Labels for microcentrifuge tubes and vials and methods for labeling the same

Abstract

The tube label set may have a facing defining a first label and a second label connected to each other and a tear line at the joint between the first and second labels. An adhesive layer may be present on the underside of the facing. The first label may be dimensioned to adhere to the cap of the tube, and the second label may be dimensioned to adhere to the body of the tube. The first label and the second label are separable from each other via the tear line after being removed from the release liner.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 486,557, filed February 23, 2023, U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 498,744, filed April 27, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 508,323, filed June 15, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to labels for use on small diameter tubes, tubes or vials, such as microcentrifuge tubes or vials used under conditions characterized by exposure to chemicals and solvents. [Background technology]

[0003] Commonly used containers have a cylindrical shape, such as vials, tubes, test tubes, centrifuge tubes, microtubes, microcentrifuge tubes, microfuge tubes, matrix tubes, cryogenic vials, cryovials, cryotubes (including, but not limited to, sterile or non-sterile tubes with male or female threads, with or without O-rings or stoppers), cryotubes, cryovials, PCR tubes, PCR strips, strips of tubes, sample collection tubes, Vacutainer® tubes, hollow cylindrical tubes, hollow cylindrical tubes, composite cryocontainers, and the like. These containers may be transparent, opaque, and / or have a protective color such as amber. These containers may also be relatively small in diameter. However, it is common practice to apply two different labels to such containers, tubes, and / or vials (one label on the cap and one label on the container itself). This often requires a tedious manual process that involves peeling both labels from a supporting liner and individually adhering both labels. Essentially, the step of adhering a label to a small container is repeated twice, a procedure that is cumbersome and labor-intensive due to the small size of the label, and even more difficult when working while wearing gloves. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide new labels for small tubes such as microcentrifuge tubes, vials, and the like.

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method for labeling small tubes such as microcentrifuge tubes, vials, and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Thus, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for applying labels to a tube, the method comprising: peeling a label set including at least a first label and a second label connected together from a common release liner; after peeling, adhering the first label to a first portion of the tube; manually separating the first label from the second label; and adhering the second label to a second portion of the tube.

[0007] Further according to the first aspect, for example, manually separating the first label from the second label includes using a break line between the first label and the second label.

[0008] Furthermore, according to the first aspect, for example, attaching the first label to the first portion of the tube includes adhering the first label to a cap of the tube.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the first aspect, for example, adhering the second label to the second portion of the tube includes adhering the second label to the container body of the tube.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the first aspect, for example, adhering the second label to the tube container body includes attaching a first end of the second label, the end having a printed surface, to the cylindrical surface of the tube, wrapping the second label around the cylindrical surface of the tube, and attaching a transparent shielding portion of the second label to the end having the printed surface.

[0011] Still further, according to the first aspect, for example, the method may include printing the label set prior to peeling.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, for example, separation is performed manually when adhering the first label to the first portion of the tube.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, for example, peeling the label set from the common release liner includes retaining a portion of the release liner over a portion of the second label.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the first aspect, for example, the method may include removing a portion of the release liner from the second label before or during adhering the second label to the second portion of the tube.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the first aspect, for example, the method is carried out in a microcentrifuge tube or a vial.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a label set for tubes comprising a first label and a second label connected to each other, a surface material defining a break line at the joint between the first label and the second label, and an adhesive layer on the underside of the surface material, wherein the first label is dimensioned to adhere to the cap of the tube and the second label is dimensioned to adhere to the body of the tube, and the first label and the second label are separable from each other via the break line after being removed from the release liner.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the packaging includes a release liner to which the first label and the second label are bonded in a connected state to each other.

[0018] Furthermore, according to a second aspect, for example, the surface material is a transparent surface material, and an opaque printed area is defined on an upper surface of the transparent surface material, the printed area being configured to receive data thereon, and the printed area covers only a portion of the transparent surface material, whereby the obscured portion defined by the remainder of the label is transparent.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the opaque printed area is a print layer defined by an opaque ink.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the second aspect, for example, the opaque printed area covers the first label and part of the second label.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the second aspect, for example, the length L2 of the shielding part is πD <L2<3.5πDである。

[0022] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the length L1 of the printing area is 0.8πD <L1<1.3πDである。

[0023] Furthermore, according to the second aspect, for example, the label set is capable of withstanding storage at temperatures below -70°C.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the label set has the ability to withstand contact with liquid nitrogen and / or gas phase nitrogen.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the label set has the ability to withstand contact with dry ice.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the label set has the ability to withstand autoclaving.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the label set has the ability to withstand contact with xylene and / or alcohol.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the adhesive layer is a cryogenic adhesive capable of adhering to frozen vials or vials frozen at at least -70°C.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the adhesive layer is a cryogenic adhesive capable of adhering to frozen vials or vials frozen at at least -60°C.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the adhesive layer is a cryogenic adhesive capable of adhering to frozen vials or vials frozen at least at -40°C.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the release liner is a sheet having a plurality of label sets adhered thereto.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the release liner is a roll having a plurality of labels adhered thereto.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the second aspect, for example, the first label is substantially circular.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the second aspect, for example, the label set is configured for thermal transfer printing or direct thermal printing.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the second aspect, for example, the label set is configured for laser printing or inkjet printing.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, for example, the end of the joint between the first label and the second label is arc-shaped.

[0037] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of labeling tubes, the method comprising: peeling a label strip comprising a plurality of connected labels from a common release liner; thereafter adhering a first label from the label strip to a first tube; manually separating the first label from the remainder of the label strip; and adhering a second label from the label strip to a second tube.

[0038] Further, according to the third aspect, for example, manually separating the first label from the label strip includes using a break line between the first label and the second label.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the third aspect, for example, adhering the first label to the tube includes adhering the first label to a cap of the tube.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the third aspect, for example, the method may include printing the label strip before peeling.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, for example, separation is performed manually when adhering the first label to the first tube.

[0042] Furthermore, according to a third embodiment, for example, peeling the label set from the common release liner includes maintaining a portion of the release liner over a portion of the label strip.

[0043] Furthermore, according to a third aspect, for example, the method is carried out in a microcentrifuge tube or vial.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a kit comprising the label set as described above and a tube or vial. The label set may be pre-labeled on the tube or vial.

