U.S. patent application number 11/935356 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for label sheet construction and method for applying labels.
Invention is credited to Donald E. Banks, Sung Do, Jerry G. Hodsdon, Daisy S. Taw, Chase Taylor Thompson.
Application Number | 20080054622 11/935356 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32324355 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080054622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hodsdon; Jerry G. ; et
al. |
March 6, 2008 |
LABEL SHEET CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD FOR APPLYING LABELS
Abstract
A facestock releasably adhered to a liner sheet is die cut to
form one or two compact disc labels, and two diametrically opposed
tabs on each compact disc label and located so that one edge of the
tab is in contact with one of the compact disc labels and is
perforated. The liner side of the tab also has a die cut patterned
so that it generally follows the outline of the tab, but which
forms a shape which is inside of and slightly smaller than the face
cut tab pattern. After the label sheet has passed through a printer
or copier and the desired indicia has been printed on the labels,
at least one of the tabs is pushed through from the reverse side of
the sheet, or pulled through via a sheet opening partially
separating the tab from the rest of the sheet. The tab, which is
mostly free of exposed adhesive in that it is still laminated to
the die cut section of release liner, is then grasped from the face
side, and lifted upward, pulling the compact disc label away from
the label sheet. If there is a second tab on the label, this is
also removed as the label is removed, and can be grasped by the
user's other hand in order to control the position of the label.
The user is now able to position the label either directly onto the
compact disc or into an alignment apparatus, without any
significant contact to an adhesive coated surface.
Inventors: |
Hodsdon; Jerry G.;
(Forestdale, MA) ; Taw; Daisy S.; (Temple City,
CA) ; Thompson; Chase Taylor; (East Palo Alto,
CA) ; Banks; Donald E.; (Huntington Beach, CA)
; Do; Sung; (Upland, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JEFFER, MANGELS, BUTLER & MARMARO, LLP
1900 AVENUE OF THE STARS, 7TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Family ID: |
32324355 |
Appl. No.: |
11/935356 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10296480 |
May 12, 2003 |
|
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|
PCT/US2001/016648 |
May 22, 2001 |
|
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|
11935356 |
Nov 5, 2007 |
|
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60283062 |
Apr 11, 2001 |
|
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60248147 |
Nov 13, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
283/81 ;
G9B/23.093 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 156/1052 20150115;
G09F 3/02 20130101; B65C 9/265 20130101; Y10T 156/1744 20150115;
Y10T 428/1495 20150115; G11B 23/40 20130101; Y10T 428/14 20150115;
Y10T 428/15 20150115; G09F 3/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
283/081 |
International
Class: |
B42D 15/00 20060101
B42D015/00 |
Claims
1-89. (canceled)
90. A method of applying a plurality of labels, comprising: peeling
a liner sheet strip from a sheet construction and to a removed
position; the sheet construction including a liner sheet and
facestock adhered with adhesive to the liner sheet; the liner sheet
including a liner sheet body and the liner sheet strip; the
facestock including at least one facestock weakened separation line
defining a plurality of labels; the peeling exposing at least
portions of adhesive bottom surfaces of the labels; the exposing
including the labels extending out from an edge of the liner sheet;
and after the peeling, applying the labels to adhered positions
using their adhesive bottom surfaces to at least one surface.
91. A method of applying a plurality of labels, comprising: peeling
a liner sheet strip from a sheet construction and to a removed
position; the sheet construction including a liner sheet and a
facestock adhered with adhesive to the liner sheet; the liner sheet
including a liner sheet body and the liner sheet strip; the peeling
including no portion of the facestock sheet being peeled off with
the liner sheet strip; the facestock including at least one
facestock weakened separation line defining a plurality of labels;
the peeling exposing at least portions of adhesive bottom surfaces
of the labels; and after the peeling, applying the labels to
adhered positions using their adhesive bottom surfaces to at least
one surface.
92. A method of applying a plurality of labels, comprising:
providing a sheet construction including at least a facestock sheet
adhered with adhesive to a liner sheet; the facestock sheet
including at least one weakened line defining a plurality of
labels; the labels being longitudinally aligned; peeling off a
strip from the sheet construction such that free edge portions of
the labels are in protruding positions, at least portions of
adhesive bottom surfaces of the labels are exposed and the labels
remain connected to one another; after the peeling, applying the
exposed bottom surfaces of the connected protruding labels to
respective staggered tabs of a stack of tabbed sheets; and
separating the connected applied labels from one another.
93. A method of applying a plurality of labels, comprising:
providing a liner sheet and facestock attached to the liner sheet
with adhesive; at least one liner sheet weakened line through the
liner sheet but not through the facestock; at least one facestock
weakened line through the facestock but not through the liner
sheet; the at least one facestock weakened line defining at least
portions of perimeters of facestock labels; the liner sheet
including a liner body portion and a liner strip; separating the
liner strip from the liner body portion from an attached position
into a separated position wherein the labels are connected to the
liner body portion and at least portions of adhesive backsides of
the labels are exposed; manipulating at least one of the liner body
portion and at least one surface relative to the other such that
the backsides of the labels are in desired application positions
relative to the at least one surface; and with the labels in the
desired application positions, applying the labels to the at least
one surface, the applying including separating the labels from the
liner body portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to label sheet constructions
and particularly those having labels designed for application to
compact discs. It more particularly relates to such labels that are
cut in a facestock sheet that is releasably adhered to a liner
sheet to form a label sheet. The label sheet is adapted to be fed
into a printer or copier and the desired indicia printed on the
labels, and the printed labels peeled off of the liner sheet to be
applied to a compact disc, either directly or using an alignment
apparatus. The present invention also relates to sheet
constructions, systems and methods for applying labels to tabs of
divider sheets, to tabs of file folders, to envelopes and the
like.
[0002] Commercially successful compact disc label sheets are
currently available from Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena,
Calif., as well as other manufacturers. After the labels have been
printed, they must be removed from the sheet prior to application
to the compact discs or the like. Removal of the labels exposes the
adhesive side of the label which must be handled in order to place
the label either directly onto the compact disc or in an apparatus
designed to align the labels concentrically with the compact disc.
Handling of the adhesive side of the label can result in a loss of
adhesive tack due to contamination in the area where it was
handled, contributing to poor adhesion to the compact disc in the
contaminated area. Additionally, adhesion of the label to the
user's fingers can increase the level of dexterity required to
accurately place the label in its desired location.
