U.S. patent application number 10/634442 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-12 for extended wrap label.
Invention is credited to Sellars, Neil G..
Application Number | 20040028865 10/634442 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23599568 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040028865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sellars, Neil G. |
February 12, 2004 |
Extended wrap label
Abstract
A device for labeling an object having a periphery, including a
substantially planar member having oppositely disposed first and
second surfaces with the length greater than the periphery of the
object. A protruding tab portion is included for facilitating
re-attachable at least partial separation of the device from the
periphery of the object when the device is affixed about the
periphery of the object. The device further includes printed
indicia on at least one of a portion of the first surface and a
portion of the second surface, and at least one adhesive on at
least a portion of the second surface that is suitable for affixing
the device about the periphery of the object.
Inventors: |
Sellars, Neil G.;
(Cinnaminson, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Louis M. Heidelberger
Reed Smith LLP
2500 One Liberty Place
1650 Market Street
Philadelphia
PA
19103-7301
US
|
Family ID: |
23599568 |
Appl. No.: |
10/634442 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10634442 |
Aug 5, 2003 |
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09404429 |
Sep 23, 1999 |
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6613410 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/40.1 ;
428/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/149 20150115;
Y10T 428/24777 20150115; Y10S 428/914 20130101; Y10T 428/24322
20150115; Y10T 428/15 20150115; G09F 3/0288 20130101; Y10T 428/1495
20150115; Y10T 428/14 20150115; Y10T 428/1486 20150115; G09F 3/10
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/40.1 ;
428/137 |
International
Class: |
B32B 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for labeling an object having a periphery, said device
comprising: a substantially planar member having oppositely
disposed first and second surfaces, a length greater than the
periphery of the object and a protruding tab portion for
facilitating re-attachable at least partial separation of said
device from said periphery of said object when said device is
affixed about said periphery of the object; printed indicia on at
least one of a portion of said first surface and a portion of said
second surface; and at least one adhesive on at least a portion of
said second surface and suitable for affixing said device about
said periphery of the object.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said adhesive is a pressure
sensitive adhesive.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a releasable adhesive
to a portion of said second surface for facilitating re-attachable
at least partial separation of said device from said periphery of
said object when said device is affixed about said periphery of
said object.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a protective material
to at least one portion of said member not bearing adhesive.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said
adhesive is at least partially deadened.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said adhesive applied to said tab
is substantially completely deadened.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one
perforation in said substantially planar member.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein said perforation is positioned to
facilitate separation of a part of said member from at least one
other part of said member.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein at least one of said parts of
said member is suitable for providing potential tamper evidencing
of an object to which said device is affixed about.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said member further comprises at
least one recessed edge for facilitating re-attachable at least
partial separation of said device from said periphery of said
object when said device is affixed about said periphery of said
object.
11. The device of claim 9, wherein the object further comprises a
removable cap and at least one of said parts of said member is
positioned with respect to at least one other of said parts and so
as to be affixed about said cap where said device is affixed about
said object.
12. The device of claim 11, where said cap has a periphery and said
at least one part has a length approximately that of said periphery
of said cap.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein said member further comprises at
least one recessed edge for facilitating re-attachable at least
partial separation of said device from said periphery of said
object when said device is affixed about said periphery of said
object.
14. A device for labeling an object having a periphery, said device
comprising: a substantially planar member having oppositely
disposed first and second surfaces, a length greater than the
periphery of said object and a recessed edge for facilitating
re-attachable at least partial separation of said device from said
periphery of said object when said device is affixed about said
periphery of said object; printed indicia on at least one of a
portion of said first surface and a portion of said second surface;
and at least one adhesive on at least a portion of said second
surface and suitable for affixing said device about said periphery
of said object.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein said adhesive is a pressure
sensitive adhesive.
16. The device of claim 14, further comprising a releasable
adhesive to a portion of said second surface for facilitating
re-attachable at least partial separation of said device from said
periphery of said object when said device is affixed about said
periphery of said object.
17. The device of claim 14, further comprising a protective
material to at least one portion of said member not bearing
adhesive.
18. The device of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of said
adhesive is at least partially deadened.
19. The device of claim 14, further comprising at least one
perforation in said substantially planar member.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein said perforation is positioned
to facilitate separation of a part of said member from at least one
other part of said member.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein at least one of said parts is
suitable for providing potential tamper evidencing of an object to
which said device is affixed about.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein object further comprises a
removable cap and at least one of said parts of said member is
positioned with respect to at least one other of said parts and so
as to be affixed about said cap where said device is affixed about
said object.
23. The device of claim 22, where said cap has a periphery and said
at least one part has a length approximately that of said periphery
of said cap.
24. A device for labeling an object having a periphery, said device
comprising: a substantially planar member having oppositely
disposed first and second surfaces, a length greater than the
periphery of said object and a part for evidencing potential
tampering of said object when said device is affixed about said
periphery of said object; printed indicia on at least one of a part
of said first surface and a part of said second surface; and at
least one adhesive on at least a portion of said second surface and
suitable for affixing said device about said periphery of said
object.
25. The device of claim 24, wherein said adhesive is a pressure
sensitive adhesive.
26. The device of claim 24, further comprising a releasable
adhesive to a part of said second surface for facilitating
re-attachable at least partial separation of said device from said
periphery of said object when said device is affixed about said
periphery of said object.
