U.S. patent application number 15/260781 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-05 for sheet having removable labels and related method.
The applicant listed for this patent is CCL LABEL, INC.. Invention is credited to Le-Hoa Hong, Thomas Mammen, Gildardo Ramirez, Martin Utz, Gerardo Veyna.
Application Number | 20170004742 15/260781 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41009975 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170004742 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hong; Le-Hoa ; et
al. |
January 5, 2017 |
SHEET HAVING REMOVABLE LABELS AND RELATED METHOD
Abstract
A label sheet including a facestock, and a liner releasably
coupled to the facestock. The facestock includes a label and the
liner includes a weakened separation line. The weakened separation
line at least partially underlies the label. Also, the weakened
separation line includes an apex.
Inventors: |
Hong; Le-Hoa; (Monterey
Park, CA) ; Utz; Martin; (Bavaria, DE) ;
Veyna; Gerardo; (Tijuana, MX) ; Ramirez;
Gildardo; (Pasadena, CA) ; Mammen; Thomas; (La
Verne, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CCL LABEL, INC. |
Framingham |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
41009975 |
Appl. No.: |
15/260781 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12429166 |
Apr 23, 2009 |
9443448 |
|
|
15260781 |
|
|
|
|
61047724 |
Apr 24, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 2003/0222 20130101;
Y10T 428/15 20150115; Y10T 428/1476 20150115; G09F 2003/0226
20130101; Y10T 83/04 20150401; Y10T 428/149 20150115; G09F
2003/0241 20130101; Y10T 428/14 20150115; G09F 13/08 20130101; G09F
3/10 20130101; G09F 3/0288 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G09F 3/10 20060101
G09F003/10 |
Claims
1. A label sheet comprising: a facestock having a plurality of
labels; and a liner releasably coupled to the facestock; wherein:
the liner includes a weakened separation line comprising a major
portion having a linear portion and at least one apex; the weakened
separation line at least partially underlies at least one of the
labels with at least one of the plurality of apices directly
underlying one of the labels; the weakened separation line is free
of ties at the at least one apex; the column of labels comprises a
back surface to which adhesive is applied; and the liner is
configured to be folded along the weakened separation line exposing
the adhesive on only a portion of the back surface of the
label.
2. The label sheet of claim 1, wherein the plurality of labels each
includes a label edge and the apex is adjacent to the label edge of
at least one label.
3. The label sheet of 2, wherein the linear portion of the weakened
separation line is generally aligned with and generally parallel to
the label edge.
4. The label sheet of claim 1, wherein the label is adhesive-backed
and the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
5. The label sheet of claim 1, wherein the liner is a
release-coated liner.
6. The label sheet of claim 1, wherein the label sheet has a first
edge and a second edge and the weakened separation line extends
between the first edge and the second edge.
7. The label sheet of claim 1, wherein the weakened separation line
is truncated at the apex.
8. The label sheet of claim 1, wherein the weakened separation line
includes cuts and ties.
9. The label sheet of claim 8, wherein each of the ties has a
length ranging from approximately 0.013 inch (0.33 mm) to
approximately 0.050 inch (1.27 mm).
10. The label sheet of claim 8, wherein each of the ties has a
length of approximately 0.03 inch (0.76 mm).
11. The label sheet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
apices wherein at least one of the plurality of apices has a shape
selected from the group consisting of rounded, square, rectangular,
trapezoidal, elliptical, and triangular.
12. The label sheet of claim 11, wherein the plurality of apices
have a common shape.
13. A label sheet comprising: a facestock having a plurality of
labels, wherein the facestock includes a back surface to which
adhesive is applied; and a liner releasably coupled to the
facestock; wherein: the liner includes a weakened separation line
comprising a major portion having linear portions and a plurality
of apices, the weakened separation line at least partially
underlies at least one of the plurality of labels with at least one
of the plurality of apices extending beyond a linear edge of the at
least one of the plurality of labels; and the liner is configured
to be folded along the weakened separation line exposing the
adhesive on only a portion of the back surface of the column of
labels.
14. The label sheet of claim 13, wherein the adhesive is a pressure
sensitive adhesive.
15. The label sheet of claim 13, wherein the liner is a
release-coated liner.
16. The label sheet of claim 13, wherein the label sheet has a
first edge and a second edge and the weakened separation line
extends between the first edge and the second edge.
17. The label sheet of claim 13, wherein the weakened separation
line includes cuts and ties.
18. The label sheet of claim 13, wherein each of the labels of the
plurality column of labels includes a label edge and the linear
portions of the weakened separation line are generally aligned with
and generally parallel to each label edge.
19. A label sheet comprising: a facestock having a plurality of
labels, wherein the facestock includes a back surface to which
adhesive is applied; and a liner releasably coupled to the
facestock; wherein: the label sheet has first and second edges; the
liner includes a weakened separation line that extends between the
first and second edges; the weakened separation line includes a
major portion having linear portions and a plurality of apices; the
weakened separation line at least partially underlies the column of
labels with at least one of the plurality of apices adjacent to and
extending to a linear edge of the column of labels; the weakened
separation line includes cuts and ties; the weakened separation
line is free of ties at, at least one of the plurality of apices;
and the liner is configured to be folded along the weakened
separation line exposing the adhesive on only a portion of the back
surface of the column of labels.
20. The label sheet of claim 19, wherein each of the labels of the
plurality of labels includes a label edge, and the linear portions
of the weakened separation line are aligned with a parallel to each
label edge.
21. The label sheet of claim 19, wherein the liner includes a
plurality of weakened separation lines that extend between the
first and second edges
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/429,166 entitled "SHEET HAVING REMOVABLE LABELS AND
RELATED METHOD," filed on Apr. 23, 2009, which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/047,724, filed Apr. 24,
2008, entitled "SHEET HAVING REMOVABLE LABELS AND RELATED METHOD,"
each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention is related to sheets of labels. The sheets of
labels of the present invention provide for easy removal of the
labels from a release-coated liner.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Pressure sensitive label sheets include a facestock, a layer
of pressure sensitive adhesive and a release-coated liner. The
labels are die cut into the facestock, and the sheet of labels can
include a matrix surrounding at least a portion of the labels. In
use, the labels are printed upon using a laser or inkjet printer or
copier, removed from the release-coated liner and applied to a
substrate.