[0003] One known label application method and system is provided in
the INDEX MAKER Clear Label Dividers product available from Avery
Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, Calif. This product includes a
sheet having columns of clear labels thereon attached with adhesive
to a releasable liner sheet. The clear tab labels are formatted
using preset layouts and existing word processing software. The tab
titles are printed onto the clear label sheet using laser or inkjet
printers. The printed tabs are then manually peeled off from the
sheet and individually applied to the divider tabs. This system
allows the user to individually custom design and print each of the
tabs with the desired indicia. The clear labels virtually disappear
on the divider tabs giving the dividers a clean, professional look.
Formatting can use preset layouts and existing software programs
such as MICROSOFT Word for Windows, COREL Word Perfect for Windows,
COREL Word Perfect for DOS, LOTUS Word Pro, and LOTUS AMI Pro. The
following U.S. patents are related to this prior art product: U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,135,261, 5,340,427 and 5,389,414. (All patents and
other publications mentioned anywhere in this disclosure are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties.)
[0004] Application of these labels can be time consuming, clumsy
and subject to error, since they must be separated and then
attached individually to the corresponding divider tabs. In the
process of individually applying them, they often are not applied
evenly or properly with the divider tab sheets. In other words, the
above-described INDEX MAKER product has the problem that the labels
are difficult and time consuming to remove from the backing sheet
and to place and align on the tabs so they are straight. They are
also small and cumbersome to handle.
[0005] Accordingly, a method for remedying these problems was
designed and provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,525 to Pollman. The
Pollman patent teaches using at least one set of precut labels
removably attached to carrier strips that are removably secured to
a backing sheet. The precut labels are spaced apart on the carrier
strips to align substantially on the tabs on the divider sheets.
The user can separate a carrier strip and precut labels affixed
thereto from the packing sheet, place and align the carrier strip
across the divider sheet such that the precut labels are placed on
the tabs of the divider sheets. He then pulls the carrier sheet
upwardly and away from the divider sheet such that the precut
labels separate from the carrier strip and remain on the divider's
tabs. This system, while an improvement in certain respects over
the prior art, has the disadvantage that the strips are typically
flimsy and difficult to properly align. Additionally, the carrier
strip can be sticky and thus may stick to unwanted surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Disclosed herein are an improved label sheet construction
and a method of removing labels therefrom. The construction
includes a face stock sheet releasably adhered to a liner sheet.
The face stock sheet is die cut to form at least one and preferably
two compact disc labels, as well as at least one and preferably two
tabs for each compact disc label. Each tab is located so that one
edge of the tab is in contact with one of the compact disc labels.
If there are two tabs on one compact disc label, they are
preferably-located at diametrically opposed positions. The edges
where the tabs are in contact with the compact disc labels are
perforated, having a plurality of uncut segments commonly called
"ties," alternating with cut segments commonly called "cuts." The
liner side of the tab also has a die cut patterned so that it
generally follows the outline of the tab, but which forms a shape
that is inside of and slightly smaller than the face cut tab
pattern.
[0007] After the label sheet has passed through a printer or copier
and the desired indicia has been printed on the labels, at least
one of the tabs is pushed through from the reverse side of the
sheet, partially separating the tab from the rest of the sheet. For
some label constructions, if there is a second tab, it is
preferably pushed through from the reverse side as well. The
distance between the tab face cut and the parallel liner cut can be
varied in the design to improve functionality, preferably being
narrower at the outer extremity, so that the outer edge separates
from the rest of the sheet more easily, improving the probability
that the perforated edge adjacent to the compact disc label will
remain intact. There may or may not be one or more ties in the
liner cut near the outer extremity in order to maintain the
integrity of the sheet during the manufacturing and printing
processes. The tab, which is mostly free of exposed adhesive in
that it is still laminated to the die cut section of release liner,
is then grasped from the face side, and lifted upward, pulling the
compact disc label away from the label sheet. If there is a second
tab on the label, this is also removed as the label is removed, and
can be grasped by the user's other hand in order to control the
position of the label. The user is now able to position the label
either directly onto the compact disc or into an alignment
apparatus, without any significant contact to an adhesive coated
surface. Once the label has been applied to the compact disc, the
tabs may be removed by pulling them away from the compact disc,
causing the perforation between the tab(s) and the compact disc
label to separate.
[0008] Disclosed herein is an apparatus for removing and
positioning compact disc labels without touching any
adhesive-coated surface. The apparatus includes one or two tabs
attached to the compact disc label. Another aspect of this
disclosure is a novel method of removing compact disc labels
without touching an adhesive surface by pushing the tab from behind
or pulling the tab from the front and lifting the label.
[0009] An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes
one or more tab handles in combination with the jewel case
alignment tab as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,934. This
provides a method of positioning the label in the jewel case so
that it is properly aligned with and compact disc without handling
the adhesive coated surface.
[0010] Various other label applicator constructions are disclosed
herein. Each includes facestock adhered with releasable adhesive to
a liner sheet. Die cut lines are made through the facestock but not
through the liner sheet; and die cut lines are made through the
liner sheet but not the facestock. Portions of the label sheet are
then stripped away. Using different patterns of the die cut lines
or other weakened separation lines and stripped away portions, the
different label applicator constructions are formed. Each is a
sheet construction with a plurality of small elongate labels formed
from the liner sheet and releasably held to the facestock. The
sheet construction is passed through a printer and the desired
indicia printed on the labels. The printed labels are then ready
for easy controlled removal and application by the user to tabs of
index dividers, file folders or the like.
[0011] According to one definition of the invention, the label
sheet is die cut on both the face and liner to facilitate the
application of labels onto the dividers and file folders. The label
sheet has die cuts that are oriented thereon to allow them to be
aligned with either one or more sets of dividers or sets of file
folders. The liner is die cut so that a strip can be removed
directly from behind the labels, exposing the adhesive side of the
labels. The labels are also temporarily held onto the remainder of
the sheet by small ties. Removal of the liner from the label sheet
allows the user to align the tabs over the substrate using the rest
of the label sheet as a carrier. The application of the labels is
followed by removal of the label sheet that breaks the ties,
leaving just the labels on the substrate. The label applicator
construction includes a pressure sensitive laminate material die
cut on both the face and liner and sheeted to a standard-size
sheet. The facestock of the pressure sensitive laminate material
can be either paper or coated film that is toner or ink receptive.
The adhesive can be permanent or removable, depending on the level
of adhesion needed for the end user.
