Label, system and method for applying a label to a multi-part container

Abstract

A label (1) for a multi-part container (20) has a front label edge (4) and an opposite rear label edge (5) and also a first label portion (2) and an adjoining second label portion (3). The label portions (2, 3) each extend along the front and rear label edges (4, 5), wherein the first label portion (2) is designed to be fastened to a body (21) of the container (20), and the second label portion (3) is designed to be fastened to a closure (22, 23) of the container (20). The first label portion (2) juts out in relation to the second label portion (3) at the front label edge (4) with respect to an application direction (R), such that, when operationally applying the label (1) to the container (20), the first label portion (2) comes into contact with the container (20) before the second label portion (3) in a predetermined manner, and such that, when opening the container (20) to which the label (1) has been applied, the label (1) is able to be severed and at least part of the second label portion (3), together with the container closure (22, 23), is able to be removed from the first label portion (2) and the container body (21).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Label, system and method for applying a label to a multi-part vessel

[0003] The present invention relates to a label for a multi-part container that can contribute to reliable identification and secure tamper protection for the container in a simple and cost-effective manner. The invention also relates to a system comprising such a label and a multi-part container. The invention further relates to a method for applying such a label to a multi-part container.

[0004] Labels are used, among other things, for authorization, authentication, or to prove the origin of a given item. For example, a labeling system is used when it is necessary to protect ingredients from unauthorized access and to indicate that the corresponding container has been opened. This particularly applies to containers in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, whose contents must be protected against tampering.

[0005] It is an object underlying the invention to contribute to a reliable and secure marking for a multi-part vessel in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the respective dependent patent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a label for a multi-part vessel comprises a front label edge and an opposite rear label edge, as well as a first label section and an adjacent second label section. The label sections each extend along the front and rear label edges, wherein the first label section is designed to be attached to a vessel body of the vessel, and the second label section is designed to be attached to a vessel closure of the vessel. The first label section protrudes at the front label edge relative to the adjacent second label section with respect to an application direction, such that when the label is applied to the vessel as intended, the first label section comes into contact with the vessel in a predetermined time and space before the second label section.When the vessel applied with the label is opened, the label can be severed and at least a part of the second label section can be removed together with the vessel closure from the first label section and the vessel body.

[0008] Using the described label structure, pharmaceutical containers such as syringes, vials, or injection bottles can be reliably and automatically labeled, enabling particularly reliable and secure marking. 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 of sterile containers and carries the risk of the established sterility being lost due to relative movement of the closure cap relative to the container body.

[0009] It is a finding in connection with the present invention that, in pharmaceutical containers such as syringes, proof of tampering is useful, so that, for example, a closure area and a container area are connected to each other using a pressure-sensitive adhesive label. It is desirable that a cap area remain as free from mechanical stress as possible during processing in order not to compromise the sterility of the closure area. In particular, relative movement between a container body and a closure cap or closure element should be avoided as much as possible.

[0010] For example, if a conventional label with a straight or uniformly aligned leading edge is applied to a syringe, the label may first come into contact with a syringe cap, causing torsional forces to act on the syringe cap as the label is wrapped around the syringe. Accordingly, there is a risk that the syringe cap will rotate to a certain extent upon application of the label, thereby undergoing a relative movement to the syringe body until the label also comes into contact with the syringe body. This has a detrimental effect on labelability and can, in particular, jeopardize the established sterility of the syringe.

[0011] The described label structure enables mechanical coupling to a reference system and also prevents or at least minimizes unwanted force transmission to other parts of the vessel. When the label is attached, 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 torsion-induced movements between the syringe parts due to the attachment of the label to the syringe.

[0012] The label can be single-layer or multi-layer and is particularly suitable for automated application to containers made of two or more parts, with one container part being designed to rotate or move 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 structure, high-speed mechanical dispensing of a large number of such labels is possible, for example, allowing 300-400 syringes per minute to be reliably and securely labeled.

[0013] According to a further development of the label, the first and / or the second label section have an adhesive region and an adhesive-neutral region on a respective underside, such that the first and / or the second label section can be adhesively attached to the container at least in sections. The adhesive-neutral region makes it possible, for example, for the label to be partially removed from the container in order to carry out a content check. The adhesive-neutral region can be configured such that no adhesive is applied to the respective region on the underside and / or that an adhesive weakening agent is applied in a predetermined manner. The adhesive-neutral region can be designed such that it is non-adhesive or has reduced adhesive strength compared to the adhesive region.