27. The device of claim 24, further comprising a protective
material to at least one portion of said member not bearing
adhesive.
28. The device of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of said
adhesive is at least partially deadened.
29. The device of claim 24, further comprising at least one
perforation in said substantially planar member.
30. The device of claim 29, wherein said perforation is positioned
to facilitate separation of a part of said member from at least one
other part of said member.
31. The device of claim 30, wherein object further comprises a
removable cap and at least one of said parts of said member is
positioned with respect to at least one other of said parts and so
as to be affixed about said cap where said device is affixed about
said object.
32. The device of claim 31, where said cap has a periphery and said
at least one part has a length approximately that of said periphery
of said cap.
33. A device for labeling an object having a periphery, said device
comprising: a substantially planar member having oppositely
disposed first and second surfaces, a length greater than the
periphery of said object and a first edge having a different length
than a second edge such that a first length of the member is
oriented at an oblique angle relative to a second length; printed
indicia on at least one of a portion of said first surface and a
portion of said second surface; and at least one adhesive on at
least a portion of said second surface and suitable for affixing
said device about said periphery of said object.
34. The device of claim 33, wherein said adhesive is a pressure
sensitive adhesive.
35. The device of claim 33, further comprising a releasable
adhesive to a portion of said second surface for facilitating
re-attachable at least partial separation of said device from said
periphery of said object when said device is affixed about said
periphery of said object.
36. The device of claim 33, further comprising a protective
material to at least one portion of said member not bearing
adhesive.
37. The device of claim 33, wherein at least a portion of said
adhesive is at least partially deadened.
38. The device of claim 33, wherein said member further comprises a
tab for facilitating re-attachable at least partial separation of
said device from said periphery of said object when said device is
affixed about said periphery of said object.
39. The device of claim 38, wherein said adhesive applied to said
tab is substantially completely deadened.
40. The device of claim 38, wherein at least one of said parts is
suitable for providing potential tamper evidencing of an object to
which said device is affixed about.
41. The device of claim 40, wherein said member further comprises a
recessed edge for facilitating re-attachable at least partial
separation of said device from said periphery of said object when
said device is affixed about said periphery of said object.
42. The device of claim 33, further comprising at least one
perforation in said substantially planar member.
43. The device of claim 42, wherein said perforation is positioned
to facilitate separation of a part of said member from at least one
other part of said member.
44. The device of claim 43, wherein at least one of said parts is
suitable for providing potential tamper evidencing of an object to
which said device is affixed about.
45. The device of claim 44, wherein object further comprises a
removable cap and at least one of said parts of said member is
positioned with respect to at least one other of said parts and so
as to be affixed about said cap where said device is affixed about
said object.
46. The device of claim 45, where said cap has a periphery and said
at least one part has a length approximately that of said periphery
of said cap.
47. The device of claim 44, wherein said member further comprises a
recessed edge for facilitating re-attachable at least partial
separation of said device from said periphery of said object when
said device is affixed about said periphery of said object.
48. The device of claim 33, further comprising at least one of a
protruding tab and recessed edge for facilitating reattachable at
least partial separation of said device from an object to which it
is affixed about.
49. A container suitable for containing at least one object and
having a periphery comprising: at least one label affixed about
said periphery of said container, and comprising a substantially
planar member having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces,
a length greater than the periphery of the container and a
protruding tab portion for facilitating re-attachable at least
partial separation of said label from said periphery of said
container when said label is affixed about said periphery of said
container; printed indicia on at least one of a portion of said
first surface and a portion of said second surface of said label;
and at least one adhesive on at least a portion of said second
surface of said label and suitable for affixing said label about
said periphery of said container.
50. The container of claim 49, wherein said adhesive is a pressure
sensitive adhesive.
51. The container of claim 49, wherein said label further comprises
a releasable adhesive to a portion of said second surface for
facilitating re-attachable at least partial separation of said
label from said periphery of said container when said label is
affixed about said periphery of said container.
52. The container of claim 49, wherein said label further comprises
a protective material to at least one portion of said member not
bearing adhesive.
53. The container of claim 49, wherein at least a portion of said
adhesive is at least partially deadened.
54. The container of claim 49, wherein said adhesive applied to
said tab is substantially completely deadened.
55. The container of claim 49, wherein said label further comprises
at least one perforation in said substantially planar member.
56. The container of claim 55, wherein said perforation is
positioned to facilitate separation of a part of said member from
at least one other part of said member.
57. The container of claim 56, wherein at least one of said parts
of said member of said label is suitable for providing potential
tamper evidencing of said container to which said label is affixed
about.
58. The container of claim 57, wherein said member of said label
further comprises at least one recessed edge for facilitating
re-attachable at least partial separation of said label from said
periphery of said container when said label is affixed about said
periphery of said container.
59. The container of claim 57, further comprising a removable cap
wherein said part of said member of said label is positioned so as
to be affixed about said cap when said label is affixed about said
container.
60. The container of claim 59 where said cap has a periphery and
said part of said label has a length approximately that of said
periphery of said cap.
61. The container of claim 49, wherein said member of said label
further comprises at least one recessed edge for facilitating
re-attachable at least partial separation of said label from said
periphery of said container when said label is affixed about said
periphery of said container.