[0012] A first construction/method of the invention is for applying
multiple labels on tab dividers/file folders. The label sheet
includes die cuts that are oriented on the sheet in a way that
allows them to be aligned with the set of tabs if a set of dividers
were stacked on top of each other. The liner is die cut so that a
strip, positioned directly behind the labels, can be removed,
exposing the adhesive side of the labels. The labels are also
temporarily held on the label sheet by small ties. The removal of
the liner from the label sheet allows the user to align the tabs
over the divider set using the label sheet as a carrier. Once the
labels are affixed to the tabs, the user pulls away the label sheet
to break the ties, leaving only the labels affixed to the tabs.
[0013] An alternate method for placing multiple label on tab
dividers/file folders uses a label sheet which includes labels
arranged in a way similar to the first method. In this method, the
liner is die cut in the shape of the row of labels. The labels are
exposed by removing the strip of liner directly behind the labels.
Next, a set of dividers is placed on the exposed adhesive using the
outline of the removed liner as a guide. After the labels have been
pressure applied to the tabs, the label sheet is pulled away,
leaving the labels affixed to the tabs.
[0014] A second construction/method is for applying single labels
onto substrate. In this method, individual labels are placed on the
substrate one label at a time. On both short sides of the label,
there are "handles" that are held onto the label by small ties.
These handles are used to hold the labels over the desired position
and used to align the labels. After placing the labels on the
desired location, the handles are removed by pulling laterally away
from the label.
[0015] An alternate construction/method uses a single "handle" on
the label. In this method, individual labels are placed on the
substrate by using a single handle as an alignment tool. The
handles are once again held onto the labels by small ties that are
designed to be broken after the label has been placed in its
desired location.
[0016] A third construction/method uses multiple sets of tab
dividers placed in a device that uses pouches that are tiered. A
set of dividers is placed in each of the pouches. The dividers are
positioned such that when a label sheet, such as the one described
in the first method, is aligned with the top row of tabs, all
others will also be aligned. This allows the user to label multiple
sets of dividers in a single operation.
[0017] Thus according to one of the present inventions, disclosed
herein is a facestock which is adhered with adhesive to a liner
sheet. Weakened separation lines in the facestock define lines of
facestock labels. And weakened separation lines in the liner sheet
define liner sheet strips separable from the body of the liner
sheet to expose backsides of respective lines of labels. The rest
of the liner sheet can then be manipulated to position the line of
labels on staggered tabs, the labels pressed into position and
separated from the rest of the facestock. Another embodiment
includes facestock sheet separation lines defining the perimeters
of facestock labels with at least one facestock handle attached
thereto. The liner sheet includes a portion attached to the handle
whereby the handle, the label and the portion are removable as a
unit from the liner sheet and the facestock, the handle manipulated
to position the label so that its adhesive backside is positioned
and applied at the desired surface location, and the handle and
portion then separated from the label.
[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become more apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the
art to which the present invention pertains from the foregoing
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first label applicator
construction of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 IS A REAR VIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 IS AN ENLARGED CROSS-SECTIONAL VIEW TAKEN ON LINE 3-3
OF FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first application step by
a user of a label unit of the construction of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second application
step;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third application
step;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a front view of a second label applicator
construction of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the construction of FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 9-9
of FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first application
step by a user of a label unit of the construction of FIG. 7;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second application
step;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third application
step;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a front view of a third label applicator
construction of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the construction of FIG. 13;
[0033] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line
15-15 in FIG. 13;
[0034] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a top portion of the
construction of FIG. 13 showing a first step for applying a first
series of printed labels thereof;
[0035] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a second step;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a third step;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fourth step;
[0038] FIG. 20 is a front view of a preferred alternative
embodiment of the third label applicator construction;
[0039] FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20 but with dimensions
indicated thereon;
[0040] FIG. 22 is a rear view the embodiment of FIG. 20 with
dimensions indicated thereon;
[0041] FIG. 23 is a front view of a fourth label applicator
construction of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 24 is a rear view thereof;
[0043] FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line
25-25 of FIG. 23;
[0044] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the construction of FIG. 23
passing through a printer;
[0045] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a top portion of the
printed construction of FIG. 26 showing a first step for applying a
first series of printed labels thereof;
[0046] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a second step;
[0047] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a third step;
[0048] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a fourth step;
[0049] FIG. 31 is a partially cross-sectional view showing an
envelope or pouch of the present invention holding a plurality of
offset-stacked sets of dividers ready for application of printed
labels from a label construction such as that of FIG. 23 or 28;
[0050] FIG. 32 is a schematic view showing a manufacturing process
of a label applicator construction of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 33 is a top plan view of a label sheet of the present
invention;
[0052] FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of a portion of the sheet of
FIG. 33;
[0053] FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of another portion of sheet of
FIG. 33;
[0054] FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of yet another portion of the
sheet of FIG. 33;
[0055] FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of a further another portion of
the sheet of FIG. 33;
[0056] FIG. 38 is a top plan view of an alternative label sheet of
the present invention after having passed through a printer or a
copier and indicia printed thereon;
[0057] FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of a portion of the sheet of
FIG. 38;
[0058] FIG. 40 is a view of one of the label assemblies of sheet of
FIG. 38 after having been peeled off of it;
[0059] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a label assembly of the
present invention shown in place on a label applicator device;
[0060] FIG. 41a is a view similar to FIG. 41, showing a CD in a
resting position;
[0061] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a second label assembly of
the present invention shown in position on a label applicator
device;
[0062] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a third label assembly of
the present invention shown being positioned on a label applicator
device;
[0063] FIG. 44 is a top perspective of another label assembly of
the present invention shown in position on another label applicator
device;
[0064] FIG. 45 is a side elevational view of FIG. 44;
[0065] FIG. 46 is a view similar to FIG. 44 showing a full face
label;
[0066] FIG. 46a is a side elevational view of FIG. 46;
[0067] FIG. 47 is a top plan view of an alternative label
sheet;
[0068] FIG. 48 is a top plan view of an alternative label sheet of
the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 49 is a top plan view of another label sheet of the
present invention;
[0070] FIG. 50 is a top plan view of a label assembly for a
business card compact disc of the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 51 is a top plan view of another label assembly for
business card compact disc; and
[0072] FIG. 52 is a top plan view of a label assembly sheet which
includes a jewel case insert.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0073] A number of different label applicator constructions of the
present invention are disclosed herein and will now be described.
