Label and manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing a label with a handle for hanging.SOLUTION: According to a method, a first laminate material with a releasable backing layer and a first front layer is provided, the first front layer is coated with peeling accelerator and a free area without the peeling accelerator is left. A second laminate material with a second front layer and an adhesive layer is provided. The adhesive layer of the second laminate material bonds the first laminate material and the second laminate material in a structural component assembled or coupled material to be adhered to the free area of the first laminate material. In a handle area of the second laminate material, the handle is cut only inside. The first front layer is provided with a hollow configuring a hanging handle part which cuts a secondary label in a secondary label area different from the handle area, forms a label outline in the first front layer, avoids cutting the hanging handle, removes a part of the first front layer, and protrudes beyond a label outline.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] [Technical field]

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for producing labels with handles for hanging bottles in an upside-down position, and to labels with handles obtainable by such a method, for example. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] [Background technology]

[0004]

[0004] A label with a handle applicable to a bottle is exemplified in the prior art document EP 0 356 574 A2, in which such a handle projects free from the upper edge of the label when not in use.

[0005]

[0005] Such solutions have the main drawback of being technically complex and costly. Further solutions of this type are known, for example, from US 2006 / 057313 A1, US 5 878 901 A, US 5 135 125 A, CN 201 685 500 U.

[0006]

[0006] A similar solution is disclosed in US2006057313, in which Figure 2b shows that the layers cut through their entire thickness are placed on a silicone-coated backing layer, here indicated by reference number 10, to obtain a handle that rests completely on the silicone-coated backing layer.

[0007]

[0007] Document WO2018220660 shows a label consisting of a single layer resting on a silicone-coated backing layer (indicated by reference number 5 in Figure 5 of this document), with a support handle cut into this single layer and resting completely on this silicone-coated backing layer.

[0008] Alternatively, a label having a handle made by joining two separate adhesive films is known from the prior document EP 2246266 A1 by the same proprietor.

[0009]

[0009] As shown in such documentation, the lower film carries the wording required to identify the infusion container, while the transparent upper film is adhesively joined to the lower film to create a handle for rotating the container upside down when administering the contents of the container to a patient.

[0010]

[0010] A disadvantage associated with this prior technique is that when the label is applied to the bottle, any printed characters placed on the surface tend to be damaged due to the mechanical stresses experienced by the bottle and label in the labeling machine.

[0011]

[0011] A further drawback associated with this prior art technique relates to the limited extension of the handle relative to the width or height of the adhesive label, which limitation makes it impossible or difficult, in the case of small bottles, to use the handle to hang the bottle to which it is applied.

[0012]

[0012] Furthermore, there is a strong need to have a handle label with detachable secondary labels, in order to also identify the product contained in the bottle in a separate document and to separate at least one of these secondary labels, for example along with a pre-printed product label, and apply it to a separate document, for example a medical record.

[0013]

[0013] [Solution]

[0014]

[0014] In this context, the present invention proposes to provide a method and a self-adhesive label making it possible to overcome the drawbacks explained with reference to the prior art.

[0015]

[0015] In particular, the method and label proposed herein are designed to simplify the creation and use of hanger handles, even when the container to which the hanger handle is applied is small. In addition, the method and label proposed herein are designed to make the secondary label printed characters wear-resistant. Furthermore, according to an advantageous aspect of the present invention, the secondary label is designed to be writable on its surface using an ordinary writing implement.

[0016]

[0016] Such an object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a label according to claim 6. The claims dependent thereon relate to advantageous or preferred embodiments.

[0017]

[0017] [Figure]

[0018]

[0018] The object of the present invention will now be explained in detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 shows diagrammatically the manufacturing method that is the object of the present invention according to a possible embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 shows a view of the multilayer material at the location marked by the number II in FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrow shown. [Figure 3] 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the plane III-III shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along plane IV-IV shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 shows a view of the multilayer material at the location marked by the number V in FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrow shown. [Figure 6] 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along plane VI-VI shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 shows a view of the multilayer material at the location marked by number VII in FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrow shown. [Figure 8] 8 shows a cross section taken along plane VIII-VIII of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9 shows a cross section taken along the plane IX-IX of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 8 shows a cross section taken along plane XX in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] 1 shows a view of the multilayer material at the location marked by the number XI in FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrow shown. [Figure 12A] 12 shows a cross section taken along plane XII-XII of FIG. 11, in which the arrows indicate diagrammatically the depth of separation, cutting or stamping of the illustrated material, and the view shows the cross section before and after removal of the stamping debris. [Figure 12B] 12 shows a cross section taken along plane XII-XII of FIG. 11, in which the arrows indicate diagrammatically the depth of separation, cutting or stamping of the illustrated material, and the view shows the cross section before and after removal of the stamping debris. [Figure 12C] 12 shows a cross section taken along plane XII-XII of FIG. 11, in which the arrows indicate diagrammatically the depth of separation, cutting or stamping of the illustrated material, and the view shows the cross section before and after removal of the stamping debris. [Figure 13] 13 shows a cross section taken along plane XIII-XIII of FIG. 11, in which the arrows indicate diagrammatically the depth of separation, cutting or stamping of the illustrated material, and the view shows the cross section before and after removal of the stamping debris. [Figure 13B] 13 shows a cross section taken along plane XIII-XIII of FIG. 11, in which the arrows indicate diagrammatically the depth of separation, cutting or stamping of the illustrated material, and the view shows the cross section before and after removal of the stamping debris. [Figure 14] 1B shows a view of the multilayer material at the location marked by number XIV in FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrow shown. [Figure 15] 15 shows a cross-sectional view taken along plane XV-XV shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 1 in the direction of the arrow shown. FIG. 1B shows a view of the multilayer material at the position marked by the number XVI in FIG. 1. FIG. 1C shows a diagrammatic front view of a label according to the invention according to a possible variant, with the gripping portion of the handle and part of the secondary label partially lifted. [Figure 17]1 shows diagrammatically an axonometric view of a label according to the invention according to a possible variant, with the gripping part of the handle and part of the secondary label partially lifted; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020]

[0027] Description of some preferred embodiments

[0021]

[0028] According to a general embodiment, the aforementioned object is achieved through a method for manufacturing a label 1 having a hanging handle 2, the method comprising the following steps:

[0029] i) providing a first laminate material 4 comprising a backing layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a peelable manner, wherein the first front layer 8 comprises a front surface 10;

[0030] ii) coating the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 with at least one layer 12, 18 of release promoter, leaving a free area 14 devoid of the at least one layer 12, 18 of release promoter;

[0031] iv) providing a second laminate material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26′, wherein the second front layer 28 has a predefined thickness S1;

[0032] v) joining the first laminate material 4 of step (ii) and the second laminate material 20 of step (iv) in the assembled component or laminate material 40 such that the adhesive layer 26′ of the second laminate material 20 adheres to at least the free area 14 of the first laminate material 4;

[0033] vii) cutting the hanger handle 2 only in the handle region 16 of the second laminate material 20 and within the predetermined thickness S1 of the second laminate material 20, leaving the first front layer 8 intact, cutting at least one secondary label 34 only in a secondary label region 36 different from the handle region 16 and within the predetermined thickness S1 of the second laminate material 20, forming a label contour 38 in the first front layer 8, avoiding cutting the hanger handle 2, and removing a portion of the first front layer 8, thereby creating a cavity 95 that protrudes beyond the label contour 38 and constitutes a handle portion 96 of the labeled hanger handle 2.

[0022]

[0034] According to a general embodiment, the aforementioned object is achieved through a method for manufacturing a label 1 having a hanging handle 2, the method comprising the following steps:

[0035] i) providing a first laminate material 4 comprising a backing layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a peelable manner;

[0036] ii) coating the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 with at least one layer 12, 18 of release promoter, leaving a free area 14 devoid of the at least one layer 12, 18 of release promoter;

[0037] iv) providing a second laminate material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26';

[0038] v) joining the product of step (ii) with the product of step (iv) in a combined material 40 such that the adhesive layer 26' adheres to at least the free area 14 of the first laminate material 4;

[0039] vii) separating, at least in the thickness S1 of the second front layer 28, the hanger handle 2 from the handle area 16 and at least the secondary label 34 from the label 1 in the different area 36, ​​and forming a label contour 38 in the first front layer 8 such that the labeled hanger handle 2 protrudes at least partially beyond the label contour 38.

[0023]

[0040] According to a general embodiment, a label 1 with a hanging handle 2, which can be obtained, for example, through the method described in the preceding embodiment, comprises:

[0041] a first laminate material 4 comprising a backing layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a peelable manner, wherein the first front layer 8 comprises a front surface 10,

[0042] at least one layer 12, 18 of release promoter coating the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 and leaving a free area 14 in which the at least one layer 12, 18 of release promoter is absent,

[0043] a second laminate material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26′, the second laminate material 20 being bonded to the first laminate material 4 such that the adhesive layer 26′ adheres to at least the free area 14, wherein the second front layer 28 has a predefined thickness S1;

[0044] Here, the second front layer 28 defines the hanging handle 2 and the secondary label 34 in a different area 36 of the second front layer 28, and the first front layer 8 forms the label contour 38, leaving the hanging handle 2, with a portion 96 of the handle protruding, to extend at least partially beyond the label contour 38 on the outside of the first front layer 8 directly facing the backing layer 6, thereby forming a cavity 95 where a portion of the first front layer 8 has been removed.

[0024]

[0045] According to a general embodiment, a label 1 with a hanging handle 2, which can be obtained, for example, through the method described in the preceding embodiment, comprises:

[0046] a first laminate material 4 comprising a backing layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a peelable manner,

[0047] at least one layer 12, 18 of release promoter coating the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 and leaving a free area 14 in which the at least one layer 12, 18 of release promoter is absent,

[0048] a second laminate material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26′, the second laminate material 20 being bonded to the first laminate material 4 such that the adhesive layer 26′ adheres to at least the free area 14;

[0049] wherein the second front layer 28 defines the hang handle 2 and the secondary label 34 in a different region 36 of the second front layer 28, and the first front layer 8 forms the label contour 38, leaving the protruding hang handle 2 at least partially overhanging beyond the label contour 38 outside the first front layer 8.

[0025]

[0050] According to a method embodiment, the above-mentioned object is achieved through a method for manufacturing a label 1 having a hanging handle 2, the method comprising the following steps:

[0051] i) providing a first laminate material 4 comprising a backing layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a peelable manner;

[0052] ii) coating the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 with at least one layer 12, 18 of a release promoter (e.g. a silicone paint), leaving free areas 14 devoid of such layer 12, 18 of release promoter;

[0053] iii) optionally coating the handle region 16 of the first layer 12 of release promoter with a second layer 18 of release promoter in liquid or semi-liquid form in registration;

[0054] iv) providing a second laminate material 20 comprising a second front layer 28 that is transparent to light and an adhesive layer 26';

[0055] v) joining the product of step ii) with the product of step iv) or the product of step iii) with the product of step iv) in the combined material 40 so that the adhesive layer 26' adheres to at least the free area 14 of the first laminate material 4 (in particular to form the fixing feet 46);

[0056] vi) optionally solidifying or crosslinking the second layer 18 of release promoter in contact with the adhesive layer 26' of the second laminate material 20 to bond such layers 18, 26';

[0057] vii) separating (or "cutting out" in a variant) at least in the thickness S1 of the second front layer 28 the hanging handle 2 from the handle area 16 and at least the secondary label 34 from such label 1 in a different area 36 (different relative to the position of the hanging handle 2), and forming a label contour 38 in the first front layer 8 in such a way that the hanging handle 2 formed with the label protrudes at least partially beyond the label contour 38.

[0026]

[0058] According to an alternative embodiment of the method, in step vii) separation of the hanging handle 2 from the at least one secondary label 34 in the different region 36 occurs in a direction opposite to the formation of the label contour 38 in the first front layer 8, such that the hanging handle 2 on which the label 1 is formed is arranged to partially overhang beyond the label contour 38.

[0027]

[0059] According to a further embodiment, in step (vii), the separating and forming is a demolding step.

[0028]

[0060] For example, the secondary label 34 may be multiple secondary labels 34 .

[0029]

[0061] According to an embodiment, the different regions 36 may be superimposed only on the release promoter of the first layer 12 (when two layers of promoter are provided).

[0030]

[0062] According to a variant, the hanging handle 2 is partially overhanging and extends beyond the label width 100. In other words, such a handle projects outside the first front layer 8.

[0031]

[0063] In an embodiment, the first laminate material 4 and / or the second laminate material 20 are initially in the form of strips extending along the predominant deployment direction X, X'.

[0032]

[0064] According to a further embodiment, the first front layer 8 and / or the second front layer 28 may comprise or consist of a plastic film.

[0033]

[0065] According to yet a further embodiment, such first front layer 8 and / or second front layer 28 may have an average density of about 50 to 500 g / m2, optionally 70 to 300 g / m2, for example about 150 g / m2.

[0034]

[0066] In a variant, the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 and / or the front surface 94 of the second front layer 28 are essentially planar and optionally printable. In particular, one or both of these surfaces are configured so that the graphic layers 56, 58 can be distributed and adhered to them.

[0035]

[0067] At least part of the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 therefore remains visible on the bottle when the label 1 is applied to the bottle, in particular thanks to the transparency of the second front layer 28 .

[0036]

[0068] According to an embodiment, the backing layer 6 serves as a peelable support not only for the first front layer 8 but also for the finished label 1 .

[0037]

[0069] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is only partially opaque at the hanging handle 2 in order to reveal the presence of the first graphic layer 56 superimposed on the first front layer 8 without hiding it.

[0038]

[0070] In other words, the partial opacification of the second front layer 28 allows, on the one hand, the visibility of the first graphic layer 56 (thanks to the partial transparency of such layer 28) and, on the other hand, the identification of the hanging handle partially superimposed on such first graphic layer 56 (thanks to the partially light-impermeable opaque components of such layer 28).

[0039]

[0071] According to an embodiment, in the secondary label 34, the label 1 comprises an opaque contrast layer 104 (see, for example, Figure 13 or Figure 15) superimposed on the second front layer 28 to substantially eliminate its transparency, at least a second graphic layer 58 superimposed on the opaque contrast layer 104, and at least a protective layer 106 for the second graphic layer 58 that is at least partially transparent to light.

[0040]

[0072] As a result, the contrast layer 104 is a layer configured to opaque the transparency of the second front layer 28 and also to act as a background and create contrast with the second graphic layer 58 .

[0041]

[0073] The protective layer 106 is superimposed on the graphic layer 58 (and preferably also on the contrast layer 104) so ​​that the abrasion phenomena that occur when the label is applied to the bottle do not remove or stain the graphic layer 58, or the contrast layer 104 and the graphic layer 58 (in some variants).

[0042]

[0074] For example, in the case of a dark or black graphic layer 58, the contrast layer 104 may be a soft and / or neutral color, such as white.

[0043]

[0075] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied over at least the second graphic layer 58 using a flexographic printing process.

[0044]

[0076] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied over at least the second graphic layer 58 by a method other than flexographic printing.

[0045]

[0077] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied to a thickness of at least 1 μm or more.

[0046]

[0078] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 defines a surface 108 that can be written on via an ink writing implement, such as a ballpoint pen (jotter), or by in-line marking, such as thermal transfer.

[0047]

[0079] In other words, such a layer 106 serves the dual function of protection (as discussed above) and acts as a writable substrate for annotating customized information on the secondary label 34 .

[0048]

[0080] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is made opaque through a pigment or colorant mixed with the release promoter material of the release promoter layers 12,18.

[0049]

[0081] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first laminate material 4 and the precursor 22 of the second laminate material 20 comprise corresponding or substantially identical layers. A definition of the term "identical" is given in the following description.

[0050]

[0082] In an embodiment, such layers comprise, superimposed on one another, a backing layer 6, a detackifying layer 24 (e.g. silicone-based), an adhesive layer 26, 26' and a first front layer 8 / second front layer 28. According to such a variant, step iv) comprises separating and optionally discarding the backing layer and the detackifying layer of the precursor 22 upstream of step v).

[0051]

[0083] During optional step vi), the second layer of release promoter 18 is then solidified (e.g., cured) in contact with the adhesive layer 26′ to bond such layers and, optionally, so that the adhesive layer is unable to perform its adhesive function since it is at least partially covered (and thus rendered inactive) by the second layer of solid release promoter 18.

[0052]

[0084] In other words, according to such a variant, the second layer 18 of release promoter covers the first layer 12 of release promoter, but functions by "transfer" since such second layer 18 transfers to the adhesive layer 26' and renders it inactive in step vi).

[0053]

[0085] In a further embodiment, the hardening step comprises hardening or cross-linking through electromagnetic radiation, for example UV radiation or thermal radiation.

[0054]

[0086] For example, step (vi) can be carried out upstream of step vii).

[0055]

[0087] According to a variant, the hanging handle 2 comprises at least one gripping portion 30, in which, in step (iii), the handle area 16 also extends in such portion 30.

[0056]

[0088] In the embodiment shown, the hanging handle 2 and, if present, the gripping portion 30, comprise portions that protrude from the optionally curved outer edge 32 of said handle 2. For example, such protruding portions do not come into adhesive contact with the first front layer 8, either by virtue of the double layer of release promoter or because of their overhanging position relative thereto.

[0057]

[0089] According to a further variant, step vii) comprises at least one sub-step of creating at least one creasing line 42, 44 on the second front layer 28 in order to deform such second layer 28 and to facilitate lifting of a portion, e.g. a peripheral portion, of the secondary label 34 and / or the hanging handle 2. According to an embodiment, the creasing line 44 is made in the gripping portion 30 in order to lift the peripheral portion.

[0058]

[0090] In a variant, step (vii) comprises at least a first step 82 of die-cutting and scoring, and optionally a second step 84 of die-cutting, as discussed below.

[0059]

[0091] According to an embodiment, step (vii) is performed outside the free area 14, so that in such area 14 the second front layer 28 creates a single fixed foot 46 of the hanging handle 2, from which extends a pair of arms 48, 48' interconnected by a ring.

[0060]

[0092] According to a further embodiment, during step ii) and / or step iii), the first front layer 8 and / or the first (or only) layer 12 of peel promoter are partially covered with one or more protective masks (not shown), which prevent coating of some areas 52, 50 with the first layer 12 of peel promoter and / or the second layer 18 of peel promoter in order to adjust the separation force of the edge 32 (e.g. outer edge) of the hanging handle 2 and / or the lifting portion 54 of the secondary label 34.

[0061]

[0093] By way of example, the at least one protective mask may comprise generally point-like protective elements spaced along the extension of the edge 32 and / or the raised portion 54 at a predefined density.

[0062]

[0094] Regarding such density, it will be commensurate with the size of the handle 2 and label 34, and the nature of the adhesive layer 26'.

[0063]

[0095] As discussed above, according to a variant, the second front layer 28 is at least partially transparent to light to reveal an optional first graphic layer 56 dispersed on the first front layer 8 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1, particularly upstream of step ii)). In a further variant, the layer of release promoter (e.g., the second layer 18 of the promoter layer) comprises at least one pigment or colorant to reveal (i.e., reveal the presence of) at least a portion of the suspension handle 2.

[0064]

[0096] In particular, pigments or colorants can be mixed with the release promoting material of the promoter layer 18 (eg, the second layer).

[0065]

[0097] According to an embodiment, step vii) is followed by at least one step of scrap removal 60, in which, outside the hanging handle 2 and / or secondary label 34, only that part of the second front layer 28 and the first front layer 8 that is cut out and positioned under the part of the hanging handle 2 that will overhang is interpreted as continuous scrap 62, creating a lifting step 64 around such hanging handle 2 and / or secondary label 34 and making the part of the hanging handle 2 that overhangs.

[0066]

[0098] The above objectives are also achieved through a label 1 having a hanging handle 2, as discussed below.

[0067]

[0099] Variations of such labels provide for manufacture by the previous method, even if this is not explicitly stated, and therefore such labels may have any characteristics that can be inferred from the above description from a process standpoint.

[0068]

[0100] According to an embodiment, such a label 1 comprises:

[0101] a first laminate material 4 comprising a backing layer 6 and a first front layer 8 joined in a peelable manner,

[0102] at least one layer 12, 18 of release promoter coating the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 and leaving a free area 14 in which the at least one layer 12, 18 of release promoter is absent,

[0103] an optional second layer 18 of release promoter covering in registration the handle area 16 of the first layer 12 of release promoter;

[0104] a second laminate material 20, optionally comprising a light-transparent second front layer 28 and an adhesive layer 26', such second laminate material 20 being bonded to the first laminate material 4 in such a way that the adhesive layer 26' adheres to at least the free area 14,

[0105] Here, the thickness S1 of at least the second front layer 28 defines the hanging handle 2 in the handle region 16 and the secondary label 34 in a different region 36, and the first front layer 8 forms the label contour 38.

[0069]

[0106] Optionally, a second layer 18 of release promoter is solidified in contact with adhesive layer 26' to bond such layers 18, 26' together.

[0070]

[0107] According to a variant, the hanging handle 2 comprises at least one gripping portion 30 , the handle area 16 also extending in such portion 30 .

[0071]

[0108] According to a further variant, the second front layer 28 defines at least one creasing line 42, 44 to facilitate lifting of a portion, e.g. a peripheral portion, of the secondary label 34 and / or the hanging handle 2.

[0072]

[0109] According to yet a further variant, in the free area 14, the second front layer 28 comprises a single fixed foot 46 of the hanging handle 2, from which extend a pair of arms 48, 48' interconnected by a ring.

[0073]

[0110] Optionally, the pair of arms 48, 48' can be rotated relative to the fixed foot 46 (according to an embodiment, around an axis of rotation R common to both arms) to enable the handle to be folded back from the label and carried, in an upside-down position, to serve as a hanging element for the bottle associated with it.

[0074]

[0111] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is at least partially transparent to light to reveal an optional first graphic layer 56 dispersed on the first front layer 8 .

[0075]

[0112] According to an embodiment, the second front layer 28 is only partially opaque at the hanging handle 2 in order to reveal the presence of the first graphic layer 56 superimposed on the first front layer 8 without hiding it.

[0076]

[0113] According to an embodiment, in the secondary label 34, such label 1 comprises an opaque contrast layer 104 superimposed on the second front layer 28 to substantially eliminate its transparency, at least a second graphic layer 58 superimposed on the opaque contrast layer 104, and at least a protective layer 106 of the second graphic layer 58 that is at least partially transparent to light.

[0077]

[0114] Optionally, the release agent layer (e.g., second layer 18) may comprise at least one pigment or colorant to reveal at least a portion of the hanging handle 2, according to a variant, without concealing the aforementioned first graphic layer 56.

[0078]

[0115] According to an embodiment, outside the hanging handle 2 and / or secondary label 34, the second front layer 28 is missing in order to create a lifting step 64 around such handle and / or such secondary label 34.

[0079]

[0116] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied over at least the second graphic layer 58 using a flexographic printing process.

[0080]

[0117] According to an embodiment, the protective layer 106 is applied to a thickness of at least 1 μm or more.

[0081]

[0118] According to an embodiment, the front face 10 of the first front layer 8 is coated on the outside of the secondary label 34 with first and second mutually superimposed layers 12, 18 of a release promoter.

[0082]

[0119] Here, by way of example only, we will illustrate the manufacturing method diagrammatically shown in FIG. 1, in which the manufacturing directions F1, F2 extend from left to right according to the direction of the arrows.

[0083]

[0120] Initially, the precursors 22 of the first laminate material 4 and the second laminate material 20 are supplied from two separate supply reels indicated by reference numerals 66 , 68 .

[0084]

[0121] According to an embodiment, the first laminating material 4 and the precursor 22 are the same or corresponding materials supplied from two different reels 66,68.

[0085]

[0122] In this description, the term "identical" means a material having the same lamination as described, although the different layers may in principle be chemically different between the first laminate material and the precursor (and therefore also between the first laminate material and the second laminate material).

[0086]

[0123] Such a "common" laminate material is optionally formed by the following layers superimposed from bottom to top in the order specified below: a backing layer 6, a detackifying layer 24 (e.g., silicone), adhesive layers 26, 26', and a first front layer 8 / second front layer 28, which may be printable, for example.

[0087]

[0124] The aforementioned layers are completely superimposed on one another in a substantially full or diffuse manner.

[0088]

[0125] From the precursor 22 coming from the reel 68, the backing layer 6 and the detackifying layer 24 are immediately removed, they are separated and rewound onto the reject reel 70, while the adhesive layer 26' and the second front layer 28 form the second laminate material 20, which will continue in the direction F1 towards the joining point 72.

[0089]

[0126] According to an embodiment, at arrow 102 (i.e., after the separation described above), the secondary label 34, the contrast layer 104 superimposed on the second front layer 28, the second graphic layer 58 superimposed on the contrast layer 104, and the protective layer 106 of the second graphic layer 58 are dispersed / printed on the area to be created on the second laminate material 20.

[0090]

[0127] According to a variant, a first graphic layer 56 (e.g. containing product information) is dispersed / printed onto the first laminate material 4 coming from a reel 66, and a single layer of release promoter or a first layer 12 and a second layer 18 of release promoter, e.g. silicone paint, are superimposed onto the first graphic layer 56 to obtain the following intermediate material 74:

[0091]

[0128] The first or single layer 12 of release promoter in contact with the graphic layer 56 occupies a smaller surface area than the front surface 10 of the first front layer 8. More precisely, such layer 12 is applied so as to leave a free area 14 devoid of such layer 12 of promoter.

[0092]

[0129] For example, the layer of release promoter 12 can be applied in a recessed position against the first longitudinal edge 76 of the first laminate material 4 so as to provide a free surface for the second laminate material 20, which is superimposed on the intermediate material 74 at the joining point 72, onto which the fixing foot 46 of the hanging handle 2 made from such second laminate material 20 can be firmly adhered.

[0093]

[0130] Instead, an optional second layer 18 of release promoter, superimposed on and optionally in contact with the first layer 12 of release promoter, would be applied in liquid or semi-liquid form with alignment at a pre-set position on the hanging handle.

[0094]

[0131] In the present description, the term "aligned" means, in this case, application onto a layer having a specific shape that substantially corresponds to the surface of the hanging handle.

[0095]

[0132] A suitably shaped mask can be used for this purpose, covering the bottom layer 12 to prevent the second layer 18 of release promoter from being deposited outside the contours of the handle 2.

[0096]

[0133] With regard to the expression "semi-liquid" used above, it is worth noting that in the present description, the term "semi-liquid" refers to any liquid substance that is able to flow, even if with low fluidity, particularly at the operating temperature of step (iii).

[0097]

[0134] By way of non-exhaustive example, such terms may be taken to mean any viscous, gelatinous, and / or pasty substance.

[0098]

[0135] According to a variant, the hanging handle 2 is revealed through a partial opacification / pigmentation / coloring of the second front layer 28, which creates a visual or color separation from the first front layer.

[0099]

[0136] Optionally, partial opacification / pigmentation / coloring of the second front layer 28 can be achieved through the properties of the release promoter layer 18, which may in particular comprise pigments / colorants.

[0100]

[0137] For example, such pigments or colorants can be mixed with the release promoter of the second layer 18 or can be disposed on the surface of the release promoter of the second layer 18 facing the second front layer 28.

[0101]

[0138] The function of the optional second layer 18 of release promoter is, of course, to neutralize the adhesive strength of the adhesive layer 26' of the second layer material 20 or render it almost completely inactive through the transfer mechanism discussed above, thereby facilitating handle lift (alone).

[0102]

[0139] The intermediate material 74 and the second laminate material 20 are then joined at the joint 72 and joined and pressed by a pair of rollers 78, 80, thereby creating the laminate material 40.

[0103]

[0140] After production of such a laminate material 40, an optional second layer 18 of release promoter is then solidified in contact with the adhesive layer 26', for example by UV radiation, to bond such layers 18, 26' and make the adhesive layer "passive" 26'.

[0104]

[0141] In subsequent steps, the method continues with a first step 82 of die-cutting and creasing, and a second step 84 of die-cutting, each followed by a step of removing product waste 62, 86.

[0105]

[0142] During the first step 82 of die-cutting and creasing, a tool configured to fold / crimp the second front layer 28 without making a cut at the hanging handle 2 (particularly at its gripping portion 30, if provided) and / or at the lifting portion 54 of the secondary label 34 can optionally be used.

[0106]

[0143] As far as the position of the secondary label 34 is concerned, the latter will, according to an embodiment, be positioned only above the first layer 12 of release promoter, since the adhesive force of such a label 34 must not be completely eliminated (or rather inactivated), as is the case with a hanging handle.

[0107]

[0144] In this way, it is possible to inactivate the adhesive layer 26' in the hanging handle 2 without adjusting the adhesive strength of the secondary label 34 through the transfer and solidification of the optional second release promoter in (semi-)liquid form.

[0108]

[0145] In all other areas other than the aforementioned score lines 42, 44, the die-cut depth 82, i.e., the cut depth in the laminate material 40, will extend until at least the second front layer 28, and optionally the second release promoter layer 18, and possibly the layer 12 below, can be scored without cutting through them.

[0109]

[0146] The depth of scoring of the bonding material 40 in this first step 82 is indicated by arrows 90 in FIGS.

[0110]

[0147] The contour of the first die-cutting and creasing step 82 is such that it creates the handle shape, both internally and externally, and cuts out the second front layer 28 partially around the periphery of the secondary label 34 (e.g., along a pair of optionally perpendicular sides 96, 98, FIG. 14).

[0111]

[0148] The portion removed as continuous waste 62 downstream of the first step 82 of die cutting and creasing is therefore a ribbon of complementary shape to the lifting step 64 shown in Figure 17 and a portion of the first front layer positioned under the portion of the hanging handle 2 that remains overhanging.

[0112]

[0149] During the second die-cutting step 84, a cutting tool is instead used that is configured to cut a slit in the laminate material 40 from its surface 94 down to at least the first front layer 8 and optionally down to the adhesive layer 26 of the original laminate material 74, as shown diagrammatically by the arrow 88 shown schematically in FIG. 15 .

[0113]

[0150] In either case, within the exposed surface of the label 1, this second step 84 of die cutting will cut the label contour 38 around the first front layer 8 and the hanger handle 2.

[0114]

[0151] FIG. 13 shows the location of the secondary label 34 relative to the first (or only) layer 12 of release promoter.

[0115]

[0152] For such a label 34, the single layer or first layer 12 of release promoter can optionally be specially tailored by depositing the promoter only in certain areas, thereby preventing the formation of an inactive layer under the adhesive layer of the secondary label.

[0116]

[0153] In this regard, a protective mask can be used to prevent coating of certain areas 52 (FIG. 5) of the first front layer 8. Similar measures can be used to prevent certain areas 50 under the second front layer from being coated with the second layer 18 of release promoter to provide a handle that is dry and not tacky to the touch.

[0117]

[0154] In contrast, in FIG. 12, the optional double layer 12, 18 of release promoter underneath the hanging handle 2 on the outer portion of the fixed foot 46 can be seen.

[0118]

[0155] The second step 84 of die cutting therefore has the function of creating separations between adjacent labels 1, and the continuous waste 86 will be formed as a ribbon resulting in an empty sheet of a shape complementary to the label contour 38 of each label (a rectangular sheet in the shape shown), interspersed with separation sections corresponding to the material removed to separate the labels 1.

[0119]

[0156] After removing the second continuous waste 86, the label 1 has been produced and can be wound onto a collection reel 92 (FIG. 1).

[0120]

[0157] Innovatively, the method and label that are the subject of the present invention make it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art in an elegant manner.

[0121]

[0158] More precisely, the proposed method and handle make it possible to obtain a handle that extends well beyond the label contour 38 in a simple manner.

[0122]

[0159] Furthermore, the proposed method and handle allows adjusting the transparency and opacity of the second front layer to indicate the location of the hanging handle, so as not to obscure the first graphic layer, and suppressing the transparency of such layer to the secondary label to achieve contrast to the second graphic layer and protect the latter.

[0123]

[0160] According to embodiments, the proposed method and label make it possible to obtain labels with handles in a single production step in a simple, reliable and cost-effective manner, without the need for special operations (e.g. gluing the handles one by one).

[0124]

[0161] According to an embodiment, the proposed method and label make it possible to obtain a secondary label that can be written on, thus allowing it to be handwritten if desired.

[0125]

[0162] According to an embodiment, the method and label that are the object of the present invention provide an innovative system of coating in liquid or semi-liquid form and subsequent solidification or targeted crosslinking to create a passive layer by transfer under the handle.

[0126]

[0163] Additionally, the handle is dry to the touch, making it easy to handle.

[0127]

[0164] According to an embodiment, the method and label that are the object of the present invention make it possible to achieve significant economies of production, not only thanks to the raw materials involved in their manufacture.

[0128]

[0165] According to an embodiment, the method and label that are the object of the present invention make it possible to obtain a good grip on the handle and / or secondary label.

[0129]

[0166] According to embodiments, the method and label that are the object of the present invention provide a very cost-effective way to position the handle without covering the underlying graphics.

[0130]

[0167] According to an embodiment, the method and label that are the object of the present invention allow the creation of specific ergonomic parts to ensure an easy interaction with the user.

[0131]

[0168] According to embodiments, the risk of tearing the handle or one of its arms off the foot is substantially non-existent under normal conditions of use.

[0132]

[0169] According to an embodiment, the method and label that are the object of the present invention provide an additional system for adjusting the adhesive strength of the part of the label that can be lifted from the plane.

[0133]

[0170] According to an embodiment, the method and label that are the object of the present invention make it possible to obtain labels that can be applied as a continuous strip, thus simplifying their application to bottles in an automated process.

[0134]

[0171] According to an embodiment, the method that is the object of the present invention is cost-effective and the described labels can be produced at low cost.

[0135]

[0172] To meet particular needs, those skilled in the art can modify or substitute elements with functional equivalents to the above method and label embodiments.

[0136]

[0173] Such variations also fall within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

[0137]

[0174] Furthermore, each variation described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented independently of other described variations. [Reference sign]

[0138] 1 Label 2 Hanging handle 4. Laminate materials 6 Backing layer 8 First Front Layer 10 Front of the first layer 12 First layer of release promoter - e.g. silicone paint 14 Area without release promoter layer 16 Handle area 18 Second layer of release promoter - e.g. silicone paint 20 Second Laminate Material 22 Precursor of second laminate material 24 Detack layer 26 Adhesive layer 26' adhesive layer 28 Second front layer, transparent to light 30 Handle grip part 32 Outer edge of handle 34 Secondary Labels 36 Different areas for the position of the hanging handle 38 Label Contour 40 Assembled components or laminated materials 42 Crease line 44 Crease Line 46 Fixed foot 48 Pair of holding arms 48' Pair of Handle Arms 50 Free area of ​​first and / or second layer of release promoter 52 Free area of ​​first and / or second layer of release promoter 54 Secondary label lifting part 56 First Graphic Layer 58 Second Graphic Layer 60 scraps 62 Continuous waste 64 Lifting Step 82 Cutting and creasing 84 Second die-cutting step 94 Second Front Layer Front 95 Hollow under part of protruding hanging handle 96 Protruding handle 100 label width 104 Opaque Contrast Layer 106 Second Graphic Layer Protection Layer 108 Surfaces that can be written on with ink writing implements S1 Thickness of the second front layer X Predominant extension direction X' Predominant extension direction R rotation axis F1 Manufacturing direction F2 Manufacturing direction

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a label (1) having a hanging handle (2), comprising the steps of: i) providing a first laminate material (4) comprising a backing layer (6) and a first front layer (8) joined in a peelable manner, wherein said first front layer (8) comprises a front surface (10); ii) coating said front surface (10) of said first front layer (8) with at least one layer (12, 18) of release promoter, leaving a free area (14) devoid of said at least one layer (12, 18) of release promoter; iv) providing a second laminate material (20) comprising a second front layer (28) and an adhesive layer (26'), wherein said second front layer (28) has a predefined thickness (S1); v) joining the first laminate material (4) of step ii) with the second laminate material (20) of step iv) in an assembled component or combined material (40) such that the adhesive layer (26') of the second laminate material (20) adheres to at least the free area (14) of the first laminate material (4); vii) cutting hanger handles (2) only in the handle area (16) of the second laminate material (20) and within the predefined thickness (S1) of the second laminate material (20), leaving the first front layer (8) intact, cutting at least one secondary label (34) only in a secondary label area (36) different from the handle area (16) and within the predefined thickness (S1) of the second laminate material (20), forming a label contour (38) in the first front layer (8), avoiding cutting the hanger handles (2), and removing a portion of the first front layer (8) from which a cavity (95) constituting a handle portion (96) of the hanger handle (2) with the label formed thereon is created, protruding beyond the label contour (38); A method comprising the step of:

2. the second laminate material (20) comprises a second front layer (28) that is transparent to light; and / or The second front layer (28) is only partially opaque at the hanging handle (2) to reveal the presence of a first graphic layer (56) superimposed on the first front layer (8) without hiding it, and in the secondary label (34), the label (1) comprises an opaque contrast layer (104) superimposed on the second front layer (28) to substantially eliminate its transparency, at least a second graphic layer (58) superimposed on the opaque contrast layer (104), and at least one protective layer (106) for the second graphic layer (58) that is at least partially transparent to light; the at least one protective layer (106) is applied onto the second graphic layer (58) by flexographic printing with a thickness of at least 1 μm or more; The method of claim 1.

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one protective layer (106) defines a surface (108) that can be written on through an ink writing instrument, such as a jotter, or by in-line marking, such as thermal transfer.

4. said second front layer (28) being made opaque through a pigment or colorant mixed with the release promoter material of the release promoter layer (12, 18); and / or In step vii), separation of the hanging handle (2) from at least one secondary label (34) in a different region (36) occurs in a direction opposite to the formation of the label contour (38) in the first front layer (8) so that the hanging handle (2) on which the label (1) is formed is positioned partially cantilevered beyond the label contour (38); and / or The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in step vii) said separating and said forming is a demolding step.

5. - said first laminate material (4) and said precursor (22) of said second laminate material (20) comprise corresponding or substantially identical layers superimposed on each other, comprising a backing layer (6), a detackifying layer (24), an adhesive layer (26, 26') and a first (8) / second (28) front layer, step iv) comprising separating and optionally discarding said backing layer and said detackifying layer of said precursor (22) upstream of step v); and / or - step vii) is carried out outside said free area (14), so that in said free area (14) said second front layer (28) creates a single fixed leg (46) of said hanging handle (2), from which extends a pair of arms (48, 48') interconnected by a ring; and / or - step ii) comprises coating the exterior of said secondary label (34) with first (12) and second (18) superimposed layers of a release promoter; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A label (1) with a hanging handle (2), which can be obtained, for example, through the method according to claims 1 to 5, a first laminate material (4) comprising a backing layer (6) and a first front layer (8) joined in a peelable manner, wherein said first front layer (8) comprises a front surface (10); - at least one layer (12, 18) of release promoter coating the front surface (10) of said first front surface layer (8) and leaving free areas (14) devoid of said at least one layer (12, 18) of release promoter, a second laminate material (20) comprising a second front layer (28) and an adhesive layer (26'), said second laminate material (20) being bonded to said first laminate material (4) in such a way that said adhesive layer (26') adheres to at least said free area (14), wherein said second front layer (28) has a predefined thickness (S1); wherein the second front layer (28) defines a hanging handle (2) and a secondary label (34) in a different area (36) of the second front layer (28), and the first front layer (8) forms a label contour (38) and leaves the hanging handle (2), with a portion (96) of the handle protruding, at least partially overhanging beyond the label contour (38) on an outside of the first front layer (8) directly facing the backing layer (6), thereby forming a cavity (95) where a portion of the first front layer (8) has been removed.

7. the second laminate material (20) comprises a second front layer (28) that is transparent to light; and / or The second front layer (28) is only partially opaque at the hanging handle (2) to reveal the presence of a first graphic layer (56) superimposed on the first front layer (8) without hiding it, and in the secondary label (34), the label (1) comprises an opaque contrast layer (104) superimposed on the second front layer (28) to substantially eliminate its transparency, at least a second graphic layer (58) superimposed on the opaque contrast layer (104), and at least one protective layer (106) for the second graphic layer (58) that is at least partially transparent to light; and / or the at least one protective layer (106) is applied onto the second graphic layer (58) by flexographic printing with a thickness of at least 1 μm or more; The label of claim 6.

8. 8. A label according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one protective layer (106) defines a surface (108) which is writable through an ink writing instrument, e.g. a jotter, or by in-line marking, e.g. a thermal transfer.

9. A label according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second front layer (28) is made opaque through a pigment or colorant mixed with the release promoter material of the release promoter layer (12, 18).

10. - in the free area (14), the second front layer (28) creates a single fixed leg (46) of the hanging handle (2), from which extend a pair of arms (48, 48') interconnected by a ring; and / or - said front face (10) of said first front layer (8) is coated with first (12) and second (18) mutually superimposed layers of a release promoter outside said secondary label (34); The label according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

Images