second mounting means for rotatably mounting said second feed roll therein, parallel to said first and second said rolls; pressure tests; and (g) pretensioning means, associated with each of the aforementioned dies to selectively establish a predetermined resistance for rotation of the rolls of material to provide the proper application tension for winding the feed material wherein the pretensioner means includes a tension cover fixed to said matrices, the caps having an end plate that is assembled with said mounting means and that further include drive means for applying a predetermined force urging said end plate into engagement with the end of such a roll die 33. Claim 32, further comprising means for moving said first and second pressure rollers from a first position out of engagement in a second position in engagement with each other. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 32, wherein said first and second mounting means each comprise grooves located in the opposite sides of such frames. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a feeder tray positioned adjacent said first and second pressure rollers. and transfer of claim 35, including in addition The cutting means located adjacent to the first and second pressing rollers opposite said feeding tray 37 The application and transfer apparatus of claim 32, wherein the axes of said first and second pressing rollers are parallel to one another in wherein the axis of one of said first and second pressure rollers are offset laterally in relation to one another of said first and second pressure rollers. 38. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 33, wherein said means for moving said first and second pressure rollers comprises a wedge plate. 39. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 32, wherein said first and second feed rolls are located immediately adjacent said first and second press rolls, respectively. 40. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 32, wherein: said frame comprises an upper frame member having opposite sides and a lower frame member having opposite sides, said upper frame member being pivotally connected to said frame member. lower frame; said first mounting means being associated with said upper frame member; and said second mounting means associated with said first lower frame member. 41. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 40, wherein said frame member is pivoted between a non-driven position and an actuated position in which the pressure rollers are in engagement. 42. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 41, further comprising engaging means associated with said first and second pressure rollers for driving one of said pressure rollers in response to the rotation of the other said pressure rollers. 43. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a feed tray generally aligned with the inner face of said first and second pressure rollers when said first and second pressure rollers are in said coupled position. 44. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a removable insert cartridge in said housing, wherein said first and second mounting means are located in said cartridge. 45. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 44, further comprising a feed tray insertable into said cartridge and generally extending horizontally from said pressure area when inserted therein. 46. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 44, further comprising located cutting means adjacent to the back of the pressure rollers on the discharge side. 47. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 46, wherein the cutting means includes an anvil bar, a transversely extending blade having a cutting edge, and a lever operatively linked to said blade to move the blade in coupling with the anvil bar 48. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 44, wherein said pressure rollers are parallel to one another and wherein one of said pressure rollers is moved toward the feed side of the feeding area. pressure in relation to the other of the pressure rollers. 49. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 44, wherein said material on said first and second feed rolls is a laminated material. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 44, wherein one of said feed rolls contains a feed material comprising a release coated substrate having a coating of adhesive and the other of said feed rolls containing a feed material. feeding comprising a substrate having an affinity for the adhesive, so that upon contact, the adhesive will be transferred from one feed roll to the other feed roll 51. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 44, wherein said frame has a low friction surface on the discharge side of the pressure area 52. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 45, further comprising a skimmer extending transversely of the tray for uniformizing, guiding, and tensioning the master copy. 53. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 52, wherein said cleaner includes a resilient surface, and wherein said cleaner surface is urged into contact with said feeder tray. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 53, wherein said resilient surface is of a soft material selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic, and cloth 55. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 53, further comprising a pivotal arm with respect to said tray and a bar carried on said arm, said cleaner being mounted on said bar. 56. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 44, wherein said frame includes an open front part for receiving said cartridge and a rear wall, said rear wall having an opening therein, in alignment with said area of said area. pressure, and wherein said cartridge includes a rear part open in substantial alignment with said open front part of said frame an upper wall, a lower wall, and a front wall, said open rear portion providing access to said first and second augmentation rolls loading of material to said first and second feed rolls to said first and second pressures, and to the front wall having an opening therein, in alignment with said pressure area. The application and transfer apparatus of claim 56, further comprising a feed tray insertable into said opening in said rear wall of such cartridge and generally extending horizontally from said pressure area when inserted therein. application and transfer of claim 56, wherein said frame further includes a pair of opposite side walls, and wherein said cartridge is sized to fit between the walls when inserted into said open front portion of such frame R ESUMEN A set of decals (2000a) comprises a reinforcement mesh (1 12), an imprint tag (128) placed on the reinforcement mesh, an adhesive mesh (106) applied over the tag and the reinforcement mesh, and a release liner mesh (102) carrying the adhesive mesh and applied to the label and reinforcement mesh. The label and the mesh of adhesive on the label, define a real decal. In a preferred embodiment, the label is formed of retroreflective sheet. Printed labels with fixed information (126) are provided on a master copy roller. The final label is printed with variable information (126a), separated from the master roller, and then assembled in the decal assembly. To be used, the releasable mesh is peeled off to reveal the adhesive mesh, the label, and the reinforcing mesh. The decal (ie, the label and the adhesive mesh, covering the label) can then be separated from the surrounding adhesive mesh and the reinforcing mesh, and applied to a surface.