Generally speaking, each is formed as a sheet construction having a
liner sheet with a facestock attached to the back side thereof. One
embodiment is to form the sheet construction as a laminate having
an ink and/or laser receptive top coat facestock laminated with
pressure sensitive adhesive to a release-coated paper liner. The
facestock has weakened separation lines formed therein to define a
plurality of facestock labels. And weakened separation lines in the
liner sheet form the liner sheet so it can be separated into
portions to assist in the proper placement of the facestock labels
on the tabs of the index dividers, file folders or the like. More
particularly, the weakened separation lines of the liner sheet
allow the liner sheet to be separated such that one or more
portions of the liner sheet can be manually handled by the user in
the placement of the facestock labels so that he need not touch the
labels. Additionally, the liner sheet portions thereby defined help
the user properly position the facestock label(s) on the tab(s). As
will become apparent from the following detailed descriptions, some
of the embodiments herein allow the user to individually remove and
manipulate labels and others allow for an entire line or row of
labels to be essentially simultaneously applied to a line of
stacked, staggered tabs in a manner that is an improvement over the
problems experienced with the Pollman method.
[0074] The weakened separation lines can be formed by generally any
known method. A preferred method for many of the lines is to die
cut them. Each of the die cut lines typically will penetrate only
one of the liner sheet or the facestock sheet. And the die cut
portions of the liner sheet or facestock sheet are maintained on
the label applicator sheet construction by the adhesive so that
they will not separate from the sheet while the sheet is being
passed through a printer or copier. Instead of die cutting, the
weakened separation lines can be formed by perforated lines or
other means as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0075] A first label applicator construction of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, generally at 100. It can
be understood from FIG. 3 that the facestock sheet 104 is attached
with adhesive 108 to the liner sheet 112. Both the liner sheet 112
and the facestock 104 have die cut lines. The pattern for the die
cut lines 116 of the liner sheet 112 is best shown in FIG. 2, which
is the rear view of the sheet. FIG. 1 then shows the pattern of the
die cut lines 120 in the facestock 104; and as can be understood
therein and also from FIG. 3, portions of the facestock have been
stripped away to form the edge margins 124 of the construction.
These margins are provided to reduce the curl on the label sheets.
Additionally, a gutter strip 128 has been removed from the center
and a perforation line 132 formed down the center of the liner
sheet 112. This allows the construction 100 to be divided into two
parts by the user. Two smaller label applicator construction sheets
are thereby formed for passing through the printer or as may be
desired by the user.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 1, the facestock sheet is cut by the die
cut lines 120 into four columns of ten rows of labels. Of course,
different numbers of columns and rows or different patterns
(non-matrix) of the labels can be used as needed. Each of the
facestock labels has a two part construction, each having a large
rounded corner rectangle 140 attached with a perforated line or
ties 144 to a smaller rounded corner rectangle 148. And the liner
sheet is then cut to define a similar number of columns and rows of
small rounded corner rectangles 160, each positioned on the back of
the respective rounded corner rectangles 144 of the label and
adhered thereto by the adhesive 108. The smaller facestock label
rectangle 148 defines a handle portion of the label unit 150, and
the larger rectangle 140 defines the actual facestock label of the
unit 150 on which indicia 164 is printed. A respective liner sheet
160 rectangle is adhered to this handle portion 148 of the unit
150.
[0077] The sheet construction 100 is passed through a printer or a
copier, such as shown in FIG. 26 at 170. And the desired indicia
164 are printed on the facestock label portion 140 of the unit 150.
It is anticipated that all of the facestock labels 140 will be
printed in a single pass through the printer 170. However, it is
within the scope of the invention to print less than all of them
and then pass the sheet through a second, third, or more times to
print on the remaining labels. Alternatively, the user can hand
write on some or all of the labels 140.
[0078] After the label 140 has been printed, or handwritten
thereon, with the desired indicia 164, the label unit 150 is pulled
off the rest of the sheet, as shown in FIG. 4, by the user grasping
the liner sheet portion 160 and the handle portion 148 and removing
them along their die cut lines from the surrounding liner sheet and
facestock sheet and pulling the label portion 140 off of the
underlying liner sheet with adhesive 108 remaining on the bottom
portion of the label. The user then manipulates the label portion
140 into a desired position on the tab 174 by holding and
manipulating the facestock handle portion and the attached liner
sheet portion, as shown in FIG. 5, between his thumb 178 and
forefinger 182. The label 140 is then pressed down by the user and
adhered with the adhesive 108 in the desired position on the tab
174. The handle portion with liner sheet portion attached thereto
are separated from the printed adhered label by tearing along the
perforation line or ties 144 as shown in FIG. 6. Thereby the
printed label 140 is accurately positioned by the user and without
the user touching the label portion and thereby dirtying it or
smudging it with body oils from the user's fingers or the user's
fingers adhering to the adhesive.
[0079] FIGS. 7 through 12 illustrate a second label applicator
construction of the present invention generally at 200. It is seen
therein that it is conceptually similar to the construction 100 in
that removable label units 202 are defined by die cut lines 204,
206 in the facestock 208 and in the liner sheet 212, and adhesive
214 is provided between the sheets. However, instead of the
facestock portion being formed by a large elongate rectangle
defining the label with a smaller elongate rectangle parallel
thereto along a side edge defining the handle portion, a different
configuration is shown in construction FIG. 7. Although the unit
202 of FIG. 7 includes a similar elongate rectangular facestock
label 216, facestock handle portions 220, 224 are formed at each
end thereof and with perforation lines or ties 228, 232 between the
ends of the facestock label and both of the handle portions.
Similarly, liner sheet portions 236, 240 are die cut on the backs
of each of the facestock handle portions 220, 224, respectively.
The liner sheet portions 236, 240 have slightly smaller dimensions
than the respective handle portions 220, 224, defining a thin
facestock margin about the perimeter of the liner sheet
portions.
[0080] After the sheet 200 has been passed through a printer or a
copier and the desired indicia 250 printed on the labels 216, as
shown in FIG. 10, the two end handle portions 220, 224 and liner
sheet portions 236, 240 are grasped and pulled away from the sheet
and the facestock label 216 peeled off from the liner sheet 212
with a layer of adhesive on the back of the label. With the two
handle portions grasped by the user, the label unit 204 is
positioned such that the label 216 is in the desired position on
the tab 254 as shown in FIG. 11, and the label 216 is then pressed
into position. The two handle portions 220, 224 are then pulled
away along the perforation lines 228, 232 from the ends of the
adhered label, as depicted in FIG. 12. Thereby, similar to the
sheet 100, the facestock label 216 itself is never touched by the
user.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 13 through 19, a third label applicator
construction sheet of the present invention is shown generally at
300. It is seen also to comprise a liner sheet 304 and a facestock
308 attached with adhesive 312 to the face of the liner sheet.