62. A container suitable for containing at least one object and
having a periphery comprising: at least one label affixed about
said periphery of said container, and comprising a substantially
planar member having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces,
a length greater than the periphery of said container and a
recessed edge for facilitating re-attachable at least partial
separation of said label from said periphery of said container when
said label is affixed about said periphery of said container;
printed indicia on at least one of a portion of said first surface
and a portion of said second surface of said label; and at least
one adhesive on at least a portion of said second surface of said
label and suitable for affixing said label about said periphery of
said container.
63. The container of claim 62, wherein said adhesive is a pressure
sensitive adhesive.
64. The container of claim 62, wherein said label further comprises
a releasable adhesive to a portion of said second surface for
facilitating re-attachable at least partial separation of said
label from said periphery of said container when said label is
affixed about said periphery of said container.
65. The container of claim 62, wherein said label further comprises
a protective material to at least one portion of said member not
bearing adhesive.
66. The container of claim 62, wherein at least a portion of said
adhesive is at least partially deadened.
67. The container of claim 62, wherein said label further comprises
at least one perforation in said substantially planar member.
68. The container of claim 67, wherein said perforation of said
label is positioned to facilitate separation of a part of said
member from at least one other part of said member.
69. The container of claim 68, wherein at least one of said parts
is suitable for providing potential tamper evidencing of said
container to which said label is affixed about.
70. The container of claim 69, further comprising a removable cap
wherein said part of said member of said label is positioned so as
to be affixed about said cap when said label is affixed about said
container.
71. The container of claim 70 where said cap has a periphery and
said part of said label has a length approximately that of said
periphery of said cap.
72. A container suitable for containing at least one object and
having a periphery comprising: at least one label affixed about
said periphery of said container, and comprising a substantially
planar member having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces,
a length greater than the periphery of said container and a part
for evidencing potential tampering of said object when said label
is affixed about said periphery of said container; printed indicia
on at least one of a part of said first surface and a part of said
second surfaceof said label; and at least one adhesive on at least
a portion of said second surface of said label and suitable for
affixing said label about said periphery of said container.
73. The container of claim 72, wherein said adhesive is a pressure
sensitive adhesive.
74. The container of claim 72, wherein said label further comprises
a releasable adhesive to a part of said second surface for
facilitating re-attachable at least partial separation of said
label from said periphery of said container when said label is
affixed about said periphery of said container.
75. The container of claim 72, wherein said label further comprises
a protective material to at least one portion of said member not
bearing adhesive.
76. The container of claim 72, wherein at least a portion of said
adhesive is at least partially deadened.
77. The container of claim 72, wherein said container defines a
cavity containing said at least one object and includes a removable
cap for accessing said cavity, wherein said part is suitable for
evidencing removal of said cap.
78. The container of claim 72, wherein said label further comprises
at least one perforation in said substantially planar member.
79. The container of claim 78, wherein said perforation of said
label is positioned to facilitate separation of a part of said
member from at least one other part of said member.
80. The container of claim 79, further comprising a removable cap
wherein said part of said member of said label is positioned so as
to be affixed about said cap when said label is affixed about said
container.
81. The container of claim 80, where said cap has a periphery and
said part of said label has a length approximately that of said
periphery of said cap.
82. A container suitable for containing at least one object and
having a periphery comprising: at least one label affixed about
said periphery of said container, and comprising a substantially
planar member having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces,
a length greater than the periphery of said container and a first
edge having a different length than a second edge such that a first
length of the member is oriented at an oblique angle relative to a
second length; printed indicia on at least one of a portion of said
first surface and a portion of said second surfaceof said label;
and at least one adhesive on at least a portion of said second
surface of said label and suitable for affixing said label about
said periphery of said container.
83. The container of claim 82, wherein said adhesive is a pressure
sensitive adhesive.
84. The container of claim 82, wherein said label further comprises
a releasable adhesive to a portion of said second surface for
facilitating re-attachable at least partial separation of said
label from said periphery of said container when said label is
affixed about said periphery of said container.
85. The container of claim 82, wherein said label further comprises
a protective material to at least one portion of said member not
bearing adhesive.
86. The container of claim 82, wherein at least a portion of said
adhesive is at least partially deadened.
87. The container of claim 82, wherein said member of said label
further comprises a tab for facilitating re-attachable at least
partial separation of said label from said periphery of said
container when said label is affixed about said periphery of said
container.
88. The container of claim 87, wherein said adhesive applied to
said tab is substantially completely deadened.
89. The container of claim 87, wherein at least one of said parts
of said label is suitable for providing potential tamper evidencing
of said container to which said label is affixed about.
90. The container of claim 89, wherein said member of said label
further comprises a recessed edge for facilitating re-attachable at
least partial separation of said label from said periphery of said
container when said label is affixed about said periphery of said
container.
91. The container of claim 82, wherein said label further comprises
at least one perforation in said substantially planar member.
92. The container of claim 91, wherein said perforation of said
label is positioned to facilitate separation of a part of said
member from at least one other part of said member.
93. The container of claim 92, wherein at least one of said parts
of said label is suitable for providing potential tamper evidencing
of said container to which said label is affixed about.
94. The container of claim 93, further comprising a removable cap
wherein said part of said member of said label is positioned so as
to be affixed about said cap when said label is affixed about said
container.
95. The container of claim 94, where said cap has a periphery and
said part of said label has a length approximately that of said
periphery of said cap.
