U.S. patent application number 09/779327 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-21 for tamper evident resealable extended text label.
Invention is credited to Grosskopf, Glenn A., Treleaven, Carl W..
Application Number | 20010004152 09/779327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26899400 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010004152 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Treleaven, Carl W. ; et
al. |
June 21, 2001 |
Tamper evident resealable extended text label
Abstract
A label includes a bottom panel and a top panel overlying the
bottom panel. A tear line is formed in the top panel. A hole is
formed in at least one of the top and bottom panels. An exposed
adhesive is disposed in the hole. The label may be opened by
tearing along the tear line and the label may be resealed using the
exposed adhesive.
Inventors: |
Treleaven, Carl W.;
(Greensboro, NC) ; Grosskopf, Glenn A.; (Lake
Zurich, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC
PO BOX 37428
RALEIGH
NC
27627
US
|
Family ID: |
26899400 |
Appl. No.: |
09/779327 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09779327 |
Feb 7, 2001 |
|
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09443598 |
Nov 19, 1999 |
|
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6213520 |
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60204347 |
May 15, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
283/81 ; 283/100;
283/101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/14 20150115;
G09F 3/0289 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
283/81 ; 283/100;
283/101 |
International
Class: |
B42D 015/00 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A label comprising: a) a bottom panel; b) a top panel overlying
said bottom panel, said top panel including an extended flap
extending therefrom and beyond an edge of said bottom panel; c) a
base adhesive patch coating a lower surface of said bottom panel;
d) a flap adhesive patch coating a lower surface of said extended
flap; e) an adhesive-free gap defined between said base adhesive
patch and said flap adhesive patch, at least a portion of said
adhesive-free gap underlying said extended flap; f) a tear line
formed in said extended flap of said top panel and overlying said
adhesive-free gap; g) a hole formed in at least one of said top and
bottom panels; and h) an exposed adhesive disposed in said hole; i)
wherein said label may be opened by tearing along said tear line
and said label may be resealed using said exposed adhesive.
2. The label of claim 1 including a release coating on one of said
top and bottom panels and positioned to releasably engage said
exposed adhesive.
3. The label of claim 1 including a second tear line formed in said
top panel, said second tear line being spaced apart from said first
tear line to define a tear strip therebetween.
4. The label of claim 1 including a pull tab between said hole and
said tear line.
5. The label of claim 1 wherein including an interior panel
positioned between said top and bottom panels.
6. The label of claim 1 including: a laminate cover overlying said
top panel; and a laminate adhesive securing said laminate cover to
said top panel, said exposed adhesive forming a part of said
laminate adhesive; wherein said hole is formed in said top panel
and said exposed adhesive releasably engages an upper surface of
said bottom panel.
7. The label of claim 1 including: an interior panel disposed
between said top and bottom panels, said interior panel having an
upper surface facing said top panel; a laminate cover overlying
said top panel; and a laminate adhesive securing said laminate
cover to said top panel, said exposed adhesive forming a part of
said laminate adhesive; wherein said hole is formed in said top
panel and said exposed adhesive releasably engages an upper surface
of said interior panel.
8. The label of claim 1 wherein: said exposed adhesive forms a part
of said base adhesive; and said hole is formed in said bottom panel
and said exposed adhesive releasably engages a lower surface of
said top panel.
9. The label of claim 1 including: a first hole defined in said
bottom panel; a second hole defined in said top panel and overlying
said first hole; a laminate cover overlying said top panel; and a
laminate adhesive securing said laminate cover to said top panel,
said exposed adhesive forming a part of said laminate adhesive;
wherein said exposed adhesive is disposed adjacent each of said
first and second holes.
10. The label of claim 1 including a laminate cover overlying said
top panel, and a laminate adhesive securing said laminate cover to
said top panel.
11. The label of claim 10 wherein said laminate cover includes a
marginal portion extending beyond each of said top and bottom
panels and coated on an underside thereof by said laminate
adhesive.
12. The label of claim 1 including: a laminate cover overlying said
top panel; a laminate adhesive securing said laminate cover to said
top panel; a tab disposed adjacent said bottom panel and separately
formed from said top and bottom panels, said tab having an upper
surface and a lower surface; and a tab adhesive coating said lower
surface of said tab; wherein said laminate cover is secured to said
upper surface of said tab by said laminate adhesive.
13. The label of claim 12 wherein said tab is disposed
substantially immediately adjacent an end edge of said bottom
panel.
14. The label of claim 12 wherein said tab is spaced apart from an
end edge of said bottom panel.
15. The label of claim 12 wherein said tab partially underlaps said
bottom panel.
16. The label of claim 1 including a second tear line formed in
said bottom panel adjacent said first tear line.
17. The label of claim 1 including a release liner, wherein said
base adhesive engages and releasably secures said bottom panel to
said release liner.
18. The label of claim 1 including a unitary leaflet including said
bottom panel and said top panel, wherein said top panel is joined
to said bottom panel along a fold.
19. A label comprising: a) a bottom panel; b) a top panel overlying
said bottom panel, said top panel including an extended flap
extending therefrom and beyond an edge of said bottom panel; c) a
base adhesive coating a lower surface of said bottom panel and a
lower surface of said extended flap; d) a release portion of said
base adhesive underlying said extended flap, said release portion
being coated with at least one of an adhesive deadener and a
varnish; e) a tear line formed in said extended flap of said top
panel and overlying said release portion; f) a hole formed in at
least one of said top and bottom panels; and g) an exposed adhesive
disposed in said hole; h) wherein said label may be opened by
tearing along said tear line and said label may be resealed using
said exposed adhesive.
20. The label of claim 19 including a release coating on one of
said top and bottom panels and positioned to releasably engage said
exposed adhesive.
21. The label of claim 19 including a second tear line formed in
said top panel, said second tear line being spaced apart from said
first tear line to define a tear strip therebetween.
22. The label of claim 19 including a pull tab between said hole
and said tear line.
23. The label of claim 19 wherein including an interior panel
positioned between said top and bottom panels.
24. The label of claim 19 including: a laminate cover overlying
said top panel; and a laminate adhesive securing said laminate
cover to said top panel, said exposed adhesive forming a part of
said laminate adhesive; wherein said hole is formed in said top
panel and said exposed adhesive releasably engages an upper surface
of said bottom panel.
25. The label of claim 19 including: an interior panel disposed
between said top and bottom panels, said interior panel having an
upper surface facing said top panel; a laminate cover overlying
said top panel; and a laminate adhesive securing said laminate
cover to said top panel, said exposed adhesive forming a part of
said laminate adhesive; wherein said hole is formed in said top
panel and said exposed adhesive releasably engages an upper surface
of said interior panel.
26. The label of claim 19 wherein: said exposed adhesive forms a
part of said base adhesive; and said hole is formed in said bottom
panel and said exposed adhesive releasably engages a lower surface
of said top panel.
27. The label of claim 19 including: a first hole defined in said
bottom panel; a second hole defined in said top panel and overlying
said first hole; a laminate cover overlying said top panel; and a
laminate adhesive securing said laminate cover to said top panel,
said exposed adhesive forming a part of said laminate adhesive;
wherein said exposed adhesive is disposed adjacent each of said
first and second holes.
28. The label of claim 19 including a laminate cover overlying said
top panel, and a laminate adhesive securing said laminate cover to
said top panel.
29. The label of claim 28 wherein said laminate cover includes a
marginal portion extending beyond each of said top and bottom
panels and coated on an underside thereof by said laminate
adhesive.
30. The label of claim 19 including: a laminate cover overlying
said top panel; a laminate adhesive securing said laminate cover to
said top panel; a tab disposed adjacent said bottom panel and
separately formed from said top and bottom panels, said tab having
an upper surface and a lower surface; and a tab adhesive coating
said lower surface of said tab; wherein said laminate cover is
secured to said upper surface of said tab by said laminate
adhesive.
31. The label of claim 30 wherein said tab is disposed
substantially immediately adjacent an end edge of said bottom
panel.
32. The label of claim 30 wherein said tab is spaced apart from an
end edge of said bottom panel.
33. The label of claim 30 wherein said tab partially underlaps said
bottom panel.
34. The label of claim 19 including a second tear line formed in
said bottom panel adjacent said first tear line.
35. The label of claim 19 including a release liner, wherein said
base adhesive engages and releasably secures said bottom panel to
said release liner.
36. The label of claim 19 including a unitary leaflet including
said bottom panel and said top panel, wherein said top panel is
joined to said bottom panel along a fold.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/443,598, filed Nov. 19, 1999,
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/204,347, filed May 15, 2000, the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to extended text labels,
and, more particularly, to resealable multi-panel labels for
pharmaceutical and like uses and methods for forming the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the packaging of certain chemicals and pharmaceuticals,
the manufacturer is often required or desires to provide a
considerable amount of information concerning the chemical or
pharmaceutical. In the case of pharmaceuticals, this is required by
government regulations, however, the occasion may also arise,
either separate from or in conjunction with government regulations,
to provide the doctor, pharmacist or user with instructions on how
the product should be used, what the product is, and safety
precautions which should be followed in the use of the product.
Similarly, it is often desirable to provide information in multiple
languages so that a given product or packaging may be distributed
in multiple locations or regions.
[0004] Sometimes the literature, which is generally in the form of
folded leaflets, is placed within a box along with the container
carrying the chemical or pharmaceutical (referred to as "inserts").
The placement of leaflets within the box is expensive and a
cumbersome operation to perform. Also, it is difficult to insure by
later inspection that the proper literature has been inserted in
the proper package. Most all products are packaged in outer cartons
and many are not compatible with inserts. Further, the use of
folded cartons is under scrutiny by environmental groups, as
involving excessive packaging. In an effort to meet this challenge,
many companies are looking at ways to eliminate folding cartons
that carry containers inside.
[0005] A different approach to solving this problem has developed
over the last several years in which the folded literature is
releasably attached to the face of the container (referred to as
"outserts"), either directly to the container itself, or to a base
label which, in turn, is secured to the container. The literature
may then be removed by the customer. In such cases, the portion of
the label remaining must carry both an "identification" of the
product, for example, information such as trademark, manufacturer,
etc., as well as certain "statutory information" (for example, lot
number and expiration date).
[0006] Thus, in order to meet the objectives of such labeling
techniques, certain criteria must be met. First of all, the portion
of the label which remains after the folded literature product is
removed must contain both the identification of the product, as
well as the statutory information concerning the lot number and
expiration date. Further, after the literature leaflet is assembled
or affixed to the base label, the indicated area for statutory
information concerning lot number and expiration date must be
accessible for stamping or printing by the pharmaceutical company
and visible to the consumer in addition to the identification of
the product. The folded leaflet portion remains affixed to the
label portion until the customer (doctor, pharmacist, consumer)
desires its removal. It is critical that the proper literature must
be affixed to the proper base label. Finally, all of the above
criteria must be accomplished in a manufacturing technique that
insures quality and is cost-effective.
[0007] Examples of labels designed to eliminate the separate base
panel are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,616 to Cowan
(hereinafter, "Cowan") and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,207,746 and
5,263,743, each to Jones (hereinafter, "Jones '746" and "Jones
'743", respectively), for example.
[0008] It is often desirable to provide an extended text label with
resealability. Resealability may allow the user to open the label,
inspect or remove the interior pages thereof, and thereafter
reclose and reseal the label. The interior pages, if not removed,
may then be referred to again later. Additionally, the various
panels of the label are retained in a closed configuration so that
they do not dangle and interfere with the handling of and detract
from the appearance of the associated article.
[0009] In many applications, it is also desirable to be able to
determine if the label has already been opened. For example, it may
be desirable to provide means for indicating whether the label has
been tampered with.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a
label includes a bottom panel and a top panel overlying the bottom
panel. A tear line is formed in the top panel. A hole is formed in
at least one of the top and bottom panels. An exposed adhesive is
disposed in the hole. The label may be opened by tearing along the
tear line and the label may be resealed using the exposed
adhesive.
[0011] The label may include a base adhesive coating a lower
surface of the bottom panel such that the bottom panel may be
directly adhered to an article by the base adhesive. A release
coating may be provided on one of the top and bottom panels and
positioned to releasably engage the exposed adhesive. The label may
include a laminate cover overlying the top panel, and a laminate
adhesive securing the laminate cover to the top panel. The label
may include a second tear line formed in the bottom panel adjacent
the first tear line. The top panel may be joined to the bottom
panel along a fold.
[0012] The label may include: a laminate cover overlying the top
panel; and a laminate adhesive securing the laminate cover to the
top panel, the exposed adhesive forming a part of the laminate
adhesive; wherein the hole is formed in the top panel and the
exposed adhesive releasably engages an upper surface of the bottom
panel.
[0013] Alternatively, the label may include: an interior panel
disposed between the top and bottom panels, the interior panel
having an upper surface facing the top panel; a laminate cover
overlying the top panel; and a laminate adhesive securing the
laminate cover to the top panel, the exposed adhesive forming a
part of the laminate adhesive; wherein the hole is formed in the
top panel and the exposed adhesive releasably engages an upper
surface of the interior panel.
[0014] Alternatively, the label may include: a base adhesive
coating a lower surface of the bottom panel, the exposed adhesive
forming a part of the base adhesive; wherein the hole is formed in
the bottom panel and the exposed adhesive releasably engages a
lower surface of the top panel.
[0015] Alternatively, the label may include: a first hole defined
in the bottom panel; a second hole defined in the top panel and
overlying the first hole; a laminate cover overlying the top panel;
and a laminate adhesive securing the laminate cover to the top
panel, the exposed adhesive forming a part of the laminate
adhesive; wherein the exposed adhesive is disposed adjacent each of
the first and second holes.
[0016] The label may include: a laminate cover overlying the top
panel; a laminate adhesive securing the laminate cover to the top
panel; a tab disposed adjacent the bottom panel and separately
formed from the top and bottom panels; and a tab adhesive coating a
lower surface of the tab, the laminate cover being secured to an
upper surface of the tab by the laminate adhesive.
[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, a label
includes a leaflet including a bottom panel and a top panel
overlying the bottom panel. A first hole is defined in the bottom
panel. A second hole is defined in the top panel and overlies the
first hole. A laminate cover overlies the top panel. A laminate
adhesive secures the laminate cover to the top panel. An exposed
portion of the laminate adhesive is disposed adjacent the first and
second holes. The exposed portion of the laminate adhesive may be
directly engaged with the article through the first and second
holes.
[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, a label
includes a leaflet including a bottom panel and a top panel
overlying and joined to the bottom panel along a fold. A first tear
line is formed in the top panel and a second tear line is formed in
the bottom panel. The first and second tear lines are disposed
adjacent the fold and define a first leaflet portion on one side
thereof and a second leaflet portion on an opposing side thereof.
The fold forms a part of the second leaflet portion. A first
adhesive is operable to secure the first leaflet portion to the
article at a first location. A second adhesive is operable to
secure the second leaflet portion to the article at a second
location.
[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention, a label
assembly includes a release liner and a label. The label includes a
bottom panel and a top panel overlying the bottom panel. The top
panel has a lower surface facing the bottom panel. The bottom panel
has a lower surface. A hole is defined in the bottom panel and
underlies the top panel. A base adhesive coats the lower surface of
the bottom panel. The base adhesive directly and releasably secures
the bottom panel to the release liner. An exposed portion of the
base adhesive is disposed adjacent the hole. The exposed portion of
the base adhesive may be releasably engaged with the lower surface
of the top panel through the hole.
[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, a label
includes a unitary leaflet including a bottom panel and a top panel
overlying and joined to the bottom panel along a fold. The bottom
panel has an upper surface facing the top panel. A hole is defined
in the top panel and overlies the bottom panel. A laminate cover
overlies the top panel. A laminate adhesive secures the laminate
cover to the top panel. An exposed portion of the laminate adhesive
is disposed adjacent the hole. The exposed portion of the laminate
adhesive may be releasably engaged with the upper surface of the
bottom panel through the hole.
[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, a label
includes a bottom panel and a top panel overlying the bottom panel.
The top panel includes an extended flap extending therefrom and
beyond an edge of the bottom panel. A base adhesive patch coats a
lower surface of the bottom panel. A flap adhesive patch coats a
lower surface of the extended flap. An adhesive-free gap is defined
between the base adhesive patch and the flap adhesive patch. At
least a portion of the adhesive-free gap underlies the extended
flap. A tear line is formed in the extended flap of the top panel
and overlies the adhesive-free gap. A hole is formed in at least
one of the top and bottom panels. An exposed adhesive is disposed
in the hole. The label may be opened by tearing along the tear line
and the label may be resealed using the exposed adhesive.
[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, a label
includes a bottom panel and a top panel overlying the bottom panel.
The top panel includes an extended flap extending therefrom and
beyond an edge of the bottom panel. A base adhesive coats a lower
surface of the bottom panel and a lower surface of the extended
flap. A release portion of the base adhesive underlies the extended
flap. The release portion is coated with at least one of an
adhesive deadener and a varnish. A tear line is formed in the
extended flap of the top panel and overlies the release portion. A
hole is formed in at least one of the top and bottom panels. An
exposed adhesive is disposed in the hole. The label may be opened
by tearing along the tear line and the label may be resealed using
the exposed adhesive.
[0023] Objects of the present invention will be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of the Figures
and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which
follow, such description being merely illustrative of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1A is a side elevational view of a label according to a
first embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner and in an initial closed position;
[0025] FIG. 1B is a side elevational view of the label of FIG. 1A
in an open position;
[0026] FIG. 1C is a side elevational view of the label of FIG. 1A
in a reclosed, resealed position;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the label of FIG. 1A disposed
on the release liner;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a label blank for forming a
leaflet of the label of FIG. 1A;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for forming
the label of FIG. 1A;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternative apparatus
for forming the label of FIG. 1A;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a multiple-up leaflet for
forming the label of FIG. 1A disposed on a release liner;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a label blank for forming the
label of FIG. 7;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a label blank for forming the
label of FIG. 9;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0039] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0043] FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0044] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the label of FIG. 18 mounted
on a container;
[0045] FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0046] FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0047] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0048] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0049] FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0050] FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0051] FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner;
[0052] FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the label of FIG. 26 disposed
on the release liner;
[0053] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner; and
[0054] FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a label according to a
further embodiment of the present invention disposed on a release
liner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout. The thicknesses of layers of the labels as
shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C and 2, a label 100 according
to the present invention is shown therein disposed on a release
liner 102. The label 100 generally includes a unitary folded
leaflet 101, an adhesive patch 104, and a laminate cover 150. The
laminate cover 150 is adhered to the leaflet 101 by a laminate
adhesive 152. The label 100 is releasably adhered to the release
liner 102 by the adhesive 104 and a portion of the laminate
adhesive 152. When the label 100 is removed from the release liner
102, the adhesive 104 and the adhesive 152 remain with the label
100 and may be used to secure the label 100 to an article (not
shown).
[0057] The leaflet 101 includes a bottom panel 110 and a top panel
120 joined along a fold 118. An interior panel 134 is joined to the
bottom panel 110 along a fold 130. A further interior panel 138 is
joined to the panel 134 along a fold 136. A tear line 132 is formed
along or adjacent the fold 136. An extended flap 122 forming a part
of the top panel 120 extends beyond the fold 130. The bottom panel
includes a portion 114 disposed beneath the top panel 120 and
coated on its underside by the adhesive 104. The bottom panel 110
further includes a portion 116 which extends beyond the edge 105 of
the adhesive 104. Preferably, the portion 116 extends a distance G
beyond the edge 105. With reference FIG. 2, suitable indicia 107,
109 may be printed on the top panel 120. Further indicia (not
shown) may be printed on any of the remaining panels of the leaflet
101. The leaflet is preferably formed of paper or polymeric
film.
[0058] A main portion 150A of the laminate cover 150 is adhered to
the main portion of the top panel 120. An edge portion 150B of the
laminate cover 150 extends beyond the fold 118 and is directly
adhered to the release liner by the adhesive 152. An opposed edge
portion 150C extends beyond the fold 130 and is adhered to the
extended flap 122. Preferably, the adhesive 152 permanently adheres
the laminate cover 150 to the top panel 120. The laminate cover 150
is preferably formed of a 1.5 mil polypropylene film.
[0059] An adhesive dot or patch 121 temporarily secures the inner
surface of the top panel 120 to the upper surface of the panel 134.
Corresponding adhesive dots or patches may be similarly provided in
the various embodiments described below, but are not shown.
[0060] A hole 140 is formed in the top panel 120. Preferably, and
as shown, the hole 140 extends the full width of the top panel 120,
thereby severing the top panel 120 into two pieces (as shown in
FIG. 1A, a left side piece and a shorter right side piece).
Alternatively, the hole 140 may be shortened such that portions of
the top panel 120 extend alongside the hole 140 (e.g., on either
side of the hole 140). A release coating 142, preferably a release
varnish, coats the upper surface of the base panel portion 114
beneath the hole 140. Suitable release varnishes include product
number L075 available from Paragon Inks of Boxburn, Scotland, UK. A
portion 152A of the laminate adhesive 152 is thereby exposed
through the hole 140 and placed in contact with the release varnish
142. Note that, while the adhesive 152A and the varnish 142 are
shown separated for clarity, the adhesive 152A preferably engages
the release varnish 142 in the finished label 100 prior to opening.
The laminate adhesive 152A is a pressure-sensitive adhesive which
releasably adheres to the release varnish 142. Suitable laminate
adhesives include product No. 517, 1.5 mil polypropylene with a 0.6
mil layer of adhesive available from Adhesive Coated Products of
Troy, Ohio. Spaced apart tear lines 144A are formed through the
laminate cover 150, the adhesive 152 and the top panel 120. The
tear lines 144A are preferably lines of perforations. The tear
lines 144A define a tear strip 144 therebetween.
[0061] The hole 140 preferably has a width dimension H (see FIG.
1A) of at least 1/8 inch. Preferably, the corresponding width of
the release varnish 142 is at least 1/8 inch greater than the width
H.
[0062] The label 100 may be used in the following manner. As
discussed above, the label 100 is secured to an article by means of
the adhesive 104 and the adhesive 152 underlying the laminate cover
portion 150B. When the user desires to access the information on
the bottom and interior panels of the label, the user may remove
the strip 144. The user then may lift the laminate cover 150 and
the top panel 120 away from the bottom panel as shown in FIG. 1B,
thereby peeling the adhesive 152A away from the release varnish
142, to place the label in an open position. The interior and
bottom panels may then be accessed. If desired, the user may remove
the interior panels 134, 138 by tearing along the tear line 132.
The user may then reseal the label 100 by folding the top panel
back down and re-engaging the adhesive 152A with the release
varnish 142 as shown in FIG. 1C.
[0063] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that
the label provides multiple desirable features in an extended text
label. The tear strip 144 provides for convenient opening as well
as tamper evidence. Once the tear strip 144 has been removed, it
cannot be replaced and its absence serves as notice to subsequent
observers/users that the label 100 has been opened. Notably, after
the tear strip 144 is removed, the spacing between the hole 140 and
the adjacent tear line 144A provides a free portion or pull tab 124
of the top panel 120 (as well as the adhered portion of the
laminate cover 150) which the user may securely grasp to lift the
top panel 120. The pull tab 124 preferably has a width P of between
about 1/8inch and {fraction (3/16)}inch.
[0064] The hole 140, the adhesive 152A and the varnish 142 serve as
described above as a means to reseal the top panel 120 in the
closed position. Preferably, the adhesive 152A and the varnish 142
are selected to allow repeated separation and resealing. The
adhesive 152A and the varnish 142 also serve, prior to the opening
of the label 100, to assist the adhesive 121 in maintaining the top
panel 120 and the bottom 110 in their desired relative
positions.