[0004] A user can experience hard ship in removing the labels from
the release-coated liner because of difficulties in grasping the
label. The difficulties can result in labels that have dog-eared or
wrinkled corners, which impart an undesirable appearance. In
addition, the labels can have the layer of pressure sensitive
adhesive contaminated by excessive handling while attempting to
grasp the adhered label. Further, the label can curl at the grasped
area, which can cause the label to prematurely lift from the
substrate after application.
[0005] For these reasons, there exists a need to easily remove
pressure sensitive labels from a release-coated liner. The present
invention satisfies this need.
SUMMARY
[0006] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a label sheet
including a facestock, and a liner releasably coupled to the
facestock. The facestock includes a label and the liner includes a
weakened separation line. The weakened separation line at least
partially underlies the label. Also, the weakened separation line
includes an apex. In a further feature, the weakened separation
line includes another apex.
[0007] In other, more detailed, features of the invention, the
label sheet includes a label that has an edge and the apex is
adjacent to the edge of the label.
[0008] In additional features of the invention, the adhesive
releasably couples the facestock to the liner. In further features,
the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
[0009] In even more additional features, the liner is a
release-coated liner.
[0010] In even more additional features, the label sheet includes a
first edge and a second edge. The weakened separation line extends
between the first edge and the second edge.
[0011] In further additional features, the facestock includes a
column of labels that includes the label. The weakened separation
line at least partially underlies the column of labels.
[0012] Additional features include the weakened separation line
having an apex that is truncated.
[0013] In even more additional features, the weakened separation
line is free of ties at the apex.
[0014] In further features, the weakened separation line includes
cuts and ties. In more features, each of the ties has a length that
ranges from approximately 0.013 inch (0.33 mm) to approximately
0.050 inch (1.27 mm). In another feature, the length of the ties is
approximately 0.03 inch (0.76 mm).
[0015] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method of
manufacturing a label sheet. The method includes providing a label
stock that includes a facestock and a liner releasably adhered to
the facestock. The method also includes cutting the facestock to
form a label, and forming a weakened separation line in the liner.
The weakened separation line at least partially underlies the label
and includes an apex.
[0016] In a further feature, the label stock is configured in a
roll and the method includes loading the roll onto a label
press.
[0017] In yet another feature, the method includes sheeting the
roll of label stock into individual sheets after forming a label
and after forming a weakened separation line.
[0018] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is a label
sheet including a facestock and a liner releasably adhered to the
facestock. The facestock has a first label and a second label
adjacent to the first label. The liner has a first weakened
separation line and a second weakened separation line. Each of the
weakened separation lines has opposing ends. One of the opposing
end s of the first weakened separation line intersects one of the
opposing end s of the second weakened separation line, and the
other opposing end of the first weakened separation line intersects
the other opposing end of the second weakened separation line. The
first weakened separation line at least partially underlies a
portion of the first label, and the second weakened separation line
at least partially underlies a portion of the second label. The
liner is configured to separate along the first weakened separation
line, such that after separation, the first label is partially
separated from the liner.
[0019] In another feature, the liner is configured to split along
either of the first weakened separation line or a second weakened
separation line. Separation of the liner along one of the weakened
separation lines results in one of the labels being partially
separated from the liner.
[0020] In another feature, the liner is a release-coated liner.
[0021] In yet another feature, the facestock has a first column of
labels that includes the first label and a second column of labels
that includes the second label. The first weakened separation line
underlies at least a portion of the first column of labels and the
second weakened separation line underlies at least a portion of the
second column of labels.
[0022] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method of
manufacturing a label sheet. The method includes providing a label
stock that includes a facestock and a liner releasably adhered to
the facestock. The method also includes cutting the facestock to
form a first label and a second label adjacent to the first label.
The method includes forming a first weakened separation line and a
second weakened separation line in the liner. Each of the weakened
separation lines has opposing ends. One of the opposing ends of the
first weakened separation line intersects one of the opposing ends
of the second weakened separation line, and the other opposing end
of the first weakened separation line intersects the other opposing
end of the second weakened separation line. The first weakened
separation line at least partially underlies a portion of the first
label, and the second weakened separation line at least partially
underlies a portion of the second label. The liner is configured to
separate along the first weakened separation line, such that after
separation, the first label is partially separated from the
liner.
[0023] In another feature, the liner is configured to split along
either of the first weakened separation line or a second weakened
separation line. Separation of the liner along one of the weakened
separation lines results in one of the labels being partially
separated from the liner.
[0024] In a further feature, the label stock is configured in a
roll and the method includes loading the roll onto a label
press.
[0025] In yet another feature, the method includes sheeting the
roll of label stock into individual sheets after forming the label
and after forming the weakened separation line.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description, appended claims, and accompanying
drawings, where:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the front of an embodiment of a
label sheet according to the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the back of the label sheet shown
in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the front of a label sheet of
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the back of the label sheet shown
in FIG. 3;
[0031] FIG. 5 is an expanded plan view of an embodiment at region
A-A of FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 6 is an expanded plan view of another embodiment at
region A-A of FIG. 3;
[0033] FIG. 7 is an expanded plan view of another embodiment at
region A-A of FIG. 3;
[0034] FIG. 8 is an expanded plan view of another embodiment at
region A-A of FIG. 3;
[0035] FIG. 9 is an expanded plan view of an embodiment of region
B-B of FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 10 is an expanded plan view of another embodiment at
region B-B of FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 11 is an expanded plan view of another embodiment at
region B-B of FIG. 3;
[0038] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an example label sheet;
[0039] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a manufacturing process for
making a label sheet according to the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the back of a label sheet of
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 15 is an expanded view of an embodiment of a
release-coated liner cut;
[0042] FIG. 16 is an expanded view of another embodiment of a
release-coated liner cut;
[0043] FIG. 17 is an expanded view of an another embodiment of a
release-coated liner cut;
[0044] FIG. 18 is an expanded view of an another embodiment of a
release-coated liner cut;
[0045] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a folded example label
sheet;
[0046] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the front of a label sheet of
embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 21 is a plan view of the label sheet of FIG. 20 with a
portion of the label sheet separated;
[0048] FIG. 22 is a plan view of the front of a label sheet of
embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 23 is a plan view of the front of a label sheet of
embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the front of a label sheet of
embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 25 is an expanded plan view of an embodiment of a
series of release liner cuts of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 26 is an expanded plan view of another embodiment of a
series of release liner cuts;
[0053] FIG. 27 is an expanded plan view of another embodiment of a
series of release liner cuts;
[0054] FIG. 28 is an expanded plan view of of another embodiment of
a series of release liner cuts;
[0055] FIG. 29 is an expanded plan view of a release liner cut of
FIG. 28;
[0056] FIG. 30 is an expanded plan view of another embodiment of a
series of release liner cuts;
[0057] FIG. 31 is an expanded plan view of a release liner cut of
FIG. 30;
[0058] FIG. 32 is an expanded plan view of another embodiment of a
series of release liner cuts;
[0059] FIG. 33 is an expanded plan view of a release liner cut of
FIG. 32;
[0060] FIG. 34 is a plan view of the front of a label sheet of
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 35 is a plan view of the front of a label sheet of
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 36 is an expanded plan view of an embodiment at region
C-C of FIG. 34;
[0063] FIG. 37 is an expanded plan view of an embodiment at region
C-C of FIG. 34;
[0064] FIG. 38 is an expanded plan view of an embodiment at region
C-C of FIG. 34; and
[0065] FIG. 39 is an expanded plan view of an embodiment at region
C-C of FIG. 34.