96. The container of claim 93, wherein said member of said label
further comprises a recessed edge for facilitating re-attachable at
least partial separation of said label from said periphery of said
container when said label is affixed about said periphery of said
container.
97. The container of claim 82,wherein said label further comprises
at least one of a protruding tab and recessed edge for facilitating
reattachable at least partial separation of said label from said
container to which said label is affixed about.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of
application Ser. No. 09/404,429, filed Sep. 23, 1999, entitled
`Extended Wrap Label`, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
included by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to labels and, more
particularly, to labels for products and product containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Labels, typically in the form of flexible sheet or web
material attached to an object, have long been used to identify the
object, its contents and/or display other information associated
with the object. Such labels, which are normally fabricated from
paper or plastic, are usually adhesively secured to the object by a
contact or pressure sensitive adhesive material.
[0004] Many objects such as jars, bottles, cans and similar
receptacles support "wrap" labels which cover substantially all of
their circumferential side wall surfaces. With these labels,
essentially the entire outer surface of the label is available as
an indicia bearing surface. A label covering all or nearly all of
the circumferential area of an object such as a product container
is oftentimes sufficient to convey desired advertising, content
information, instructions, warnings, and the like. In many
circumstances, however, an object's physical dimensions
detrimentally limit the available print space of the label borne
thereby.
[0005] A common solution to the problem of limited label print
area, as taught for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,458,374, 5,439,721
and 5,403,636, is to affix an additional multi-sheet leaflet or
"outsert" to the exterior of the label. While generally effective
for providing additional print space, such leaflets complicate the
label assembly process in that at least three fabrication steps
must be performed, apart from printing and placement of any
necessary adhesive and release layers, in order to manufacture the
label. That is, the base label must be cut to desired dimensions,
the leaflet must be similarly cut and/or folded, and the leaflet
must be secured to the base label. Moreover, the multiple layers of
the leaflet may add considerable thickness and bulk to the label
construction. Such label designs may also be unwieldy to the end
user of the product if the leaflet is folded in a complicated
pattern and is difficult to refold into its compact folded initial
configuration. Further, because the base label and leaflet are
discrete parts which must be joined to one another during the
assembly process, the possibility exists that the leaflet may
become detached from the base label and thereafter become
misplaced. In that event, the additional printed information borne
by the leaflet and, thus, the utility of the leaflet itself are
lost.
[0006] An advantage exists, therefore, for a unitary, i.e.,
one-piece, label construction which offers enhanced printable
surface area capacity versus wrap labels of conventional
design.
[0007] Other details, objects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent as the following description of the
presently preferred embodiments and presently preferred methods of
practicing the invention proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A device for labeling an object having a periphery, the
device including: a substantially planar member having oppositely
disposed first and second surfaces, a length greater than the
periphery of the object and a protruding tab portion for
facilitating re-attachable at least partial separation of the
device from the periphery of the object when the device is affixed
about the periphery of the object; printed indicia on at least one
of a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second
surface; and at least one adhesive on at least a portion of the
second surface and suitable for affixing the device about the
periphery of the object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will become more readily apparent from the
following description of preferred embodiments thereof shown, by
way of example only, in the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional wrap-type
label affixed to a product container;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of a label
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a label
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a label
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a label according to the
present invention with a releasable end thereof lifted from the
surface of a product container to which the label is affixed;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the label of FIG. 5 with the
releasable end thereof attached to the surface of the product
container to which the label is affixed;
[0016] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are top plan views of labels according to
the present invention including means for facilitating separation
of a second portion of the label from a first portion thereof;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a
label constructed according to the present invention having a tear
strip;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the label of FIG. 10 shown
wrapped about the circumference of a substantially cylindrical
product container;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 11 with said
tear strip removed;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a schematic depicting a method for making the
labels of this invention;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a schematic depicting a further method for making
the labels of this invention;
[0022] FIG. 15 is a schematic depicting yet a further method for
making the labels of this invention;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a schematic depicting yet another method for
making the labels of this invention;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a schematic depicting another method for making
the labels of this invention; and
[0025] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a
label constructed in accordance with the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an object such as a
product container P, e.g., a bottle, jar, or the like, Adhesively
affixed about the circumferential side wall of container P is a
wrap-type label 10. Label 10, as is conventional, may cover any
fraction of the circumferential side wall of container P. As
illustrated, label 10 is constructed as an elongated strip member
spanning nearly the entire circumference of container P such that
the ends of the label are separated by a small gap G. The available
printing area of such a label is limited by the area, (i.e., length
and width) dimensions of the label. Additionally, printing is
normally carried only by the exposed exterior surface of the
label
[0027] FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 depict several presently preferred
embodiments of labels which alleviate the problem of limited print
space associated with conventional wrap labels such as label 10 of
FIG. 1, Furthermore, as will be described in greater detail in
connection with FIGS. 3 and 4, labels constructed in accordance
with the present invention may incorporate structural features
which impart additional functions and advantages to the label.
[0028] The labels according to the present invention, respectively
identified by reference numeral II 0 in FIG. 2, 210 in FIG. 3 and
310 in FIG. 4, include several common characteristic features, For
instance, each may be comprised of a flexible and printable
substrate such as paper or plastic sheet or web material. Although
they may be made individually, the labels are preferably produced
from rolls of such substrates, such as paper or plastic sheet stock
which can be continuously printed, coated with adhesive, applied
with protective material, affixed to release paper, and cut to
produce multiple labels as further described herein. Additionally,
each label has general areal dimensions L and W which represent the
length and width dimensions, respectively, of the label Length L is
a predetermined distance related to the circumferential dimension
of the object to be labeled and width W is that dimension extending
perpendicularly to length L. Width W may vary, as may be desired or
necessary, along length L.
