Label

Abstract

A label for a container, comprising: a sheet material having a printable side and a back side; one or more weakened regions defining a tortuous or serpentine strip of the sheet material; the one or more weakened regions defining the tortuous or serpentine strip are configured such that the tortuous or serpentine strip remains as part of the label, and the one or more weakened regions defining the tortuous or serpentine strip are configured such that the tortuous or serpentine strip remains as part of the label during a process from manufacturing of the label to application of the label to its intended container. No backing material is required to hold the tortuous or serpentine strip in place. In addition, a method of making the label is disclosed. According to the label provided by the utility model, zigzag or snakelike strips with different shapes, lengths and / or widths can be defined, so that the material requirement is reduced, and the space is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to labels and, more particularly, to labels for containers. Background Art

[0002] Product labels are ubiquitous in modern society as they fulfill the dual function of increasing brand awareness and conveying important information about the labeled product to the purchaser or end user.

[0003] Currently, for products with separately applied labels, the product shape may determine in whole or in part the shape of the label, although the product and label are manufactured separately and at different locations. Of primary importance as a separate item is the ability to manufacture the label at low cost.

[0004] The product container itself is often designed to perform one or more functions in addition to the container function itself. For example, plastic containers for liquids (such as milk, syrup, detergent, etc.) are often molded so that they all have parts that are shaped so that the user can easily grasp them, 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, thereby increasing costs. In addition, the features of the packaging intended to perform additional functions may affect the shape of the container, making the volume occupied by a batch of multiple such containers much larger than the sum of the internal volumes of the individual containers.

[0005] As an alternative to an integrated handle, attempts have been made to incorporate an additional handle into the container, for example, by adhering it separately to the container (e.g., U.S. Patent 5,951,076), or by manufacturing it simultaneously with but remotely from the label on the bottle (e.g., U.S. Patent 6,125,563). However, in certain applications, these approaches are unacceptable because their placement is critical, as the handle may obscure portions of the label and / or product.

[0006] For corrugated cardboard packaging, a portion is often cut out or removable to provide a type of handle. However, this method provides an opening through which foreign matter can enter and damage the contents. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present disclosure describes a solution that provides a significant advance in solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a label for a container, the label comprising: a sheet material having a printable side and a back side opposite the printable side; one or more weakened areas defining a zigzag or serpentine strip of the sheet material; a high tack adhesive on at least a portion of the back side; and wherein the one or more weakened areas defining the zigzag or serpentine strip are configured such that the zigzag or serpentine strip remains as part of the label and no backing material is required to hold the zigzag or serpentine strip in place during the process between manufacture of the label and application of the label to a target container for the label.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a label for a container, the label comprising: a sheet material having a printable side and a back side opposite the printable side; one or more weakened areas defining a zigzag or serpentine strip of the sheet material; a high tack adhesive on at least a portion of the back side outside the weakened areas defining the zigzag or serpentine strip; and a low tack adhesive on at least a portion of the back side within the weakened areas defining the zigzag or serpentine strip.

[0010] The present disclosure further relates to a method of manufacturing a label. The method includes forming one or more weakened areas defining a zigzag or serpentine strip in a sheet of material having a printable side and a back side opposite the printable side, such that the zigzag or serpentine strip remains part of the label and requires no backing material to hold the zigzag or serpentine strip in place between manufacture of the label and application of the label to its intended container, and applying a high tack adhesive to the back side of the sheet of material in an area outside the area of the zigzag or serpentine strip defined by the one or more weakened areas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure is further illustrated by the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals appearing throughout the various figures and the specification designate corresponding or similar elements throughout the different views.

[0012] Figure 1 One embodiment of a tag according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form;

[0013] Figure 2 Another embodiment of a tag according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form;

[0014] Figure 3 Shown in simplified form according to the teachings of the present invention Figure 1 An example of the configuration of the back side of the tag 100;

[0015] Figure 4 Shown in simplified form according to the teachings of the present invention Figure 1 Alternative examples of configurations of the back side of the tab;

[0016] Figure 5 Another embodiment of a tag according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form;

[0017] Figure 6 Shown in simplified form Figure 5 An embodiment of the back side of the label 500;

[0018] Figure 7 Shown in simplified form Figure 5 Alternative embodiments of the back side of the label;

[0019] Figure 8A Another embodiment of a tag according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form;