[0045] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an assembly comprising at least two label sets, each label set having a first label and a second label connected to each other, a facing defining a break line at the joint between the first label and the second label, and an adhesive layer on the underside of the facing, wherein the first label is dimensioned to adhere to the cap of a tube and the second label is dimensioned to adhere to the body of the tube, and the first label and the second label are separable from each other via the break line after being removed from the release liner; a release liner to which the first label and the second label are attached while connected to each other; and at least one shield defined by the facing and the adhesive layer, the shield surrounding a portion of the at least two label sets, wherein the at least two label sets and the shield cover only a portion of the release liner, leaving other portions of the release liner adjacent to the peel-off ends of the at least two label sets exposed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1A] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a microcentrifuge tube having a label set according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is an elevational view of the microcentrifuge tube of FIG. 1A having a label set according to another variation of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a cylindrical tube having a label set according to another variation of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 2B is an elevational view of the cylindrical tube of FIG. 2A having a label set according to another variation of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1B is a plan view of the label set for microcentrifuge tubes of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1C is a plan view of the label set for microcentrifuge tubes of FIG. 1B. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2B is a plan view of the cylindrical tube label set of FIG. 2A. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2C is a plan view of the cylindrical tube label set of FIG. 2B. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a label set having multiple labels for a tube strip. [Figure 4D] 10A-10C are plan views of one of the label sets of the embodiments, showing different break configurations. [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of a label of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary configuration of a label of the present disclosure featuring an electronic chip. [Figure 6A] 4B is an exemplary perspective view of a roll having a plurality of label sets of FIG. 4A. [Figure 6B] 4B is another exemplary perspective view of a roll having a plurality of label sets of FIG. 4A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 4B is a plan view of a plurality of label sets of FIG. 4A on a sheet according to a first sheet variation. [Figure 7B] FIG. 4B is a plan view of multiple label sets of FIG. 4A on a sheet according to a second sheet variation. [Figure 8] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a plurality of labels of FIG. 4A in a dispenser box. [Figure 9] 1A-1C are schematic close-up views of different edge geometries at the joints between labels of a label set of the present disclosure illustrating shear mechanics. [Figure 10] 1A-1C are schematic close-up views of different edge shapes at the joints between labels of a label set of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a label according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a label according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a method for labeling a tube according to another aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, an exemplary sample tube or vial is shown at 1. Item 1 is referred to herein as tube 1, whether it is a vial or any other type of container (including a rod). For example, tube 1 may be a microcentrifuge tube, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Microcentrifuge tubes are also known as Eppendorf tubes, microtubes, and microfuge tubes, and are known to generally have a lidded container with a cylindrical portion and a conical portion. Tube 1 may also be a lidded cylindrical container, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Label sets according to the present disclosure may also be used on other types of tubes, such as matrix tubes, cryogenic vials, freezer tubes, PCR tubes, rods, frozen in-vitro fertilization (IVF) straws (e.g., those used in artificial reproductive technology (ART)), blood transfusion tubes or similar hollow cylindrical tubes, syringes (including, but not limited to, pre-filled syringes, empty syringes, sterile syringes, and non-sterile syringes), catheters such as Vacutainer® tubes or similar vacuum-sealed tubes coated with various substances, such as anticoagulants, clotting promoters, for use in blood collection, among others, culture tubes for growing and maintaining cultures of bacterial or other cells, Label sets according to the present disclosure may also be used for serum vials, lyophilization vials, vials, glass ampoules, tissue culture flasks and bottles, multi-well plates, quartz tubes, Falcon® tubes (e.g., 15 ml, 50 ml) or larger tubes and bottles, liquid chromatography sample vials and bottles, vibrating vials, NMR tubes used in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, headspace vials with or without aluminum flip-off caps and with or without rubber stoppers, syringes (tubes with pressurized gas inside or an internal vacuum), bottles (e.g., bottles for solutions, solvents, chemicals, buffers, biological materials, enzymes, etc.), and the like.The label sets described herein may be applied separately to the same container or to multiple containers (e.g., to the top of one container and the side of another container), and / or the label sets described herein may be applied separately to the tops or sides of multiple containers. Tube 1 is cylindrical or has a cylindrical portion, such as a microcentrifuge tube, with an outer diameter D typically in the range of millimeters or a few centimeters, and a circumference C equal to πD. In one embodiment, the surface of tube 1 is made of a low surface energy (LSE) plastic, although the tube may be made of other materials, such as other types of plastics, polymers, copolymers, glass (including borosilicate glass or quartz), or composites including mixtures of materials. In one embodiment, the tube or container, or a major portion thereof, is made of polypropylene or a material including polypropylene. In another embodiment, the container, or a major portion thereof, is made of any grade of polyethylene or a material including polyethylene. In another embodiment, the container, or a major portion thereof, is made of any grade of polystyrene or a material that may include polystyrene. In another embodiment, the vial or container, or a major portion thereof, is made of glass or a material including glass. In another embodiment, the vial, container, or a major portion thereof is made of polymethylpentane or a material comprising polymethylpentane. In another embodiment, the vial or container, or a major portion thereof, is made of polyethylene (PE) or a material comprising polyethylene, including but not limited to LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, MDPE, UHMWPE, PEX, XLPE, and metallocene polyethylene (mPE). In another embodiment, the container, or a major portion thereof, is made of polycarbonate or a material comprising polycarbonate. In another embodiment, the container, or a major portion thereof, is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or any copolymer thereof, or a material comprising PTFE, PFAS, or any copolymer thereof.In another embodiment, the container or a major portion thereof is made of a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, coated metal, etc.), an alloy, a magnetic material, or any composite material containing a metal. In another embodiment, the container or a major portion thereof is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET, also known as polyester) or a material containing PET. In another embodiment, the container or a major portion thereof is made of a nanomaterial or a nanomaterial derivative or a material having a nanomaterial. In another embodiment, the container or a major portion thereof is made of wood or a wood derivative or a material having wood or a wood derivative, cellulose. In another embodiment, the container or a major portion thereof is made of cardboard or a material having cardboard or cellulose fibers. In another embodiment, the container or a major portion thereof is made of a biodegradable, biodegradable, compostable, and / or environmentally sustainable plastic, including, but not limited to, PLA (polylactic acid) or PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PBS (polybutylene succinate), PCL (polycaprolactone), starch-based plastic, PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), Bio-PE (bio-based polyethylene), Bio-PET (bio-based polyethylene terephthalate), cellulosic plastic, or any combination thereof, including combinations with other types of non-biodegradable, non-biodegradable, non-compostable, and non-environmentally sustainable materials. In another embodiment, the cap of the vial may not be perfectly cylindrical but may have an additional element to facilitate opening. Alternatively, the cap may have a tab for pushing open, like a conventional microcentrifuge tube. In another embodiment, the cap of the vial 1 may have threads for screwing onto or unscrewing from the body of the vial 1. In another embodiment, the cap of vial 1 and / or vial 1 may be provided with a tamper-evident feature (e.g., a Micrewlock™ tamper-evident screw cap from Import Scientific) that can indicate that vial 1 has been opened when the cap is unscrewed.In another embodiment, the cap of vial 1 and the body of vial 1 may be made of different materials. In another embodiment, the cap of vial 1 and the body of vial 1 may be made of the same material. In another embodiment, the cap of vial 1 and the body of vial 1 may be made of the same material. In another embodiment, the cap of vial 1 and the body of the vial have different smoothness, peel adhesion, loop tack, adhesive affinity, adhesive release properties, texture, and / or are made of different grades of the same material.

[0048] The outer diameter D of the tube 1 without the cap may be approximately 5.0 to 14.0 mm, although other diameters are contemplated. In one variation, the outer diameter is in the range of approximately 2.0 mm to 90.0 mm, inclusive. In another variation, the outer diameter is in the range of approximately 5.0 mm to 18.0 mm, inclusive. In another variation, the outer diameter is in the range of approximately 6.0 mm to 11.0 mm, inclusive. In another variation, the outer diameter is in the range of approximately 11.0 mm to 24.0 mm, inclusive. In another variation, the outer diameter is in the range of approximately 14.0 mm to 36.0 mm, inclusive. In another variation, the outer diameter is in the range of approximately 30.0 mm to 90.0 mm, inclusive. The cap of the tube may have male threads, female threads, friction seals, vacuum seals, rubber stopper seals, silicone stopper seals, glass stoppers, headspace caps, flip-off cap seals for infusion bottles, and the like. An additional cover may be attached to the cap of the container 1, and in this case, a cap label may be attached to the additional cover. In yet another variation, the tube 1 is part of an IVF straw, which is typically made of a polymer or copolymer. IVF straws are used for freezing and storing materials such as sperm, eggs, and embryos. A commonly used straw has a volume of approximately 0.25 ml to 0.5 ml. In another variation, the inner diameter of the IVF straw is inclusively 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm, more specifically, inclusively 1.2 mm to 3.0 mm. Some straws may have shapes other than cylindrical, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, or other shapes, in which case the inner diameter dimensions indicated above may refer to the minimum distance between the inner ends of the straw.