[0029] As used herein, the terms "circumferential,"
"circumference," or variants thereof shall be construed to include
any distance circumscribing the perimeter of the target object to
be labeled. The object may comprise a polygonal shape ( e.g.,
square or rectangular), curvilinear shape (e.g., circular or oval)
or composite polygonal and curvilinear cross-sectional
configuration defining a desired perimetrical exterior wall surface
to be covered by label 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710 or any
other label disclosed herein.
[0030] Labels 110, 210 and 310 each include a first portion 112,
212 and 312, respectively, having a length L.sub.1. L.sub.1 is
preferably less than or equal to the circumferential dimension of
the object to be labeled. In addition, labels 110, 210 and 310
include second portions 114, 214 and 314, respectively, of length
L.sub.2 which are contiguous with first portions 112, 212 and 312.
Second label portions 114, 214 and 314 provide additional length to
first label portions 112, 212 and 312 such that the total length L
of the labels 110, 210 and 310 is greater than the circumference of
the object to be labeled. All or a portion of the underside of
first label portions 112, 212 and 312 may be coated with a layer of
pressure sensitive or other adhesive having sufficient tackiness to
essentially affix the label on the target object, such adhesive
being respectively identified by dot-dash lines 116, 216 and
316.
[0031] Each of the second label portions 114, 214 and 314 provides
additional print space to labels 110, 210 and 310. Indeed, both the
top and bottom surfaces of the second label portions are available
as printable surfaces. Further, depending on which of certain other
structural features, described below, are incorporated into the
label of the present invention, second label portions 114, 214 and
314 may function, without limitation, as resealable and/or
removable flaps.
[0032] The length L.sub.2 of second portions 114, 214 and 314 is
dictated by, inter alia, the need for additional print space. The
primary practical limitation on the second label portion length
L.sub.2 and, hence, the overall length L of labels 110, 210 and 310
is that, if L.sub.2 results in multiple wraps of the second label
portion 114, 214 and 314 about the target object, the several
superimposed label layers may produce a label whose bulk and
thickness rivals those of presently available two-part (base label
and leaflet) label constructions, however, the label of this
invention may include any number of wraps of the second label
portion about the target object. In fact, the multiple wraps
embodiment of this invention may be preferable to known leaflet
labels because multiple wraps provide, in most cases, an equal or
greater amount of print area than would an equivalent leaflet label
while providing a substantially uniform overall diameter to
container P. A leaflet label providing an equivalent amount of
print area would produce a bulge on the side wall of container P at
the point where the leaflet is located thereby creating a
nonsymmetric overall cross section to container P.
[0033] Referring more specifically to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, FIG. 2
represents the simplest expression of the present invention.
According to this embodiment, label 110 comprises first and second
portions 112, 114 which are contiguous regions of an elongated
unitary strip of material. No perforation exists between first and
second label portions 112 and 114, Physical demarcation between
first label portion 112 and second label portion may be established
by the rightmost edge of the pressure sensitive adhesive 116
underlying first portion 112. The boundary between the first and
second label portions 112 and 114 may also be distinguished by a
change in width Wand/or the printed image carried on the label.
[0034] FIGS. 5 and 6 are sequential views of the label 110 being
applied to an object, e.g., a product container P.
[0035] Referring initially to FIG. 5, first label portion 112 of
label 110 is shown wrapped about and adhered to the circumference
of container P and second label portion 114 is depicted in a lifted
and turned-away disposition to expose the bottom surface 118
thereof. Both the top and bottom surfaces of second portion 114 are
available as printable surface areas. To enhance the utility of
label 110, a comparatively narrow strip of tack adhesive material
120 may be provided along the distal edge of the bottom surface 118
of the second label portion 114. Alternatively, tack adhesive 120
may be applied in any pattern and to any area of bottom surface 118
of second portion 114 and to as much as the entire bottom surface
118. The tackiness of adhesive material 120 should be such that it
may enable the second label portion 114 to be selectively and
repeatedly adhered to the first label portion 112 substantially in
the manner shown in FIG. 6 and released from the first label
portion as in FIG. 5 to expose the bottom surface 118 of second
label portion 114 at the end user's discretion. Preferably, where
the strip of tack adhesive 120 is employed, the label stock is
coated with adhesive to enable the strip to releasably adhere to
the top surface of the first label portion.
[0036] Although second label portion 114 may be of any length, an
example best illustrates the degree to which a second label portion
114 of relatively moderate length increases the available print
surface area of label 110. Assuming that product container P is a
generally cylindrical jar or bottle such as in FIGS. 5 and 6,
length L.sub.1 of the first portion 112 of label 110 is selected to
be substantially equal to that of the circumference of container P.
Recalling that both the top and bottom surface of the second label
portion 114 may be printed, if the length L.sub.2 of the second
portion 114 is chosen so as to extend for an additional 360.degree.
of arc about the circumference of container P, then the total
available print surface area is increased by 200% as compared to
the available print surface area of conventional 360.degree. wrap
labels. That is, 720.degree. of additional printable surface area
is created in a label which consists of no more than two
superimposed layers wrapped about container P. As a consequence, a
compact, low-bulk and low thickness resultant label construction is
produced which offers essentially three times the print area of a
presently existing wrap label such as label 10 of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 3 represents a further embodiment of the present
invention. According to FIG. 3, label 210 is substantially similar
in construction to label 110. Hence, only those features which
materially distinguish label 210 from label 110 will be described
in detail.