[0014] According to a further development of the label, the first label section has a siliconized area on the front label edge on an upper side, so that a predetermined adhesive weakening is provided. The label can be designed as a wrap-around or over-wrap label in order to be able to cover as much of the surface of the container as possible, thus providing a reliable hold and / or the greatest possible additional protection for the contents of the container. In the design of an over-wrap label, the label lies at least partially on itself, so that, for example, an area on the rear label edge covers the siliconized area on the front label edge. If necessary, the label can be lifted again at the rear label edge, since the siliconized area creates a predetermined weakened adhesive force.The label may further comprise a grip tab on the rear edge of the label, on the underside of which an adhesive-free or adhesive-reduced area may also be provided to make the grip tab easier to grasp.

[0015] In the context of this description, terms such as "top", "bottom", "front" and "back" refer to positions and orientations as they occur during the intended, normal use of the label. Thus, the top side faces an outside area or away from the container and usually contains information such as printing and / or labeling. The bottom side therefore faces the container body. The front edge of the label refers to the side of the label that is applied to the container first, depending on the direction of application. The back edge of the label is therefore the opposite side of the label, which is usually pressed down last when wrapping the syringe or container.Furthermore, the front and rear label edges are connected to one another by an upper and a lower label edge, which, for example, represent opposite label sides in a substantially rectangular design of the label. Furthermore, the two label sections extend from left to right between the front and rear label edges and are arranged one above the other in a top view. The first label section thus extends between the front, rear and lower label edges and can accordingly also be referred to as the lower label section, which is attached to the lower part of the vessel, which is realized by the vessel body. The vessel closure essentially forms a head section of the vessel and is usually arranged on top of the vessel body, so that the second label section can also be referred to as the upper label section.The second, trailing label section extends between the front, rear, and top label edges and can directly adjoin the lower label section. Alternatively, a further intermediate section of the label is formed between the upper, trailing and the lower, leading label sections. Alternatively, one or more further label sections can be formed above and / or below the first and second label sections, as viewed from the top side of the label.

[0016] According to a further development of the label, the first label section is formed on the front label edge with a wave shape, crenellated shape, or zigzag shape. The front label edge can have various shapes that prove useful for the respective container to which the label is to be applied. The front label edge can be linear and intended to be applied parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container. The container is usually cylindrical and essentially rotationally symmetrical, so that the longitudinal axis, as the central axis, also represents a cylindrical and / or rotational axis around which the containers are rotated when a respective label is applied.

[0017] The first label section can further have a projecting area on the front label edge, which includes a graduation for a filling volume for a content of the container. The graduation forms, for example, a milliliter scale, the scale marks of which are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container, provided that the label is attached to the container. The projecting area with or without graduation can, in particular, be designed as a siliconized area, as described above. According to a further development of the label, the front label edge is designed such that an angle with a value greater than 0° up to and including 180° is predetermined in a transition between the first and the second label section.For example, the leading edge of the label runs predominantly straight and vertically when viewed from above, with the second label section being slightly set back from the first, leading label section. Thus, there is a step in the transition area, so that an angle of essentially 90° is established between the upper edge of the first label section, which is horizontal when viewed from above, and the subsequent vertical edge of the second label section.

[0018] The first and second label sections have a specifically designed offset so that the subsequent second label section begins, for example, 1-25 mm, preferably 5-20 mm, after the leading label edge of the first label section. The second label section is used in particular to secure a primary cap of the container and is designed such that it can establish sufficient adhesive strength on the primary cap. Furthermore, any weakened area that may be present, for example in the form of a perforation between the first and second label sections, must be taken into account so that reliable adhesion of the label and opening or cutting through in the weakened area is possible. Accordingly, an offset of the trailing second label section is designed in particular to be tailored to a size of the container and the respective container parts.

[0019] The second label section has, for example, a projecting region at the front label edge, which is formed at a distance from the first label section, such that an angle with a value of 180° is essentially established in the transition between the first and the second label section at the front label edge. According to such an embodiment, for example, a clearance is predetermined between the projecting region of the upper, second label section and the leading, lower, first label section. The clearance can be provided, for example, to accommodate a vessel section, such as a bead or an outwardly extending element at a position between the vessel closure and the vessel body.According to a further development of the label, a slit is formed in a transition between the first and second label sections, so that the first and second label sections are separated in sections at the front label edge. The two label sections are formed, in particular, directly adjacent to one another as adjacent regions of one or more common label layers and, according to the described embodiment, are partially separated, severed, or detached from one another. Thus, a certain degree of mobility of the two label sections relative to one another can be established, which can have a beneficial effect on an application process.

[0020] The label can further be 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. The leading, first label section comprises at least one layer of the label composite that adheres to the container. Such a functional layer can provide a predetermined inhibition of light or electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined wavelength range, such as ultraviolet. 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 the second label section may have an adhesive area with a dark or black adhesive and / or a dark or black reference layer on a respective underside.

[0021] The label can be designed as a wrap-around or over-wrap label to provide the greatest possible protection for the contents of the container. For example, the label can be designed so that, for use on a syringe, it extends over the syringe shoulder and over the syringe cap, and the resulting sleeve seals over the syringe cap and is self-contained. This also provides additional protection for the shoulder and cap area of ​​the syringe or container in general from light / UV radiation and / or against gas or water ingress.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 also be taken into account, so that corresponding functionalities can be integrated through a suitable selection of a top material for a label layer or the label itself and / or through a suitable selection of an adhesive. Depending on the intended application, a targeted selection of an adhesive can also be particularly beneficial, for example, with a view to cryogenic applications and autoclaving, so that the label can be used over a particularly wide temperature range, from -196°C for deep-freeze applications to +140°C for sterilization applications.

[0022] The label can, in particular, be designed to include a preferably adhesive-neutral severance region with a severance element. Such a severance element can be designed as a tear strip and / or as a perforation arranged between the first and second label sections, so that when the container applied with the label is opened, the label can be severed along the perforation or tear strip, and at least part of the second label section, together with the container closure, can be easily removed from the first label section and the container body.

[0023] The label thus enables secure sealing of primary packaging and containers in the pharmaceutical sector, for example, guaranteeing or indicating the intactness of a medication package. This prevents the inadvertent reuse of an appropriately labeled primary packaging after use and clearly and reliably indicates the initial opening of the primary packaging. Thus, the label also counteracts tampering with the primary packaging and provides evidence of initial opening.

[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 can, for example, 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 also be provided in one or more layers of the label, allowing a specific layer to be torn through or torn open.

[0026] The label can furthermore have RFID functionality, so that, 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 technically coupled to the RFID chip signal. Due to the described label structure and the leading first label section, the antenna structure and manipulation loops or so-called "tamper loops" in a transition area of ​​the vessel body to the vessel closure can also be protected from mechanical stress and premature, faulty activation. Alternatively or additionally, the label can also include functionality based on another radio standard, such as Bluetooth LE. Furthermore, active systems including a power supply are also possible, which, for example, track or store a temperature and / or time.The label can alternatively be configured such that the first and second label sections are not offset from one another. Accordingly, the label has, for example, a square or rectangular shape or overall contour, so that the first label section does not protrude from the second label section and does not form a leading edge, or no trailing leading edge of the second label section is formed. However, the further properties of such a label, described above or below, can also be provided for such an embodiment of the label.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, a system comprises an embodiment of the previously described label which is attached to a multi-part object or vessel. A surface or outer surface of the vessel thus forms a base for the label and can be realized, for example, by the outer surface of a syringe or an injection vial. The label is applied to the vessel such that the first label section of the label is attached to the vessel body and the second label section of the label is attached to the vessel closure. Due to the leading front edge of the label in the region of the lower, second label section, this edge comes into contact with the vessel or vessel body first in terms of time and, with respect to the direction of application, is also arranged spatially in front of the upper, second label section on the vessel.Because the system comprises an embodiment of the described multifunctional label, properties and features of the multifunctional label are also disclosed for the system and vice versa.

[0028] 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 label to the vessel such that the first label portion comes into contact with the vessel and is attached to the vessel body, and subsequently the second label portion comes into contact with the vessel and is attached to the vessel closure such that upon opening the vessel with the label applied, the label can be severed in a predetermined manner and at least a portion of the second label portion can be removed together with the vessel closure from the first label portion and the vessel body.The method can, for example, be further developed such that the label is provided such that the first label section and / or the second label section has an adhesive region and an adhesive-neutral region on a respective underside, such that the first and / or the second label section can be adhesively fastened to the vessel at least in sections, and such that the first label section has a siliconized region on the front label edge on an upper side, such that a predetermined adhesive weakening is provided. The method accordingly comprises wrapping the vessel with the label such that the label completely encloses a radial circumference of the vessel and the first label section with the adhesive region lies at least partially on the siliconized region.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The label and method make it possible to prevent any disruption to the integrity of primary packaging in a cap area. This is made possible by the special label design, so that during label processing, the leading area is affixed to the container body before the trailing part of the label encompasses the cap area. The label can be designed as a self-adhesive label and have a multi-layer or multi-ply structure so that information can be stored on one or more layers, with the leading first label section comprising at least one of these layers. A siliconized surface can enable controlled opening and resealing or reattachment of the label to the container.

[0031] Furthermore, a graduation may be provided to indicate the fill volume or units of the contents of the container, for example, in the case of an opaque film element, on one edge of the label, such as the front label edge. Alternatively, a graduation may also be formed in other label areas, for example, in the case of transparent label structures. Such a graduation is preferably placed in a label part permanently connected to the primary packaging to avoid higher tolerances that may arise during opening and closing.

[0032] The label can also be partially printed on the top with silicone varnish or similar varnishes, on which adhesives can only exert low forces, to enable targeted control of the required opening forces. This can be achieved, for example, in a label area that, when the label is applied to the container, is associated with the transition area between the container closure and the container body.

[0033] Furthermore, an adhesive-neutralized pull tab can be provided, which allows partial opening or removal of the label above the height of the contents to be inspected. Such a concept can be designed such that a perforation in the label must first be severed or is severed by opening or lifting the label. The label can have one or more adhesive-neutralized areas that allow the label to be opened or lifted above the height of the contents to be inspected. A transition area from a non-adhesive area to an adhesive area, for example, limits the permissible degree of opening by deliberately increasing the force required to open it in the transition area.

[0034] The upper, second label section, which is preferably glued to the vessel closure, can remain at least partially as a label area on the vessel closure after the vessel has been opened. Such an area can be equipped with electronic components, such as RFID functionality, in addition to paints and varnishes. Furthermore, components of electronic components, such as antenna structures or conductor tracks for RFID functionality, can be designed to extend into the second label section on the vessel closure, so that they can be altered, severed, and deliberately damaged when the vessel closure is unscrewed. In addition to visually visible proof of opening, electronic proof of first opening can thus be implemented.

[0035] When using transparent foil elements, you can also

[0036] One or more viewing windows can be integrated into the label layout, allowing a view of the contents of the container and, if necessary, a graduation to a more limited extent before the label is opened or removed from the container.

[0037] The label can be used particularly in applications where it is necessary to cover as much of the primary container's surface area as possible to achieve a desired effect, such as light protection applications, protection against UV radiation, protection against reactive gases, such as oxygen in relation to certain medications, and / or where the entire structure shown is designed with a material composite that can create a barrier effect against the critical gases. Accordingly, the label can, for example, comprise material compositions based on EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer), but also structures that build up a barrier layer based on metal oxide, such as AlOx (aluminum oxide). In this case, a film element can still have a transparent appearance and, if necessary, can also be made opaque.

[0038] Due to the special label structure, the label design options described ensure that the label is only coupled to the unwinding in relation to the reference system in the form of the container body and does not transfer any undesirable forces to the other parts of the container to be glued.

[0039] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained using schematic drawings. They show:

[0040] Figures 1-5 Embodiments of a label for a multi-part

[0041] Vessel in a respective top view,

[0042] Figures 6-9 show further embodiments of a label for a multi-part container in a respective plan view in respective detailed views,

[0043] Figure 10 is a flow chart for a method for applying the

[0044] Label according to Figures 1-9 on a multi-part container, and Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a label for a multi-part container in a plan view.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Figures 1 to 5 show various exemplary embodiments of a label 1 for a multi-part vessel in the form of a syringe 20, each in a top view. The label 1 has a front label edge 4 and an opposite rear label edge 5. The label 1 further comprises a first label section 2 and an adjacent second label section 3, which extend along the front and rear label edges 4 and 5, respectively. The first label section 2 is designed to be attached to a syringe body 21 of the syringe 20. The second label section 3 is designed to be attached to a syringe closure of the syringe 20, which closure comprises a closure element 22 and / or a cap element 23, which is placed, for example, on the closure element 22 and partially or completely surrounds it.

[0047] In Figures 4 and 5, the cap element 23 completely surrounds the closure element 22, and the second label section 3 is only attached to the cap element 23. Alternatively, the cap element 23 can also only partially surround the closure element 22 in an upper region of the closure element 22. In such a case, the second label section 3 is attached to the cap element 23 in the upper region of the syringe closure and to the closure element 22 in the lower region of the syringe closure. The second label section 3 can be attached to the closure element 22 and / or to the cap element 23 completely up to the respective upper end or only partially, for example up to the respective middle of the closure element 22 and / or cap element 23. In the event that the closure element 22 is a Luer closure, the second label section 3 can also be attached only to the associated Luer thread.The first label section 2 protrudes relative to an application direction R at the front label edge 4 in comparison to the second label section 3, so that when the label 1 is applied to the syringe 20 as intended, the first label section 2 comes into contact with the syringe 20 before the second label section 3, and so that when the syringe applied with the label 1 is opened.

[0048] 20 the label 1 can be severed and at least a part of the second label section 3 together with the syringe closure 22, 23 can be removed from the first label section 2 and the syringe body 21.

[0049] The representations in the illustrated Figures 1-5 each refer to a top view of a top side of the label 1, which, when attached to the syringe 20, is oriented toward an outside area or away from the syringe body 21. Accordingly, a bottom side of the label 1 is oriented such that, when attached to the syringe 20, it is oriented toward an outside area or away from the syringe body

[0050] 21. The front and rear label edges 4 and 5 refer to the application direction R, which faces the syringe 20. The leading, front label edge 4 is thus arranged closer to the syringe 20 during application of the label 1 than the trailing, rear label edge 5.

[0051] Using the described label structure, syringes 20 or alternative pharmaceutical containers, such as vials or injection bottles, can be reliably and automatically labeled, enabling particularly reliable and secure marking. Because the leading, front label edge 4 protrudes in the region of the first label section 2, the label structure ensures that forces occurring during labeling are not transmitted, or at least are significantly reduced, to other parts of the syringe 20. This applies, for example, to torsional force transmissions, which are particularly undesirable in the syringe closure 22, 23 and entail the risk of the established sterility of the syringe 20 being lost due to relative movements of the syringe closure 22, 23 relative to the syringe body 21.

[0052] The first label edge 4 essentially has two sections, one of which forms a front edge 41 of the first label section 2 and the other of which forms a front edge 42 of the second label section 3. The front edges 41, 42 can be straight or curved and / or follow a predetermined contour (see also Figures 3, 5, 7 and 8). With respect to the application direction R, they form, at least in sections, a frontmost position of the respective label section 2, 3 on the front label edge 4. The two front edges 41, 42 of the two label sections 2 and 3 are arranged such that a predetermined residue of the second label section 3 is arranged with respect to the application direction R.This can be realized in particular in that the two front edges 41, 42 of the two label sections 2 and 3 are inclined to one another and an angle A between a continuing projection of the front edge 41 of the first label section 2 and the front edge 42 of the second label section 3 is predetermined.

[0053] According to Figure 1, the front label edge 4 in the region of the first label section 2 is aligned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the syringe 20. The first label section 2 is attached to a lateral surface of the syringe 20 and wrapped around it. The syringe 20 is typically cylindrical and substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis L. Alternatively, the syringe 20 can also have a different shape. For example, the syringe 20 can be designed with a slightly conical outer shape, wherein the region with the smaller diameter faces the side of the syringe needle. The front edge 42 of the second label section 3 is inclined at a predetermined angle to the front edge 41 in the region of the first label section 2 or to the longitudinal axis L, so that during an application process it contacts the syringe 20 or the syringe closure 22, 23 downstream of the front edge 41.

[0054] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the label 1 further comprises an adhesive region 12 and an adhesive-neutral region 7. For example, the label 1 is implemented as a self-adhesive film element and / or has an adhesive layer on the underside so that the label 1 can be easily and reliably adhered to the syringe 20. The adhesive-neutral region 7 can be implemented by applying no adhesive to the underside in this region and / or by applying an adhesive-weakening agent which predeterminably weakens an adhesive effect. According to Figure 1, the adhesive-neutral region 7 is designed to match the position and geometry of the syringe closure 22, 23 so that no adhesive contact is established between the syringe closure 22, 23 and the label 1 in this region during wrapping.Above and below the adhesive-neutral area 7, an adhesive connection to the tip 20 and / or the label 1 is established within itself.

[0055] The label 1 can cover a section of the syringe 20 or is preferably designed as a wrap-around or overwrap label and lies at least partially on itself. According to Figure 1, the syringe closure 22, 23 can be wrapped around the adhesive-neutral area 7, and the label 1 subsequently lies adhesively on itself. Contamination of the syringe closure 22, 23 with adhesive can thus be avoided. The label 1 then surrounds the syringe closure 22, 23 like a sleeve and is glued to itself in an area above the syringe closure 22, 23, closed, and sealed by a material bond. Thus, a useful hermetic enclosure of the syringe closure 22, 23 can be created.

[0056] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the adhesive-neutral area is arranged in a transition area between the first and second label sections 2 and 3, which, in an applied state, is associated with the transition between the syringe closure 22, 23 and the syringe body 21. Thus, the opening dynamics of the labeled syringe 20 can be improved, since, compared to a fully adhesive label, less force is required when twisting and / or peeling off the syringe closure 22, 23 and severing the label 1. Alternatively or additionally, the label 1 can have a severing element in the form of a tear strip and / or a perforation 6 in such a severing area, which enables simple and predetermined tearing of the label 1 (see also Figures 4-9).The perforation 6 also allows the label 1 to be severed by a twisting and / or pulling movement, revealing any underlying layers that may contain colored opening indicators and / or other information. According to a further embodiment, the label 1 has a protruding area 8 on the front edge 4 of the first label section 2. The protruding area 8 can enable easier attachment of the label 1 to syringes 20 during automated dispensing. The protruding area 8 can be siliconized on the upper side, so that the label 1 can be detached from itself in this area if necessary, for example to view printed information and / or to enable a content check of the syringe 20.The protruding region 8 and the front edge 41 of the first label section 2 that borders it can be straight and / or curved and / or configured with another predetermined contour (see also Figures 3-5). A superficially siliconized region can cover the protruding region 8 or extend significantly beyond it. The siliconized region is positioned in particular such that, with respect to the circumference of the container as the primary packaging material, the layer above it can be opened more easily in the desired area.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the label 1, which has a graduation in the protruding region 8, which can be useful for checking the contents in the syringe 20. Preferably, the protruding region 8 is then siliconized on the upper side so that the label 1 can be unwound from it for visual inspection. The length, height, width, and / or thickness of the label 1 are designed, in particular, to match the geometry of the syringe 20 or the syringe body 21 and / or the syringe closure 22 and / or 23 to which the label 1 is to be attached.

[0058] According to Figure 4, three separate adhesive regions 12 are therefore predefined, which are separated from one another by the T-shaped, adhesive-neutral region 7. Accordingly, there are one or more transition regions 9 between one or more adhesive-neutral and adhesive regions 7 and 12. When the syringe 20 is wrapped with the label 1, the upper adhesive region 12 is adhesively bonded to the syringe closure 22, 23. The leading adhesive region 12 is previously adhesively bonded to the syringe body 21. The following adhesive region 12 lies on top of the projecting region 8 and covers the graduation. Furthermore, the label 1 can have a grip tab 10 on the rear label edge 5, which is preferably adhesive-neutral or has a reduced adhesive strength on the underside so that it can be handled and removed more easily.The angle A at the front label edge 4 between the two label sections 2 and 3 can, for example, be substantially 90° (see also Figure 9).

[0059] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the label 1, which, compared to the embodiment according to Figure 4, has an angle A greater than 90° at the front label edge 4 between the two label sections 2 and 3 (see also Figure 6). Furthermore, the front edge 41 of the first label section 2 is partially curved.

[0060] Figures 6-9 show, in respective detailed views, enlarged sections of the front label edge 4 in the region of the transition between the two label sections 2 and 3. The transition can, for example, be determined by the perforation 6. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the label 1 in which the angle A at the front label edge 4 between the two label sections 2 and 3 is less than 90°. The second label section 3 has a projecting region 13 which, however, is set back compared to the projecting region 8 of the first label section 2, so that the first label section 2 always comes into contact with the syringe body 21 or the syringe 20 before the second label section 3 during an intended application. The front edge 42 of the second label section 3 can thus be vertical (see Figures 4 and 8-9), diagonally forwards (see Figure 7) or diagonally backwards (seeFigures 1-3 and 5-6).

[0061] Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the label 1 and illustrates that the angle A at the front label edge 4 between the two label sections 2 and 3 can also be 180°. Alternatively, the angle A in Figure 8 can relate to the adjoining edges which are formed adjacent to the perforation 6, so that in this region the angle A can be designated as 90°. In each case, the label 1 according to Figure 8 has a projecting region 8 and 13 of the first and second label sections 2, 3, respectively, between which a free space is formed in a predetermined manner. Such a free space can, for example, provide a recess for elements of the syringe 20 which extend radially outwards and would make labeling using a full-surface label more difficult.

[0062] Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the label 1, the two label sections 2, 3 adjoining one another at their front edges 41, 42 and separated from one another in sections by a slit 11. The slit 11 extends, for example, as far as the perforation 6 in the adhesive-neutral region 7 and provides a certain degree of mobility of the two label sections 2, 3 relative to one another in the region of the front edges 41, 42. This can have a beneficial effect on a labeling process when the label 1 is applied to the syringe 20. The slit 11 can alternatively also be longer or shorter and / or formed with a predetermined course that is not consistently straight.

[0063] Applying the label 1 to the syringe 20 can be carried out according to the flow chart in Figure 10 as follows:

[0064] In a step S1, the syringe 20 is provided as a multi-part container. In the same step S1 or in a further step S2, an embodiment of the label 1 is provided.

[0065] In a step S3, the label 1 is applied to the syringe 20, with the syringe 20 being wrapped with the label 1. The first label section 2 is brought into contact with the syringe body 21 and adhesively attached thereto. Subsequently, the second label section 3 is brought into contact with the syringe closure 22, 23 and adhesively attached to and / or around it.

[0066] Thus, the label 1 is applied to the syringe 20 without allowing undesired forces to act on the syringe closure 22, 23 and without compromising the sterility of the syringe 20. When the labeled syringe 20 is opened, the label 1 can be severed in a predetermined manner and at least a portion of the second label section 3, together with the syringe closure 22 and / or 23, can be removed from the first label section 2 and the syringe body 21. Due to the specially designed, leading label edge 4, the label 1 allows it to be fixed to the syringe body 21 before the trailing portion of the label 1 encompasses the syringe closure 22, 23. The label structure makes it possible to avoid or minimize the transmission of mechanical forces to the syringe closure 22, 23 during labeling.This makes it possible, in particular, to rule out the possibility of torsional movements between the components of the syringe 20 and the label 1, which could adversely affect the sterility of the syringe 1 and the labeling process. Due to the described label structure, for example, high-speed mechanical dispensing of a large number of such labels 1 is possible, allowing, for example, 300-400 syringes per minute to be reliably and securely labeled without compromising their sterility. Furthermore, the syringes 20 can be reliably sealed and protected against tampering by means of a respective label 1. The label 1 provides secure proof of first opening and can clearly indicate unauthorized openings.

[0067] Depending on the geometry of the syringe 20 or another container to which the label 1 is to be attached, the label 1 can have the grip tab 10 and / or special geometries, such as rectangular or serrated cutouts. Furthermore, an adhesive of the label 1 can be neutralized in certain areas to predetermine the adhesive-neutral area 7. The label 1 can be made of a UV-protective film and / or a barrier film that provides a barrier against oxygen and / or water vapor. Alternatively or additionally, the label 1 can be provided with black ink on its underside facing the syringe 20 in order to avoid or minimize light reflections and light effects.In addition, the label 1 can have an RFID function in the area of ​​the syringe body 21 and / or in the area of ​​the syringe closure 22, 23, which can be combined with a so-called "tamper loop function," which is useful in a transition area between the syringe body 21 and the syringe closure 22, 23. Furthermore, the label 1 can additionally or alternatively have an inspection window or be partially or completely transparent. Figure 11 shows a further possible embodiment of the label 1, in which the first and second label sections 2, 3 are not offset from one another. The label 1 accordingly has a substantially square or rectangular shape or overall contour, so that the first label section 2 does not protrude from the second label section 3 and does not have a leading front edge 41 or a trailing front edge 42 is not formed in the area of ​​the second label section 3.The front edges 41, 42 are formed, for example, in a straight line along a common straight line. The further properties of the label 1, previously described in connection with Figures 1 to 10, can also be provided for this embodiment of the label 1. In particular, the label 1 can have functions such as a scale, a grip tab 10, an RFID functionality, a perforation 6, a UV-protective film, and / or a barrier film.

[0068] List of reference symbols

[0069] 1 label

[0070] 2 first label section

[0071] 3 second label section

[0072] 4 front label edge

[0073] 41 front edge of the first label section

[0074] 42 front edge of the second label section

[0075] 5 back label edge

[0076] 6 Perforation

[0077] 7 adhesive-neutral area

[0078] 8 protruding area of ​​the first label section

[0079] 9 Transition area

[0080] 10 handle tab

[0081] 11 Slitting

[0082] 12 adhesive area

[0083] 13 protruding area of ​​the second label section

[0084] 20 vessels / syringes

[0085] 21 Vessel body / syringe body

[0086] 22 locking element

[0087] 23 Cap element

[0088] A Angle between leading and trailing label section

[0089] L Longitudinal axis of the vessel / syringe

[0090] R Application direction of the label

[0091] S(i) Steps of a method for applying a label to a vessel

Claims

Patent claims 1. Label (1) for a multi-part container (20), comprising: - a front label edge (4) and an opposite rear label edge (5), and - a first label section (2) and an adjacent second label section (3), each extending along the front and rear label edges (4, 5), wherein the first label section (2) is designed to be attached to a vessel body (21) of the vessel (20), and the second label section (3) is designed to be attached to a vessel closure (22, 23) of the vessel (20), wherein the first label section (2) protrudes relative to the second label section (3) at the front label edge (4) with respect to an application direction (R), so that when the label (1) is applied to the vessel (20) in accordance with the intended operation, the first label section (2) comes into contact with the vessel (20) before the second label section (3),and so that when the vessel (20) applied with the label (1) is opened, the label (1) can be severed and at least a part of the second label section (3) can be removed together with the vessel closure (22, 23) from the first label section (2) and the vessel body (21).

2. Label (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first label section (2) and / or the second label section (3) has an adhesive region (12) and an adhesive-neutral region (7) on a respective underside, so that the first and / or the second label section (2, 3) can be adhesively attached to the vessel (20) at least in sections.

3. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first label section (2) has a siliconized area on the front label edge (4) on an upper side, so that a predetermined adhesive weakening is provided.

4. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first label portion (2) is formed with a wave shape or crenellation shape on the front label edge (4).

5. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first label section (2) has a projecting region (8) on the front label edge (4) which comprises a graduation for a filling volume for a content of the vessel (20).

6. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the front label edge (4) is designed such that in a transition between the first and the second label section (2, 3) an angle (A) with a value greater than 0° up to and including 180° is predetermined.

7. Label (1) according to claim 6, wherein the second label portion (3) has a projecting region (13) on the front label edge (4) which is formed at a distance from the first label portion (2) such that substantially an angle (A) with a value of 180° is established in the transition between the first and the second label portion (2, 3) on the front label edge (4).

8. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a slit (11) is formed in a transition between the first and the second label section (2, 3), so that the first and the second label section (2, 3) are arranged separately in sections at the front label edge (4).

9. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first label section (2) and / or the second label section (3) 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.

10. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first label section (2) and / or the second label section (3) comprises a respective label layer which is formed as an at least partially transparent, white and / or colored film element.

11. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first label section (2) and / or the second label section (3) has on a respective underside an adhesive region (12) with a black adhesive and / or a black reference layer.

12. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: an adhesive-neutral cutting area with a perforation (6), which is formed between the first and the second label section (2, 3), so that when the vessel (20) applied with the label (1) is opened, the label (1) can be cut through in a predetermined manner along the perforation (6) and at least a part of the second label section (3) can be removed together with the vessel closure (22, 23) from the first label section (2) and the vessel body (21).

13. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second label section (3) is designed in coordination with the vessel (20) such that the second label section (3) is closed in an applied state of the label (1) on the vessel (20) relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the vessel (20) above the vessel closure (22, 23).

14. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: an RFID transponder with an RFID chip and an antenna structure which is signal-technically coupled to the RFID chip.

15. System comprising: - a vessel (20) which can be divided into several parts and has a vessel body (21) and a vessel closure (22, 23) which is coupled to the vessel body (21), and - a label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is applied to the vessel (20) in such a way that the first label section (2) of the label (1) is attached to the vessel body (21) and the second label section (3) of the label (1) is attached to the vessel closure (22, 23).

16. A method for applying a label (1) to a multi-part vessel (20) according to one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: - Providing a vessel (20) which can be divided into several parts and has a vessel body (21) and a vessel closure (22, 23) which is coupled to the vessel body (21), and - Applying the label (1) to the vessel (20) such that the first label section (2) comes into contact with the vessel (20) and is fastened to the vessel body (21), and subsequently the second label section (3) comes into contact with the vessel (20) and is fastened to the vessel closure (22, 23) such that when the vessel (20) applied with the label (1) is opened, the label (1) can be severed in a predetermined manner and at least a part of the second label section (3) can be removed together with the vessel closure (22, 23) from the first label section (2) and the vessel body (21).

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