[0049] The height of the tube 1 may depend on the volume of the tube 1, but is typically between 5 mm and 150 mm excluding the cap. However, other heights outside this range are contemplated. In a variation, the height of the tube 1 is between 10 mm and 49 mm excluding the cap. In another variation, the height of the tube 1 is between 8 mm and 38 mm excluding the cap. In a variation, the volume of the tube 1 is between 0.2 ml and 100.0 ml, inclusive. In another variation, the volume of the tube 1 is between 0.5 ml and 55.0 ml, inclusive. In another variation, the volume of the tube 1 is between 0.5 ml and 20.0 ml, inclusive. In another variation, the volume of the tube 1 is between 0.4 ml and 5.0 ml, inclusive. In another variation, the volume of the tube 1 is between 0.5 ml and 6.0 ml, inclusive. In another variation, the volume of the tube 1 is between 0.25 ml and 2.5 ml. In another variation, the volume of the tube 1 is between 0.6 ml and 15.0 ml, inclusive. In another variation, the capacity of tube 1 is generally between 1.0 ml and 3.0 ml. The tube may have internal or external threads for attaching a cap (e.g., a cryogenic vial), and the tube may be a vacuum seal type (e.g., a Vacutainer® tube) or a friction seal type (e.g., a microcentrifuge tube) for attaching the cap. Tubes and caps using other sealing methods may also be used. Any of the above tube types may have a cap attached to the body of the tube or a cap that is detachable from the tube. Some vial caps include a color-coding insert, which is a plastic piece that can be inserted into a recess in the cap, allowing the cap to lie relatively flat and allow the label from the set to be attached. Containers with larger volumes, such as bottles, can also be labeled with the label set of the present disclosure. Such containers have larger volumes, such as 20 ml to 4000 ml, and heights ranging from approximately 25 mm to 400 mm. However, other sizes are also contemplated. Depending on the application, the vessel may be a rod (hollow or solid), in which case the rod may be quite large, from a few inches to several feet in height.

[0050] Tube 1 may be open-ended to accommodate a sample in its internal cavity. Cap 1A may be sealingly attached to the top open end of tube 1. In one embodiment, cap 1A is an integral part of tube 1 (i.e., a reference to "tube 1" may include cap 1A). However, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, cap 1A may not be part of tube 1 but may be associated with tube 1 via a plastic band or attachment. Cap 1A is typically made of an elastomer or plastic, which seals and restrains the tube 1 upon capping so that the sample in tube 1 is isolated from its environment by cap 1A. Cap 1A may be a screw cap that threads onto tube 1 by the presence of appropriate threads (e.g., external or internal threads) on tube 1 and cap 1A. Other cap materials may be used, elastomers being one example. Cap 1A may also include other components attached thereto, such as a swab or brush attached to an interior portion of cap 1A for swabbing a patient sample. Depending on the intended use, some types of tubes may contain specific substances, such as bacterial or viral growth media, indicators, gases, anaerobic conditions, vacuums, additives, anticoagulants (e.g., blood collection Vacutainer® tubes), coatings, etc., which may be sterile, non-sterile, at room temperature, refrigerated, frozen at subzero temperatures of 0°C or below, -20°C or below, -40°C or below, or -70°C or below (lyophilized conditions), or cryogenically frozen at -80°C or below, -196°C or below (in a cryogenic Dewar or tank containing liquid or vapor liquid nitrogen, liquid helium (-269°C), or liquid or vapor phases of cryogenic or non-cryogenic gases).Depending on the application, the containers may be stored at room temperature, or may be exposed to higher temperatures, e.g., immersion in a water bath at 0°C to 100°C, heated in a thermostat at 30°C to 250°C, or may be subjected to low-temperature sterilization, e.g., at about 62°C to 72°C; steam autoclave sterilization at about 121°C to 134°C under 15-30 psi pressure, e.g., at about 150°C to 170°C; high-velocity hot air sterilization at about 190°C; or depyrogenation at about 200°C to 250°C. Depending on the application, the containers may need to withstand multiple cycles in a dishwasher in an animal facility or in a laboratory ware washer. They may also be subjected to irradiation using ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), LED UV, microwaves, chemical sterilization, e.g., hydrogen peroxide or chlorine dioxide, gas sterilization, e.g., ethylene oxide, or other methods. In some cases, again by way of example, the label sets described herein may be exposed to temperatures above 250°C, such as 350°C to 400°C in an oven for short periods of time.

[0051] 1A and 3A simultaneously, a label set 10 for microcentrifuge tubes 1 is shown. The label set 10 is shown assembled in FIG. 3A and separated in FIG. 1A. The label set 10 has a single, integral label facing and is separable into a first label 10A and a second label 10B. The first label 10A is configured to be adhered to the cap 1A, and the second label 10B is configured to be adhered to the body of the container 1. More specifically, the label set 10 has a tear line 10C at the junction between the first label 10A and the second label 10B, allowing for manual separation of the first label 10A from the second label 10B after the label set 10 is separated from its support liner, as described below. The tear line 10C may be defined by a line of perforations (i.e., a perforation line), weakening, and / or embossing in the facing of the label set 10, which are separated by a web of facing. The perforations may extend completely through the facing or only partially through the facing without forming perforations on the opposite side of the facing. The perforations, weakening, or embossing may also be present on the support liner and may extend all or part of the supporting liner. Thus, the break line 10C defines a line of separation when a manual shear force is applied to the facing opposite the break line 10C. More than two labels may be provided as part of the label set 10, with additional layers also being connected to one or more of the labels 10A and 10B, preferably via another break line 10C.

[0052] First label 10A is sized to fit onto cap 1A, and second label 10B is attached to the body of container 1. For example, first label 10A may be generally circular, but break line 10C may be straight, resulting in first label 10A being cut into a circle or shape, the cut may or may not be visible to the naked eye. In other possible embodiments, break line 10C may be straight, concave in a rectangular direction (e.g., as in FIG. 4A(1)), or concave in a circular direction (not shown). The first label 10A and the second label portion 10B may be formed in any of the following shapes: regular polygons, such as circles, eclipse shapes, ovals, squares, rectangles, triangles, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, nonagons, decagons, and various polygonal shapes; irregular polygons, concave polygons, convex polygons, triangular polygons, quadrilateral polygons, pentagonal polygons, hexagonal polygons, wave shapes, crescent shapes, trapeze shapes, cross shapes, ring shapes, diamond shapes, flower shapes, asymmetric shapes, other geometric shapes, non-geometric shapes, asymmetric shapes, irregular shapes, and any modifications, truncations, or combinations thereof, including other shapes with rounded or straight corners as needed. As illustrated in (1) and (2) of Figure 3A, the first label 10A may be positioned in different positions relative to the second label 10B.

[0053] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, second label 10B has a triangular (or other) shaped tail protruding from the generally rectangular portion to increase the height of second label 10B and thereby define a wider printable zone, such as for a barcode, as shown. The generally rectangular portion may optionally have rounded corners, as shown, and other shapes, such as any polygonal or elliptical shape, are contemplated. Additionally, a recess may be provided at the location of break line 10C. The tail is shown triangular because a triangle is well suited for application to the cone of microcentrifuge tube 1 without creases. However, other tail shapes or similar extensions are possible. Multiple tails may be provided, and they may extend from the rectangular portion of label 10B. The tail may be optional.

[0054] 1B and 3B simultaneously, a variation of label set 10 is shown, illustrating a label set 10 for microcentrifuge tubes 1 having a similar geometry to label set 10 of FIGS. 1A and 3A. Label set 10 is shown assembled in FIG. 3B and attached to a microcentrifuge tube in FIG. 1B. Again, label set 10 has a single, integral label surface that is separable into first label 10A and second label 10B, with first label 10A configured to be connected to cap 1A and second label 10B configured to be connected to the body of container 1. Label set 10 thereby includes a break line 10C at the juncture between first label 10A and second label 10B, allowing for manual separation of first label 10A from second label 10B after label set 10 has been separated from its support liner, as described below. The break line 10C may be defined by a line of perforations, weakening, and / or embossments in the facing of the label set 10, which perforations, etc. are separated by the web of facing, and thus the break line 10C defines a line of separation when a shear force is manually applied to the facing opposite the break line 10C.

[0055] Again, the first label 10A is sized to fit over the cap 1A, and the second label 10B is attached to the body of the container 1. For example, the first label 10A may be generally circular, but the break line 10C may be straight, resulting in the first label 10A being a broken circle. Other shapes for the first label 10A are contemplated, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, etc. As with the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the first label 10A may be positioned in different positions relative to the second label 10B, as illustrated by (1) and (2) in FIG. 3A.

[0056] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1B and 3B, the second label 10B may or may not have a triangular (or other) shape tail protruding from the generally rectangular portion to increase the height of the second label 10B and thereby define a wider printable zone, such as for a barcode, as shown. The generally rectangular portion may optionally have rounded corners, as shown, and other shapes, such as any polygonal or elliptical shape, are contemplated. Additionally, a recess may be provided at the location of the break line 10C. The tail is shown in a triangular shape because a triangle is well suited for application to the cone of the microcentrifuge tube 1 without creases. However, other tail shapes or similar extensions are also possible. The tail may be optional.

[0057] The difference between the variations of FIGS. 1A and 3A and those of FIGS. 1B and 3B lies in the fact that second label 10B has an opaque surface 11A for imprinting or printing information thereon and a transparent shield portion 11C disposed thereon to shield the opaque surface 11A. Second label 10B is wrapped around itself so that transparent shield portion 11C (also known as shield portion 11C) covers opaque printed surface 11A. As shown, the transparent portion of 10B may have additional triangles added to match the triangles of the opaque portion of 11A, thereby overlapping and stacking the triangles of 11A. In one embodiment, the entire label of FIG. 3B may be transparent or translucent. In another embodiment of FIG. 3B, label 10A is opaque, and label 10B, including portions 11A and 11C, is transparent or translucent. In another embodiment of FIG. 3B, label 10A is transparent, and portions 11A and 11C of label 10B may be opaque, transparent, or translucent, or any combination of opaque, transparent, and / or translucent, at any location on label 10B. The term transparent may refer to any level of transparency, translucency, obscurity, or see-through. The term opaque may refer to any degree of opacity. In one embodiment, label 1, or any portion thereof, is white, or may be any color printed on or incorporated into any component of the label, including, but not limited to, the facing or any layer of the facing, varnish, topcoat, primer, adhesive, or support liner. In one embodiment, the facing is a multilayer film or paper. In one embodiment, facing 11 has a barrier layer or tie layer. In one embodiment, facing 11 may have an inkjet receptive coating.For example, label set 10 may be similar to one or more of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 554,117, entitled "Transparent Adhesive Labels" (incorporated herein by reference); PCT application Ser. No. PCT / IB2022 / 052848, entitled "Direct Thermal Labels and Methods of Use" (incorporated herein by reference); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 711,422, entitled "Labels for Steam Autoclaves and Methods of Use" (incorporated herein by reference); U.S. Patent No. 11,472,214, entitled "Shielded Direct Thermal Labels and Methods" and related continuation applications (incorporated herein by reference); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 060,778, entitled "Labels with Wireless Communication Capability for Vials or Tubes" (incorporated herein by reference); and / or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63 / 384,470, entitled "Implantable Tissue Labels with Metal Detection Capability" (incorporated herein by reference). Some of the label sets 10 described herein, such as portions 10A, 10B, and 11A, may comprise thin metal foils, such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper, lead, magnetic alloys, and ferromagnetic alloys, for detectability using a metal detector. The presence of metal components in label set 10 may cause a metal detector to emit a signal indicating the presence of metal. The metal detector 30 may be tuned to detect the size of the target metal component and filter out any other metallic objects that may be naturally present in the waste container. The metal detector may be of any suitable type. In one embodiment, the metal detector operates using a magnetic field. Thus, the metal detector may include an electromagnet that generates electromagnetic waves and a sensor that detects eddy currents generated by the metal component. In one embodiment, the metal detector is a handheld device similar to those used at airports or border crossings. In another embodiment, the metal detector uses ionizing radiation, such as backscatter scanners and cabinet X-ray machines, to scan waste disposal sites using low-energy X-rays. In another embodiment, the metal detector uses non-ionizing radiation, such as a millimeter wave device, to scan the waste disposal.

[0058] The tail of the second label 10B (if present) and / or the first label 10A are shown as being opaque, but may also be transparent.

[0059] 2A and 4A simultaneously, a label set 10 for a small cylindrical tube 1 is shown. The label set 10 is shown assembled in FIG. 4A and separated in FIG. 2A. The label set 10 has a single, integral label surface and is separable into a first label 10A and a second label 10B. The first label 10A is configured to be adhered to the cap 1A, and the second label 10B is configured to be adhered to the body of the container 1. More specifically, the label set 10 has a break line 10C at the juncture between the first label 10A and the second label 10B, allowing for manual separation of the first label 10A from the second label 10B after the label set 10 has been separated from its supporting liner, as described below. The tear line 10C may be defined by a line of perforations, including micro-perforations, weakened portions, and / or micro-cuts and / or notches (so-called perforation lines), and / or embossings in the facing of the label set 10, which are separated by the web of facing. Thus, the tear line 10C defines a separation line when a shear force is manually applied to the facing opposite the tear line 10C. While FIG. 4A illustrates different tear line configurations in which the tear line 10C is linear or rounded and connects the first label 10A to the second label 10B at different locations, other locations are also contemplated, as illustrated in (1), (2), (3), and (4) of FIG. 4A. The tear line connecting the two shapes may be linear or convex relative to either shape, such as a circle or a rectangle. More than two labels may be included as part of the label set 10, with the additional phases also being connected to one or more of the labels 10A and 10B, preferably via another break line 10C. For example, in FIG. 4C, the label set 10 includes eight labels 10A and eight labels 10B, which would be used for a tube strip, such as an 8-PCR tube strip. More or fewer labels 10A and 10B may be present. In the variation shown in FIG. 4A (5), the label set 10 may include two or more labels 10A per single label 10B. The reverse arrangement is also possible. Such an arrangement may vary depending on the intended use.For example, the label (5) in FIG. 4A may include an additional label 10A for use in a notebook or the like, with the first label 10A and label 10B attached to the vial. (6) and (7) in FIG. 4A show a label set 10 having two labels 10A and two labels 10B. In a variant, this allows two vials 1 to be labeled after a single peeling step, thereby reducing the number of peeling operations required for vial labeling. The label set 10 in FIG. 4A (6) is similar to the labels (1) and (2) in FIG. 4A, and the label set 10 in FIG. 4A is similar to the labels (3) and (4) in FIG. 4A.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2A, a first label 10A is sized to fit onto the cap 1A, and a second label 10B is attached to the body of the container 1. For example, the first label 10A may be generally circular, but the break line 10C may be straight, resulting in a broken circle in the first label 10A. Other shapes for the first label 10A are contemplated, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.

[0061] In the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the second label 10B extends longitudinally along the cylindrical tube, i.e., along the central axis of the tube 1. The second label 10B may have a generally rectangular shape, optionally with rounded corners, as shown. Other shapes are contemplated, such as a square, rectangle, or any polygonal or oval shape. Additionally, the location of the break line 10C may have a recess, such as an out-of-plane deformation resulting from a die-cutting process.

[0062] 2B and 4B simultaneously, a variation of the label set 10 is shown, where the label set 10 for a small cylindrical tube 1 has a similar geometry to the label set 10 of FIGS. 2A and 4A. The label set 10 is shown assembled in FIG. 4B and separated in FIG. 2B. Again, the label set 10 has a single, integral label surface that is separable into a first label 10A and a second label 10B, where the first label 10A is configured to be connected to the cap 1A and the second label 10B is configured to be connected to the body of the container 1. The label set 10 thereby has a break line 10C at the juncture between the first label 10A and the second label 10B, allowing for manual separation of the first label 10A from the second label 10B after the label set 10 has been peeled from its support liner, as described below. The break line 10C may be defined by a line of perforations, weakening and / or notches, or micro-cuts, or embossments in the facing of the label set 10, which are separated by the web of facing. Thus, the break line 10C defines a line of separation when a shear force is manually applied to the facing opposite the break line 10C. All of the break line configurations of FIG. 4A are applicable to the label set 10 of FIG. 4B.

[0063] Again, the first label 10A is sized to fit over the cap 1A, and the second label 10B is attached to the body of the container 1. For example, the first label 10A may be generally circular, but the break line 10C may be straight, resulting in the first label 10A being a broken circle. Other shapes for the first label 10A are also contemplated, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, etc. As illustrated by (1) and (2) in FIG. 4B, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the first label 10A may be positioned in different positions relative to the second label 10B.

[0064] 2B and 4B, the second label 10B may have a generally rectangular shape, optionally with rounded corners, as shown, although other shapes are contemplated, such as a square, rectangle, or any polygon, oval, etc. Additionally, a recess may be provided at the location of the break line 10C.

[0065] The difference between the variants of Figures 2A and 4A and those of Figures 2B and 4B lies in the fact that the second label 10B has an opaque surface 11A for imprinting or printing information thereon and a transparent shield portion 11C disposed thereon to shield the opaque surface 11A. The second label 10B is wrapped around itself so that the transparent shield portion 11C (also known as the shield portion 11C) covers at least a portion of the opaque printing surface 11A.

[0066] In FIG. 4D , (1) shows that the junction between label 10A and label 10B may be at an angle θ. Thus, this junction essentially corresponds to two intersecting lines, with the intersection being a point, or sharp point. Label 10A may be circular as taught herein, and in a magnified view, its periphery resembles a straight line at the junction. In one embodiment, as shown in (2) of FIG. 4D , the junction between label 10A and label 10B may define an arcuate profile. This arcuate profile, also known as a rounded intersection, can provide additional durability. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , two configurations are shown. The arcuate profile (also known as an arcuate edge) is shown as R1 at the junction between label 10A and label 10B and break line 10C. Alternatively, label 10A and label 10B may meet at apex P1, as also shown in FIG. 9 . In the enlarged view of FIG. 9 , the edge of label 10A is shown as a straight line, but if label 10A were circular, it would be arcuate. When label set 10 is peeled from the support liner, shear forces may be along vector V1, which is aligned with edge 10B' of label 10B. Thus, vector V1 may be generally collinear with break line 10C. In an arrangement featuring apex P1, shear forces may be transmitted to the surface material of label set 10 during peeling, making separation of labels 10A and 10B easier, with label 10A remaining on the support liner. Alternatively, this may be undesirable, as it may be preferable for labels 10A and 10B to be separated from the support liner as a single label set 10 and then separated as described herein. Thus, by having an arcuate profile R1, the shear force is deflected as shown at V2 (V2 could also be shown perpendicular to V1), and V2 is not collinear with the break notch 10C.Thus, the arcuate profile R1 at the joint and tear notch 10C between label 10A and label 10B may reinforce label set 10 and help keep labels 10A and 10B attached when peeled from the support liner. Arcuate edges may be present in any of the label sets 10 described herein. The connection angle is between 0° and 179° or between 0° and -179°. At the connection, intersection, or transition point of two shapes, the line may have the following form or shape: a parabola, a semiparabola, a truncated parabola, a hyperbola, a semihyperbola, a truncated hyperbola, a circular shape, a rounded shape, a semicircle, a truncated circle, an ellipse, a semiellipse, a truncated ellipse, an ellipse, a semiellipse, a truncated ellipse, a U-shape, a truncated U-shape, a V-shape, a truncated V-shape, a round-bottom V-shape, a pear-shaped shape, a conical shape, a balloon-shaped shape, a shape similar to a round-bottom flask, a conical-bottom flask, a traditional incandescent bulb shape, a curve, a bend, any type of curve, such as a simple curve, a vertical curve, a compound curve, an inverted curve, a spiral curve, a freehand design, an element or segment of any of the aforementioned shapes, and any combination thereof. The same label may include multiple of the aforementioned shapes. The value of the radius at the intersection of two lines is 0. The radius at the intersection of two lines or two shapes is included in the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the radius at the connection point between the two shapes or lines is 0.0005 mm to 26.0 mm. More preferably, it is 0.005 mm to 13.0 mm. More preferably, it is 0.05 mm to 6.5 mm. More preferably, it is 0.08 mm to 3.25 mm. The distance from the tip of the arc to the first perforation notch is 0.005 mm to 3.0 mm. More preferably, the distance is 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm. More preferably, the distance is 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. More preferably, the distance is 0.25 mm to 0.75 mm. More preferably, the distance is 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. Figure 10 provides an exemplary shape. As with other embodiments, the label 10A may be a truncated circle, may have a truncated shape, may be a concave circle or shape, or may be a convex circle or shape.

[0067] Referring now to FIG. 5A , the label configuration of label set 10 for tube 1 is shown. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram that is not necessarily representative of the actual appearance of label 10. Label 10 may have various layers, such as facing 11, print layer or print-receiving layer 11B, adhesive layer 12, and support liner 13. Print layer 11B is optional and may define the opaque surface 11A described in the embodiments of FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B. In one embodiment, print layer 11B can be applied to any transparent, translucent, or opaque facing material that may be used to manufacture any of the labels described in this disclosure. Facing 11 forms the body of labels 10A and 10B. Shading has been added in FIG. 5A to facilitate layer differentiation. However, this shading should not be construed to indicate any particular characteristics beyond those described in this disclosure. When underneath facing 11, print layer 11B can be printed, for example, by a direct thermal method. In one embodiment, printed layer 11B may be a direct thermal coating that releases ink upon heating. The direct thermal coating may be opaque, transparent, opaque, or translucent. In one embodiment, when layer 11B underlies facing 11, it may be pre-printed with indicia and / or graphics, color by any printing method, including commercial printing. For example, layer 11B may be printed by the methods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 472,214, entitled "Shielded Direct Thermal Label and Method," or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 711,422, entitled "Steam Autoclavable Label and Method of Use," both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] Facing material 11 is the primary layer of labels 10A and 10B in that its periphery defines the required area of ​​label 10. In use, facing material 11 is the primary exposed layer of label 10 when applied to tube 1. Facing material 11 may be a transparent polymeric film. For example, facing material 11 may be a thermoplastic film, including, but not limited to, any type or variation of the following films: polyvinyl, polyester (also known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), polypropylene (PP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene terephthalate (BOPET), polyethylene (PE) including polyethylene films of various densities (such as low density, high density, or any type of polyethylene film), polyolefin, polyvinyl (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, PVC, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), etc.), polystyrene, nylon, polyimide, poly The facing 11 may be any polymer or monomer film, such as amide, satin, acrylate or acrylate-based film, foil, aluminum foil, stainless steel foil, copper foil, lead foil, any type of metal foil, a fusion of a metal layer with any polymer or paper material, laminate foil, multilayer film (e.g., a polyethylene layer bonded to a polyester layer via a tie layer adhesive), a barrier film having at least two layers, optionally an intermediate layer, heat seal film, synthetic paper, nonwoven fabric, Tyvek® (based on flash-spun high-density polyethylene fibers), nanomaterials, silicone rubber, or any other polymer-based material and / or any combination thereof. The presence of a metal layer, for example in the form of a foil as described above, may provide detectability to the label 10 when used with a metal detector. The facing 11 may also be a thermosetting material.In another embodiment, the facing material is biodegradable, environmentally sustainable, and / or biodegradable compostable and environmentally friendly to any degree, examples of which may include PLA (polylactic acid) or PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PBS (polybutylene succinate), PCL (polycaprolactone), starch-based plastics, PBAT (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), Bio-PE (bio-based polyethylene), Bio-PET (bio-based polyethylene terephthalate), cellulosic plastics, or any combination thereof, including combinations with other types of non-biodegradable, non-biodegradable compostable, and / or non-environmentally sustainable materials. The facing 11 may undergo further treatments or include other layers on or below its surface, such as, but not limited to, corona treatment, plasma treatment, flame treatment, chemical etching, primer, varnish, top coat, ink receptive coating, thermal transfer receptive coating, direct thermal receptive coating, laser print receptive coating, ink jet receptive coating, UV ink jet receptive coating, nanocoating, electron beam (EB) printing receptive coating, LED printing receptive coating, digital printing receptive coating, dye sublimation print receptive coating, dot matrix printing receptive coating, flexographic printing receptive coating, offset printing receptive coating, gravure printing receptive coating, screen printing receptive coating, pen-writable coating including, but not limited to, pencil, ball point pen, roller ball pen, gel pen, fountain pen, felt tip pen, permanent marker such as Sharpie® permanent marker, GA International CryoMarker™ or ScienceMarker™, chisel tip pen, acrylic coating, polyurethane coating, ceramic coating, lamination, etc. In one embodiment, the facing 11 may include antimicrobial agents such as silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, triclosan, etc. that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, or microorganisms.In one embodiment, facing 11 may be a paper or paper-based material (e.g., containing cellulose fibers), including coated paper, impregnated paper (e.g., latex-impregnated paper), and laminated paper. In one embodiment, facing 11 may be a water-soluble material that can be dissolved in water or an aqueous solution within seconds to minutes for reuse of the container, tube, or vial. In one embodiment, facing 11 may have a tamper-evident feature, such as a destructible material that can be broken into pieces upon attempting to remove it after being adhered to a substrate. In another embodiment, facing 11 of label 10 may have a notch that destroys the label upon attempting to remove it after being adhered to a substrate, providing evidence of tampering. Other types of tamper-evident features are also contemplated, including special facing materials, material treatments, material layers, adhesives, inks, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, facing 11 of label 10 may comprise multiple layers of material comprising a thin metal foil such as aluminum foil, steel layer, stainless steel foil, copper foil, lead foil or any type of fused or laminated metal foil that allows for metal detection by metal scanners or detectors, x-ray machines, scanners used in border control and airports, or any other type of metal detection device. In another embodiment, label 10 may incorporate electrodes / wires capable of conducting electricity.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 5B, another configuration of label set 10 is shown. This label set is equivalent to the configuration of FIG. 5A except that it includes an electronic chip or tag 14 (e.g., RFID, NFC, RF inlay, etc.). Electronic chip 14 may have its own adhesive 14A (although this is optional), and its top surface may be adhered to adhesive layer 12. Adhesive 14A may be adhered to release liner 13. In a variation, label set 10 of FIG. 5B has electronic chip 14 aligned with printed layer 11B (if present). While printed layer 11B and electronic chip 14 are shown on one side of label set 10, they may be located elsewhere (e.g., in the center). Electronic chip 14 may be located on either label 10A or label 10B. In a variation, label set 10 includes two electronic chips 14, one on label 10A and another on label 10B. In one embodiment, the RFID electronic chip may be capable of recording the temperature and storing it in its memory, providing a temperature record for the vial, a feature useful for refrigerated storage of samples in a temperature-controlled environment.

[0070] In some variations, the thickness of the facing 11 may be about 30.0 mils or less. More specifically, the label facing 11 may be about 0.3 mils to 6.0 mils thick. Even more specifically, the facing 11 may be about 0.4 mils to 4.8 mils, about 0.8 mils to 3.5 mils, even more specifically about 0.9 mils to 3.2 mils, or even more specifically about 1.0 mils to 4.0 mils thick. The use of multiple facings, such as laminations, on the facing 11 is contemplated. The use of multi-layer facings 11 is contemplated, such as coextruded materials, heat-sealed materials, materials with tie layers, or materials laminated using pressure-sensitive adhesives. The facing 11 may be transparent or selected to accept ink thereon. In one embodiment, the facing 11 material may be combined with the ink type to crosslink, allowing the ink to adhere to the facing 11 and withstand exposure to certain solvents and / or cryogenic temperatures. In another embodiment, the material of the surface 11 may have characteristics that, when combined with various types of inks or ink formulations, result in a bond that is resistant to one or more, or any combination of, the following: water (short or long term water immersion, exposure to hot water, exposure to boiling water), buffers (e.g., Tris buffer or other buffers at any pH), chemicals (e.g., acids, bases, salts), surfactants (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS), solvents (e.g., alcohols, ketones, xylene, toluene, MEK, hexane, ethers, peroxides, bleach, DMSO, formalin), fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, etc.), freeze-thaw cycling (e.g., using alcohol-dry ice baths intermittently with hot or hot water baths), high temperatures, low temperatures, freezing temperatures, cryogenic temperatures, friction, mechanical forces, exposure to environmental conditions (e.g., exposure to sunlight), dry ice, steam autoclaving, sterilization, irradiation (e.g., ionizing radiation, ultraviolet light (UV), infrared light (IR), LED UV). In another embodiment, the ink or ink formulation is biodegradable to any degree, or biodegradable compostable, or otherwise environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly.

[0071] In a variant, the printable portion 11A of the surface material 11, also referred to as the print area or print-receiving area, may be coated on the first surface of the surface material 11 with a print layer or print-receiving layer 11B, as shown in FIG. 5A. The print layer 11B may be an opaque ink, such as white ink, or any other printable contrast layer. The ink layer 11B may have an additional layer capable of receiving ink, such as a top coating, varnish, lamination, or another layer of surface material of any opacity. The print layer 11B may be provided with or without its own adhesive layer to define the printable portion 11A as an opaque layer, particularly relative to a transparent surface material 11. In a variant, the print layer 11B is located below the surface material 11 and does not directly receive ink thereon (the ink is received by the surface material 11), but its opacity defines a contrast area, and data printed on the surface material 11 is visible on the print layer 11B. In such cases, the printing layer 11B may be provided, with or without its own adhesive layer, as an opaque layer, particularly against the transparent facing 11, to define the printable portion 11A. The printing layer 11B may have its own facing or may be adhered to the facing 11. The printing layer 11B may include one or more layers, including transparent (non-opaque) or translucent layers. The ink of the printing layer 11B may be water-based, acrylic-based, solvent-based, emulsion-based, latex-based, metallic-based, or any combination thereof. The ink of the printing layer 11B may not require curing, but may be cured by any method, including, but not limited to, infrared, UV-curable, LED UV-curable, electron beam (EB)-curable, water-based inkjet, UV inkjet, laser, liquid electrography, offset, thermal transfer, direct thermal, thermochromic, screen printing, laser-etchable materials, etc. In one embodiment, the 11B layer is completely transparent. In another embodiment, layer 11B is not present, and parts 11A and 11C are both transparent, translucent, or opaque, or have any degree of transparency, translucency, or opacity, in which case part 11C covers and laminates at least a portion of part 11A.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5A , in some embodiments, printing layer 11B is a surface of labels 10A and 10B that can receive ink or printing, which may include printing using a thermal printer, a thermal transfer printer, a direct thermal printer, a laser printer, an inkjet printer, a UV inkjet printer, a water-based inkjet printer, an LED printer, a UV printer, an impact printer, a dot-matrix printer, a laser etching printer, a flexographic printer, an offset printer, a liquid electrographic printer, a digital printer or press, or any other type of printer, device, or writing implement (e.g., pencil, pen) capable of delivering ink to printing layer 11B. Printing layer 11B may incorporate a thermochromic ink system (e.g., leuco dye) incorporated, for example, into a portion of a coating layer of printing layer 11B or into the material of printing layer 11B, to appear or change color upon heating or exposure to a temperature change (e.g., cooling). In a variant, the ink of printing layer 11B is a direct thermal printing ink for printing with a direct thermal printer. In one embodiment, any reversible or irreversible chromic ink is contemplated for use, such as photochromic ink, hydrochromic ink, solvatochromic ink, piezochromic ink, electrochromic ink, chemochromic ink, halochromic ink, etc. In a variation, the ink used is a nanoink, examples of which include conductive nanoink, carbon nanotube ink, quantum dot ink, gold nanoparticle ink, magnetic nanoink, photovoltaic nanoink, nanoparticle pigment ink, thermochromic nanoink.Alternatively, the labels can be printed using commercial brand desktop roll printers such as Zebra, CAB, Datamax O'Neil, Printronix, Citizen, Intermec, Godex, Dymo, Toshiba, Brady, Epson, Brother, or sheet format printers such as HP, Brother, Canon, Xerox, Samsung, Lexmark, OKI, Dell, Ricoh, Kyocera, Epson, Konica Minolta, Panasonic, etc.

[0073] As can be seen in Figures 1B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5A, and 5B, printable layer 11B covers only a portion of facing 11, forming printable portion 11A. The remaining portion of label 10, i.e., the portion not including printable portion 11A, is transparent shielding portion 11C, which may partially or completely shield the opaque portion. Transparent shielding portion 11C may surround the opaque portion multiple times. Transparent shielding portion 11C may simply be transparent facing 11. Printable portion 11A and transparent shielding portion 11C occupy opposite ends of label 10B. In one embodiment, as described below, the footprint of transparent shielding portion 11C is equal to or greater than the footprint of printable portion 11A. In another embodiment, portion 11C may be smaller than portion 11A. However, in order for the label 10 to overlap the vial 1 having a diameter D, the total length of the surface material 11 must be at least 1.1πD (π herein is equal to approximately 3.1416). The total length of the surface material 11 can overlap the L1 width of the surface material 11A by approximately 10% or more. In one embodiment, the total length of the surface material 11 can overlap the L1 width of the surface material 11A by 10% to 50%. In another embodiment, the total length of the surface material 11 can overlap the L1 width of the surface material 11A by 50% to 100%. In another embodiment, the total length of the surface material 11 can exceed L1 and overlap the L2 width of the surface material 11A by 100% or more. A transparent shielding portion 11C may cover the ink on the printable portion 11A to protect the ink.

[0074] Adhesive layer 12 is coated on the second surface of facing 11. This adhesive layer 12 may be transparent. The adhesive of adhesive layer 12 may be any type of adhesive, including a pressure-sensitive adhesive; non-limiting examples include water-based adhesives, acrylic adhesives, emulsion-based adhesives, hot melts (including UV hot melts), rubber-based adhesives, latex-based adhesives, solvent-based adhesives, silicone-based adhesives, UV-curable adhesives, EB-curable adhesives, LED-curable adhesives (including LED-UV-curable adhesives), cross-linkable adhesives, heat-activated adhesives, cold-stamping or hot-stamping adhesives, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the adhesive may be water-soluble and capable of dissolving in water within seconds or minutes. In another embodiment, the adhesive is environmentally friendly, e.g., environmentally sustainable to any degree, biodegradable, or biodegradable and compostable. Similarly, in variants, the adhesive may be permanent; in other scenarios, the adhesive may be removable and / or repositionable, thereby allowing label 10 to be repositioned and labeled on a surface. Additionally, the adhesive of adhesive layer 12 can be, for example, a glove-friendly, removable adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive may be transparent. In another embodiment, the adhesive may have varying degrees of transparency, opacity, translucency, or opacity. In another embodiment, the adhesive is opaque. In another embodiment, the adhesive may have a color, such as black, that provides complete opacity to the label. In another embodiment, the adhesive may have a color for purposes other than opacity. In another embodiment, the adhesive may have a fragrance, cosmetic, beauty, cooking, or other scent, or any other scent. In another embodiment, the adhesive may have an antimicrobial component that inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses, or microorganisms. Note that any pressure-sensitive adhesive can be used. In one embodiment, the adhesive of adhesive layer 12 can be adhered to a frozen container with a surface temperature of approximately -72°C or below, and subsequently placed in liquid nitrogen or vapor liquid nitrogen in a cryogenic dewar. Such adhesives are known and are commercially available as CryoSTUCK® labels manufactured by GA International Inc. (Laval, Canada).Label 10 may also include such an adhesive as adhesive layer 12 for use in biorepositories, tissue banks, and cell banks where cryogenic vials and containers cannot be thawed when relabeling is required. In one embodiment, label 10 may be affixed to containers including, but not limited to, low-energy plastics with a surface temperature of approximately -25°C to -40°C and tubing 1 having an outer diameter of 15.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 may be affixed to containers including, but not limited to, low-energy plastics with a surface temperature of approximately -40°C to -70°C and tubing 1 having an outer diameter of 15.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 may be affixed to containers including, but not limited to, low-energy plastics with a surface temperature of approximately -70°C to -80°C and tubing 1 having an outer diameter of 15.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 may be affixed to containers including, but not limited to, low-energy plastics with a surface temperature of approximately -80°C to -100°C and tubing 1 having an outer diameter of 15.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 can be applied to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic having a surface temperature of approximately -100°C to -120°C and a tubing 1 having an outer diameter of 15.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 can be applied to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic having a surface temperature of approximately -120°C to -196°C and a tubing 1 having an outer diameter of 15.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 can be applied to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic having a surface temperature of approximately -196°C and a tubing 1 having an outer diameter of 15.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 can be applied to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic having a surface temperature of approximately -72°C to -80°C and a tubing 1 having an outer diameter of 15.0 mm or less, followed by immersion of the tubing 1 in liquid or vapor phase liquid nitrogen, such as in a Dewar filled with liquid nitrogen. In one embodiment, label 10 can be applied to a container including, but not limited to, a tube 1 having an outer diameter of 40.0 mm or less and a low energy plastic with a surface temperature of approximately -25°C to -40°C.In another embodiment, label 10 may be affixed to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic having a surface temperature of approximately -40°C to -70°C and a tube 1 having an outer diameter of 40.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 may be affixed to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic having a surface temperature of approximately -70°C to -80°C and a tube 1 having an outer diameter of 40.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 may be affixed to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic having a surface temperature of approximately -80°C to -100°C and a tube 1 having an outer diameter of 40.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 may be affixed to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic having a surface temperature of approximately -100°C to -120°C and a tube 1 having an outer diameter of 40.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 can be applied to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic with a surface temperature of approximately -120°C to -196°C and a tube 1 having an outer diameter of 40.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 can be applied to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic with a surface temperature of approximately -196°C and a tube 1 having an outer diameter of 40.0 mm or less. In another embodiment, label 10 can be applied to a container including, but not limited to, a low-energy plastic with a surface temperature of approximately -72°C to -80°C and a tube 1 having an outer diameter of 40.0 mm or less, followed by immersion of tube 1 in liquid or vapor phase liquid nitrogen, such as in a dewar filled with liquid nitrogen. In one embodiment, RFID inlay adhesive 20A is intended for application to frozen surfaces at temperatures as low as approximately -70°C. In another embodiment, RFID inlay adhesive 20A is intended for application to frozen surfaces in a temperature range of -70°C to -80°C. The use of RFID tags in liquid nitrogen tanks immersed in liquid and vapor phase liquid nitrogen is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,703, U.S. Pat. No. 10,762,308, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 060,778, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.Although U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 060778 describes certain dimensions for containers, the label set 10 of the present disclosure may be configured to fit the dimensions of other containers to be used with the vial 1 or tube 1 described above.