[0038] Unlike label 110, label 210 includes a perforation 222 which
may be placed at or, as illustrated, near the boundary between the
first label portion 212 and the second label portion 214. Although
not illustrated, second label portion 214 may also include a thin
strip of tack adhesive on the bottom surface and at the distal end
thereof similar to adhesive material 120 of label 110 (FIG. 5) or
in any pattern or to any area of the bottom surface of the second
portion. So disposed, the tack adhesive serves to retain the second
label portion 214 in contact with the first label portion 212 until
deployment of the second label position is desired. In this way,
some or all of the second label portion 214 can be torn from the
first label portion 212 along perforation 222 to expose the surface
of the first label portion previously covered by the second label
portion. Additionally, the second label portion according to this
embodiment may be adapted for a use, once detached from the first
label portion, that is independent of the function of the first
label portion. For instance, second label portion 214 may be
printed with information such that it may function as a redeemable
coupon for consumer merchandise.
[0039] FIG. 4 represents another embodiment of the label according
to the invention. The label 310 depicted therein, like label 210,
includes a perforation 322 generally at or near the boundary
between first label portion 312 and second label portion 314.
Additionally, second label portion 314 is provided with a pair of
comparatively closely spaced perforations 324 and 326 disposed
adjacent the end of the second label portion 314 opposite the first
label portion 312. Perforations 324, 326 together define a
removable tear strip 328, described below, which separates the
second label portion 314 into a first non-adhesive-bearing,
removable segment 314a and a second adhesive-bearing segment 314b.
Alternatively, a single perforation may be located in second label
portion 314 in order to separate second label portion 314 from
segment 314b.
[0040] The bottom surface of the second label segment 314b is
preferably coated with a pressure sensitive or other adhesive (not
illustrated) similar to adhesive 316 provided on the first label
portion 312, In this way, when label 310 is fully wrapped about an
object such as product container P such as that shown in FIGS. 1, 5
and 6, the first label portion 312 is essentially affixed to the
circumferential wall of the container and the second segment 314b
of the second label portion 314 is similarly affixed to the first
label portion 312. Alternatively, if L.sub.2 is greater than the
circumference of container P, second segment 314b of second label
portion 314 may be affixed to second label portion 314.
[0041] With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, in order to
detach the first removable segment 314a, therefore, the end user
simply grasps and pulls the tear strip 328 (which also preferably
has no adhesive on its bottom surface, although it may contain
adhesive on such surface) thereby severing the tear strip from the
first and second segments 314a, 314b along perforations 324, 326.
Thereafter, the user grasps and pulls the first segment 314a to
sever it from the first label portion 312 along perforation 322. At
this stage, the area of the first label portion 312, as well as any
area of second label portion 314, previously covered by the first
label segment 314a of the second label portion 314 is exposed And,
if so designed, the detached first label segment 314 may perform an
additional function, e.g., as a redeemable coupon or the like.
Additionally, tack adhesive 120 (not shown in FIG. 4) may also be
added to the bottom surface of segment 314a in a fashion similar to
that for labels 110 and 210 in order to provide a resealable means
for segment 314a. And, if so designed, the first label segment 314
may perform an additional function, e.g. as a resealable
segment.
[0042] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate further embodiments of a product
label constructed according to the present invention, identified
respectively by reference numerals 410, 510 and 610 . It will be
understood that labels 410, 510 and 610 may be constructed
substantially similarly to any of the label embodiments disclosed
herein including, but not limited to, labels 110, 210 and310
described above or label 710 discussed below. Hence, only those
structural aspects of labels 410, 510 and 610 which materially
depart from those previously addressed, or whose description may
otherwise be necessary for a proper understanding of the invention,
will be described in detail.
[0043] More particularly, labels 410, 510 and 610 depict exemplary,
although not limitative, means for facilitating separation of the
releasable second portions of the labels from the first portions
thereof when the labels are secured to objects such as products or
product containers. These means may include a protrusion 430
provided adjacent a distal end of the second portion 414 of label
410, a notch 532 adjacent an end of the first portion 512 oflabel51
0, or a combination of a notch 630 adjacent a distal end of second
portion 614 and a notch 632 adjacent an end of the first portion
612 of label 610, Each of these means enable easier insertion of a
user's finger or fingernail beneath the releasable second portion
of any of the labels herein described when such labels are affixed
to a product or product container whereby the second label portion
may be more easily lifted and separated fr9m contact with the first
label portion.
[0044] FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 reveal a further presently preferred
embodiment of a product label 710 constructed in accordance with
the present invention. Label 710 may be manufactured in a
substantially similar manner to and/or incorporate any combination
of the features of previously described labels 110 through 610.
Hence, only those features of label 710 not earlier mentioned will
be discussed in detail.
[0045] Label 710 preferably includes means 734 for evidencing
tampering of product prior to consumption thereof by an end user.