[0020] Figure 8B Shown in simplified form Figure 8A An example of a layout of a high-tack adhesive printed in a pattern on a label 800;

[0021] Figure 8C Shown in simplified form Figure 8A Examples of layouts where low-tack adhesive is printed in a pattern on a label or where the adhesive is removed in designated areas;

[0022] Figure 9 An example of a typical prior art container is shown in simplified form, such as a box of washing powder, a bag of flour or sugar, or some other kind of product packaging;

[0023] Figure 10 Shown in simplified form with Figure 9 A container similar to that in which a label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is attached;

[0024] Figure 11 Shown in simplified form after pulling the tab to unfold the twisted or serpentine strip that serves as a handle Figure 10 container;

[0025] 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;

[0026] Figure 13 Shown in simplified form Figure 12 a bottle in which the twisted or serpentine strip of the label begins to unwind;

[0027] Figure 14 Shown in simplified form Figure 12bottles in which the twisted or serpentine strip of the label is more spread out;

[0028] Figure 15 Shown in simplified form Figure 12 a bottle in which the twisted or serpentine strip of the label is fully extended to form a long ribbon;

[0029] Figure 16 Shown in simplified form Figure 12 a bottle in which a twisted or serpentine strip of the label is used as a strap across a person's torso;

[0030] Figure 17 Another application of a tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form;

[0031] Figure 18 Another application of a tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form;

[0032] Figure 19 Another application of a tag constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form; and

[0033] 20A to 20F Shown in simplified form are alternative examples of portions of an infinite number of twisted or serpentine strip configurations that can be created on a tag constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention develops a label that performs dual functions, namely, as a printable label that can be converted to form a convenient handle or sling with which the user can conveniently carry the product to which the label is attached. As a result, the package to which the label is attached can have a compact shape without having to be designed for easy carrying or equipped with a separate handle.

[0035] Notably, the design allows the label to function as a strap or handle, rather than as an auxiliary component with the sole function of serving as a handle. Rather, the design allows the label itself to be converted into a strap or handle when needed. Thus, the label can be conveniently used with a variety of containers, such as 250ml (approximately 8oz) or larger plastic water bottles, 2-liter soda bottles, bags of sugar or flour, 4.5-liter or larger bottles of liquid detergent, 2.5kg or larger boxes of powdered detergent, and the like. This design is even suitable for use as a shipping label attached to delivery boxes from logistics companies such as Amazon.com, Inc. or shipping entities such as the U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel Service (UPS), or FedEx Corp. Advantageously, in this manner, if the box being shipped is heavy and / or has an awkward shape and / or size, a label as described herein can provide a handle or strap, making it easier for the recipient to move or manipulate the shipped box while eliminating the need for an opening or separate handle.

[0036] First, the term "container" as used herein is intended to mean, and does mean here: any bottle, jar, bag, box, carton, or other packaging to which a label is affixed, whether for the purpose of providing information about the product contained therein, advertising, or source and / or destination information.

[0037] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a tag 100 according to the teachings herein is shown in a simplified manner.

[0038] The label 100 (and other labels described herein) is made from a single layer of printable polymer sheet material having 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 reinforcement for added strength.

[0039] The label 100 has a perimeter border 102 which, although shown as a rectangle, may be any shape suitable for the container to which it is attached.

[0040] exist Figure 1 1 and 2. The front side 104 is shown in FIG. 2 , which is the side that will carry printed content suitable for a particular intended application. Optionally, for some embodiments, the side opposite the front side 104 may also carry printing in whole or in part, such as when the label is to be attached to a transparent bottle.

[0041] The label 100 also includes a pattern 106 comprising one or more weakened areas 108, such as formed by perforations, slits, scores, non-penetrating etched lines, etc., which define the perimeter 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 areas are configured such that a nominal force (e.g., in excess of 0.45 Newtons (~0.1 lbs)) applied to a portion of the strip 110 will cause it to separate from the remainder of the label 100 along the weakened areas 108, thereby forming a handle or strap, depending on its length.