Similar to the other constructions disclosed herein, margin edges
316 of the facestock have been cut and removed as well as a center
gutter portion 320 and a perforation line 324 through the liner
sheet and down the middle of the liner sheet as formed. The
facestock has been die cut to form lines 328 of spaced rounded
corner rectangular labels 332, each connected to adjacent labels
with thin strips 336 and with the die cut line extending from the
end labels to the edge of the facestock. The liner sheet 304 is die
cut 340 with end lines extending all the way to but spaced a small
distance to form a small break-away tie at the edge of the sheet.
The die cut lines extend in a distance and then extend down, across
and up, parallel to the outer shape of the adjacent label but
spaced outwardly a slight distance therefrom and extending out to
form a small plateau 350 between adjacent labels similar to the
spacing on the facestock sheet between the adjacent labels. The
label liner sheet portions 354 are adhered to respective ones of
the facestock labels 332 while the sheet is intact and passed
through the printer or copier.
[0082] After passing therethrough and with desired indicia 360
printed on the labels 332, the liner strip 364 at the top of the
sheet is pulled away and separated from the remainder portion 370
of the sheet. The liner sheet portions mentioned above are removed
with the liner sheet strip together with a liner sheet bar at the
top 374. This step is shown in FIG. 16. The adhesive connection
between the facestock and the liner sheet and the small ties at the
end of the liner sheet cut lines, hold the sheet intact and prevent
the liner strip 364 from separating before it is manually pulled
away by the user after the printing. When it has been pulled away,
the liner sheet portions 354 on the backs of the respective
facestock labels 332 are removed thereby exposing the adhesive back
sides of the line of labels 332 at the top of the remaining sheet
portion 370. The top row of exposed labels 332 extends a slight
distance out from the top edge of the sheet. The large remaining
sheet portion 370 can then be manipulated by the user into the
desired position aligned with the set of tab dividers 374 or file
folders with their staggered tab 378. The body portion 370 provides
a strong, not flexible or flimsy, handle for manipulating and
accurately positioning the top row of exposed labels onto the
desired positions on the staggered tabs as shown in FIG. 17.
[0083] Each of the properly positioned labels 332 is then pressed
flat down to form a strong adhesive bond onto the respective tabs
378 as depicted in FIG. 18. The body handle portion 370 of the
sheet is then pulled away from the adhered labels 332, breaking the
thin facestock ties between the adjacent labels and leaving the
labels in position. Referring back to FIG. 15, the next top liner
strip is removed to expose the backsides of the second line of
printed labels. The second line of printed labels are then
manipulated into position on a second set of staggered dividers,
the labels pressed into position and the remaining smaller body
portion removed. This can be understood by again viewing FIGS. 17
through 19.
[0084] The fourth embodiment of FIG. 20, shown generally at 400, is
an improvement over the embodiment of FIG. 13, and a number of
small differences are apparent. It similarly includes facestock
404, liner sheet 408, adhesive, and cut lines to form labels 416,
strips, etc. One of the differences is that there is an increased
offset between the face and liner cuts. Also, there are more
rounded corners, additional ties are provided on the faces,
additional ties are provided on the liners and additional rows of
labels are provided. The face cuts are provided to relax the
post-laser curl in laser printers.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 21, preferred dimensions in inches are:
430a (0.063), 430b (1.251), 430c (R0.125 typical), 430d (0.750),
430e (0.438 typical), 430f (0.219), 430g (0.547), 430h (1.656
typical), 430i (2.031 typical), 430j (0.824 typical (this half of
sheet only)), 430k (0.006 first row 0.008 second, third row; 0.010
fourth row tie typical (this half of sheet only)), 430l (0.187
ref.), 430m (0.094 typical), 430n (0.010 tie typical both sides),
430o (0.006 tie typical both sides), 430p (4.025 typical), 430q
(0.075), 430r (R0.109 typical), 430s (8.500 web width ref.), 430t
(0.063 typical), 430u (0.010 tie typical both ends), 430v (0.188
typical), 430w (0.188 typical), 430x (10.875) and 430y (11.000)
[0086] It can be seen that ten cavities are provided across by five
around at 1.656 inches by 0.438 inch. Five ties per cavity as are
provided on one-half of the sheet, and four ties per cavity on the
other half of the sheet. The two surrounding cavities are 10.875
inches by 4.025 inches. The 1.5 mil polyester face is cut through
to the 3.0 mil paper liner.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 22, preferred dimensions in inches are:
440a (1/8'' cut.times. 1/32'' tie), 440b (0.031), 440c (4.250),
440d (0.015 tie typical both ends each repeat), 440e (0.235 both
ends), 440f (0.031 tie typical), 440g (0.366), 440h (0.015 tie
typical both ends), 440i (0.015 tie typical), 440j (0.313 typical),
440k (0.625 typical), 440l (0.243 typical), 440m (1.250 typical),
440n (0.938 typical), 440o (0.133 typical), 440p (0.015 tie
typical), 440q (0.375 typical), 440r (0.437 typical), 440s1
(1.500), 440s2 (0.750 typical), 440s3 (0.031), 440s4 (0.500), 440t
(R0.125 typical), 440u (8.500 web width), 440v (R0.188 typical),
440w1 (0.531 typical), 440w2 (1.750 typical), 440w3 (2.031
typical), 440x (10.938) and 440y (11.000 circumference)
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 23 through 30, a fifth label applicator
construction of the present invention is shown generally at 500. It
similarly includes the back liner sheet 504 and the facestock 508
adhered to a front surface thereof with adhesive 512, as shown in
FIG. 25. Similarly, margin 516 and the center gutter portion 520 of
the facestock have been cut and removed. Die cut lines 524, 528 are
formed in both the liner sheet to but not through the facestock and
through the facestock to but not through the liner sheet. The die
cut lines 524 through the facestock form parallel rows of spaced
rounded rectangular labels 534. For example, as shown in FIG. 23,
eight rows of five labels are formed. Thin breakable facestock
necks separate adjacent labels in each row.
[0089] The die cut lines 528 in the liner sheet 504 form a
plurality of liner strips 550, each of the strips is comprised of a
series of rectangular liner sheet portions 554 connected at the
center ends to the adjacent liner sheet portions with necks 558.
Each of the liner sheet portions 554 has the same shape but with
slightly larger dimensions than the underlying and attached
facestock label 534. The liner sheet necks 558 provide sturdy
connections between the liner sheet portions 554 such that the
entire strip 550 can be removed without the liner sheet portions
554 separating. It is removed after the sheet has been passed
through a printer 170 and the indicia 560 printed on the top
surfaces of the facestock labels as depicted in FIG. 26.
[0090] In other words, the liner sheet strip 550 is peeled off or
removed from the sheet, leaving the exposed backsides of the
respective adhesive labels 534. The sheet can then be manipulated
such that the exposed backsides of the labels 534 are positioned on
the respective stacked and staggered tabs 570 of the dividers or
file folders 574 as shown in FIG. 28. The labels 534 are pressed
down into position to provide a firm, straight adhesion of the
labels to the tabs 570, as depicted in FIG. 29. The remainder of
the sheet 578 is then pulled off of the labels 534 as shown in FIG.
30, leaving them properly applied on the tabs.
[0091] An advantage of construction of 500 is that more than one
row of labels can be applied at the same time by removing more than
one of the liner strips 534. A system for doing this is shown in
FIG. 31, where, for example, four rows of printed labels can be
applied at the same time to four sets of dividers 586. If the
dividers 586 are offset or stacked in a stepped fashion relative to
one another, a method for doing this consistently and accurately
and holding the sets in this offset position is shown by the pouch
600 of FIG. 31. The pouch 600 has a series of staggered pockets
604, each for holding a respective set of dividers 586.
[0092] In other words, FIG. 31 shows a system of placing four rows
of labels on tab dividers in a single step. The label sheet
construction can be the sheet 500, for example, or constructions as
illustrated herein as would be apparent to those skilled in the
art. The tab dividers 586 are placed in the unique pouch 600 of the
present invention, which positions them in a staggered layout. The
pouch 600 can be made from a sheet of paper with several pockets
604 of the same material, glued on the body of the pouch by
adhesive. The paper will preferably be ninety pound index or higher
basis weight material that can be durable as sensitive dividers are
placed in and out of the pouches. This pouch 600 speeds the label
application process where numbers of different sets of dividers
must be labeled as part of a single operation. This speeds the
labeling operation and helps ensure accurate alignment and
placement of the labels with minimal user handling.
[0093] Examples of materials usable for the label applicator
constructions disclosed herein are for the clear film label for
laser printers: the facestock can be 1.5 mil polyester with laser
topcoating, the adhesive can be permanent acrylic adhesive, and the
liner can be 3.4 mil paper release liner. For the clear film label
for inkjet printers, the facestock can be 1.5 mil polyester with
inkjet top coating, the adhesive can be permanent acrylic adhesive,
and the liner can be 3.4 mil paper release liner. Alternatives
range from using ink and toner receptive facestock material to
using both permanent and removable adhesives. As an example for
paper labels, the facestock can be 4.0 mil paper facestock, the
adhesive can be acrylic emulsion and the liner can be 2.8 mil paper
liner.
[0094] A manufacturing process of the present invention as shown
schematically in FIG. 32 at 700. Referring thereto, the material is
a laminate consisting of an ink and/or laser receptive top coated
facestock laminated via pressure sensitive adhesive to a release
coated paper liner. The facestock can be ink or toner receptive
paper or film. The adhesive can be any acrylic emulsion, solvent or
hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive that is permanent or
removable. And the release liner is a release coated liner. It is
supplied in roll form 704 for converting into label sheets. The
converting operation may or may not include printing, which
generally speaking is not critical to the function or application
of the label product.
[0095] The material is web fed through the converting press, such
as the Mark Andy 4120, so as to pass through an initial rotary die
station 712 that, when and where the product requires it, cuts
through the liner but not through the polyester facestock. The
anvil roller 716 is on top and the cutting die 720 is below at this
station, as shown in the drawing. The rotary die that is in the
initial die station may or may not include a perforation blade,
which makes intermittent cut through the liner along the center of
the web.
[0096] The web may or may not be turned over before it is passed
through a second rotary die station 730 that, where the product
requires it, cuts through the polyester facestock but not through
the liner. The web then passes through a matrix removal station 740
that lifts and removes a section of the face material 744 which
typically includes, but is not limited to, the perimeter around the
label sheet and may or may not include a strip removed from the
center of the sheet that coincides with the perforation in the
liner.
[0097] Finally, the web passes through a sheeting station 750,
which uses one or more cross-directional blades to cut the web into
individual sheets. The sheets are fed into a packaging/collating
station 760, which includes a stacker, which stacks the sheets one
on top of the other into predetermined count stacks. The individual
stacks are either fed into a collator, or fed into a packaging
area, where they are packaged in bulk for later collation with
other materials.
[0098] This general concept of providing a handle or tab (or strip)
attached to a label to help the user position and secure the label
to the desired surface without touching an adhesive surface can be
applied to various different label constructions, as will now be
described. In particular, it can be applied to compact disc labels,
which are circular and have a circular opening. As described
herein, the circular opening can be a full-face type of (narrow)
opening corresponding to the diameter of the center opening of the
disc or can be a standard diameter such as 15/8 inch. The circular
label itself will have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of
the compact disc and may be 41/2 inches, as an example. The label
assembly can have one or preferably two diametrically opposed tabs
extending out from the label and attached thereto. The label
assemblies are formed on a sheet having a facestock sheet
releasably adhered to a liner sheet. The label assembly is formed
by weakened separation lines (die-cut, perforated, scored and
other) in the facestock sheet and/or the liner sheet. The various
arrangements thereof will be described in detail now with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
[0099] After the sheet has been passed through a printer or copier
and the desired indicia printed on the label portions of the sheet,
so that the desired indicia is printed on the label portions of the
sheets, the tabs are then pushed or pulled up and grasped with a
portion of the liner (liner patch) being adhered to the facestock
portion of the tab and the label assembly then peeled off of the
sheet. The user can then grasp the other opposing tab, which
similarly has a liner sheet portion on its back side
(alternatively, he can grasp and pull both tabs at the same time).
By grasping the two tabs and the liner sheet portions thereof, the
user does not contact any adhesive surface. However, he can
position the label directly on the desired surface.