According to a presently preferred construction, tamper evident
means 734 comprise a fixed or disposable tear strip 736 contiguous
with either the first, the first and second or, as shown, the
second portion 714 of label 710 along perforation 738. Tear strip
736 may be of any length, but typically corresponds to the length
of the circumference of C shown in FIG. 12.
[0046] FIG. 11 shows label 710 as it would appear when affixed to
the circumferential side wall of a substantially cylindrical
product container P . To assure its attachment to the product
container prior to removal, all or a portion of the tear strip 736
may be provided with a pressure sensitive or other suitable
adhesive. When it is desired to access the contents of container P,
the end user simply lifts a distal end flap 740 of the tear strip
736 and pulls the strip away from the remainder of the label 710
such that 10 the strip detaches from the label along perforation
738. Upon removal, the tear strip may then be discarded.
[0047] Once the tear strip 736 is removed, the product container
cap or lid C is exposed thereby enabling the user to remove the cap
and access the contents of the product container P. Should the end
user discover however that, prior to purchase or use, that tear
strip 736 is missing or damaged, tamper evident means 734 alerts
the user that consumption of the contents of product container P
should be avoided.
[0048] Alternatively, distal end flap 740 may be omitted from tear
strip 736. Tear strip 736 may be temporarily or permanently affixed
to cap C and, instead of the end user tearing away tear strip 736,
the end user may remove cap C by twisting or pulling thereby
breaking perforation 738 and alerting a subsequent user that the
container had been previously opened. In this embodiment, tear
strip 736 may either be removed from or remain attached to cap
C.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 18, there is shown preferred
embodiment of a product label 1800 constructed in accordance with
the present invention. The label 1800 is essentially identical to
the label shown in FIG. 10, except that the label 1800 is adapted
to be applied to irregularly shaped objects, particularly tapered
objects. The label 1800 has a first portion 1812 with a top edge
1814 and a but tom edge 1816. The label 1800 also has a second
portion 1817 with a top edge 1818 and a bottom edge 1820. To
accommodate application to a tapered object having a top with a
larger circumference than the bottom, the top edges 1814 and 1820
are longer than the corresponding bottom edges 1816 and 1818. In
addition, the first portion 1812 may be oriented at an oblique
angle relative to the second portion 1817. The relative length of
the top and bottom edges and the angle between the first and second
portions depend upon the shape and size of the article to which the
label is to be applied. Generally, the greater the taper of the
article, the greater the angle and the greater the difference
between the length of the top and bottom edges, and vice versa. The
specific lengths and angle are preferably selected so that the
second portion 1817 substantially precisely overlaps the first
portion 1812 when the label 1800 is wrapped more than 360.degree.
around an article. Alternatively, the specific lengths and angle
may be selected so that the second portion 1817 only partially
overlaps the first portion 1812 and partially contacts the
container when the label 1800 is wrapped more than 360.degree.
around an article. Some or all of the edges may be curved to
accommodate the difference in length between the top edges and the
bottom edges. In FIG. 18, the top edge 1820 of the second portion
1817 is curved. In another alternative embodiment, the second
portion may comprise one or more sub-sections, wherein each
sub-section is at an angle relative to the adjacent preceding
sub-section and said angle is selected to fit the geometry of the
object to which the label is to be applied.
[0050] As mentioned above, the label of this invention may be
comprised of a flexible and printable substrate such as paper or
plastic (such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or
polypropylene) sheet or web material. Although each label may be
made individually, labels are preferably produced in larger
quantities from rolls of such substrate such as sheet stock which
can be continuously printed, coated with adhesive, affixed to
release paper, and cut to produce multiple labels. One or more
areas or surfaces of the label may also be coated with a lacquer or
varnish in order to protect the label and/or printed inks from wear
or other degradation. Also, as an alternative to the
protectivelacquer or varnish, an additional layer of protective
material (e.g. a substantial transparent layer of plastic such as
polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene) may be applied
to select surfaces or areas of the label. The means by which the
labels will be made will depend, in part, upon the features which
are to be incorporated into such labels.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a schematic depicting a
method for making the labels of this invention. It should be noted
at the outset that the order in which the steps of the methods
herein disclosed are carried out is not necessarily critical to
successfully making the labels of this invention. As mentioned
above, the labels are made from a flexible and printable substrate
800. Graphic or other inks 810 are printed by printing step 820
(e.g. by flexographic, rotogravure, silk screening or other
printing methods) at predetermined locations on the top and/or
bottom surfaces of substrate 800. F or example, depending on the
desired or necessary label configuration, inks 810 may be applied
to: the top surface of first label portion 112, 212, 312, 412, 512,
612, or 712; the top surface of second label portion 114, 214,
314a, 414, 514, 614, or 714; and/or the bottom surface of second
label portion 114, 214 ,314, 414, 514, 614, or 714. Pressure
sensitive adhesive 830 is applied by step 840 ( e.g. hot melt or
other adhesive means) to predetermined locations on the bottom
surface of substrate 800 so as to provide a means by which the
label may be affixed to the desired object. For example, depending
on the desired or necessary label configuration, pressure sensitive
adhesive 830 may be applied to the bottom surface of the first
label portion 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, or 712.
[0052] FIG. 14 depicts a method for making the labels of this
invention which adds to the steps. shown in FIG. 13 optional step
860 for applying tack or releasable adhesive 850 to select
locations on substrate 800 such that the second label portion may
be selectively and repeatedly adhered to the first label portion.