[0065] The label 100 may be formed using the following method. With
reference to FIG. 3, a leaflet sheet or blank 160 for forming a
multiple-up leaflet 101A (see FIGS. 4 and 6) is shown therein. The
leaflet 101 may be formed from the multiple-up the leaflet 101A.
The leaflet blank 160 includes side by side sections 161. The
sections 161 are similarly formed and only one will be described
hereinafter. The numerals 162 designate cut lines (as discussed
hereinafter) and the side edges of the finished leaflet 101. The
sections 161 from which the leaflets 101 are formed are flanked on
either side by waste portions 164. The blank 160 may be individual
sheet printed, printed on a sheet-fed offset press, or printed on
and cut from a web. For clarity, the indicia on the various panels
is not shown.
[0066] Prior to folding, a release varnish strip 142A corresponding
to the release varnish 142 is printed on the blank 160. The tear
line 132 and a hole 140A corresponding to the hole 140 are formed
by one or more die cuts.
[0067] After the blank 160 has been constructed as shown in FIG. 3,
it may be folded to form the multiple-up leaflet 101A (see FIGS. 4
and 6). The blank 160 may be folded on a conventional roll or
sheet-fed folder. The panel 138 is folded onto the panel 134 about
the fold line 136. The panel 138 and the panel 134 are folded onto
the bottom panel 110 about the fold line 130. The top panel 120 is
folded onto the bottom panel 110 about the fold line 118. The
multiple-of leaflet 101A will then have the same configuration, as
viewed from the side, as the leaflet 101.
[0068] The label 100 may be formed using one of two alternative
methods and apparatus as described hereafter. According to a first
method and using an apparatus 170 as shown in FIG. 4, a
self-adhesive web 190 is unwound from an unwinding station 171 and
travels generally in the direction W as indicated. The web 190
corresponds to the laminate cover 150 (see FIG. 1) and includes a
pressure-sensitive adhesive 192 corresponding to the adhesive 152
(see FIG. 1). The multiple-up leaflet 101A is supplied or fed to
the adhesive-coated surface of laminate web 190 by a leaflet
applicator 172. Suitable leaflet applicators include an Onserter
750 available from Onserts, Inc.-Longford Equipment of Toronto,
Canada. The top panel 120 of the leaflet 101A (including the
extended flap) adheres to the underside of the laminate web 190 by
means of the adhesive 192. The release liner 102 is unwound from an
unwind stand 173 and married to the laminate web 190 at niprollers
174 whereby the leaflet 101A is forced into secure contact with the
laminate web 190 and the adhesive 192.
[0069] The release liner 102 is delaminated from the laminate web
190 and the leaflet 101A, again exposing the bottom panel 110A of
the leaflet 101A. The leaflet 101A then passes by an adhesive
applicator 175. Preferably, the adhesive applicator 175 is a
flexographic adhesive printer. Preferably, the flexographic
adhesive printer includes an adhesive pattern applicator of the
type adapted to be mounted on a flexo-printing press or converting
line to apply hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesives. Suitable
flexographic adhesive printers include a FlexoCoat PrintCoat
Pattern Applicator, model number HM410, available from Flexocoat
International, Inc. The adhesive applicator 175 applies a strip of
adhesive corresponding to the adhesive 104 (see FIG. 1) to the
bottom panel of the leaflet 101A. The adhesive applicator applies
the adhesive to only a portion of the bottom panel so that a gap
corresponding to the adhesive-free gap underlying the bottom panel
portion 116 (see FIG. 1) remains. Preferably, registry between the
adhesive and the bottom panel of the leaflet 101A is assured by
integrating the flexographic adhesive printer into the press drive
train.
[0070] The release liner 102 is remarried to the laminate web 190
and the leaflet 101A by nip rollers 176. Following the nip rollers
176, the laminate web 190 is releasably adhered to the silicone
coated upper surface of the release liner 102 by the adhesive 192,
and the leaflet 101A is releasably adhered to the upper surface of
the release liner by the adhesive from the adhesive applicator
175.
[0071] A die cut station 177 forms the cut lines 144A as well as
cut lines down to the release liner 102 to define individual
leaflets 101 and labels 100. Optionally, these cut lines may be
formed by different die cutters.
[0072] A waste matrix 178A including portions of the laminate web
190, the adhesives and the multiple-up leaflets 101A not defined
within the labels 100 are removed by a winding station 178.
Optionally, the release liner 102 is slit by a knife 179 to form
separate, side-by-side longitudinal webs which are wound onto rolls
at a winding station 170A. The cutting step includes cutting along
the cut lines 162 (see FIG. 3). The waste removal step includes
removing the waste portions 164 (see FIG. 3).
[0073] Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 5, an apparatus 180
may be used to form the label 100. The release liner is provided
from an unwinding station 183. An adhesive patch 104A (see FIG. 6)
is printed on the silicone coated upper surface of the release
liner 102 by a print station 185. The adhesive station 185 is
preferably a flexographic adhesive printer as described above for
the applicator 175. Alternatively, the adhesive station 185 may be
an adhesive screen printer, for example a rotary screen coating
system available from Nordson Corporation of Amherst, Ohio. The
adhesive patch 104A corresponds generally to the adhesive layer 104
of the finished label 100. The multiple up leaflet 101A is supplied
to the upper surface of the release liner 102 and to the adhesive
patch 104A by a leaflet applicator station 182 (preferably of the
same type as described above). As shown in FIG. 6, the multiple-up
leaflet 101A is applied to the adhesive patch 104A such that the
end fold 118 of the leaflet 101A extends beyond the adjacent edge
105A of the adhesive patch 104A.
[0074] Thereafter, a self-adhesive laminate web 190 having an
adhesive coating 192 on its lower surface is supplied by an
unwinding station 181. The web 190 is married to the release liner
102 by nip rollers 186. A die cutter 187 (or separate die cutters)
forms the tear lines 144A and the peripheries of the labels 100
which are formed from the multiple up leaflet 101A. The waste
matrix 188A is removed by a winding station 188 leaving the
finished label 100 on the release liner 102. Optionally, the
release liner 102 may be longitudinally slit by a knife 189. The
release liner and the label 100 thereon are taken up on a winding
stand 180A.
[0075] With reference to FIG. 7, a label 200 according to a further
embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner 202. The
label 200 differs from the label 100 only in the construction of
the leaflet 201.
[0076] The leaflet 201 includes a top panel 210 joined to a bottom
panel 220 along a fold line 218. A strip of release varnish 242 is
disposed on the upper surface of the bottom panel 210 and a hole
240 is formed in the top panel 220. An interior panel 234 is
connected to the bottom panel 210 along a fold 230. A tear line 232
is formed on or adjacent the fold 230. A separate piece including
interior panels 237 and 238, which are connected along a fold 236,
are positioned between the panel 234 and the bottom panel 210. The
panels 237, 238 are connected to the remainder of the leaflet 201
by a strip of glue 231 which joins the outer portion of the fold
236 with the inner portion of the fold 230. An extended flap 222 of
the top panel 220 extends beyond the fold 230.
[0077] With reference to FIG. 8, a leaflet blank 260 for forming
the leaflet 201 is shown therein. The blank 260 is configured to
form a multiple-up leaflet from which four side-by-side leaflets
201 may be formed. Lines indicating the cut lines between the
respective leaflets and the waste portions are not shown in FIG. 8
but will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a
reading of this and the foregoing descriptions. The leaflet blank
260 may be formed in the same manner as described above for the
leaflet blank 160. During the formation step, a strip of release
varnish 242A corresponding to the release varnish 242 is printed on
the panel 210A, and holes 240A corresponding to the hole 240 and a
cut line 232A corresponding to the cut line 232 are formed in the
blank 260.
[0078] The label blank 260 may be folded as follows to form a
multiple-up leaflet from which the leaflet 201 may be formed.
Panels 238A and 237A are folded onto panels 210A and 234A,
respectively, about a fold line 233. The panels 234A and 237A are
folded onto the panels 210A and 238A about the fold line 236A and a
fold line 230A. A panel 220A is then folded onto the panel 210A
about a fold line 218A. An extended flap portion 222A will then
extend beyond the fold 230A. The multiple-up leaflet so formed may
be used to form the label 200 using either of the methods described
above with regard to the label 100.
[0079] With reference to FIG. 9, a label 300 according to a further
embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner 302. The
label 300 is the same as the label 100 except for the construction
of the leaflet 301. The leaflet 301 includes a bottom panel 310
connected to a top panel 320 along a fold line 318. An interior
panel 338 is connected to the top panel 320 along a fold line 330.
Further interior panels 334 and 337, which are joined to one
another along a fold line 338, are secured between the top panel
320 and the panel 338 by a glue strip 331 which joins the outer
surface of the fold 336 with the inner surface of the fold 330. A
hole 340 is formed in the top panel 320 and a strip of release
varnish 342 is printed on the upper surface of the bottom panel
310. The bottom panel 310 includes an extended flap 312 which
extends beyond the fold 330. Preferably, the extended flap 312
extends beyond the fold 330A distance M of between about 5/8inch
and 1 inch. A laminate cover portion 350C is permanently secured to
the upper surface of the extended flap 312 by the laminate adhesive
352. From the foregoing description, methods for using the label
300 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0080] With reference to FIG. 10, the leaflet 301 may be formed
using a leaflet blank 360 as shown therein. The blank 360 may be
formed in the same manner as described above for the leaflet blank
160. Preferably, a release varnish strip 342A is printed on the
blank 360 and holes 340A are cut into the leaflet blank 360 prior
to folding. The blank 360 is folded as follows. Panels 334A and
337A are folded about a fold line 333 onto panels 320A and 338A,
respectively. The panels 337A and 338A are folded about fold lines
330A and 336A onto panels 320A and 334A. Thereafter, the panel 320A
is folded onto a panel 310A about a fold line 318A. An extended
flap portion 312A of the panel 310A will then extend beyond the
fold 330A. Similar to the leaflet blank 260, the leaflet blank 360
is adapted to form a multiple-up leaflet for forming four
side-by-side leaflets 301. Lines indicating the separations between
the respective leaflets and the waste portions are omitted for
clarity. The multiple-up leaflet so formed may be used to form the
label 300 using either of the methods described above.
[0081] With reference to FIG. 11, a label 400 according to a
further embodiment of the present invention is shown therein
mounted on a release liner 402. The label 400 corresponds to the
label 300 except for the additional provision of a separate tab
456. The tab 456 is releasably secured to the release liner 402 by
adhesive 458. A laminate cover portion 450B is permanently secured
to the upper surface of the tab 456 by the laminate adhesive 452.
Preferably, the tab 456 is positioned immediately adjacent the hole
418. However, the tab 456 may be spaced apart from the hole 418 or
a portion of the tab 456 may underlie the leaflet 401. The tab is
preferably formed of the same material as the leaflet 100. Suitable
means and methods for forming the label 400 will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein and
co-pending application Ser. No. 09/232,553, filed Jan. 18, 1999,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its
entirety.
[0082] With reference to FIG. 12, a label 500 according to a
further embodiment of the present invention is shown therein
mounted on a release liner 502. The label 500 includes a leaflet
501 which corresponds to the leaflet 201. The label 500 differs
from the label 200 in that the release varnish strip 542 is
disposed on the upper surface of the interior panel 534 and the
hole 540 in the top panel 520 is located over the release varnish
strip 542. Additionally, the tear strip 544 (defined between the
tear lines 544A) is relocated to a position adjacent the fold 530.
It will be appreciated that the label 500 may be modified to
include multi-folded leaflet style interior panels, such as in the
leaflet 101, rather than the booklet style of the leaflet 501.
[0083] The label 500 may be used in the following manner. The user
may pull away the tear strip 544 and pull the top panel 520 and the
laminate cover 550 away, thereby peeling the portion 552 of the
laminate adhesive 552 away from the varnish 542, to reveal the
interior and bottom panels of the leaflet 501. The user may inspect
and/or remove portions of the leaflet 501 and then close and reseal
the label by rejoining the adhesive 552A and the release varnish
542.
[0084] With reference to FIG. 13, a label 600 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner 602.
The label 600 corresponds to the label 500 except for the
additional provision of a separate tab 656. The tab 656 is
releasably adhered to the release liner 658. A laminate cover
portion 650B is permanently adhered to the upper surface of the tab
656 by the laminate adhesive 652. Means and methods for forming the
label 600 will be readily apparent from the description herein.
[0085] With reference to FIG. 14, a label 700 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner 702.
The label 700 includes a leaflet 701 corresponding to the leaflet
101 except that the hole 740 is formed in the portion 714 of the
bottom panel 710. The release varnish 742 is relocated to the lower
surface of the top panel 720. The tear strip 744 (defined between
the tear lines 744A) is positioned in the same location as in the
label 100. Notably, the laminate adhesive 752 of the laminate cover
750 does not engage the bottom panel 710. Rather, a portion 704A of
the base adhesive 704 is exposed through the hole 740 and
releasably engages the release varnish 742.
[0086] The label 700 may be used in the same manner as described
above with regard to the label 100. Suitable modifications to the
means and methods described above for forming the label 100 will be
readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a
reading of the description herein.
[0087] With reference to FIG. 15, a label 800 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner 802.
The label 800 includes a leaflet 801 corresponding to the leaflet
201 except that, in the same manner as in the label 700, the
release varnish 842 coats the lower surface of the top panel 820
and the hole 840 is formed in the bottom panel 810.
[0088] With reference to FIG. 16, a label 900 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner 902.
The label 900 includes a leaflet 901 corresponding to the leaflet
301 except that, as in the label 700, the release varnish 942 coats
the lower surface of the top panel 920 and the hole 940 is formed
in the bottom panel 910.
[0089] With reference to FIG. 17, a label 1000 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner
1002. The label 1000 is the same as the label 900 except for the
additional provision of a separate tab 1056. The tab 1056 is
releasably adhered to the release liner 1002 by an adhesive 1058. A
laminate cover portion 1050B is permanently adhered to the upper
surface of the tab 1056 by the laminate adhesive 1052.
[0090] With reference to FIG. 18, a label 1100 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner
1102. The label 1100 includes a leaflet 1101 corresponding to the
leaflet 101 except for the provision of a tear strip 1145 (defined
between tear lines 1145A) in the portion 1116 of the bottom panel
1110. The tear lines 1145 are extensions of and co-extensive with
the tear lines 1144A which define the tear strip 1144.
[0091] With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the label 1100 may be
mounted on a container 5 having a separable lid 5A as shown. The
label 1100 is mounted such that a portion of the label is
permanently adhered to one wall 5B of the container 5, and another
portion of the label 1100 is permanently secured to the lid 5A.
More particularly, the tear strips 1144 and 1145 are disposed along
the edge where the lid 5A meets the wall 5B. In use, the user may
lift the lid 5A away from the wall 5B, thereby tearing the tear
lines 1144A and 1145A (see FIG. 18). In this way, the label 1100
will provide clear evidence that the lid 5A has been opened.
Optionally, the user may remove the tear strip 1144 without opening
the lid 5A. In either case, the user may then lift the top panel
1120 away, thereby separating the laminate adhesive portion 1152A
exposed through the hole 1140 from the release varnish 1142 to
access the interior and bottom panels of the label 1100.
Thereafter, the user may reclose and reseal the label 1100 by
rejoining the adhesive 1152A with the release varnish 1142.
[0092] With reference to FIG. 20, a label 1200, according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner
1202. The label 1200 is the same as the label 1100 except that the
release varnish is located on the lower surface of the top panel
1220 and the hole 1240 is located in the bottom panel 1210. The
release varnish 1242 and the adhesive portion 1204A may be used to
reseal the label 1200 in the same manner as described above with
regard to the label 700, for example.
[0093] With reference to FIG. 21, a label 1300 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner
1302. The label 1300 is the same as the label 100 except for the
additional provision of an adhesive gap 1309. The adhesive gap 1309
is defined between the edge 1306 of the adhesive patch 1304 and the
edge 1308 of an adhesive strip 1307. Preferably, the adhesive gap
1309 has a length S of between about {fraction (3/16)}inch and
1/4inch. The provision of the adhesive gap 1309 aids in preventing
bunching or binding of the label 1300 as it is applied to a round
container beginning with either end.
[0094] With reference to FIG. 22, a label 1400 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein disposed on a release liner
1402. The label 1400 includes a leaflet 1401 corresponding to the
leaflet 701. The leaflet 1401 is secured to the release liner 1402
by an adhesive patch 1404 corresponding to the adhesive patch 704.
The label 1400 differs from the label 700 in that no laminate cover
or laminate adhesive are provided.
[0095] The label 1400 may be used in substantially the same manner
as the label 700. The user may open the label 1400 by removing the
tear strip 1444 and pulling the top panel 1420 away, thereby
peeling the release varnish 1442 away from the adhesive portion
1404A which is exposed through the hole 1440. The top panel 1420
may thereafter be resealed by re-engaging the release varnish 1442
and the adhesive 1404A.
[0096] With reference to FIG. 23, a label 1500 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner
1502. The label 1500 includes a leaflet 1501 corresponding to the
leaflet 801 and secured to the release liner 1502 by an adhesive
patch 1504.
[0097] With reference to FIG. 24, a label 1600 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner
1602. The label 1600 includes a leaflet 1601 corresponding to the
leaflet 901. The leaflet 1601 is releasably adhered to the release
liner 1602 by an adhesive patch 1604. An adhesive dot, patch or
strip 1621 temporarily secures the interior panel 1638 to the
bottom panel 1610.
[0098] With reference to FIG. 25, a label 1700 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner
1702. The label 1700 includes a leaflet 1701 corresponding to the
leaflet 1201. The leaflet 1701 is releasably secured to the release
liner 1702 by an adhesive patch 1704 and a second adhesive patch
1704B. Alternatively (not shown), the adhesive patch 1704 may
extend to and include the adhesive 1704B.
[0099] Methods for manufacturing and using the labels 1400, 1500,
1600, 1700 will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art upon a reading of the foregoing description.