[0066] Unless otherwise indicated, the illustrations in the above
figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0067] Referring to FIG. 1, a label sheet 10 according to the
present invention can be made of typical materials used in label
manufacture. A generic depiction of the cross-section of the label
sheet is shown in FIG. 12. The label sheet includes a facestock 12
and a release-coated liner 14. The facestock is coated on one side
16 with a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 18. The label sheet
is suitable for use in laser and ink jet printers and copiers.
[0068] The facestock 12 can be made of any material that is known
in the art including, for example, paper, cardstock, film, and
foil. Further, the facestock can be a laminate of any of the known
materials. To enhance printability, the facestock can be treated on
an exposed surface 20. Suitable treatments include, for example,
corona treatment and various coatings, for example, ink jet
coatings, however, these treatments are not critical to the
functioning of the inventive embodiments
[0069] The release-coated liner 14 can also be any of those known
in the art. Example release-coated liners include those made of
paper and film, and can include laminates, for example, poly-coated
paper. The release-coated liner includes a release coating on one
side 22. The release coating allows the layer of pressure sensitive
adhesive 18 to separate from the release-coated liner while
remaining adhered to the facestock 12, thus exposing the adhesive
and allowing the label to adhere to a substrate. Typical release
coatings include, for example, silicones, waxes, fluorocarbons, and
other low-surface-energy coatings.
[0070] Useful pressure sensitive adhesives 18 include, for example,
rubber-based, and acrylic-based adhesives. The adhesives can be
solvent-based, water-based emulsions and suspensions, or hot melt.
Additionally, the adhesives can be categorized as permanent,
removable, repositionable or ultraremovable, as some non-limiting
examples. The layer of pressure sensitive adhesive can be applied
by any known method, including but not limited to, for example,
slot coating, curtain coating, knife coating, gravure coating and
extrusion coating. It should be understood that if a low-adhesion
pressure sensitive adhesive is employed, for example, a removable,
repositionable or ultraremovable adhesive, the release-coated liner
might not require a release coating.
[0071] An embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.
The label sheet 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of
die cuts 24 in the facestock 12 forming labels 26. As used herein,
the word "plurality" means two or more. The die cuts, i.e.,
continuous cuts, penetrate through the facestock but do not cut
through the release-coated liner 14. The resulting labels form a
column of labels 28. The labels can abut one another, as shown in
FIG. 1, or can be spaced apart. Additionally, an alternative
embodiment 29 is shown in FIG. 3 that includes two columns 28, 30
formed in the label sheet and spaced apart from one another. Other
alternative embodiments can include columns that abut one another,
with no space between adjacent columns. As used herein, the word
"adjacent" means nearby. Thus, embodiments of the label sheets
include a variety of label arrangements including a matrix-type
layout wherein adjacent labels abut one another and a spaced-apart
layout where adjacent labels do not abut one another, and
combinations of the two layouts wherein some adjacent labels abut
one another and other adjacent labels do not abut one another. In
yet another embodiment, the column of labels can be a single label.
Further, it should be understood that the die cuts forming the
labels can be discontinuous cuts, for example, perforations, or
cuts and ties, although discontinuous die cuts are less
desirable
[0072] The column of labels 28 can be further defined as including
a linear edge 32. All the edges 25 of labels 26 in the column abut
the linear edge, thus aligning the labels along the linear edge. An
alternative embodiment includes a column of labels in a staggered
configuration so that the labels do not share a common linear
edge.
[0073] As best seen in FIG. 2, which illustrates the back surface
of the label sheet 10 in FIG. 1, the release-coated liner 14 has a
liner weakened separation line 34 formed therein. As shown, the
liner weakened separation line is made of cuts 36 and ties 38. In
alternative embodiments, the liner weakened separation line can be
made of, for example, perforations, continuous die cuts, and scored
lines. The liner weakened separation line can penetrate through the
release-coated liner, but does not penetrate through the facestock
12. The liner weakened separation line extends from a first edge 40
of the label sheet 10 to an opposite second edge 42 of the label
sheet. The end 44 of the liner weakened separation line can
terminate at an edge with either a cut or a tie but preferably
terminates with a tie. As shown in FIG. 4, which illustrates the
back surface of the label sheet 29 in FIG. 3, an alternative
embodiment can include additional liner weakened separation lines
45 configured as the above described liner weakened separation
line. It should be appreciated that the liner weakened separation
line can extend between a first edge and an adjacent edge 41
without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0074] The liner weakened separation line 34 includes a major
portion 46 and a minor portion 48. FIG. 1 best shows that the major
portion (shown in phantom) underlies the column of labels 28 and is
covered by the column of labels. The minor portion lies outside of
the column of labels and thus does not underlie the column of
labels.
[0075] The major portion 46 of the liner weakened separation line
34 includes a linear portion 50 and at least one curved segment 52,
with the curved segment including only cuts. The linear first
portion is aligned with and is parallel, and adjacent to the linear
edge 32 of the column of labels 28. Preferably, the linear first
portion is adjacent the linear edge of the column of labels so that
folding the label sheet 10 along the linear first portion toward
the release-coated liner 14 results in the labels separating from
the release-coated liner along the linear edge of the column. In
one embodiment, the linear first portion is within half an inch (13
mm) of the linear edge of the column. In another embodiment, the
linear first portion is within a quarter of an inch (6 mm) of the
linear edge of the column. In yet another embodiment, the linear
first edge is within an eighth of an inch (3 mm) of the linear edge
of the column. In yet another embodiment, the linear first portion
is 3/32 of an inch (2.4 mm) from the linear edge of the column.