[0100] Alternatively, he can position the label assembly on a label
applicator device. According to a preferred embodiment, the label
assembly is positioned with the adhesive side of the label facing
up, the tabs hooked into place, and the CD is then pressed down on
a center post of the device into contact with the label for
adherence thereto. The CD with the label assembly adhered thereto
can be removed from the device and the tabs torn off from the
label. Preferably, weakened separation lines provide the tearing
lines for the tabs. These are preferably perforated lines passing
through the facestock sheet.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 33, a sheet of the present invention is
shown generally at 800. It includes two side-by-side label
assemblies 804, 808. The label assemblies are identical except that
one is rotated one hundred and eighty degrees relative to the other
one. Both include circular labels 820, with the outside
circumferences defined by die-cut lines 824 through the facestock
sheet around the entire perimeter except for the two portions 830,
834 adjacent the tabs 840, 844. Those arcuate lines 830, 834 are
formed by perforated lines extending through both the facestock
sheet and the liner sheet. The center hole 850 is formed by a
die-cut line, and the hole can either be a full face (small) hole
or a standard larger hole. The tab portions of the label
assemblies, as is shown in FIGS. 34-37, are formed by die-cut lines
having ties and cuts 860 through the facestock sheet. All of the
tabs have liner sheet patches 866 formed by cut and/or perforated
lines 870 through the liner sheet on their back sides. The liner
sheet patches have generally the same size and shape as the
facestock portion but with slightly smaller dimensions. Each of the
tabs has a pair of opposing side notches 890. These notches are
provided to help position and hold the labels in place in label
applicator devices, as will be shown and discussed later in this
disclosure. The notches can have a central tie portion.
[0102] Crescent-shaped areas 900 are preferably formed by die-cut
lines through the liner sheet at the ends of one of the two tabs of
each of the label assemblies. The label sheet has cut lines through
the facestock sheet, forming a matrix 910 of horizontal and
vertical lanes 914, 918 outside of the label assemblies. The
crescent patches are attached to this matrix. Thus, the facestock
matrix can be pulled off of the sheet before the label sheet is
marketed to the user. This matrix 910 then will pull off the
crescent-shaped portions 900 of the liner sheet attached thereto.
This leaves crescent-shaped through-holes through the label sheet
(and the facestock sheet). This allows the user to insert the tip
of his finger from the top of the label sheet, in through the holes
to engage the distal ends of one of the tabs and to pull the tab
up, grasp and pull the tab, thereby peeling the label assembly 804
(or 808) off of the sheet 800. In other words, the crescent-shaped
holes allow the user to easily engage and pull up on the ends of
the tabs 840.
[0103] Also, die-cut into the face sheet are a plurality of
elongate spine labels 930. Eight are shown in the embodiment of
FIG. 33. These labels are also conveniently printed in the printer
or copier with the user's custom-designed indicia. They are
similarly peeled off and applied to the spines of the jewel cases
or other storage boxes for the labeled CDs, by the user.
[0104] FIG. 38 shows generally at 950 a label sheet of the
invention which is a variation of the label sheet of FIG. 33. This
label sheet 950 is illustrated as provided to the user and after
the user has passed it through a printer or copier to have desired
indicia 954 printed thereon. It is seen for this embodiment that
the crescent-shaped openings 960 are provided for both tabs 970 of
each label 974 of each label assembly 980, 984. In contrast, the
embodiment of FIG. 33 only provides the crescent-shaped opening for
one of the tabs of each of the label assemblies. Another difference
is that only four spine labels 990 are provided. A further
difference is the configuration of the removable facestock matrix
1000. As discussed above, when this matrix is removed, the
crescent-shaped liner sheet portions are removed therewith to form
the openings 960. This is an easy way to remove the crescent-shaped
sheet portions without having excess small waste pieces produced.
That is, it is a much cleaner and more efficient way of removing
the crescent-shaped pieces than simply punching them out.
[0105] FIG. 39 shows an enlarged view of one of the tabs of the
sheet of FIG. 38. It shows the face-cut line 1010 only in the
circumference of the label, the microperforation arcuate line 1014
through the facestock sheet. The liner-patch die-cut line 1018 is
cut through the liner sheet from the liner side. The sides 1022 of
the tabs, which are cut to form ties 1026, are cut through the
facestock sheet and the liner sheet from the face side. The corners
1030 are cut through the liner from the liner side, and the
crescent-shaped hole 960 is cut through the liner. The side edges
1040, 1050 of the face matrix are cut through the facestock sheet.
When the face matrix is removed, the crescent-shaped portion of the
cut liner, which is adhered thereto with the sheet adhesive, is
pulled off and removed with the face matrix 1000 to form the
crescent-shaped hole at the end of each of the tabs. For this
embodiment, the liner sheet patch 1060 on the rear side of the tabs
970 is the same size as the facestock sheet (front) portion of the
tabs.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 38, after the printing operation as shown
thereon, the user inserts his finger into either one of the
crescent-shaped openings 960 for one of the label assemblies 980 or
984 and pulls up on the label assembly, grasping the tab 970 from
the front and back and peels the label and opposing tab off of the
underlying liner sheet, and the user grasps the opposing tab on
both sides thereof between the fingers of his other hand. The label
assembly 980 is then as depicted in FIG. 40, ready for insertion on
a label applicator device.
[0107] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a label applicator device
shown generally at 1100 with a label assembly 1110 of the present
invention in position thereon. It can be seen that the label
assembly 1110 is fitted via its central hole onto the central post
assembly 1120. The label assembly is held on the soft curved
support surface 1130 of the device, adhesive side 1140 up, by the
positioning of the tab notches 1144 of the tabs 1148 onto the
upright device pins 1150. With the label assembly so positioned the
CD 1170 is positioned on the center post 1120 as shown in FIG. 41a
and pressed down onto the label assembly 1100, effectively adhering
the label to the disc. That is, the CD 1170 is shown in FIG. 41a in
a rest position on the post assembly, ready to be manually pressed
down onto the adhesive surface of the label assembly 1170.
[0108] FIG. 42 shows the label applicator device 1100 with the post
assembly 1120 raised so that the raised pegs of posts 1160 define a
large opening 1164 for a large or regular opening label assembly,
as depicted. The raised center pegs 1160 position the center
opening of the label and the tabs 1148 are held in place by the
pins 1150 engaging in the side notches of the tabs.
[0109] An alternative applicator device 1200 where, instead of
notches in the sides of the tabs, the tabs 1208 have center slots
or holes 1212 is shown in FIG. 43. These slots or holes 1212 are
then positioned on the posts 1220 of the applicator. While the
small hole opening 1230 for the embodiment of the label assembly
1240 is shown, this arrangement can also be used for the regular
size opening by raising the post assembly as depicted in FIG.
42.
[0110] The notch embodiment is preferred over the central hole
embodiment (FIG. 43), which may require that the user punch or push
out the center dot piece from the tab 1208 to form hole 1212. Also,
because it is easier for the user to see the side pins 1150 instead
of a central pin 1220, application of the tabs to the device is
easier. The pins in either embodiment can keep the label assembly
flat during application, minimizing the possibility of creating
bubbles. If bubbles are created, they can be squeezed out without
forming wrinkles. Additionally, the tabs can be provided with both
side notches and central slots to fit on either device.
[0111] FIGS. 44 and 45 show an alternative label applicator device
1260 which has a different shape and slightly different operation,
while employing the same function as the above-described devices,
in that as the CD is pressed down, the entire applicator device is
compressed down against a return bias. The return bias can be
provided by the engineered plastic material of the device and/or by
leaf or other springs attached to the bottom surface of the device.
The longitudinal curving top surface helps position the label
assembly and more effectively apply the label to the CD without
wrinkling or bubbles. The label assembly 1270 shown in FIGS. 44 and
45 is a regular size opening label 1280; In contrast, the label
assembly of FIGS. 46 and 46a is a small hole label 1290.
[0112] FIG. 47 shows an alternative label sheet 1300 where instead
of the crescent-shaped opening, a push tab 1310 is formed at the
end of one or both of the tabs 1320 of each of the label
assemblies. The tab is cut through both the face and the liner
around a substantial portion of the perimeter 1330 and the end 1340
of the push tab is cut with a perforated or similar line through
the face and/or liner. Spine labels 1350 can also be provided cut
into the facestock sheet. The periphery 1360 of the labels 1370 can
be die-cut except at arc 1374. And the liner can be cut at line
1378.
[0113] FIG. 48 shows an alternative sheet embodiment 1400 where the
CD label assembly is located symmetrically on the sheet. Tabs 1410
on either side of the label 1420 are formed. The liner section 1420
of the tab is directly underneath the facestock portion 1430 of the
tab so that by pushing the liner section, the facestock section
partially separates from the sheet. The facestock section 1430 is
attached to the compact disc label 1420 by perforations 1440.
Lifting the facestock portion of the tab with the attached liner
section of the tab lifts the compact disc label 1420 from the liner
sheet. The opposed tab with its liner section can be lifted prior
to the removal of the compact disc label 1420 or it can be left in
and will pull the section of the opposite tab up during
removal.
[0114] Referring to FIG. 49, an alternative label sheet embodiment
is shown generally at 1500 wherein the alignment tab 1510 which is
a perforation cut through both the facestock and the release liner
and is separated by a liner cut 1520, is removed along with the
(compact disc) label 1524. The tab 1530 is attached to the compact
disc label 1524 by a perforation line 1540, and the tab liner
section 1544. This label assembly can be handled without contacting
the adhesive-coated surface. The alignment tab 1510 can then be
used to align the label with the compact disc using the contours of
the compact disc jewel case in accordance with U.S. Pat. No.
5,715,934, incorporated herein.
[0115] This concept incorporates a mirror image of the "hat"
concept that is currently used for Laser, Inkjet, and Color Laser
CD labels. One purpose of having the second "hat" is to allow users
to punch out the "hats" from behind and remove the CD label. A
portion of the label (the middle area) has exposed adhesive, while
the remainder of the assembly is still in laminate form. The idea
is to place this assembly upside down on a CD applicator and peel
back both "hats" simultaneously, so that equal force is applied in
opposite directions as the liner sections of the "hats" are removed
from the CD label. This allows the CD label to be relatively
undisturbed on the applicator while the liner is being removed,
with the end goal of having the CD label adhesive side up, with all
of the adhesive exposed, never having contacted the adhesive
directly with either hand. The CD can then be placed on top of the
CD label in the applicator and applied thereto.
[0116] An alternate use of this concept would be to use the jewel
case as an alignment tool and utilize it as our existing CD labels
are used. The first "hat" would be positioned into the appropriate
corners of the jewel case, the exposed area of the label would be
applied to the CD, and then the "hats" would be removed
sequentially or simultaneously. Again, the user would not need to
contact an adhesive coated surface during this label application
process.
[0117] FIGS. 50 and 51 show label assemblies used for business card
CD's. The label portion 1550 of the label assembly 1560 of FIG. 50
has rounded ends while the label 1570 of the assembly 1580 of FIG.
51 has square corners 1584, and both have center holes 1590. These
different configurations are provided to accommodate and fit on
different configurations of business card CD's. It is noted that
both of the label assemblies of FIGS. 50 and 51 have the no-touch
tabs 1600 with notches 1610 and with the liner sheet portion or
patch on the back side of the tabs so the user advantageously does
not grasp an adhesive surface. These tabs have notches to fit onto
centering pegs of label applicator devices, as previously
described, or adapted to accommodate CD business cards.
Alternatively, they can have central slots or holes. A further
embodiment Would be to omit any notches or holes. These labels can
be shaped to match a variety of business card CD types, as would be
apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0118] The label sheet 1630 of FIG. 52 is used to provide printed
or non-printed jewel case inserts together with the CD label
assemblies. The jewel case insert shown at the top of the sheet at
1640 is a 4.875 by 4.875 inch square. It is defined by
microperforations 1650 through both the face sheet and the liner
sheet, with 0.0625 inch offsets 1660. The face and backing are both
permanent laminations so that they feel like a regular card. In
other words, the area 1640 does not have a silicone coating, while
the rest of the sheet does have a silicone coating. The tabs 1670
of the single label assembly 1680 both have the cut liner portions
1684 secured to their rear surfaces as previously discussed so that
the user does not contact adhesive surface while handling the tabs.
Microperfs 1688 in the face sheet separate the tabs from the labels
1690. The center holes 1696 in the labels can be either full face
or regular size openings. One or more spine strips can also be
provided on the sheet 1630.
[0119] FIG. 54 shows generally at 1700 an address label embodiment
after removal from a label sheet. The top and side tabs 1710, 1714
with liner sheet patches on their back sides are used to align the
label 1720 correctly to an envelope (not shown) and then are torn
off along their perforation lines 1734. This leaves the adhesive
printed or non-printed label correctly positioned and adhered to
the envelope.
[0120] A license plate label assembly 1750 having a pair of
no-touch tabs 1760, 1764 extending out from the label 1770 is shown
in FIG. 54. These tabs 1760, 1764 are aligned to the edge of the
license plate, the label 1770 applied and the tabs removed in a
process similar to that described with respect to other embodiments
herein.
[0121] From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident
that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modifications
of the present invention which come within the province of those
skilled in the art. For example, the labels, instead of being
passed through a printer or copier, are written directly thereon by
a pencil, pen or the like, or the labels are provided on the sheet
with the indicia pre-printed. Or the labels can be unprinted color
coded labels. Another alternative is for the labels when on the
sheet to not have adhesive thereon but rather to be detached or
removed and then attached to an adhesive surface. While one
preferred embodiment uses a clear glossy polyester (or film)
facestock, an adhesive layer and a paper liner, other materials can
be used. However, it is intended that all such variations not
departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within
the scope thereof.
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