[0100] In each of the foregoing labels, the resealing adhesive
(e.g., the adhesive 152A, the adhesive 552A or the adhesive 704A)
and the material of the opposing leaflet panel (e.g., the panel
110, the panel 534 or the panel 720) may be selected to allow
releasability and resealability. If the labels are modified in this
manner, the varnish (e.g., the varnish 142, the varnish 542 or the
varnish 742) may be omitted. However, the provision of the varnish
strip is preferred because it allows for selection of the adhesive
and the leaflet material independently.
[0101] With reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, a label 1800 according to
a further embodiment of the present invention is shown therein
disposed on a release liner 1802. The label 1800 corresponds to the
label 700 except as follows. The leaflet 1801, which otherwise
corresponds to the leaflet 701, includes a hole 1843 in the top
panel 1820 and a larger hole 1840 in the bottom panel 1810.
Preferably, as shown, side strips 1815 connect the portions of the
bottom panel 1810 on either side of the hole 1840. Preferably, each
side strip 1815 has a width N of at least 1/8inch. Alternatively,
the hole 1840 may extend the full width of the bottom panel 1810.
Preferably, the hole 1843 has a width L1 of at least {fraction
(3/16)}inch, and the hole 1840 has a width K1 at least {fraction
(3/16)}inch greater than the width L1 and a length K2 at least
{fraction (3/16)} inch greater than the length L2 of the hole 1843.
The base adhesive patch 1804 is formed with a gap M, preferably
having the same dimensions as the hole 1840. The leaflet 1801 has
folds 1830 and 1818. Tear lines 1844A are formed in the laminate
cover 1850 and the top panel 1820 and define a tear strip 1844
therebetween.
[0102] Preferably, though shown separated in the drawing for
clarity, the portion 1852A of the laminate adhesive 1852 extends
through the hole 1843 and the hole 1840 to engage the release liner
1802 and thereby releasably secure the laminate cover 1850 thereto.
When the label 1800 is applied to an associated article, the
adhesive portion 1852A engages the surface of the article. The
adhesive 1852 is selected such that it may be peeled away from the
article. Preferably, the adhesive 1852 is selected such that the
laminate cover 1850 (and the top panel 1820) may be pulled away and
resecured multiple times to allow repeated resealing of the label
1800 in the closed position. By providing the hole 1840 larger than
the hole 1843, any tendency for the adhesive portion to undesirably
adhere to the upper surface of the bottom panel 1810 may be reduced
or eliminated.
[0103] With reference to FIG. 28, a label 1900 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein mounted on a release liner
1902. The label 1900 corresponds to the label 600 (FIG. 13) except
as follows. The label 1900 includes a leaflet 1901 similar to the
leaflet 101 (FIG. 1A). More particularly, the interior panel 1934
is joined to the bottom panel by a fold 1930 (with a tear line
1932) and is also joined to another interior panel 1938 by a fold
1936. The adhesive-free gap adjacent the fold 1918 between the top
panel 1920 and the bottom panel 1910 is eliminated. An
adhesive-free gap or zone 1903 is formed between the adjacent edges
of the adhesive patch 1904 and a second adhesive patch 1904A. The
tear strip 1944 overlies the adhesive-free gap 1903. Preferably,
the adhesive-free gap 1903 underlies the entirety of the tear strip
1944 and has a width R of between about 1/8and 1/4inch. The
adhesive-free gap 1903 may be formed by suitably patterning the
applied adhesive 1904 as will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art upon reading the description herein.
[0104] With reference to FIG. 29, a label 2000 according to a
further embodiment is shown therein disposed on a release liner
2002. The label 2000 corresponds to the label 600 (FIG. 13) except
as follows. The leaflet 2001 corresponds to the leaflet 1901. A
portion 2004A of the adhesive patch 2004 is coated with a strip of
varnish or adhesive deadener 2003. The tear strip 2044 overlies the
varnish or deadener strip 2003. Preferably, the varnish or deadener
strip 2003 underlies the entirety of the tear strip 2044 and has a
width V of between about 3/8and 1/2inch. Suitable varnishes or
deadeners include Product 800 available from Radcure of Fairfield,
N.J. The label 2000 may be formed by applying the varnish or
adhesive deadener to the adhesive 2004 prior to applying the
leaflet 2001, and means and methods for forming the label 2000 will
be readily apparent from the description herein.
[0105] It will be appreciated that the labels 500, 600, 1900 and
2000 may be modified to include various of the features and aspects
discussed with regard to one another. For example, the label 1900
may include a booklet-style leaflet (e.g., as in the label 600),
may be formed without a tab corresponding to the tab 656, and/or
may include an adhesive-free gap adjacent the fold 1918. Similarly,
the label 2000 may include a booklet-style leaflet (e.g., as in the
label 600), may be formed without a tab corresponding to the tab
656, and/or may eliminate the adhesive-free gap adjacent the fold
between the top and bottom panels. Each of the labels 500, 600 may
include folded leaflets similar to the leaflets 1901, 2001. The
separate tabs (e.g., the tab 656) may partially underlap or be
spaced apart from the leaflet. The foregoing is non-exhaustive of
the combinations of features and aspects which may be employed.
[0106] In each of the foregoing labels, the adhesives and varnishes
(or leaflet material) providing for resealability (e.g., the
adhesives 152A, 552A, 704A, 1204A, and 1404A and the varnishes 142,
542, 742, 1242, and 1442, respectively) are selected such that,
when engaged, they resist inadvertent separation during application
and handling and require deliberate effort to separate but do not
significantly damage (e.g., fiber tear) any portion of the label
when being separated. The adhesive 1852 of the label 1800 should be
selected such that it cooperates with the intended article surface
material in the same manner.
[0107] The adhesives and associated varnishes (or article surface
material) should be selected such that they provide such properties
also after they are re-engaged. The labels as described above are
particularly well-suited for application to round containers.
Preferably, the labels are applied such that the end nearest the
gap in the lower adhesive is applied last.
[0108] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few
exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of this invention as defined in the
claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is
illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that
modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other
embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims,
with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
* * * * *