[0076] Referring back to FIG. 1, the plurality of die cuts 24 in
the facestock 12 forming labels 26 can also form a facestock waste
portion 54. Additional weakened separation lines 56 in the
facestock can further divide the waste portion into subdivided
waste portions 58. The additional weakened separation lines can be
continuous die cut lines, or alternatively, can be discontinuous
lines, for example, perforations or cuts and ties. In one
embodiment, all of the subdivided waste portions remain attached to
the release-coated liner 14 after manufacture of the label sheet 10
is complete. In another embodiment, at least one of the subdivided
waste portions is removed from the release-coated liner.
[0077] FIGS. 5-8 are alternative embodiments viewed at region A-A
on FIG. 3. Turning first to FIGS. 5 and 6, the minor portion 48 of
the liner weakened separation line 45 can be seen in relation to an
additional weakened separation line 56 in the facestock 12. The
projection of the minor portion of the liner weakened separation
line 45 onto the plane of the label sheet 29 is shown intersecting
the additional weakened separation line 56 in the facestock at the
edge 25 of a label 26 at an angle a. In FIG. 5, the minor portion
of the liner weakened separation line 45 underlies a subdivided
waste portion 57 that remains on the release-coated liner 14. In
FIG. 6, the minor portion of the liner weakened separation line 48
is in a portion 59 of the release-coated liner from which the
subdivided waste portion 58 has been removed. Thus, the minor
portion does not underlie the subdivided waste portion. While FIGS.
5 and 6 show the projection of the minor portion of the liner
weakened separation line 45 onto the plane of the label sheet
intersecting the additional weakened separation line 56 in the
facestock at the edge of a label, it can intersect at a position
other than at the edge of the label.
[0078] In alternative embodiments, the projection of the minor
portion does not intersect the additional weakened separation line
56. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate that the projection of the liner
weakened separation line 45 onto the plane of the label sheet can
be parallel to the additional weakened separation line 56 in the
facestock. FIG. 7 shows the projection of the liner weakened
separation line 45 onto the plane of the label sheet on one side of
the additional weakened separation line 56 in the facestock and is
underlying a subdivided waste portion 57 that remains on the
release-coated liner. FIG. 8 shows the projection of the liner
weakened separation line 45 onto the plane of the label sheet on
the other side of the additional weakened separation line 56 (in
comparison to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7) in the
facestock and is in a portion 59 of the release-coated liner above
which the subdivided waste portion 58 has been removed. Thus, the
minor portion does not underlie the subdivided waste portion. As
can be appreciated from FIGS. 1 and 3, the projection of the liner
weakened separation line 46 onto the plane of the label sheet can
be coincident with the additional weakened separation line 56 in
the facestock.
[0079] FIGS. 9-11 are alternative embodiments viewed at region B-B
on FIG. 3. The at least one curved segment 52 of the major portion
46 of the liner weakened separation line 34 can be characterized as
having an apex 60. The apex of the curved segment is the point of
the curved segment that is at the furthest distance from a line 62
defined by the linear portion 50 of the liner weakened separation
line. FIG. 9 shows that the apex of the curved segment adjacent to
the linear edge 32 can underlie the column of labels 28. FIG. 10
shows another embodiment wherein the apex is adjacent to, and
extends to, the linear edge 32 of the column of labels. FIG. 11
shows yet another embodiment wherein the apex does not underlie the
column of labels and extends beyond the linear edge. In each of
these embodiments, the curved segment is shown spanning two
adjacent labels. In alternative embodiments, the curved segment
spans a label and the subdivided waste portion 58.
[0080] The label sheet 10, 29 described above can be manufactured
by the following process on conventional label converting equipment
known in the art. The process is shown as a flow chart in FIG. 13.
A label stock including a facestock 12 and release-coated liner 14
releasably adhered together with a layer of pressure sensitive
adhesive 18 is loaded in roll form onto a label press at step 64.
The label stock can include surface treatments and coatings to
enhance printability in laser and inkjet printers, and copiers. The
label stock is unrolled into a web on the label press and the
facestock is die cut into at least one column of labels 28 at a
facestock station at step 66. The facestock can include waste
portions 58 defined by additional weakened lines 56 in the
facestock that are usually formed at the same time as the column of
labels or can be formed at a separate station. The release-coated
liner has weakened separation lines 34 formed in it at step 68,
usually at a liner station separated from the facestock station.
The weakened separation lines on the release-coated liner include
major 46 and minor 48 portions described above, as well as a linear
portion 50 and at least one curved segment 52. The weakened
separation lines on the release-coated liner are located such that
the major portion underlies the column of labels. At another
station, the web of label stock is cut into sheets at step 70,
typically of sizes suitable for desktop printers and copiers, for
example, 8.5 inches.times.11 inches (215.9 mm.times.279.4 mm), 4
inches.times.6 inches (101.6.times.152.4 mm), 8.5 inches.times.14
inches (215.9 mm.times.355.6 mm), and A4 (8.3 inches.times.11.7
inches, 210 mm.times.297 mm). The sheets of label stock can be
packaged using the label converting equipment or can be packaged
using a separate packaging machine.
[0081] The back side of a label sheet 80 of another embodiment of
the current invention is shown generally in FIG. 14. The sheet
depicted is similar to the label sheet 29 depicted in FIGS. 3 and
4. The release-coated liner 81 includes liner weakened separation
lines 82 that are parallel to and adjacent the edges 25 of labels
26 die cut in the facestock sheet 12. The liner weakened separation
lines are formed with a series of cuts 36 and ties 38. The liner
weakened separation lines include major portions 84 underneath the
labels and minor portions 86 under a waste portion 58 of the
facestock sheet.
[0082] The major portions 84 of the weakened separation lines 82
include two types of curved segments 90, 92. Both types of curved
segments are free of ties, and include only die cuts. Curved
segment 90 is similar to curved segment 60 shown in FIGS. 9-11.
Curved segment 90 is generally aligned between two adjacent labels
26 and can completely underlie the labels or extend a distance past
the edge 25 of the labels as described elsewhere herein. Thus,
portions of curved segment 90 span or underlie two adjacent labels.
Additionally, a curved segment 90 can span or extend across the die
cut 24 between a label and the waste portion 58.
