Wrap-around label, system and method for applying a wrap-around label to a container

Abstract

A wraparound label (10) for a container (40) has a first label section (11) with a first perforation (14) and a second label section (12) with a second perforation (15). The label sections (11, 12) are coupled together and their perforations (14, 15) each comprise a plurality of perforation openings (141, 151) and an intervening perforation space (18).The first and second label sections (11, 12) are each designed to wrap around the circumference of a vessel body (41) and / or a vessel closure (42) of the vessel (40) at least once, so that, with reference to an operationally applied state of the over-label (10) on the vessel (40), the first and second label sections (11, 12) wrap around the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) completely, and the perforation openings (141, 151) of the first and second perforation (14, 15) are offset from each other with respect to a winding or application direction (R, A) and are designed without overlap.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a wrap-around label for a multi-part container, which can contribute to reliable labeling and secure protection for the contents of the container in a simple and cost-effective manner. The invention also relates to a system comprising such a wrap-around label and a multi-part container, and to a method for applying such a wrap-around label to a multi-part container.

[0002] Labels are used, among other things, for authorization, authentication, or to prove the origin of a given item. For example, a labeling arrangement is used when it is necessary to protect ingredients from unauthorized access or other external influences. Labeling arrangements are also used, for example, to indicate that the associated container has been opened. This particularly applies to containers in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, whose contents must be protected against unwanted influences.

[0003] It is an object underlying the invention to contribute in a simple and cost-effective manner to reliable labeling and secure protection for a multi-part vessel and its contents.

[0004] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the respective dependent patent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a wrap-around label for a multi-part container comprises a first label portion comprising a first perforation, and a second label portion coupled to the first label portion and comprising a second perforation. The first and second perforations each have a plurality of perforation openings, between which a respective perforation gap is provided relative to a winding or application direction of the wrap-around label.The first and the second label section are each designed to wrap around a circumference of a vessel body and / or a vessel closure of the vessel at least once, so that, based on a properly applied state of the wrap-around label on the vessel, the first and the second label section wrap around the vessel body and / or the vessel closure all the way around and the perforation openings of the first and the second perforation are offset from one another and formed without overlapping with respect to the winding or application direction.

[0006] Using the described label structure of the wrap-around label, pharmaceutical containers such as syringes, vials, or injection bottles can be reliably and automatically labeled. Furthermore, the wrap-around label with sealed perforations provides secure protection for such containers and their contents, counteracting adverse effects due to the ingress and / or egress of reactive gases, liquids, and / or radiation, particularly in the ultraviolet and / or visible spectral range. The special design of the perforations prevents the formation of, or at least counteracts the formation of, a continuous passageway through which gases, liquids, or electromagnetic radiation could undesirably enter the container contents.

[0007] The wrap-around label preferably has one or more flat barrier layers arranged in the first and / or second label section. Each barrier layer can be designed as a plastic film element for a gas-tight coating on an inner side or underside of the wrap-around label. The wrap-around label is also referred to below as a label. As a wrap-around label, the label has dimensions tailored to the intended use on the container to be labeled. A width along the application or winding direction is accordingly designed such that it is equal to or greater than a circumferential length of the container at its longest circumferential point. Accordingly, when wrapped around the container, the label comes to lie on itself at least partially or in sections.It thus provides the greatest possible protection for the contents of the vessel against certain substances and radiation and also serves as an information carrier.

[0008] The label can also be designed to match the dimensions of the vessel in terms of its length. The aforementioned vessels are usually cylindrical and essentially rotationally symmetrical, so that a longitudinal axis of the label is usually set up or aligned parallel to a central axis, cylinder axis and / or rotation axis during application. The label is then rotated around a vessel during application and encloses it. The length of the label can therefore also be related to a longitudinal axis of the vessel and usually extends perpendicular to the width or a circumferential direction of the vessel. The length of the label can be designed such that it covers the vessel as much as possible or even encloses it beyond it, so that it can be sealed, for example, glued and / or welded, above the vessel closure and / or below the vessel base.

[0009] In the context of this description, terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "upper side" and "underside" refer to positions and orientations as they occur during the intended, normal use of the label. Thus, an upper side faces an outside area or away from the container and usually contains information such as printing and / or labeling. The underside accordingly faces the container body. A front or leading label edge refers to the side of the label that is applied to the container first, depending on the direction of application. Accordingly, the container closure essentially forms a head section of the container and is usually arranged on top of the container body. A rear or trailing label edge is accordingly the opposite side of the label, which is usually pressed down last when wrapping the syringe or container.The application direction, for example, represents the direction in which the label is applied to the container. The wrapping direction, therefore, is the opposite and points to the direction in which the label is wrapped around the container.

[0010] According to a further development of the wrap-around label, the first and second label sections are designed as two mutually adjacent regions of a common material web of the wrap-around label and are arranged next to one another along the winding or application direction. The first and second label sections are thus configured together to wrap around a circumference of the container body and / or the container closure twice, so that, based on a properly applied state of the wrap-around label on the container, the first label section wraps around the container body and / or the container closure once, and the second label section wraps around the container body and / or the container closure once, so that the first label section is arranged between the container and the second label section.In the applied state, the second label section forms an upper label part and covers the underlying first label section, wherein the perforations of the two label sections are specifically designed such that a respective perforation opening of the first perforation is arranged above or below a perforation gap of the second perforation with respect to a stacking direction perpendicular to the winding and application direction, and a respective perforation opening of the second perforation is arranged above or below a perforation gap of the first perforation. The first label section thus extends between the front label edge and the second label section. The second label section thus extends between the first label section and the rear label edge.

[0011] Alternatively, the two label sections can form two separate layers of the wraparound label and, with respect to the stacking direction, can be arranged one above the other perpendicular to the winding and application direction, so that a respective perforation opening of the first perforation is formed above or below a perforation gap of the second perforation, with respect to the stacking direction, and a respective perforation opening of the second perforation is formed above or below a perforation gap of the first perforation. The stacking direction essentially defines a direction perpendicular to the winding and application direction and the longitudinal direction of the label. While a width of the label refers to the winding and application direction and a length of the label refers to the longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis, a thickness of the label can be related to the stacking direction.

[0012] The first and second label sections each form a label part, which together allow for a tight wrapping of the container despite perforations. The respective perforations are incorporated into the wraparound label in such a way that they do not overlap when applied, thus preventing any passageway for gas, liquid, or radiation to enter, which could adversely affect the contents of the container.

[0013] According to a further development of the wrap-around label, the perforation openings and / or the intervening perforation spaces of the first and second perforations are configured differently. For example, the perforation openings of the first perforation can comprise curved slits with perforation curves or perforation points that are configured to match the perforation spaces of the second perforation. The second perforation can, for example, be designed as a plurality of linear slits or dot openings, the spacing of which is adapted to the perforation openings of the first perforation.

[0014] According to a further development, the wrap-around label has one or more non-adhesive areas. Preferably, an adhesive layer is provided on the underside of the wrap-around label to enable it to be attached to the container easily and reliably. An non-adhesive area is preferably formed on the underside of the first label section below the first perforation. This can improve the opening dynamics of the labeled container because, compared to a fully adhesive label, less force is required to twist open and / or peel off the container closure and cut through the label. Such a non-adhesive area can be created by applying no adhesive to this position or by applying an adhesive weakening agent which weakens the adhesive strength in a predetermined manner.The adhesive-free area(s) can accordingly also be referred to as weakened or neutral areas. Alternatively or additionally to the adhesive-free area below the first perforation, an adhesive-free area can be formed on the underside of the second label section below or adjacent to the second perforation.

[0015] According to a further development of the wrap-around label, the first and second perforations are offset from one another with respect to a longitudinal axis of the wrap-around label. The two perforations can have a predetermined offset from one another, so that, for example, the first perforation is formed closer to the upper label edge than the second perforation. This can further help ensure that the perforations do not overlap during normal wrapping of the container and do not create an undesired channel for radiation or fluid entry / exit. In particular, with such vertically offset perforations, both label sections can have an adhesive-free or adhesive-weakened area below their respective perforation in order to enable a particularly simple and directed tear-open process.

[0016] According to a further development, the wraparound label comprises a sealing material arranged on an upper side of the first label section relative to the stacking direction and covering the first perforation at least in sections and / or being formed adjacent to the first perforation. Such a sealing material, as a sealing structure, can provide a further barrier against the formation of a continuous channel during application of the label, which would allow undesired radiation or fluid entry / exit.

[0017] According to a further development, the wrap-around label has a third label section, which is formed adjacent to the first and / or second label section and with these from a common material web of the wrap-around label, so that the three label sections together are designed to wrap around a circumference of the vessel body and / or the vessel closure more than twice. Based on a properly applied state of the label on the vessel, the first label section wraps around the vessel body and / or the vessel closure once, and the second label section wraps around the vessel body and / or the vessel closure once, covering the first label section. The third label section then lies on the second label section. By means of such a third label section, simplified handling of the label and even more reliable wrapping of the vessel can be achieved.The third label section, for example, forms a grip tab as an outer edge strip, which allows for a predetermined and controlled tearing of the label and opening of the container. The third label section can further have a third perforation that continues from the first and / or second perforation. The respective perforations can be of the same shape or different.

[0018] According to a further development, the wrap-around label has a leading label edge with respect to the application direction, which delimits the first label section of the wrap-around label. The wrap-around label further has an opposite trailing label edge, which delimits the second or third label section or a further, final label section of the wrap-around label on the opposite side. The first label section comprises an upper and a lower region with respect to a longitudinal axis, wherein the upper region has a recess compared to the lower region. The lower region is designed to be attached to the vessel body of the vessel, and the upper region is designed to be attached to the vessel closure of the vessel.When the wrap-around label is applied to the container as intended, the lower area comes into contact with the container before the upper area.

[0019] Because the label has a protruding leading edge, the label structure ensures that forces occurring during labeling are not transmitted to other parts of the container, or at least are significantly reduced. This applies, for example, to torsional force transmission, which is particularly undesirable in the case of closure caps on sterile containers and carries the risk that established sterility is lost due to relative movement of the closure cap relative to the container body. In the case of pharmaceutical containers, such as syringes, it is desirable that a cap area remains free of mechanical stress during processing in order not to endanger the sterility of the closure area. In particular, relative movement between a container body and a closure cap or a closure element should be avoided wherever possible.

[0020] When the label is applied, for example, to a syringe, the described label structure first establishes contact with the syringe body and subsequently with the syringe closure, which may be implemented, for example, as a closure element and / or syringe cap. The label is therefore first fixed to the syringe body before the trailing part of the label encompasses the syringe cap. This, among other things, eliminates the possibility of torsional movement between the syringe parts due to the label being applied to the syringe. For example, the upper region of the first label section has a deliberately set offset of 1-25 mm, preferably 5-20 mm, compared to the lower leading region.The label can be single-layer or multi-layer and, according to the described design, is particularly suitable for automated application to containers made of two or more parts, with one container part being designed to be rotatable or movable relative to another. This typically involves closure elements that are twisted and / or pulled off the associated container body when the container is opened. Due to the described label design, for example, high-speed mechanical dispensing of a large number of such labels is possible, allowing, for example, 300-400 syringes per minute to be reliably and securely labeled.

[0021] According to a further development, the wrap-around label is designed such that the first and / or second label section comprises a respective label layer that establishes a barrier function against the passage of a gas and / or a liquid, a protective function against UV radiation, and / or a predetermined temperature resistance. The label can accordingly comprise one or more functional layers that take into account a respective intended application of the label and can thus be designed as a single- or multi-layered one. Such a functional layer can provide a predetermined inhibition of light or electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined wavelength range, such as the ultraviolet and / or the spectrum visible to humans. The label can, for example, comprise a respective label layer that is designed as an at least partially transparent, white and / or colored film element.Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second label section can have an adhesive area with a dark or black adhesive and / or a dark or black reference layer on a respective underside. The barrier layer comprises, in particular, a material that realizes the desired barrier function. For example, the barrier layer comprises material compositions based on EVOH (ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer). Alternatively or additionally, the barrier layer comprises a metal oxide, such as aluminum oxide (AlOx). The barrier layer can be transparent or opaque.

[0022] The label is designed as a wrap-around label to provide extensive protection for the contents of the container. The label can, in particular, be designed so that, for use on a syringe, it extends over a syringe shoulder and over the syringe closure, is closed inward, and seals the syringe closure in a sleeve. This also allows the shoulder and closure area of ​​the syringe or container in general to be additionally protected from the effects of light / UV radiation and / or against the ingress of gas or water. Alternatively or additionally, the previously described and / or other functionalities, such as UV / light protection, a barrier protection film, and / or an intended cryogenic application of the label, can be taken into account, so that corresponding functionalities can be integrated with a suitable choice of a top material for a label layer or the label and / or by a suitable choice of adhesive.Depending on the intended application, a targeted choice of an adhesive can also be particularly beneficial, for example one selected with regard to cryogenic applications and autoclaving, so that the label can be used over a particularly wide temperature range, for example from -196°C for deep-freeze applications to +140°C for sterilization applications.

[0023] The label comprises the perforations of the first and second label sections, which create a preferably adhesive-neutral severance region. Alternatively or additionally, the label may comprise a severance element, such as a tear strip, a slit, a groove, and / or one or more additional perforations, so that when the container applied with the label is opened, the label can be torn through along the perforations or the severance element, and, for example, a portion of the upper label region, together with the container closure, can be easily removed from the lower label region and the container body.

[0024] Furthermore, the label can comprise security features, such as a void layer, which is arranged, for example, in the label layer or coupled to it. The void layer can be arranged, for example, below the label layer and above an adhesive layer with respect to the stacking direction. The void layer provides a void effect that offers tamper protection. For example, the void layer is implemented with two or more structures or release gradations with different adhesive strengths. For example, a more strongly adhesive structure in the form of lettering is implemented in the void structure, while other sections of the void structure are less adhesive.If the void structure or the label with a void layer is applied to an object to be marked, the more strongly adhesive lettering, for example, remains attached to the object when the label is removed, while the less adhesive sections are removed with the label or a section of the label detached from the object. Alternatively, the described structures can also be reversed in terms of their adhesive strength, so that, for example, the structure in the form of lettering has a weaker adhesive strength.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, security features can be provided in the form of perforations that create a predetermined weakening structure in a layer of the label. This makes it possible, for example, to provide tear positions at which the label tears in a predetermined manner in the event of a tampering attempt or upon opening the container to which it is applied. Alternatively or additionally, further perforations can be provided in one or more layers of the label, enabling a targeted tearing through or opening of a respective layer. The perforations and / or further perforations can be provided separately or in conjunction with the perforation of the first and / or second label section.

[0026] According to a further development, the wrap-around label has a reducing structure in order to at least partially narrow and / or close a channel that can be formed on a leading label edge of the wrap-around label in an applied state. The reducing structure can comprise one or more punches that are specifically arranged in the transition region of the label that forms the initial overlap of the second label section on the first label section. The respective punch is preferably formed at a distance from the first and second perforations in a transition between the first and second label sections. Such a punch is preferably formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction and / or the application or winding direction of the label. The reducing structure preferably has two or more punches that are offset from one another along the longitudinal direction.

[0027] When applied, the wrap-around label is attached to the container and, for example, glued so as to overlap itself. In the applied state, the channel may form at the leading edge of the label as the second label section is further wrapped and attached. The channel may arise because the base label body has a certain thickness and forms an edge that must be bridged when the two label sections are arranged so that they overlap. Thus, in the applied state, the wrap-around label may be spaced apart from the container in some areas at the start of the overlap, so that a channel is formed between the container and the base label body. The channel extends in particular along the longitudinal axis of the label orof the vessel and substantially perpendicular to the application and winding direction, and, if not constricted and / or closed, can conventionally allow the entry of fluid and / or electromagnetic radiation. Due to the reduction structure, the channel can be constricted and / or closed, and the entry of fluid and / or electromagnetic radiation can be reduced, mitigated, and possibly completely prevented.

[0028] The wrap-around label can also have RFID functionality, for example, an RFID transponder is arranged on the label or integrated into it. The RFID transponder comprises an RFID chip and an antenna structure that is signal-coupled to the RFID chip. The antenna structure can have a tamper loop that crosses the first or second perforation of the respective label section, so that if the label is torn open, this event can be electronically detected. Alternatively or additionally, the label can also include functionality based on another wireless standard, such as Bluetooth LE. Active systems including a power supply are also possible, which, for example, track or store temperature and / or time.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, a system comprises an embodiment of the previously described wrap-around label that is attached to a multi-part object or container. A surface or outer face of the container thus forms a base for the wrap-around label and can be realized, for example, by the outer surface of a syringe or an injection vial. The label is applied to the container such that the first and second label sections each wrap around a circumference of a container body and / or a container closure of the container at least once, and an operationally applied state of the label is formed on the container. The perforation openings of the first and second perforations are offset from one another with respect to the winding or application direction and are aligned without overlap.Because the system comprises an embodiment of the described wrap-around label, properties and features of the wrap-around label are also disclosed for the system and vice versa.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for applying a label to a multi-part vessel comprises providing a vessel that can be divided into several parts, comprising a vessel body and a vessel closure coupled to the vessel body. The method further comprises applying the wrap-around label to the vessel such that the first and second label sections each wrap around a circumference of the vessel body and / or the vessel closure at least once, and an operationally applied state of the wrap-around label is formed on the vessel in which the perforation openings of the first and second perforations are offset from one another with respect to the winding or application direction and are aligned without overlap.Because the respective method is designed in particular for applying an embodiment of the previously described label, properties and features described in connection with the label are also disclosed for the application method and vice versa.

[0031] The method can be further developed, for example, such that the application of the wraparound label to the container comprises applying the first label section to the container and wrapping it around the container body and / or the container closure, and subsequently applying the second label section to the container and wrapping it around the container body and / or the container closure, such that the first and second label sections together wrap around the circumference of the container body and / or the container closure twice. Such an application relates in particular to a design of the label in which the two label sections are adjacent regions of a common material web.

[0032] The wrap-around label can be used in particular in applications where it is necessary to cover as high a proportion of the surface of the primary container as possible in order to achieve a desired effect, such as in light protection applications, protection against UV radiation, protection against reactive gases, such as oxygen in relation to some medications, and / or where the entire structure shown is designed with a material composite that can create a barrier effect against the critical gases.

[0033] The described design options for the wrap-around label enable particularly secure protection for the contents of a pharmaceutical container and at least a shelf life that meets market standards. The wrap-around label is specifically designed to achieve the maximum possible coverage of the primary packaging surface of the container. For syringes with a syringe body, syringe cap, and a shoulder area in between, the wrap-around label also covers the gap created between the syringe cap and the shoulder.

[0034] The perforations of the wrap-around label specifically weaken the label material and ensure reliable opening by the end user. Due to the special perforation layout, which ensures that the perforations do not overlap when applied and wrapped, adverse influences are prevented or at least reduced. This is achieved by the wrap-around label, when applied, providing a double-wrapped perforation, in which the perforation cuts in the first layer are sealed by a second layer that is unbroken at the location of the perforation cuts. The perforation cuts form the respective perforation openings, and the respective layers are realized by the first or second label section.In the second layer, the perforation of the first layer is continued in the same and different shapes, but the individual perforation cuts of the second layer are offset from the perforation cuts of the first layer. The perforation cuts are adapted to the respective containers or vessels and their tolerances, so that they are offset from each other when wrapped.

[0035] By combining an unbroken and a damaged area in different layers of the wraparound label, reliable protection against the entry and / or escape of reactive gases, oxygen, water vapor, solvent loss, and / or radiation in the ultraviolet and / or visible spectral range is prevented or at least reduced. This can be achieved in particular in combination with adhesive-neutralized areas on the underside of the label, which contribute to particularly easy and low-effort opening and removal of the container closure and the attached label. The number and / or design of the perforation cuts and / or adhesive-neutralized areas can be specified, in particular depending on the shape and / or size of the pharmaceutical container to be labeled.

[0036] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained using schematic drawings. They show: Fig. 1-22 different examples of an overwrap label for a multi-part container, Fig. 23-28 further embodiments of an overwrap label for a multi-part container, and Fig. 29 a flow diagram for a method for applying an overwrap label to a multi-part container.

[0037] Elements or features of the same design or function are identified by the same reference symbols throughout the figures. For reasons of clarity, not all elements or features shown may be identified by corresponding reference symbols in all figures.

[0038] The Fig. 1 to 22 show, predominantly in respective plan views or top views, various exemplary embodiments of a wrap-around label 10 for a multi-part container 40, which, for example, forms a syringe or an injection vial. In the following description, the wrap-around label 10 may also be abbreviated to label 10.

[0039] The wrap-around label 10 comprises a first label section 11 having a first perforation 14 and a second label section 12 having a second perforation 15. The first and second label sections 11, 12 are coupled together and form, according to the Fig. 1 to 20 form two adjacent regions of a common material web of the wrap-around label 10. Alternatively, the first and second label sections 11, 12 can form two separate layers of the wrap-around label, which are arranged one above the other perpendicular to a winding direction R or an application direction A with respect to a stacking direction (see Fig. 21 and Fig. 22).

[0040] The application direction A represents, for example, the direction in which the label 10 is applied to the vessel 40. According to Fig. 1, the first label section 11 is applied to the container 40 before the second label section 12. The winding direction R is therefore reversed and points in the direction in which the label 10 is wound around the container 40. According to Fig. 1, the second label section 12 is wrapped around the container 40 after the first label section 11. The label 10 further has a longitudinal axis or longitudinal direction L, which, according to the top view in Fig. 1 is perpendicular to the winding direction R and the application direction A. A stacking direction would be considered perpendicular to the previous directions.

[0041] The first and second perforations 14, 15 each have a plurality of perforation openings 141, 151, between which there is an opening-free perforation gap 18. The perforation openings 141, 151 and perforation gaps 18 are arranged alternately. The first and the second label section 11, 12 are each designed to wrap around a circumference of the vessel body 41 and / or the vessel closure 42 at least once, so that, based on a properly applied state of the wrap-around label 10 on the vessel 40, the first and the second label section 11, 12 wrap around the vessel body 41 and / or the vessel closure 42 all the way around and the perforation openings 141, 151 of the first and the second perforation 14, 15 are offset from one another with respect to the winding or application direction R, A and are designed to be non-overlapping (see, for example, the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 22).

[0042] In Fig. 1, projections 22 indicate how the overlapping perforations 15 or perforation openings 151 of the second label section 12 would lie on the first label section 11. The projections 22 illustrate that the perforations 14 and 15 of the two label sections 11, 12 are designed in coordination with one another such that the perforation openings 151 of the second label section 12 lie on the perforation spaces 18 of the first label section 11. Accordingly, the perforation openings 141 of the first label section 11 are arranged in relation to an applied state according to Fig. 2 arranged below the perforation spaces 18 of the second label section 12. Fig. 2, for example, shows a view of the label 10 in an applied state along the longitudinal axis L. The wrap-around label 10 is accordingly formed with its perforations 14 and 15 in coordination with the circumference of the intended vessel 40 such that the perforations 14, 15 do not provide a passage for the entry of fluid, reactive gases or electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet or visible spectrum, as would be the case if perforations were arranged one above the other or partially overlapped.

[0043] In this description, terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "top," and "bottom" refer to positions and orientations as they occur during the intended, operational use of the label 10 and are illustrated in the figures. Thus, a top side of the label 10 according to Fig. 2 faces an outer area or away from the vessel 40 and usually has information such as printing and / or labeling. The underside accordingly faces the vessel 40. The vessel closure 42 essentially forms a head portion of the vessel 40 and is usually arranged on top of the vessel body 41 (see also Fig. 20).

[0044] In the applied state, the wrap-around label 10 forms a double-wound perforation, in which the perforation cuts or perforation openings 141 in the first layer or the first label section 11 are sealed by a second layer or the second label section 12 that is undamaged at the location of the perforation cuts 141. In the second layer, the perforation of the first layer is continued, for example, with the same shape, but the individual perforation cuts or perforation openings 151 of the second label section 12 are deliberately offset from the perforation openings 141 of the first label section 11. The perforation openings 141 and 151 of the two label sections 11, 12 can be formed laterally along the application or winding direction A, R and / or vertically offset along the longitudinal direction L (see also Fig. 10-11, 13 and 20).

[0045] The perforation openings 141, 151 are specifically adapted to a respective container and its tolerances, which, as a vessel 40, is to be provided with the wrap-around label 10, so that the perforation openings 141, 151 are always offset from one another. By combining an undamaged and a damaged area in different layers of the label 10, which are realized by the perforation openings 141, 151 and the perforation gaps 18 in the respective label sections 11, 12, a protective function is established, for example, against the entry or exit of reactive gases, such as nitrogen oxides, ethylene oxide, H2O2 gas and / or CO2, oxygen, water vapor, solvent loss, and / or electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the ultraviolet spectral range of 200-400 nm and / or the visible spectral range of 400-800 nm.

[0046] The Fig. 1 to 20 show various embodiments of the wrap-around label 10 with different perforations 14, 15, 16 and / or further properties of the wrap-around label 10. The wrap-around label 10 can in particular also have a third label section 13, which is formed adjacent to the second label section 12 and with it from a common material web of the wrap-around label 10. The label sections 11-13 in particular represent respective regions of the contiguous label 10, which are indicated by the illustrated, vertically dashed lines. The label regions 11-13 can in particular merge into one another. For example, in Fig. 3 the transition of the first and second label sections 11, 12 is given by a change in the shape of the perforations 14 and 15.

[0047] In the first label section 11, the perforation 14 has a plurality of curved perforation openings 141 with perforation tips 17, which are formed in coordination with the line segments of the second perforation 15. In an applied state, the curved perforation tips 17 of the first label section lie below the perforation spaces 18 of the second label section 12.

[0048] The third label section 13 can have a further or third perforation 16 with a plurality of perforation openings and perforation spaces. The third perforation 16 can be formed identically to the first and / or second perforation 14, 15 and / or can continue the second perforation 15. The three label sections 11, 12, 13 are designed such that they together wrap around the circumference of the vessel body 41 and / or the vessel closure 42 more than twice, as shown in Fig. 2. The label sections 11-13 are therefore designed with different widths, for example, since the first label section 11 only has to wrap around the container 40, while the second label section 12 is then additionally intended to cover the already applied first label section 11. The third label section 13, in particular, forms a final overlap, which is intended to once again cover the beginning overlap area of ​​the second label section 12 on the first label section 11. This can, for example, further cover and seal an internally formed channel 21 (see Fig. 2). Furthermore, the third label section 13 can include a gripping section for tearing open the label 10 when opening the container 40.

[0049] According to Fig. 3, the first perforation 14 has an arcuate shape, which is combined with a lined second perforation 15. The third perforation 16 is also designed with a plurality of line cuts, which are, for example, shorter and more closely spaced than those of the second perforation 15. The perforations 14, 15 and / or 16 can have different shapes, which, when combined with one another, establish a non-overlapping arrangement, so that at least the first and second perforations 14, 15 of the first and second label sections 11, 12 are not arranged one above the other. The first and second perforations 14, 15 of the first and second label sections 11, 12 can be designed such that the perforation openings 141, 151 in projection according to a radial view according to Fig. 2 are adjacent to each other, but preferably a certain distance between the perforation openings 141, 151 is arranged so. The Fig. 4, for example, shows the first perforation 14 in the form of a heartbeat curve, which is combined with a different line perforation of the second perforation 15.

[0050] The Fig. 5, for example, shows the first perforation 14 in the form of an S-line perforation.

[0051] The Fig. 6, for example, shows the first perforation 14 in the form of a curved-line perforation with relatively short cuts along the winding direction R.

[0052] The Fig. 7 shows the first perforation 14 with a wave shape, which is combined with a dot perforation of the second perforation 15.

[0053] The Fig. 8 shows the first and second perforations 14, 15 with a respective line perforation with relatively large perforation spaces 18.

[0054] The Fig. Figure 9 shows a line or dot-wave combination of the first and second perforations 14, 15, which is essentially inverse to the design according to Fig. 7 is.

[0055] The perforations 14 and 15 of the first and second label sections 11, 12 can in particular also be designed to be offset in height, so that a predetermined offset a is established between them with respect to the longitudinal direction L, as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 13. According to Fig. 10, the perforation 15 of the second wrap is offset downwards or the perforation 14 of the first wrap is offset upwards. According to Fig. 11, the perforation 15 of the second wrap is offset upwards or the perforation 14 of the first wrap is offset downwards. The perforations 14, 15 of the first and second label sections 11, 12 can be connected in the transition region with one or more slits, as shown in the Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 13. The perforations 14, 15 of the first and second wrap can also both be offset upwards or downwards, as shown in Fig. 12 is indicated. Alternatively, the perforations 14, 15 can also be offset from one another such that they run diagonally, for example, and begin further down to the left in the first label section 11 and end further up to the right in the second label section 12.

[0056] The wrap-around label 10 can in particular have one or more adhesive-free, adhesive-neutral or adhesive-weakened areas 19 (see for example Fig. 3-15). The wraparound label 10 has an adhesive layer, particularly on the underside, which enables simple and reliable adhesion of the label 10 to the container 40. Adhesive-free areas 19 are preferably provided in the area of ​​the first and / or second perforations 14, 15, which can contribute in particular to simplified opening dynamics and reliable tearing of the label 10 when opening the container 40. An adhesive-free or adhesive-weakened area 19 can be created at predetermined positions, for example, using an adhesive-weakening agent or by using a varnish. Varnishes enable a reduction in the required opening forces while maintaining the same sealing function.For example, a varnish can be printed on the upper side of the first label section 11, which in the dispensed and applied state is arranged between the first and the second label section 11, 12, which reduces the adhesive forces on the underside of the upper second label section 12 so that the wrap-around label 10 is easier to open, but the varnish also seals the first and / or the second perforation 14, 15.

[0057] If several adhesive-free areas 19 are provided, these are preferably designed so that they do not overlap or overlap when they surround respective perforations 14, 15. In other words, adhesive-free areas 19 on the underside of the label 10, which surround the first and second perforations 14, 15 projected in plan view, are preferably formed offset in height from one another, as shown in the Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 13. In this way, despite the adhesive-free area 19 below the perforations 14, 15, the wrap-around label 10 can be designed in such a way that no continuous passageway is formed that allows fluid to enter from the outside to the inside (see Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 13).

[0058] The wrap-around label 10 can further comprise a reduction structure 20 in the form of one or more punched portions formed between the first and second label sections 11, 12 at an angle to the longitudinal axis L in order to at least partially narrow and / or close a channel 21 which, in an applied state, can be formed on a leading label edge 25 of the wrap-around label 10 (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 14). Punches are inserted at predetermined positions, forming a respective reducing structure 20, so that the channel 21, which can form due to the label thickness during overlapping, is narrowed and closed as best as possible.

[0059] Fig. 15 shows a further embodiment of the wrap-around label 10, in which the first perforation 14 has a specially designed double arch shape, which enables step compensation on the container 40. Such a step compensation perforation can further be combined with another, for example curved, arch perforation, so that the first perforation 14 can also comprise several perforations (see Fig. 18).

[0060] The wrap-around label 10 may further comprise a sealing structure with a sealing material 23, which is arranged on an upper side of the first label portion 11 and partially covers the first perforation 14 and / or is formed adjacent to the first perforation 14 (see Fig. 16 and Fig. 17). The sealing material 23 can counteract the formation of a passage through the perforations 14, 15 into an interior area and thus contribute to particularly reliable sealing against external influences. The sealing material 23 forms a sealing compound which, when dispensed, is arranged between the two label layers or wrapped label sections 11, 12. The sealing material 23 can be printed or applied and triggered using mechanical pressure, (UV) light, or heat. Adhesive and sealing activation can thus only be established during processing by the end customer. During later activation, no tolerances need to be compensated because the sealing material 23 is already applied in a predetermined position and is activated in this position.

[0061] The wrap-around label 10 can also, as shown in the Fig. 19 and Fig. 20, be designed such that it has a leading label edge 25 with a residue 27 in an upper label region 111. A lower label region 112 of the first label section 11 thus protrudes in the application direction A. A trailing label edge 26 is formed correspondingly opposite the leading label edge 25. The lower region 112 of the wrap-around label 10 is designed to be attached to the vessel body 41 of the vessel 40, and the upper region 111 is designed to be attached to the vessel closure 42 of the vessel 40. During normal application of the wrap-around label 10 to the vessel 40, the lower region 112 with the leading label edge 25 comes into contact with the vessel 40 before the residue 27 in the upper region 111.By means of such a protruding label edge 25, the label structure ensures that forces occurring during labeling are not transmitted, or at least are significantly reduced, to other parts of the vessel 40. This applies, for example, to torsional force transmission, which is particularly undesirable in closure caps of sterile vessels and carries the risk of the established sterility being lost due to relative movements of the closure cap relative to the vessel body.

[0062] The Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 show a further embodiment of the label 10, in which the label sections 11, 12 are arranged one above the other and form two layers of the label 10. Fig. 22 shows a schematic side view of the label 10 according to Fig. 21 in the area of ​​the perforations 14, 15, 16. The perforations 14, 15 are arranged one above the other but offset from one another, so that, despite the adhesive-free area 19 below the perforations 14, 15, the wraparound label 10 is designed such that no continuous through-channel is formed that allows fluid or radiation to enter from the outside to the inside. The label 10 can therefore be configured to wrap the container 40 only once. Alternatively, according to this embodiment, it can also allow two or more wrappings.

[0063] Label 10 according to the Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 is multi-layered and has punches at various locations that form the perforation openings 141, 151 and perforation spaces 18. For example, the label 10 can be formed by a first punching in a label layer that will later form the lower layer. Subsequently, another label layer can be laminated and punched onto the lower layer. Alternatively, the two label layers can also be punched beforehand and then laminated to one another. Alternatively, the two label layers can also be laminated to one another beforehand and then punched, so that punching with an upper and lower punch is carried out in only one layer from the top and bottom of the two-layer composite, respectively, in order to form the two label sections 11, 12 with their perforations 14, 15.This does not involve complete penetration of the composite of the label layers, but rather only a maximum of one layer perforated from each side. The first and second label sections 11, 12 according to the . Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 thus each form separate layers of the label 10, while the third label section 13 merely designates an outer region of the respective layers.

[0064] The Fig. 23 to 28 show further embodiments of the label 10, which, as an all-round label, offers a reliable seal and secure protection for the contents of the container 40 against external influences, such as fluid or radiation ingress. Fig. Figures 23 to 26 show special design options using an adhesive weakening agent, so that special adhesive-free or adhesive-weakened areas 19 are formed, which enable targeted entry by guiding the tear without perforations in the form of deliberately introduced damage to the label material. Guidance of the tear line, which occurs when the container 40 is opened and the label 10 is torn, is made possible by areas 19 and, if necessary, targeted slits or punches 31. This can further be supported by a grip tab 29, which can establish a starting position for tearing the label 10 (see Figure 2). Fig. 23 to 28). Furthermore, a siliconized area 28 can be provided in the area of ​​the grip tab 29 and / or at another position of the label 10, which allows for simplified lifting of the respective label edge or the grip tab 29 (see Fig. 23, Fig. 24 and Fig. 26).

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the label 10 may comprise a tear strip 30 and / or a creasing 32 of the label material (see Fig. 27 and Fig. 28). The tear strip 30 can be incorporated as a separate material, for example, beneath a grooved film. The material of the tear strip 30 can have sealing properties and / or be adapted to materials and lacquers such that they allow little or no gas or fluid to pass through. For example, the tear strip 30 comprises a silicone, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape. Alternatively or additionally, the material of the tear strip 30 can be compressed, for example, by pressure from a label roll, which relaxes after processing so that it adheres to and seals against the two bounding films, which can be realized by the label sections 11 and 12.

[0066] Label 10 according to the Fig. 23 to 28 enables protection of the contents of the vessel 40 against external influences with only one wrapping of the vessel 40 and without material damage in the form of perforations.

[0067] Applying the label 10 to the vessel 40 can be carried out according to the flow chart of Fig. 29 as follows: In a step S1, the container 40 is provided with the container body 41 and the container closure 42 arranged thereon. In the same step S1 or in a further step, a configuration of the wrap-around label 10 is provided. In a step S2, the wrap-around label 10 is applied to the vessel 40 by wrapping the first and second label sections 11, 12 around the vessel body 41 and / or the vessel closure 42 so that they wrap around the vessel 40 at least once and the perforation openings 141, 151 of the first and second perforations 14, 15 are offset from one another with respect to the winding or application direction R, A and are aligned without overlap.

[0068] Particularly with regard to a design of the wrap-around label 10 with two adjacent label regions of a common material web forming the two label sections 11, 12, the application of the wrap-around label 10 to the vessel 40 can comprise applying the first label section 11 by wrapping it around the vessel body 41 and / or the vessel closure 42. Subsequently, during the further wrapping, the second label section 12 is wrapped around the vessel body 41 and / or the vessel closure 42 and the underlying first label section 11, so that the first and second label sections 11, 12 together wrap the circumference of the vessel body 41 and / or the vessel closure 42 twice.

[0069] Using the described embodiments of the label structure of the wrap-around label 10, syringes or other pharmaceutical containers, such as vials or injection bottles, can be reliably and automatically labeled, enabling particularly reliable marking. Furthermore, despite the multiple perforations 14, 15, and 16, the wrap-around label 10 provides particularly secure protection for the contents of the container 40 against external influences due to their coordinated arrangement. List of reference symbols 1 system 10 wrap-around label 11 first label section 111 upper area of ​​the first label section 112 lower area of ​​the first label section 12 second label section 13 third label section 14 first perforation / slit 141 Perforation opening 15 second perforation / slit 151 Perforation opening 16 third perforation / slit 17 Perforation tip / perforation curve 18 Perforation space 19 adhesive-free area 20 Reduction structure 21 channel 22 Projection of the overlapping perforation 23 Sealing material / paint 25 leading label edge 26 trailing label edge 27 behind 28 siliconized area 29 Handle tab 30 tear strips 31 Slitting / punching 32 creasing 40 vessels / syringes 41 Vessel body / syringe body 42 Vessel closure / syringe closure a offset A Application direction of the wrap-around label L Longitudinal axis of the vessel / syringe / wrap-around label R Winding direction of the wrap-around label S(i) Steps of a method for applying a wrap-around label to a vessel

Claims

[1] Wrap-around label (10) for a container (40) with a container body (41) and a container closure (42), comprising: - a first label portion (11) comprising a first perforation (14), and - a second label section (12) which is coupled to the first label section (11) and which comprises a second perforation (15), wherein the first and the second perforation (14, 15) each comprise a plurality of perforation openings (141, 151) and a perforation gap (18) located therebetween with respect to a winding or application direction (R, A) of the wrap-around label (10), wherein the first and the second label section (11, 12) are each designed to wrap around a circumference of the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) at least once, so that with respect to a properly applied state of the wrap-around label (10) on the vessel (40), the first and the second label section (11, 12) wrap around the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) all the way around and the perforation openings (141, 151) of the first and second perforations (14, 15) relative to the winding or application direction (R,A) are offset from each other and designed without overlap., [2] Wrap-around label (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second label section (11, 12) are formed as two mutually adjacent regions of a common material web of the wrap-around label (10) and are arranged next to one another along the winding or application direction (R, A), so that the first and the second label section (11, 12) are together configured for wrapping twice around a circumference of the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42),so that, based on a properly applied state of the wrap-around label (10) on the vessel (40), the first label section (11) wraps the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) once all the way around, and the second label section (12) wraps the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) once all the way around and covers the first label section (11), and a respective perforation opening (141) of the first perforation (14) is arranged above or below a perforation gap (18) of the second perforation (15) relative to a stacking direction perpendicular to the winding and application direction (R, A), and a respective perforation opening (151) of the second perforation (15) is arranged above or below a perforation gap (18) of the first perforation (14). [3] Wrap-around label (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second label section (11, 12) are formed as two separate layers of the wrap-around label (10) and are arranged one above the other with respect to a stacking direction perpendicular to the winding and application direction (R, A), so that a respective perforation opening (141) of the first perforation (14) is formed above or below a perforation gap (18) of the second perforation (15) with respect to the stacking direction, and a respective perforation opening (151) of the second perforation (15) is formed above or below a perforation gap (18) of the first perforation (14). [4] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the perforation openings (141, 151) and / or the intermediate perforation spaces (18) of the first and second perforations (11, 12) are designed differently. [5] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the perforation openings (141) of the first perforation (11) comprise curved slits with perforation curves or perforation tips (17) which are designed to match the perforation spaces (18) of the second perforation (12). [6] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: an adhesive-free region (19) which, with respect to a stacking direction perpendicular to the winding and application direction (R, A), is formed on an underside of the first label section (11) below the first perforation (14). [7] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: an adhesive-free region (19) which, with respect to a stacking direction perpendicular to the winding and application direction (R, A), is formed on an underside of the second label section (12) below or adjacent to the second perforation (15). [8] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first and second perforations (11, 12) are offset from one another with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the wrap-around label (10). [9] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a sealing material (23) which is arranged on an upper side of the first label section (11) perpendicular to the winding and application direction (R, A) with respect to a stacking direction and which covers the first perforation (14) at least in sections and / or is formed adjacent to the first perforation (14). [10] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a third label section (13) which is formed adjacent to the first and / or second label section (11, 12) and together with these from a common material web of the wrap-around label (10), so that the three label sections (11, 12, 13) are configured together to wrap around a circumference of the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) more than twice, so that, based on a properly applied state of the wrap-around label (1) on the vessel (40), the first label section (11) wraps around the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) once, and the second label section (12) wraps around the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) once, and the third label section (13) comes to rest on the first or the second label section (11, 12). [11] Wrap-around label (10) according to claim 8, wherein the third label portion (13) has a third perforation (16) which is continuous with the first and / or the second perforation (14, 15). [12] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrap-around label (10) has, with respect to the application direction (A), a leading label edge (25) that delimits the first label section (11) of the wrap-around label (10), and an opposite trailing label edge (26) that delimits the wrap-around label (10) on the opposite side, wherein the first label section (11) comprises, with respect to a longitudinal axis (L), an upper region (111) and a lower region (112), and the upper region (111) has a setback (27) relative to the lower region, wherein the lower region (112) is designed to be attached to the vessel body (41) of the vessel (40), and the upper region (111) is designed to be attached to the vessel closure (42) of the vessel (40),so that when the wrap-around label (10) is applied to the container (40) in accordance with the operating instructions, the lower region (112) comes into contact with the container (40) before the upper region (111). [13] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one label section (11, 12, 13) comprises a respective label layer which establishes a barrier function against the passage of a gas and / or a liquid, a protective function against UV radiation and / or a predetermined temperature resistance. [14] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first label section (11) and / or the second label section (12) is designed in coordination with the vessel (40) such that the wrap-around label (10) is closed in itself above the vessel closure (42) in relation to a state in which it is applied to the vessel (40) in accordance with operation. [15] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a reduction structure (20) for at least partially narrowing and / or closing a channel (21) which, in an applied state, can be formed on a leading label edge (25) of the wrap-around label (10). [16] Wrap-around label (10) according to claim 15, wherein the reduction structure (101) comprises one or more punches and / or recesses formed at a distance from the first and second perforations (14, 15) in a transition of the first and second label sections (11, 12). [17] Wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: an RFID transponder with an RFID chip and an antenna structure that is signal-coupled to the RFID chip. [18] System (1), comprising: - a vessel (40) which can be divided into several parts and has a vessel body (41) and a vessel closure (42) which is coupled to the vessel body (41), and - a wrap-around label (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is applied to the vessel (40) in such a way that the first and the second label section (11, 12) each wrap around a circumference of the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) at least once, so that an operationally applied state of the wrap-around label (10) is formed on the vessel (40) and the perforation openings (141, 151) of the first and the second perforation (14, 15) are offset from one another with respect to the winding or application direction (R, A) and are aligned without overlap. [19] Method for applying an all-round label (10) according to one of claims 1 to 17 to a multi-part vessel (40) with a vessel body (41) and a vessel closure (42), comprising: - Providing the vessel (40), and - Applying the wrap-around label (10) to the vessel (40) such that the first and the second label section (11, 12) each wrap around a circumference of the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) at least once and an operationally applied state of the wrap-around label (10) is formed on the vessel (40), in which the perforation openings (141, 151) of the first and the second perforation (14, 15) are offset from one another with respect to the winding or application direction (R, A) and are aligned without overlap. [20] A method according to claim 19, wherein applying the wrap-around label (10) to the vessel (40) comprises: - Attaching the first label section (11) to the vessel (40) and wrapping it around the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42), and subsequently - Attaching the second label section (12) to the vessel (40) and wrapping it around the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) so that the first and second label sections (11, 12) together wrap the circumference of the vessel body (41) and / or the vessel closure (42) twice.

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