[0042] According to specific embodiments, the weakened areas described herein can be formed using a blade, laser, or needle-like device for making a series of discrete openings through the label, they can be formed using a heated die or laser for melting or thinning the label in specific areas, they can be formed by etching or other known processes, the important aspect being that the continuous zigzag or serpentine strip defined by the weakened areas remains attached to the label until at least a specified force is applied thereto, and that no backing material (sometimes also referred to as a release liner) is required to hold the zigzag or serpentine strip in place during the process between such manufacture and the time of application to the container. With the foregoing in mind, depending on the specific weakened areas and how they are formed, they may be visible on only one side of the label (in the case where they do not penetrate the label) or on both sides (in the case where they penetrate the label).

[0043] Optionally, a portion of the strip 110 may include a pull tab 114 that can be grasped to facilitate separation of the strip 110 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 cut completely through to facilitate easy lifting from the surface of the label 100.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the weakened area 108 creates a helical, meandering or serpentine-shaped strip 110. However, it is understood and illustrated herein that other configurations of the weakened area 108 can be used to create a myriad of meandering or serpentine-shaped strips 110.

[0045] Figure 2 Another exemplary embodiment of a tag 200 according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form.

[0046] More specifically, Figure 2 The front side 202 (ie, printable side) of the label 200 is shown. Figure 1 The label 100 is similar, Figure 2 The label 200 includes weakened areas 204 that, as described above, define the perimeter of another meandering or serpentine strip 206 .

[0047] Advantageously, the weakened area is configured to minimize interference with printed matter that would appear printed on the labels described herein or to make the weakened area noticeable, if at all.

[0048] Figure 3 An example of a configuration 300 of a back side 302 (flipped horizontally) of a tag 100 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in this exemplary configuration, the back side 302 includes an area of high tack adhesive 304 (indicated by diagonal shading) that is used to attach the label to the intended container. Figure 3 As shown, the region 306 where the weakened area 108 is located is devoid of adhesive.

[0050] The high tack adhesive 304 is applied so that specific, well-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 the adhesive may be suitable.

[0051] The adhesive can be applied using any equipment capable of applying the aforementioned pattern of adhesive, but pattern printing of the adhesive offers advantages over other methods in terms of cost and speed, among other factors. A representative supplier of adhesives capable of pattern coating or pattern printing (referred to interchangeably herein as "pattern printing" for simplicity) in the manner described herein is Rayven Inc., located at 431 North Griggs Street, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

[0052] Alternatively, although less desirable, the entire area of the back side 302 of the label may be coated with adhesive using any conventional method and the area 306 where the weakened area 108 is located may then be "de-sticked" in a known manner.

[0053] Therefore, it should be understood that the important aspect is only having adhesive on the back side in specific areas, not the manner in which the adhesive is applied.

[0054] Figure 4 An example of another configuration 400 of the back side 302 of the tag 100 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the tag 100 includes Figure 3The same high tack adhesive 304, but also includes another area 402 (indicated by cross-hatching) that includes low tack adhesive 404. In addition, the area 406 containing the pull tab 114 is free of adhesive (and can be cut through as described above) to facilitate lifting of the pull tab 114.

[0056] Like the high-tack adhesive 304 , the low-tack adhesive 404 is also desirably pattern-printed.

[0057] High-tack and low-tack adhesives are well known in the art and may depend on the material to which the label is to be attached (e.g., plastic, cardboard or paper and any associated coatings). Therefore, the specific selection of any particular adhesive is a matter of design choice. Similarly, adhesive detackification techniques are also well known and may depend on the specific adhesive selected. Therefore, any detackification technique used will also be a matter of design choice related to the adhesive to be detackified.

[0058] Figure 5 Another exemplary embodiment of a tag 500 according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form.

[0059] More specifically, Figure 5 The front side 502 (ie, printable side) of the label 500 is shown, and is similar to the exemplary embodiment except that the label 500 includes a cutout 504 to provide easier access to the pull tab 114. Figure 2 The tags 200 are practically identical.

[0060] Figure 6 In simplified form, the Figure 5 500 (horizontally flipped). Figure 6 As shown, the back side includes high tack adhesive 304 over portions thereof and no adhesive in the area containing the defined zigzag or serpentine strip 206, except for an optional small area 604 of high tack adhesive 304 near the pull tab to prevent accidental unfolding of the zigzag or serpentine strip 206.

[0061] Figure 7 Shown in simplified form Figure 5 An alternative exemplary embodiment of the back side 602 of the label 500 is provided, which is similar to the embodiment of the present invention except that the following configuration is provided: Figure 6 Same, i.e. in this configuration, the back side further comprises Figure 6 A thin area of low-tack adhesive 404 is provided at the edges devoid of adhesive to reduce the risk of accidentally pulling or separating the zigzag or serpentine strip 206 .

[0062] Figure 8AAnother exemplary embodiment of a tag 800 according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form.

[0063] More specifically, Figure 8A An exemplary embodiment of the back side 802 of the exemplary embodiment is shown in simplified form and is configured such that the zigzag or serpentine strip 804 defined by the weakened area 204 will be shorter and wider when unfolded than the strips previously discussed. In addition, the material 806 of the exemplary embodiment label 800 includes fiber reinforcement 808 (indicated by the inner dots) to enable the zigzag or serpentine strip 804 to serve as a handle for heavier containers.

[0064] Figure 8B Shown in simplified form Figure 8A An exemplary layout 810 for high tack adhesive pattern printing on a label 800, with a defined meandering or serpentine strip 206 having no adhesive or optionally containing a low tack adhesive.

[0065] Figure 8C Shown in simplified form Figure 8A An exemplary layout 812 for printing a low-tack adhesive pattern or removing the adhesive in designated areas on a label 800 is shown.

[0066] Figure 9 A representative example of a prior art container 900 is shown in simplified form, such as a box of laundry detergent, a bag of flour or sugar, or other types of product packaging. As shown, container 900 includes a conventional handle 902, with an end 904 inserted through a slot or attached to the exterior of the container. This configuration takes up space and can easily become stuck during transport from, for example, a warehouse to a store or final recipient.

[0067] Figure 10 A similar container 1000 is shown in simplified form with a label 1002a constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention attached thereto. As can be seen, with the label 1002 as described herein, there is no exposed handle that can become stuck during transport unless or until the ultimate recipient unfolds it. Additionally, with Figure 9 The handles are different. Figure 10 The label may be used, for example, as a basic product label, a shipping label, or may contain other information about the container 1000 or its origin.

[0068] exist Figure 10 It can be further seen that a similar label 1002b (shown in dashed lines) can be applied to the opposite side and can contain different information, which provides a greater and more balanced carrying capacity if the zigzag or serpentine strip 804 is unfolded into a handle by pulling the associated pull tab 114.

[0069] Figure 11 Shown in simplified form after the pull tab 114 has been pulled to deploy the zigzag or serpentine strip 804 into a handle Figure 10 Container 1000.

[0070] Figure 12 A bottle 1200 for liquids is shown in simplified form containing a representative example of a label 1202 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Figure 12 As shown, bottle 1200 is a beverage bottle for water, juice, soda, iced tea, or other beverages, and the zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 in this configuration is configured so that the zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 will produce a long strap 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 pulling force applied to the zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 exceeding a selected force will cause the zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 to break.

[0071] Figure 13 The bottle 1200 is shown in simplified form wherein the zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 is initially unwound by pulling on the tab 114 , which results in a break along the weakened area 204 .

[0072] Figure 14 The bottle 1200 is shown in simplified form, wherein more of the zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 of the label 1202 has been unrolled.

[0073] Figure 15 The bottle 1200 is shown in simplified form with the zigzag or serpentine strip 1204 of the label 1202 (only a portion shown) fully unrolled to form a long ribbon.

[0074] Figure 16 The bottle 1200 is shown in simplified form with a zigzag or serpentine strap 1204 acting as a strap across the torso 1602 of a person 1600 so that they can carry the bottle 1200 "hands-free."

[0075] Figure 17 Another application of a label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form. Figure 17 As shown, label 1700 is a shipping label affixed to an elongated container 1702 that may be difficult to carry conveniently. Use of label 1700 allows a handle to be placed in a more convenient location on container 1702 for unfolding and use by the recipient, replacing or supplementing, for example, conventional cutouts 1704 (commonly used on corrugated cardboard containers) that may be located in an inconvenient location or, in some cases, may provide a path for foreign matter to enter container 1702 and damage the contents.

[0076] Figure 18 Another application of a label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form. Figure 18 As shown, label 1800 is located on a large container 1802, such as may be found in a large store (e.g., Wholesale Club), the label contains printed matter relating to the contents of the container, such as ingredients, company logo, product name, or other information.

[0077] Figure 19 Another application of a label constructed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown in simplified form. Figure 19 As shown, the large box 1900 includes at least a pair of labels 1902a and 1902b, which include common general markings, such as "This side up" and "Fragile, handle with care" as shown, which labels can be attached to the container and can be used as handles when their zigzag or serpentine strips are unfolded.

[0078] Thus, the versatility and advantages provided by labels constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention should be readily apparent, particularly, for example, their ability to define zigzag or serpentine strips of various perimeter shapes, lengths and / or widths such that when unfolded they become short handles or long straps, thereby facilitating easier or "hands-free" carrying of containers.

[0079] In this regard, 20A to 20F Shown in simplified form are alternate examples of portions of an endlessly zigzagging or serpentine strip configuration that can be produced on a label constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[0080] like 20A to 20F As shown, different weakened areas 2002a-2002f are used to create different shaped meandering or serpentine strips 2004a-2004f.

[0081] Furthermore, these labels may eliminate the need to mold or otherwise affix a handle that projects outwardly from the container and thereby requires more material and takes up more space.

[0082] Generally, for ease of understanding, the adhesives described above are shown covering the entirety of their respective areas. However, it should be understood that this is not a requirement, and depending on the specific embodiment, adhesive may be provided in a smaller area provided, for example, that the coverage of the high-tack adhesive is sufficient to reliably adhere the label to its intended container and support the expected excess weight when the zigzag or serpentine strip is deployed into a handle.

[0083] As outlined above, the features and technical advantages of one or more embodiments can be constructed based on the teachings in this disclosure so that the following detailed description can be better understood. 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 facilitate understanding. It should be understood that they are not to be regarded as limitations of the equivalents of the utility model or claims defined in the appended claims. For example, the advantages or aspects of parts of different variants are mutually contradictory because they cannot exist in a single embodiment at the same time. Similarly, the features or advantages of a part may apply to one aspect but not to other aspects. Therefore, the above features and advantages should not be regarded as determining factors for determining equivalence. Although not described in detail herein, other features and advantages will become apparent from the teachings in the specification, drawings and claims.

Claims

1. A label for a container, comprising: a sheet material having a printable side and a back side opposite the printable side; one or more weakened areas, the one or more weakened areas defining a meandering or serpentine strip of the sheet material; a high-tack adhesive on at least a portion of the back side; characterised in that the one or more weakened areas defining the zigzag or serpentine strip are configured such that the zigzag or serpentine strip remains as part of the label and that no backing material is required to hold the zigzag or serpentine strip in place between manufacture of the label and application of the label to its intended container.

2. The label according to claim 1, characterized in that On the back side, the meandering or serpentine strip is substantially free of the high tack adhesive.

3. The label according to claim 2, characterized in that At least a portion of the meandering or serpentine strip comprises a low tack adhesive.

4. The label according to claim 1, characterized in that The back side is also printable.

5. The label according to claim 1, characterized in that The printable side is configured as a shipping label.

6. The label according to claim 1, characterized in that The printable side contains information that serves as one of a product label, a shipping label, or contains information about the intended container.

7. The label according to claim 1, characterized in that The printable side includes a logo.

8. The label according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a cutout in the label defining a pull tab.

9. The label according to claim 8, characterized in that The pull tab is free of adhesive.

10. The label according to claim 1, wherein: The sheet material comprises fiber reinforcement.

11. The label according to claim 1, wherein: The meandering or serpentine strip of sheet material forms an elongated ribbon when unrolled.

12. The label according to claim 11, characterized in that The elongated belt is sufficient to wrap around a portion of a human torso.

13. The label according to claim 1, wherein: The meandering or serpentine strip of sheet material forms a wide handle when unfolded.

14. The label according to claim 1, wherein: The defined meandering or serpentine strip of sheet material is in the shape of a helix.

15. The label according to claim 1, wherein The defined meandering or serpentine strip of sheet material includes a plurality of "S" shapes.

16. The label according to claim 1, wherein: The high-tack adhesive is printed on the back side in a pattern.

17. The label according to claim 15, characterized in that It also includes a low tack adhesive printed in a pattern on the back side.

18. A label for a container, characterized in that: It includes: a sheet material having a printable side and a back side opposite the printable side; one or more weakened areas defining a meandering or serpentine strip of said sheet material; a high tack adhesive on at least a portion of said back side outside of said weakened area defining said meandering or serpentine strip; as well as A low tack adhesive is provided on at least a portion of the back side within the weakened region defining the meandering or serpentine strip.

Images