[0083] Curved segments 92 are smaller than curved segments 90 and
of a similar shape. Each curved segment 92 completely underlies a
single label 26. As shown in FIG. 14, two curved segments underlie
each label, approximately equally spaced across the label. However,
any number of curved segments can underlie a single label, and the
curved segments need not be equally spaced or symmetrically spaced
under the label. Additionally, the curved segments 92 can be the
same size as, or larger than, the curved segments 90.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 15, the curved segments 90, 92, also
referred to as shapes, are rounded. The shapes include rounded
apices 91 with rounded transitions 93 to the linear portions 94 of
the linear weakened separation line 82. Alternative shapes are also
useful. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the apices can be cut
off, or truncated, to form linear portions 95 that are parallel, or
alternatively, skewed relative to a label edge 25. The transitions
96 between the curved segments can be linear as well. Thus, the
curved segments need not necessarily be curved and can be square,
rectangular, trapezoidal, elliptical, triangular, or other shapes.
FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate embodiments of segments 90 and 92 as
triangle-shaped cuts 97 and trapezoid-shaped cuts 98. Additionally,
the two types of curved segments 90, 92 can be different shapes
within a single linear weakened separation line.
[0085] FIG. 19 illustrates a label sheet 100 of another embodiment
of the present invention. The label sheet is shown with an edge 102
folded toward the release-coated liner side 104 along a linear
weakened separation line 106. Folding the edge separates a portion
108 of the labels 118 from the release-coated liner 110 and exposes
pressure sensitive adhesive 112 on the back side of the labels. The
labels are easily removed from the label sheet by grasping the
partially separated labels and peeling them from the rest of the
release-coated liner.
[0086] With the linear weakened separation line 106 adjacent the
edge 25 of the labels 118, and the apices 60 of the shapes adjacent
the edge of the labels, when the edge 102 of the sheet 100 is
folded, the relatively stiff labels 118 separate from the release-
coated liner. The curved portions 114 and 116 of the liner weakened
separation line 82 being free of ties, remain adhered to the
labels, producing holes 120 and 122, respectively, in the folded
edge of the release-coated liner 110. The separated portions 108 of
the labels include facestock and adhesive in the areas not covered
by the curved portions. The areas of the labels covered by the
curved portions include facestock 124, adhesive 112 and
release-coated liner 110, thereby stiffening that portion of the
label sufficiently to cause separation from the release-coated
liner upon folding. The amount of stiffening can be controlled, for
example, by altering the sizes of the curved portions, the number
of curved portions, and the shape of curved portions. The
separation of labels made of thinner, more flexible materials, for
example, film labels instead of paper labels, is improved by
increasing the number of the curved portions, the increasing size
of the curved portions, or by altering the shape of the curved
portions, or by any combination of these factors.
[0087] As discussed previously, the major portions 46 and 84 of the
weakened separation lines 34 and 82, respectively, include cuts 36
and ties 38. The lengths of the cuts and the lengths of the ties
can vary. Ties can range in length from approximately 0.013 inches
(0.33 mm) to approximately 0.050 inches (1.27 mm) long. For
example, in one embodiment, the ties are 0.030 inches (0.76 mm)
long. Cuts can be any length, with the length of each cut being
determined by the spacing between adjacent ties along a weakened
separation line. In one embodiment, the cuts have a length from
approximately 0.042 inches (1.06 mm) to approximately 0.047 inches
(1.19 mm) long. Other lengths of cuts and ties are possible without
deviating from the spirit of the invention, for example,
microperforations can be used, in which the cuts and ties are much
smaller. In one embodiment, curved segments 52, 90, 92 are
separated from linear first portions 50, 94 by bounding ties.
Embodiments with multiple weakened separation lines can have
different cut and tie lengths on different weakened separation
lines. Additionally, minor portions 48, 86 of the weakened
separation lines can have cuts and ties in which the cuts are
shorter in length as the weakened separation line approaches the
edge 40 of the sheet 10, 29, 80. Alternatively, in other
embodiments, there are no cuts and ties within 0.25 inches (6.35
mm) of the edge of the sheet.
[0088] With reference now to FIG. 20, another embodiment of a label
sheet 200 is formed of a release-coated liner sheet 14 with a
facestock sheet 132 releasably adhered thereto with pressure
sensitive adhesive. A plurality of die cut lines 134 are formed in
the facestock to define releasable labels 136 therein. The labels
are shown as being ordered in a plurality of columns 135, 137, 139
and having a generally rectangular shape, and as such the labels
can have any shape. Furthermore, although the labels are shown as
abutting adjacent labels, an individual having ordinary skill in
the art will understand that this embodiment is typically practiced
to obtain the maximum number of labels per label sheet but there is
no requirement imposed by the present disclosure that adjacent
labels abut one another. Furthermore, in embodiments where adjacent
labels do not abut, the area between labels can have facestock
thereupon or can be devoid of facestock. Similarly, in the
embodiments shown, the border area 54 surrounding the labels 136
can have facestock thereupon or can be devoid of facestock.
[0089] Label sheet 200 further includes weakened separation lines
140, 140', 140'' in the release-coated liner 14 that extend from
the top edge 138 to the bottom edge 142 of the label sheet along a
selected edge 144 of each column 135, 137, 139 of labels 136 and
are formed with a generally sinusoidal shape 145 that crosses the
selected edge of each label twice. The weakened separation lines
partially extend past the selected edge of each respective label
and partially extend beneath the label. FIG. 20 illustrates three
such lines 140, 140' in the release-coated liner that extend along
the right edge of each column of labels as well as one weakened
separation line 140'' in the release-coated liner that extends
along the left edge of the leftmost column of labels. A
corresponding weakened separation line 56 in the facestock 132 is
also provided over each portion of each liner weakened separation
line that extends from the edge of the label sheet to the nearest
label. The generally sinusoidal weakened separation lines in the
release-coated liner are further formed so that they extend beneath
the label as they cross adjacent labels in the same column, and
extend past the label generally in the middle of each label.
[0090] In one embodiment, the weakened separation lines 140 in the
release-coated liner 14 are formed with ties 141 (continuous, or
uncut portions), as shown in FIG. 20. In the specific,
illustrative, non-limiting embodiment shown, the ties 141 are
disposed at the apex 133 of the weakened separation line in the
release-coated liner where the line extend s past the edge 25 of
each label 136. However, in such embodiments where the weakened
separation line in the release-coated liner is formed with ties,
the ties can be disposed at other locations along the respective
line. In other embodiments, there are no ties in the weakened
separation line 140' and 140'' in the release-coated liner
[0091] With reference to FIG. 21, the label sheet 200 of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 20 can be grasped with one hand on one
side of the weakened separation line 140 and the other hand on the
other side of the selected line (in FIG. 21, the line in the
release-coated liner that is right-most in the sheet 200 is
selected). The label sheet separates along the selected weakened
separation line in the release-coated liner into two pieces 146,
148 when the two hands pull the two pieces apart. The right-most
piece 148 of the label sheet separates along the right-most
weakened separation line in the release-coated liner 14 as well as
the respective weakened separation lines 56 in the facestock 132
from the rest of the label sheet 146. The upper and lower
right-hand corners 151, 152 of each label 136 in the right-most
column 135 of labels are exposed facilitating the grasping and
peeling of the respective label off the release-coated liner sheet.
The separation of the right-most piece of the label sheet also
leaves portions 154 of the release-coated liner exposed that
correspond to the portions of the weakened separation line in the
release-coated liner that extend beyond the edge of each label.
These exposed release-coated liner portions can also aid the user
in separating the respective label by allowing the user to grasp
the exposed release-coated liner portion and peel it back or away
from the label, which can also be done concurrently with grasping a
corner of the label and peeling forward or away from the
release-coated liner.
[0092] In the manner described above, each column of labels can be
individually separated from an adjacent column of labels prior to
removing the labels therefrom. Additionally, in an embodiment that
includes a weakened separation line 140'' in the release-coated
liner 14 formed along the left edge of the left-most column of
labels as shown in the embodiments of FIG. 20, the process can also
begin by separating the left-most portion of the label sheet 200
from the rest of the label sheet. As shown, such a left-most
weakened separation line in the release-coated liner would
preferably be essentially a mirror image of a right-most weakened
separation line in the release-coated liner.
[0093] The generally sinusoidal shape 145 of the weakened
separation lines 140 in the release-coated liner 14 shown in FIGS.
20 and 21 is for illustration purposes only. In additional
embodiments, liner weakened separation lines can be formed along
any other practical path provided that they enable the separation
of each portion of the label sheet 200 from the adjacent portion
(e.g., 146, 148) with relative ease and without tearing of the
release-coated liner 14 or of the facestock 132 along any path
other than along the weakened separation lines 140, 140', 140'' in
the release-coated liner and the weakened separation lines 56 cut
in the facestock 12, and leaving at least a portion 151, 152 along
the edge 25 of each label 136 exposed for ease of separation from
the release-coated liner. Furthermore, the overall shapes, the
actual dimensions, period, and amplitude of the cuts in the
release-coated liner can vary according any of a number of factors,
including the thickness of the release-coated liner and the
facestock, the depth and/or type of the respective cuts, the
strength of the adhesive, aesthetics, etc.
[0094] In an alternative method of use, a portion of the label
sheet 200 can be bent back along a selected weakened separation
line in the release-coated liner 140, 140', 140'', thereby forcing
the edges 25 of the respective labels 136 to pop up off the
release- coated liner and allow them to be grasped. The embodiments
of lines 140', 140'' in the release-coated liner that do not have
ties 141 at each apex 133 are typically more conducive to being
easily bent back than the embodiments of weakened separation lines
140 in the release-coated liner that are formed with ties
therein.
[0095] With reference now to FIG. 22, in a further alternative,
illustrative embodiment of a label sheet 250 that is similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 20, weakened separation lines 156 in the
release-coated liner can be formed with the same generally
sinusoidal shape 145 discussed previously with respect to weakened
separation lines 140 shown in FIG. 20, but are disposed underneath
each column 135, 137, 139 of labels 136 such that an apex 133 of
the weakened separation line in the release-coated liner does not
reach beyond, but rather generally coincides with, the edge 25 of
the respective label. This embodiment, as with the embodiment of
FIG. 23 discussed below, will therefore not expose any portion of
the release-coated liner 14 when the label sheet is separated into
portions along the weakened separation lines in the release-coated
liner, and will provide exposed corners 151, 152 of each label for
ease of removal as described previously. Weakened separation lines
in the release-coated liner can be formed with or without ties, as
discussed elsewhere above
[0096] In another illustrative alternative embodiment 260, shown in
FIG. 23, weakened separation lines 158 are cut in the
release-coated liner 14 to extend from the top edge 138 of the
label sheet 260 along each edge 144 of each column 135, 137, 139 of
labels 136. The lines are formed with a periodic shape composed of
generally straight angular segments 159 that extend at an angle
between the top and bottom edge of each label to the side edge of
the respective label, to thereby define the corners 151, 152 that
will be subsequently exposed upon separation of the label sheet
into two portions 146, 148, and generally straight vertical
segments 157 that extend along the edge 25 of each label between
the corresponding angular segments to define a single, continuous
weakened separation line 158 in the release-coated liner. Providing
such a line in the release-coated liner along each edge of each
column of labels provides a choice to the user as to which column
of labels to use first, but it must be understood that a single
weakened separation line in the release-coated liner can be
provided for each column of labels, which can be formed underneath
either of the left or right edge of each column of labels. As with
the previous embodiments, a corresponding weakened separation line
56 in the facestock 132 is also provided over each portion of each
liner weakened separation line 158 that extends from the edge of
the label sheet to the nearest label. This embodiment will thus not
expose any portion of the release-coated liner 14 when the label
sheet is separated into portions along the weakened separation
lines in the release-coated liner but will provide exposed corners
of each label for ease of removal as described previously.
[0097] In still another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, a label
sheet 270 is formed with weakened separation lines 160, 160' in the
release-coated liner 14 that extend generally along the edge 144 of
each column 135, 137, 139 of labels 136 and beneath each label, but
extend beyond the edge 25 of each label at the interface 161
between adjoining labels. In this embodiment, the weakened
separation lines in the release-coated liner also extend beyond the
edge of the respective column of labels as they extend past the
edge of each label. The embodiment of the weakened separation line
160 in the release-coated liner is formed with ties 141 along the
straight segments whereas the embodiment of the weakened separation
line 160' does not include any ties.
[0098] In still another embodiment, also shown in FIG. 24, weakened
separation line 162 in the release-coated liner 14 is similar to
weakened separation lines 160, 160' but as the line 162 extend s
past the edge 25 of each label 136 at the interface between
adjoining labels it does not extend beyond the edge of the
respective column of labels. The weakened separation line 162 in
the release-coated liner is formed with ties 141 in the straight
segments thereof, similar to weakened separation line 160 in the
release-coated liner. Another embodiment of a weakened separation
line 162' in the release-coated liner extend s along the left-most
edge of the left-most column of labels in the label sheet and also
does not extend beyond the edge of the respective column of labels
as it extend s past the edge of each label at the interface between
adjoining labels, but does not include ties, similar to weakened
separation line 160' in the release-coated liner. As described
hereinabove, weakened separation line 162' in the release-coated
liner is essentially a mirror image of weakened separation line 162
in the release-coated liner. In use of the embodiments of FIG. 24,
the user can choose to tear the label sheet apart along a selected
weakened separation line in the release-coated liner or bend it
backwards, as previously discussed.
[0099] With reference now to FIGS. 25-33, in further embodiments, a
cut 300, 320, 340, 360 in a release-coated liner 14 of a label
sheet 10, 29, 80, 200, 250, 260, 270 is provided to tear the label
sheet into two portions 146, 148, as previously disclosed. This cut
can be formed by die cutting, scoring, or microperforations, as
previously disclosed, or by any other practicable method
[0100] Liner separation cuts known in the art are comprised of a
single continuous cut line, along which separation occurs. Other
liner separation cuts known in the art include a plurality of cut
segments interspersed by ties that are all aligned on a single
continuous line in an end-to-end fashion. In both of these cases,
the separation path and the cuts are coincident, meaning the
separation path and the cuts lie on the same line. The embodiments
shown in FIGS. 25-33 have at least portions of cuts that do not lie
on the separation path. In further embodiments, the cut segments
are not linear segments but rather are complex shapes consisting of
several linear segments joined together.
[0101] One illustrative embodiment is shown in FIG. 25. A
separation line 300 that can be cut in a release-coated liner 14 of
a label sheet 10, 29, 80, 200, 250, 260, 270 as described elsewhere
hereinabove is composed of a plurality of individual cut segments
164 that are disposed along, and at an acute angle to, the
separation path 166 (shown as a dashed line), along which the
separation is selected to occur when the label sheet is torn as
described hereinabove. Each individual cut segment has a top end
164t and a bottom end 164b, with the cut segments disposed relative
to one another such that the top end of each segment is at the same
point on the separation path as the bottom end of the immediately
adjacent segment. In other embodiments, the segments can be
disposed so that their respective adjacent ends are less far along
the separation path, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 26, or
alternatively can be disposed so that their respective adjacent
ends are farther along the separation path as shown in FIG. 27. To
separate along the separation path using any of the embodiments of
FIGS. 25-27, the label sheet is torn as previously described.
[0102] With reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, in an alternative
embodiment, a separation line 320 is composed of a plurality of cut
shapes 168 disposed along a selected separation path 166, each
shape is composed of two cut segments 168', 168''joined end-to-end.
The shapes are disposed along the separation path with the same
segment 168'' aligned on the separation path, and the segment 168'
is at an angle to the separation path, such that each shape appears
as half of a "Y" shape and includes a top end 168t and a bottom end
168b. The shapes can be disposed such that the bottom end of each
shape and the top end of the immediately adjacent shape are aligned
on an imaginary line 170 perpendicular to the separation path. In
alternative embodiments, the bottom end of a shape and the top end
of the immediately adjacent shape do not lie on the imaginary
line.
[0103] The embodiment of FIGS. 30 and 31 is similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 28 in that a separation line 340 is composed of
a plurality of cut shapes 172 disposed along a selected separation
path 166. The cut shapes of this embodiment have a generally "Y"
shaped configuration, with the top of the fork of the "Y" defining
a top end 172t of each shape and the bottom of the leg of the "Y"
defining a bottom end 172b of the shape. The shapes are disposed
along the separation path with the leg of each "Y" shape aligned on
the separation path. The shapes can be disposed such that the top
end of a shape and the bottom end of the immediately adjacent shape
are aligned on an imaginary line 170 perpendicular to the
separation path. In alternative embodiments, the bottom end of a
shape and the top end of the immediately adjacent shape do not end
on the imaginary line.
[0104] The embodiment of FIGS. 32 and 33 is similar to the
embodiments of FIGS. 28 and 30 in that a separation line 360 is
composed of a plurality of cut shapes 174 disposed along a selected
separation path 166. The cut shapes of this embodiment have a
generally "V" shaped configuration, with the top of the fork of the
"V" defining a top end 174t of each shape and the tip of the "V"
defining a bottom end 174b of the shape. The shapes are disposed
along the separation path with the tip of each "V" shape disposed
on the separation path and the arms of the "V" extending at equal
angles to the separation path. The shapes can be disposed such that
the top end of a shape and the bottom end of the immediately
adjacent shape are aligned on an imaginary line 170 perpendicular
to the separation path. In alternative embodiments, the bottom end
of a shape and the top end of the immediately adjacent shape do not
end on the imaginary line.
[0105] In another embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 34, a label
sheet 400 can be formed with a plurality of labels 136 as described
elsewhere herein. In the present embodiment, the label sheet is
further formed with weakened separation lines 176 cut in the
release-coated liner 14 to aid in tearing the label sheet into two
portions and thereby expose the edges 25 of a column 135, 137, 139
of labels for easy removal thereof. In this particular embodiment,
liner weakened separation lines are composed of cut segments 178
and 180, underlying weakened facestock lines 56 and 55,
respectively, and extending from each of the top 138 and bottom 142
edge, respectively, of the label sheet to a point P between two
adjacent labels in two adjacent columns of labels. The separation
lines also include substantially parallel weakened separation lines
182, 184. Weakened separation line 182 extend s between the two cut
segments and underneath one of the columns of labels, and weakened
separation line 184 extending between the two cut segments and
underneath the other column of labels. Angled cut segments 181, 183
connect the weakened separation lines 182, 184 with the cut
segments 178, 180. It must be understood that the weakened
separation lines 182, 184 can be formed in any of the embodiments
disclosed herein or known in the art. Thus, weakened separation
lines 176, 182, 184 are shown to be essentially straight, linear
cuts, whereas weakened separation lines 182', 184' of weakened
separation line 176' are essentially separation paths along which a
plurality of cut segments formed in accordance with the embodiment
of FIG. 27 are disposed. The weakened separation lines 182, 184 can
also be formed in a generally sinusoidal pattern 145 as also
disclosed above, and can be formed with or without ties therein. As
discussed hereinabove, a corresponding weakened separation line 55,
56 in the facestock is also provided over each portion of each cut
segment.