For example, depending on the desired or necessary label
configuration, tack or releasable adhesive 850 maybe applied to the
distal edge of the bottom surface of first label portion 112 (i.e.
118), 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, or 712.
[0053] FIG. 15 depicts a method for making the labels of this
invention which adds to the steps shown in FIG. 14 optional step
880 for applying a protective material 870 to select locations over
substrate 800 and/or inks 810 in order.about.o protect substrate
800 and/or inks 810 from wear or other degradation. For example,
depending on the desired or necessary label configuration,
protective material 870 (e.g. lacquer, varnish, PVC, or other
substantially transparent protective material) may be applied to
any surface. In addition, it should be noted that either adhesive
830 or 850 may be applied overprotective material 870 provided that
such application does not cause an adverse chemical reaction.
[0054] FIG. 16 depicts a method for making the labels of this
invention which adds additional optional steps to the steps shown
in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, substrate 800 is in the form of a
web in order to facilitate the production of larger quantities of
labels. Specifically, in step 900 substrate web 800 is fed through
a series of process steps. Each such step is represented
schematically by a box in FIG. 16.
[0055] As indicated above, the order in which the steps are carried
out is not necessarily critical to the successful manufacture of
the labels of this invention. With this in mind, inks 810 are
printed on one or both sides of web 800 in printing step 820.
Pressure sensitive adhesive 830 is applied to select areas of web
800 in application step 840. Releasable adhesive 850 is applied to
select areas of web 800 in application step 860. A surface of web
800 bearing pressure sensitive adhesive 830 is applied to release
paper 910 in application step 920 such that the resulting labels
produced from this process may later be removed for application to
container P. In application step 880, protective material 870 (e.g.
lacquer, varnish (such as ultra violet varnish),PVC, or other
substantially transparent protective material) is applied to select
surfaces of web 800 which surfaces generally do not contain
pressure sensitive adhesive 830. In die cutting step 940, substrate
web 800 (along with any protective material 870) is die cut to form
label blanks, perforations, and/or other openings (if any) in web
800. In stripping step 960, substrate waste 950 is removed from
release paper 910 after die cutting step 940 thereby leaving
finished label blanks releasably adhered to release paper 910 for
later application to container P. Finally, in optional rewinding
step 980, release paper 910 bearing die cut label blanks may be
wound into rolls or other convenient form for later application of
the resulting labels to container P or other objects by manual or
automated means.
[0056] FIG. 17 depicts another method for making the labels of this
invention which method is similar to the method set forth in FIG.
16, except that substrate web 800 is replaced with a pressure
sensitive adhesive (PSA) material 805. PSA material 805 comprises
substrate web 800 releasably adhered to release paper 910 by
pressure sensitive adhesive 830 which adhesive 830 is typically
coated on one side of web 800. In step 900 PSA material 805 is fed
through a series of process steps. Each such step is represented
schematically by a box in FIG. 17. Again, the order in which the
steps of this method are carried out is not necessarily critical to
the successful manufacture of the labels of this invention. With
this in mind, in step 990 release paper 910 is removed from PSA
material 805 to expose pressure sensitive adhesive 830.
[0057] As discussed above, in certain embodiments of the labels of
this invention, it is desirable to have certain portions of the
label which are coated with . pressure sensitive adhesive 830 (see
e.g. portions 116, 216 and 316 of FIGS. 2 through 4 respectively
and portions 416, 516, 616 and 716 of FIGS. 7 through 10
respectively) in certain areas which are intended to be indicia or
ink bearing surfaces (see e.g. second portions 114, 214 and 314 of
FIGS. 2 through 4 respectively and 414, 514, 614 and 714 of FIGS. 7
through 10 respectively). When PSA material 805 is provided with
pressure sensitive adhesive 830 in areas where it is necessary or
desirable to print indicia or inks 810, such areas must be
"deadened" by either removing pressure sensitive adhesive 830 from
web 809 or by applying a detackifying material such as a varnish,
laminate or other material capable of providing a suitable surface
for the printing of indicia or inks 810 This deadening process is
particularly useful when it is necessary or desirable to print on
the surface of web 800 which surface also bears pressure sensitive
adhesive 830 (see e.g. surface 118 of FIG. 5).
[0058] The deadening process (if any is required) is carried out in
step 1000. With PSA material 805 prepared, web 800 may be printed
with inks 810 on any surface of the label which is suitable for
accepting inks 810, Such printed surfaces may include both top and
bottom surfaces of the label being produced, any surface not
bearing pressure sensitive adhesive 830, or any surface which has
been deadened in step 1000. Printing step 810 may comprise one or
more steps wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the label are
printed either simultaneously or in separate steps, In one
embodiment of the invention, inks 810 are printed on the top
surface of the PSA material 805, PSA material80S is turned over,
and inks 810 are printed on the bottom surface of PSA material
805.
[0059] In step 920, release paper 910 is reapplied to web 800 with
pressure sensitive adhesive 830. Reapplication step 920 may occur
at any time after printing step 810 is completed with respect to
the surface of the label which also bears pressure sensitive
adhesive 830.
[0060] As in the method depicted in FIG. 16, application of
protective material 870 takes place in step 880, die cutting of
individual labels takes place in step 940, substrate waste 950 is
stripped away in step 960, and the resulting web which bears the
finished die cut label blanks is rewound in step 980.
[0061] Although the invention has been described in detail for the
purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is
solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *