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Abstract

A label comprising: a single layer of polymeric sheet material; one or more weakened areas defining a meandering or serpentine strip of the sheet material that forms an elongated band when unrolled; adhesive on at least a portion of one of a first side and a second side; the one or more weakened areas defining the meandering or serpentine strip are configured such that the meandering or serpentine strip remains part of the label until unrolled; and the weakened areas are formed such that a force of more than 0.45 Newtons must be applied to unroll the meandering or serpentine strip. A method of manufacturing a label is also disclosed.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application is a continuation-to-priority claim to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 636,328, filed April 16, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to labels, and more specifically, to labels used on containers. Background Technology

[0003] Product labels are ubiquitous in modern society because they serve the dual function of enhancing brand awareness and conveying important information about labeled products to buyers or end users.

[0004] Currently, for products with separately applied labels, although the product and label are manufactured separately and in different locations, the product shape may completely or partially determine the label shape. As a separate item, the most important factor is the ability to manufacture the label at low cost.

[0005] Product containers are often designed to perform one or more functions in addition to their primary function as containers. For example, plastic containers for liquids (such as milk, syrup, detergents, etc.) are typically molded to have portions that are easily gripped by the user, such as molded handles (as shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,125,563), narrowed profile areas (as shown in U.S. Design Patent No. D161,825), or narrowed neck areas (as shown in U.S. Design Patent No. D212,211). This molding often requires additional plastic and more complex molds, thus increasing costs. Furthermore, features of packaging intended to perform additional functions may influence the shape of the container, resulting in a bulk package of multiple such containers occupying a volume much larger than the sum of the internal volumes of the individual containers.

[0006] As an alternative to integrated handles, methods have been explored for incorporating additional handles into the container, such as attaching them separately to the container (e.g., U.S. Patent 5,951,076), or manufacturing them simultaneously with but away from the label on the bottle (e.g., U.S. Patent 6,125,563). However, in some applications, these methods are unacceptable because their placement is critical, as the handles may obscure parts of the label and / or the product.

[0007] For corrugated cardboard boxes, a portion is often cut off or repositioned to provide a handle. However, this method creates an opening through which foreign substances can enter and damage the contents. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This disclosure describes a solution that provides significant progress in addressing the aforementioned problems.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a label for a container. The label includes: a single-layer sheet material comprising a polymer having a non-directional texture; and one or more weakened regions defining a zigzag or serpentine strip of the sheet material having a first end and a second end, and a total length between the first end and the second end.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a label. The label comprises a sheet material having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The label also has one or more weakened regions defining a zigzag or serpentine strip of the sheet material, which, when unfolded, forms an elongated strip with a total length of at least 83 centimeters (33 inches). The label further has an adhesive on at least a portion of one of the first and second sides. The one or more weakened regions defining the zigzag or serpentine strip are configured such that: the zigzag or serpentine strip remains part of the label until unfolded; no backing material is required to hold the zigzag or serpentine strip in place between the manufacture of the label and its application to a surface from which the label will be unfolded; and the weakened regions are formed such that a force exceeding 0.45 Newtons (~0.1 pounds) must be applied to unfold the zigzag or serpentine strip.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a label. The method includes: forming one or more weakened regions in a sheet material of a polymer having a non-directional texture, the one or more weakened regions defining a zigzag or serpentine strip, the weakened regions defining the zigzag or serpentine strip being configured such that the zigzag or serpentine strip will remain in place between manufacturing the label and applying the label to an intended container; and applying at least one of the following: (i) applying a high-viscosity adhesive to a region on one side of the sheet material other than the region within the zigzag or serpentine strip defined by the one or more weakened regions, or (ii) applying a low-viscosity adhesive to at least a portion of one side of the weakened region defining the zigzag or serpentine strip. Attached Figure Description

[0012] This disclosure is further illustrated by the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals appearing in the various drawings and the specification denote corresponding or similar elements in different views.

[0013] Figure 1An embodiment of a label according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form; Figure 2 Another embodiment of the label according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form; Figure 3 The teachings of the present invention are shown in a simplified form. Figure 1 Example of the configuration on the back side of label 100; Figure 4 The teachings of the present invention are shown in a simplified form. Figure 1 An alternative example of the back-side configuration of the middle label; Figure 5 Another embodiment of the label according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form; Figure 6 Shown in simplified form Figure 5 An embodiment of the back side of label 500; Figure 7 Shown in simplified form Figure 5 Alternative embodiments of the label on the back side; Figure 8A Another embodiment of the label according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form; Figure 8B Shown in simplified form Figure 8A An example of a layout for printing a pattern of high-viscosity adhesive on a label 800; Figure 8C Shown in simplified form Figure 8A Examples of layouts on labels with patterns printed on them, or layouts where adhesive has been removed from designated areas; Figure 9 Examples of typical prior art containers, such as boxes of laundry detergent, bags of flour or sugar, or packaging for certain other kinds of products, are shown in simplified form. Figure 10 Show in simplified form with Figure 9 Similar containers, which are attached with labels constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; Figure 11 The simplified representation shows the twisted or serpentine strip that serves as a handle after pulling out the pull tab. Figure 10 Container; Figure 12 An example of a bottle for liquids is shown in simplified form, the bottle including a label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; Figure 13 Shown in simplified form Figure 12 In the bottle, the twisted or serpentine stripes of the label begin to unfold; Figure 14 Shown in simplified form Figure 12The bottles in which the labels have more twisted or serpentine stripes spread out; Figure 15 Shown in simplified form Figure 12 The bottle contains a label with twisted or serpentine stripes that are fully extended to form a long ribbon; Figure 16 Shown in simplified form Figure 12 The bottle in which the twisted or serpentine strips of the label are used as a strap across the human torso; Figure 17 Another application of the label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in a simplified form; Figure 18 Another application of a label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in a simplified form; Figure 19 Another application of the label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form; and Figures 20A to 20F An alternative example, in simplified form, is shown of a portion of a label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, which can have an infinite number of twisted or serpentine stripe configurations created. Detailed Implementation

[0014] This invention develops a label that performs a dual function: as a printable label, it can be converted into a convenient handle or strap, allowing users to easily carry the product attached to the label. Therefore, the packaging to which the label is attached can have a compact shape without needing to be designed for easy carrying or equipped with a separate handle.

[0015] It is worth noting that, in short, the design makes the label a strap or handle, rather than an auxiliary part with the single function of a handle. Instead, the design allows the label itself to transform into a strap or handle when needed. Therefore, the label can be conveniently used on a variety of containers, such as 250 ml (approximately 8 oz) or larger plastic water bottles, 2-liter soda bottles, bags of sugar or flour, 4.5-liter or larger liquid detergent bottles, 2.5 kg or larger powder detergent containers, etc. This design is even suitable for use as a shipping label attached to delivery boxes of logistics companies such as Amazon.com, Inc., or shipping entities such as the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, or FedEx Corp. Advantageously, in this way, if the boxes being shipped are heavy and / or have an inconvenient shape and / or size, the label, as described herein, can provide a handle or strap, making it easier for the recipient to move or manipulate the shipped boxes, while eliminating the need for an opening or separate handle piece.

[0016] First, the term “container” as used herein is intended to mean, and is meant herein, any bottle, jar, bag, box, carton or other labeled packaging, whether for the purpose of providing information about the product contained therein, advertising, or information about its origin and / or destination.

[0017] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of label 100 as taught herein is shown in a simplified manner.

[0018] Label 100 (and other labels described herein) is made of a single layer of printable polymer sheet material with a non-directional texture, and optionally, depending on the expected weight of the container to which it is attached, the polymer may also contain fiber reinforcements to increase strength.

[0019] The label 100 has a perimeter boundary 102, which, although shown as a rectangle, can be any shape suitable for the container to which it is attached.

[0020] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows the front side 104, which is the side that will carry the printed content suitable for a particular intended application. Alternatively, for some embodiments, the side opposite to the front side 104 may also carry the printing in whole or in part, for example, in the case where a label is to be affixed to a transparent bottle.

[0021] The label 100 also includes a pattern 106 comprising one or more weakened regions 108, formed, for example, by perforations, cracks, scratches, non-penetrating etched lines, etc., which define the periphery of a continuous zigzag or serpentine strip 110 extending from one location 112a on the label 100 to another location 112b on the label 100. The weakened regions are structured such that applying a nominal force (e.g., more than 0.45 Newtons (~0.1 pounds)) to a portion of the strip 110 will cause it to separate from the rest of the label 100 along the weakened region 108, thereby forming a handle or strip, depending on its length.

[0022] According to specific embodiments, the weakened regions described herein can be formed using blades, lasers, or needle-like devices for creating a series of discontinuous openings through the label. They can be formed using heated molds or lasers for melting or thinning the label in specific areas. They can be formed by etching or other known processes. Importantly, the continuous zigzag or serpentine strips defined by the weakened regions remain attached to the label until at least a specified force is applied thereon, and no backing material (sometimes referred to as a release liner) is required to hold the zigzag or serpentine strips in place between manufacturing and application to the container. In light of the foregoing, depending on the specific weakened regions and how they are formed, they can be visible only on one side of the label (where they do not penetrate the label) or on both sides (where they penetrate the label).

[0023] Alternatively, a portion of the strip 110 may include a pull tab 114, which can be gripped to cause the strip 110 to separate from the remainder 116 of the label 100. Depending on the specific embodiment, the weakened area 108 defining the pull tab 114 will ideally be completely cut through to facilitate its easy lifting from the surface of the label 100.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the weakened region 108 creates spiral or serpentine stripes 110. However, it should be understood and shown herein that numerous other configurations of the weakened region 108 can be used to create a wide variety of spiral or serpentine stripes 110.

[0025] Figure 2 Another exemplary embodiment of the label 200 according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in a simplified form.

[0026] More specifically, Figure 2 The front side 202 (printable side) of label 200 is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 1 The tags are 100 similar. Figure 2 The label 200 includes weakened regions 204, which, as described above, define the periphery of another zigzag or serpentine stripe 206.

[0027] Advantageously, the structure of the weakened area minimizes the degree to which it interferes with or appears obvious (if any) with the printed content that will appear on the label described herein.

[0028] Figure 3 An example of the configuration 300 of the back side 302 (horizontally flipped) of the label 100 according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in a simplified form.

[0029] like Figure 3As shown, in this exemplary configuration, the back side 302 includes an area (shown in shading) of high-tack adhesive 304 for attaching a label to the intended container. Figure 3 As shown, the area 306 where the weakened area 108 is located lacks adhesive.

[0030] A high-viscosity adhesive 304 is applied so that specific, specially defined areas on the back side 302 are free of adhesive, ideally using a process known as pattern coating or pattern printing, although any method of applying adhesive may be used.

[0031] With a suitable process, the adhesive can be applied using any equipment capable of applying patterns to the adhesive described above; however, pattern printing of the adhesive offers advantages over other methods, such as cost and speed. A representative supplier capable of pattern coating or pattern printing of the adhesive in the manner described herein (which may be referred to herein, alternatively, as “pattern printing”, for simplicity), is Rayven Inc., located at 431 North Griggs Street, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

[0032] Alternatively, though less than ideal, the entire area of ​​the back side 302 of the label can be coated with adhesive using any conventional method, and then the area 306 where the weakened area 108 is located can be “removed from the adhesive” in a known manner.

[0033] Therefore, it should be understood that the important aspect is simply having adhesive on the back side of a specific area, not the way the adhesive is applied.

[0034] Figure 4 An example of another configuration 400 of the back side 302 of the label 100 according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in a simplified form.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, label 100 contains and Figure 3 The same high-tack adhesive 304 is used, but another area 402 (indicated by cross-shading) is also included, which contains a low-tack adhesive 404. Furthermore, the area 406 containing the pull tab 114 has no adhesive (and can be cut through as described above) to facilitate the lifting of the pull tab 114.

[0036] Like the high-tack adhesive 304, the low-tack adhesive 404 is also ideal for pattern printing.

[0037] High-tack and low-tack adhesives are well known in the art, and their specific characteristics may depend on the material the label will adhere to (e.g., plastic, cardboard, or paper, and any associated coatings). Therefore, the choice of any particular adhesive is a matter of design selection. Similarly, techniques for removing adhesive stickiness are also well known and may depend on the specific adhesive chosen. Therefore, any technique used for removing stickiness will also be a matter of design selection related to the adhesive to be removed.

[0038] Figure 5 Another exemplary embodiment of the label 500 according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in a simplified form.

[0039] More specifically, Figure 5 The front side 502 (printable side) of label 500 is shown in the figure. Except that, in this exemplary embodiment, label 500 includes a cutout 504 for easier access to the pull tab 114, it is similar to... Figure 2 The label 200 is actually the same.

[0040] Figure 6 Show in simplified form according to Figure 5 An example of label 500 with its back side 602 (horizontally flipped). For example... Figure 6 As shown, the back side contains a high-tack adhesive 304 on a portion of its area, while there is no adhesive in the area containing the defined zigzag or serpentine strip 206, except for an optional small area 604 near the high-tack adhesive 304 to prevent accidental unfolding of the zigzag or serpentine strip 206.

[0041] Figure 7 Show in simplified form Figure 5 An alternative exemplary embodiment of the back side 602 of the label 500, except for the following configuration, is... Figure 6 Similarly, in this configuration, the back side further includes along... Figure 6 A thin area of ​​low-tack adhesive 404 with a lack of adhesive at the edges is used to reduce the risk of accidentally pulling or separating the defined zigzag or serpentine strip 206.

[0042] Figure 8A Another exemplary embodiment of the label 800 according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in a simplified form.

[0043] More specifically, Figure 8AAn exemplary embodiment of the back side 802 of the exemplary embodiment is shown in simplified form, configured such that the zigzag or serpentine strip 804 defined by the weakened region 204 will be shorter and wider when unfolded than the strips discussed above. Furthermore, the material 806 of the label 800 of this exemplary embodiment includes fiber reinforcements 808 (indicated by internal dots), enabling the zigzag or serpentine strip 804 to serve as a handle for heavier containers.

[0044] Figure 8B Shown in a simplified form Figure 8A An exemplary layout 810 for printing patterns on a label 800 using a high-tack adhesive, wherein the defined zigzag or serpentine strips 206 are without adhesive or optionally contain a low-tack adhesive.

[0045] Figure 8C Shown in a simplified form Figure 8A An exemplary layout 812 for printing patterns of low-tack adhesives or removing adhesiveness in designated areas on a label 800.

[0046] Figure 9 A representative example of a prior art container 900 is shown in a simplified form, such as a laundry detergent box, a bag of flour or sugar, or packaging for other types of products. As shown, container 900 includes a conventional handle 902, the end of which 904 passes through a slot and is inserted into or attached to the outside of the container. This configuration occupies space and is prone to jamming when transported from, for example, a warehouse to a store or the final recipient.

[0047] Figure 10 A similar container 1000 is shown in a simplified form, with a label 1002a, constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, affixed to the container. It can be seen that, by means of the label 1002 as described herein, the unexposed handle can be held in place during transport unless or until the final recipient unfolds it. Furthermore, with... Figure 9 The handles are different. Figure 10 The label can be used, for example, as a basic product label, a shipping label, or can contain other information about container 1000 or its origin.

[0048] exist Figure 10 As can be seen further, a similar label 1002b (indicated by dashed lines) can be applied to the opposite side and can contain different information. If the zigzag or serpentine strip 804 is unfolded into a handle by pulling the relevant pull tab 114, they provide a greater and more balanced load-bearing capacity.

[0049] Figure 11 The simplified diagram shows the situation after the pull tab 114 has been pulled to unfold the zigzag or serpentine strip 804 into a handle. Figure 10 Container 1000.

[0050] Figure 12 A bottle 1200 for liquids, showing a representative example of a label 1202 constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, is illustrated in simplified form. Figure 12 As shown, bottle 1200 is a beverage bottle for water, juice, soft drink, iced tea, or other beverages. In this configuration, the zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 is constructed such that it will produce a long strip when unfolded. It should be noted that in this configuration, the material used for label 1202 is strong enough to support the weight of bottle 1200 and its contents, but a tensile force applied to the zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 exceeding a selected force will cause the zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 to break.

[0051] Figure 13 Bottle 1200 is shown in a simplified form, in which a zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 begins to unfold by pulling a pull tab 114, which results in a break along the weakened region 204.

[0052] Figure 14 Bottle 1200 is shown in a simplified form, with more of the zigzag or serpentine stripe 1204 of label 1202 unfolded.

[0053] Figure 15 Bottle 1200 is shown in a simplified form, in which the zigzag or serpentine stripe 1204 of label 1202 (only a portion is shown) has been fully extended to form a long strip.

[0054] Figure 16 Bottle 1200 is shown in a simplified form, in which a meandering or serpentine strip 1204 serves as a strap across the torso 1602 of a person 1600 so that they can carry bottle 1200 “without using their hands”.

[0055] Figure 17 Another application of the label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in a simplified form. For example... Figure 17 As shown, label 1700 is a shipping label affixed to a long, narrow container 1702, which may be inconvenient to carry. Using label 1700 allows the handle to be placed in a more convenient position on the container 1702 for unfolding and use by the recipient, as an alternative to or supplement to, for example, a conventional slit 1704 (typically used on corrugated cardboard containers), which may be placed in an inconvenient position or, in some cases, may provide a pathway for external substances to enter the container 1702 and damage the contents.

[0056] Figure 18 Another application of the label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in a simplified form. For example... Figure 18As shown, label 1800 is located on large container 1802, which is the type of large container that can be found in large stores (e.g., Costco). ® Sam's Club ® BJ's ® The label found in Wholesale Club contains printed information related to the contents of the container, such as ingredients, company logo, product name, or other information.

[0057] Figure 19 Another application of the label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in a simplified form. For example... Figure 19 As shown, the large box 1900 contains at least a pair of labels 1902a and 1902b, which contain common general markings, such as “This side up” and “Fragile, handle with care”, as shown. These labels can be attached to the container and can be used as handles when their zigzag or serpentine strips are unfolded.

[0058] Therefore, the versatility and advantages provided by the labels constructed according to the teachings of the present invention should be apparent, in particular, for example, they are able to define zigzag or serpentine strips of various peripheral shapes, lengths and / or widths, such that when they are unfolded, they become short handles or long straps, thereby facilitating easier carrying or “hands-free” carrying of containers.

[0059] In this regard, Figures 20A to 20F An alternative example of a portion of a label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, in a simplified form, is shown, which can produce an infinite number of zigzag or serpentine stripe configurations.

[0060] like Figures 20A to 20F As shown, different weakening regions 2002a-2002f are used to create zigzag or serpentine stripes of different shapes 2004a-2004f.

[0061] In addition, these labels eliminate the need for molding or additionally attaching handles that protrude outwards from the container, thus avoiding the need for more material and space.

[0062] Generally, for ease of understanding, the adhesive described above is shown as covering the entirety of its respective area. However, it should be understood that this is not a necessary condition, and depending on the specific embodiment, the adhesive may be applied to a smaller area, provided that, for example, a coverage of a highly viscous adhesive is sufficient to reliably adhere the label to its intended container and support more than the intended weight when the zigzag or serpentine strip unfolds into a handle.

[0063] The features and technical advantages of one or more embodiments have been summarized above, which can be constructed based on the teachings in this disclosure to better understand the detailed description that follows. However, the advantages and features described herein are only a part of the many advantages and features of representative examples of possible variant embodiments and are shown only to aid understanding. It should be understood that they are not to be considered as limitations on the invention as defined by the appended claims or on the equivalents of the claims. For example, some advantages or aspects of different variants are contradictory because they cannot coexist in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features or advantages may apply to one aspect but not to others. Therefore, the features and advantages described above should not be considered as determining factors of equivalence. Although not detailed herein, other features and advantages will become apparent from the teachings in the specification, drawings, and claims.

Claims

1. A label comprising: A single-layer polymer sheet material having: Non-directional texture, The first side, and The second side, opposite to the first side; One or more weakened regions define zigzag or serpentine strips of the sheet material, which form elongated strips when unfolded; Adhesive on at least a portion of one of the first side and the second side; The one or more weakened regions defining the meandering or serpentine strip are configured such that the meandering or serpentine strip remains part of the label until it is unfolded; and The weakened region is formed such that a force exceeding 0.45 Newtons (~0.1 pounds) must be applied to unfold the zigzag or serpentine strip.

2. The label according to claim 1, wherein, No backing material is required to keep the zigzag or serpentine strip in place between the manufacture of the label and its application to the surface from which it will unfold.

3. The label according to claim 1, wherein, The second side of the label includes the adhesive, and the adhesive is a high-tack adhesive, wherein the zigzag or serpentine strips on the second side are substantially free of the adhesive.

4. The label according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the meandering or serpentine strip contains a low-tack adhesive.

5. The label according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first side and the second side is printable.

6. The label of claim 1, further comprising a cut defining a pull tab in the label, wherein the pull tab is part of the zigzag or serpentine strip.

7. The label according to claim 6, wherein, The pull sheet has no adhesive.

8. The label according to claim 1, wherein, The sheet material contains reinforcing fibers.

9. The label according to claim 1, wherein, The zigzag or serpentine strips of the sheet material form a wide handle when unfolded.

10. The label according to claim 1, wherein, The defined tortuous or serpentine strips of the sheet material are spiral-shaped.

11. The label according to claim 1, wherein, The defined zigzag or serpentine strips of the sheet material include multiple "S" shapes.

12. The label according to claim 1, wherein, The slender strip has a total length of at least 83 centimeters (33 inches) when unfolded.

13. The label of claim 1, further comprising a low-tack adhesive printed in a pattern on at least a portion of the zigzag or serpentine strip.

14. The label of claim 1, further comprising printed content on one of the first and second sides of the sheet material.

15. The label according to claim 1, wherein, The zigzag or serpentine strips of the sheet material form a wide handle when unfolded.

16. The label according to claim 1, wherein, The zigzag or serpentine strips of the sheet material are spiral-shaped before unfolding.

17. The label according to claim 1, wherein, The zigzag or serpentine strips of the sheet material comprise multiple "S" shapes before unfolding.

18. A label for a container, comprising: A sheet material having a printable side and a back side opposite to the printable side; One or more weakened regions define zigzag or serpentine strips of the sheet material that, when attached to and unfolded, form an elongated strip sufficient to allow a person to carry the container to which the label will be attached without using their hands; A highly viscous adhesive on at least a portion of the back side outside the weakened region defining the meandering or serpentine strip; as well as A low-tack adhesive on at least a portion of the back side within the weakened region defining the meandering or serpentine strip.

19. A method for manufacturing a label, comprising: One or more weakened regions are formed in a sheet material having a printable side and a back side opposite to the printable side, defining a zigzag or serpentine strip that, when unfolded, forms an elongated strip sufficient to allow a person to carry the intended container to which the label will be applied without using their hands, such that the zigzag or serpentine strip remains part of the label, and no backing material is required to hold the zigzag or serpentine strip in place between the manufacture of the label and its application to the intended container.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: A low-tack adhesive is applied to at least a portion of the back side of the weakened region defining the meandering or serpentine strip.

21. A method for manufacturing a label, comprising: One or more weakened regions are formed in a sheet material of a polymer with a non-directional texture, the one or more weakened regions defining a zigzag or serpentine strip of the sheet material having a total unfoldable length of at least 83 cm (33 inches), the total unfoldable length being measured between a first position and a second position of the sheet material, the weakened regions defining the zigzag or serpentine strip being configured such that the zigzag or serpentine strip will remain in place between manufacturing the label and applying the label to the intended container; Apply at least one of the following: (i) Applying a high-viscosity adhesive to one side of the sheet material, excluding the area within the zigzag or serpentine strip defined by the one or more weakened regions, or (ii) Applying a low-tack adhesive to at least a portion of one side of the weakened region defining the meandering or serpentine strip.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: The matter is printed on the side of the sheet material opposite to the side mentioned above.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The formation of one or more weakened regions includes at least one of the following: Perforations, cracks, scratches, or non-penetrating etched lines are formed in the sheet material.

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