[0106] An advantage conferred by the embodiments of FIG. 34 is that
the label sheet can be torn apart to expose either of the two
columns of labels straddled by each separation line 176 or
176'simply by choosing which of the two portions 146, 148 to pull
and push away. For instance, looking at the label sheet 400 from
the facestock 132 side and grasping the label sheet with the user's
right hand on the right side of separation line 178, and the user's
left hand on the left side of the separation line, the label sheet
can be separated to expose the left edges of the rightmost column
135 of labels 136 by holding the left hand still and moving the
right hand toward the user's body. Alternatively, holding the
user's right hand still and moving the left hand toward the user's
body exposes the right edges of the center column 137 of
labels.
[0107] In a variation on the above embodiment shown in FIG. 35, the
columns 135, 137, 139 of labels 136 on the label sheet 450 are
separated as previously shown and discussed in the embodiment of
FIG. 24. As previously discussed, the area between the columns of
labels can have facestock 12 disposed over the release-coated liner
14. In alternative embodiments, the area between the columns of
labels can be devoid of facestock disposed over the release-coated
liner. As shown in FIG. 35, in one embodiment, weakened separation
line 190 includes weakened separation line segments 178, 180, which
extend from each of the top 138 and bottom 142 edges of the label
sheet to a point P, between adjacent labels in two adjacent columns
of labels, and two substantially parallel weakened separation lines
186, 188, each extending between the two cut segments. Weakened
separation line 186 extends between the two cut segments and
underneath one of the columns of labels, and weakened separation
line 188 extends between the two cut segments and underneath the
other column of labels. Angled cut segments 185, 187 connect the
weakened separation lines 186, 188 with the cut segments 178, 180.
In this embodiment the point P is also disposed between the two
columns of labels. In an alternative embodiment, separation line
190' is formed similarly to separation line 190 but the point P'
where the two substantially parallel weakened separation lines
186', 188' intersect the cut segments 178, 180 is disposed
underneath the edge of the topmost and bottommost labels. To
require the same amount of effort to separate the label sheet in
either direction, it is desirable that the two substantially
parallel weakened separation lines are spaced an equal amount from
the edge of the respective column of labels, as shown in the
figure.
[0108] In an alternative embodiment, the weakened separation line
in the release-coated liner 14, etc. of any of the embodiments
disclosed herein does not reach the edge of the release-coated
liner 130 but rather ends in a tie 192 adjacent to the edge, as
shown in FIG. 36, which depicts the detail of an embodiment label
sheet 400 at region C-C shown in FIG. 34 from the back side (i.e.
looking at the release-coated liner, not the facestock 132). The
provision of a small tie between the edge of the sheet 138 and the
liner cut 178 can help prevent premature tearing of the label
sheet, for example, while feeding the label sheet through a
printer.
[0109] In a still further embodiment of a liner cut 194 as shown in
FIG. 37, which also depicts a label sheet 400 at region C-C shown
in FIG. 34 from the back side (release-coated liner 130 side), the
liner cut intersects the edge 138 of the release-coated liner at an
angle y other than 90.degree. to help minimize inadvertent tearing
of the label sheet during handling. Thus, as shown, the liner cut
is formed with an angled segment 196 at its end where it intersects
the edge of the release-coated liner. The angled segment intersects
the liner cut at a point of inflexion P''. Such an embodiment can
be advantageous with an embodiment of a label sheet where the
labels 136 extend to the edge of the label sheet and there is no
matrix of release-coated liner or release-coated liner and
facestock surrounding the columns of labels. The angled portion of
the liner cut that intersects the label sheet edge will allow easy
separation and also help minimize or prevent inadvertent tearing
due to handling. In embodiments where the liner cut is formed of a
plurality of cut segments 36 interspersed with ties 38 (as shown in
FIG. 37) rather than a single continuous line and the labels extend
to the edge of the sheet, it is desirable that a cut segment extend
to the edge of the release-coated liner/label sheet rather than a
tie. Similarly, in such an embodiment, it is preferable that the
point of inflexion P'' of the liner cut also be defined by an
uninterrupted cut segment (as also shown in FIG. 37) with no ties
therebetween to help the change in direction of the tearing force
applied during separation of the label sheet.
[0110] In a variation as shown in FIG. 38, a liner cut 198 is
formed with a segment 204 at the end that intersects the edge 138
of the release-coated liner 130 perpendicularly, but which is
offset from, and connected to, the liner cut by an angled segment
202. In embodiments where the liner cut is formed of a plurality of
cut segments interspersed with ties (as shown in FIG. 38) rather
than a single continuous line and the labels extend to the edge of
the sheet, it is desirable that a cut segment extend to the edge of
the release-coated liner/label sheet rather than a tie. Similarly,
in such an embodiment, it is preferable that the points of
inflexion P'' where the liner cut changes direction be defined by
an uninterrupted cut segment (as also shown in FIG. 38) with no
ties therebetween to help the change in direction of the tearing
force applied during separation of the label sheet.
[0111] In another variation as shown in FIG. 39, a liner cut 206 is
formed with a curvilinear segment 208 at the end that intersects
the edge 138 of the release-coated liner 130 at 90.degree., and
which connects to the liner cut at an inflexion point P''. In
embodiments where the liner cut is formed of a plurality of cut
segments 36 interspersed with ties 38 (as shown in FIG. 39) rather
than a single continuous line and the labels extend to the edge of
the sheet, it is desirable that a cut segment extend to the edge of
the release-coated liner/label sheet rather than a tie. Similarly,
in such an embodiment, it is preferable that the points of
inflexion P'' where the liner cut changes direction be defined by
an uninterrupted cut segment (as also shown in FIG. 38) with no
ties therebetween to help the change in direction of the tearing
force applied during separation of the label sheet. It must be
understood that the embodiments of FIGS. 37-39 can also be formed
with liner cuts that are continuous die cuts, scores, or
microperforations. Inflection points P'' are shown as angle,
however, the angled segment or curvilinear segment can intersect
the liner cut in a curved manner to further direct the change in
direction of the tearing force.
[0112] It is to be understood that the foregoing description of
embodiments has been presented for illustrative purposes and is not
intended to limit the invention to the presented embodiments. Other
embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention. Accordingly, many modifications and variations
are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the
curved segments formed in the release-coated liner can be other
shapes such as triangular or semi-circular. It is therefore
intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by specific
examples in the detailed description.
* * * * *