[0075] In some embodiments, the adhesive of adhesive layer 12 can be weakened or neutralized in one or more locations using any adhesive neutralizer, such as a varnish, ink, or UV varnish, UV ink, etc. The use of pattern-coated adhesive, i.e., areas of material devoid of adhesive, is also contemplated. The use of combinations of adhesives in the same or different areas of label 10 is also contemplated.

[0076] Adhesive layer 12 may have a thickness of about 4.0 mils or less. Adhesive thicknesses of greater than 4.0 mils are contemplated. More specifically, adhesive layer 12 can have a thickness of about 0.05 mils to 2.0 mils, and even more specifically, adhesive layer 12 can have a thickness of about 0.4 mils to 1.5 mils, about 0.6 mils to 1.2 mils, or even more specifically, about 0.7 mils to 1.0 mils.

[0077] A support liner 13, also known as a release liner, release liner, silicone liner, backing, or liner, may be provided from which the adhesive 12 can be released along with the facing 11. For example, the support liner 13 may include a release coating, such as a silicone coating, that contains the adhesive 12. Any other coating that facilitates adhesive release may be used instead of silicone. The release liner 13 may be paper-based or polymer-based, and contemplated polymers may include polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), or any other type of polymer. For example, the release liner 13 may be a silicone- or fluorosilicone-coated support on which the adhesive layer 12 is contained or supported. However, other materials, including wax or other adhesive release coatings, may be used on the substrate. For example, if the support liner 13 is paper-based, a low-friction coating (e.g., silicone, fluorosilicone, or non-silicone release coating, or wax) may be applied to facilitate release of the facing 11 and adhesive layer 12 from the support liner 13. Thus, once the release liner 13 is removed, the facing 11 may be adhered to the vial surface by the adhesive layer 12. In another embodiment, the release liner 13 may have imaging properties. This means that a copy of an image can be made on the release liner 13 by handwriting with a pen or pencil, or with any type of impact device or impact printer. In this case, when the facing 11 is removed from the liner 13, a copy of the printed information or image remains on the release liner 13, similar to a carbon copy. In another embodiment, the label 10 may be linerless. The support liner 13 may have a surface coating (also known as a release coating) or any low-adhesion surface or feature onto which the adhesive layer 12 is disposed to facilitate separation of the facing 11 and adhesive layer 12 from the support liner 13. The support liner 13 may have information, graphics, indicia, or data printed on both sides of the liner. The support liner 13 may also be any color, including white, natural kraft, or any other color.Other features associated with liner 13 may be those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 092,719, filed November 9, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference. These features include the presence of a slit in liner 13 to facilitate removal of removable liner 13 and application of label 10 to tube 1.

[0078] Next, the dimensions of the label 10B are shown. The dimensions of the label 10B are related to the dimensions of the tube 1, such as the outer diameter D. In FIGS. 3B and 4B, the printable zone 11A is on one side of the label 10B, but the following dimensional ratios also apply in an embodiment in which the printable zone 11A is located in the center and segments of the transparent shielding portion 11C are located on both sides of the printable zone 11A. Therefore, when using the label 10B with the tube 1, the label 10B may be selected by the user according to the outer diameter D to achieve the coverage shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B. The dimensions are expressed in height and length, and the label 10B is wrapped around the tube 1 in the longitudinal direction, with the height being approximately parallel to the central axis of the tube 1.

[0079] The length L1 of the printable portion 11A may be expressed as follows.

[0080] 0.8πD <L1<1.3πD

[0081] The relative lengths of the printable portion 11A and the transparent shield portion 11C may be expressed as follows:

[0082] L1≦L2≦2.5L1

[0083] The length L2 of the transparent shield portion 11C is the cumulative length of the two segments in an embodiment centered on the printable portion 11A, and may be expressed as:

[0084] πD <L2<3.5πD

[0085] The length L2 of the transparent shield portion 11C may have modified forms such as the two modified forms shown below.

[0086] 0.5πD <L2<2πD

[0087] 1.5πD <L2<3πD

[0088] The total length of label 10B, L1+L2, is as follows:

[0089] 1.8πD≦(L1+L2)≦3.5πD

[0090] In another variation, the height H1 of the label 10B is selected based on the dimensions of the tube 1, including the tail portion of the label 10B. For example, H1 may be 4.0 mm to 100.0 mm. In another variation, the height H1 of the label 10B may be 6.0 mm to 30.0 mm. In another variation, the height H1 of the label 10B may be 9.0 mm to 22.0 mm. In yet another variation, the height H1 of the label 10B may be 7.0 mm to 70.0 mm. In yet another embodiment, the height H1 of the label 10B is 15.0 mm to 64.0 mm. In yet another embodiment, the height H1 of the label 10B is 12.0 mm to 26.0 mm.

[0091] While the dimensions shown below allow for the transparent shield portion 11C to cover the entire circumference, it is also possible for the label 10B to have a shorter shield portion 11C long enough to overlap itself. For example, in the case of a low surface energy polymer for the tube 1, overlapping adhesion between the adhesive and the surface material may be desirable to more securely attach the label 10B to the tube 1. For example, if L1 is equal to the circumference C, L2 may be 10% or more of L1 to provide sufficient overlap over L1. If L1 is less than the circumference, L2 must be increased to achieve 10% coverage of L2 so that the total length of the label 10B is at least 1.1πD. It is also possible for the label 10B to have a length sufficient to allow for multiple rotations around the tube 1. This allows for the adhesive to be adjusted to allow for unwinding of the label 10.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 6A, multiple label sets 10 are shown on a common release liner 13, which is shown in the form of a roll 20. The roll of label sets 10 may typically be wound around a paper or plastic core. The core may be of any diameter. Typical core diameters are 1 inch or 3 inches, but core diameters of 0.5 inch, 0.75 inch, 1.5 inch, 2.0 inch, 4.0 inch, or 6.0 inch may also be used. The label set 10 is of the type shown in FIG. 4A, but all other label sets described herein may be on a roll. In other embodiments, the release liner 13 may be in the form of a sheet 30 (e.g., 8.5 inch x 11 inch letter size, 8.5 inch x 14 inch legal size, A4, postcard, ledger 11 inch x 17 inch, or other sheet format) with rows and columns of label sets 10, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, or in the form of a flat strip, booklet, fanfold, etc. with rows of label sets 10 arranged therein. In one embodiment, if the label sets 10 are intended to be printed in sheet format by a laser printer, inkjet printer, LED printer, or any other type of printer or copier, the release liner 13 may be heat-resistant without curling when passing through such a printer (e.g., a laser printer). Such release liners are also known as "lay-flat" liners. In some cases, lay-flat liners may be thicker than typical release liners, for example, up to approximately 7.0 mils, or even thicker. Still referring to FIG. 7A , the sheet 30 may be configured with one or more printing shields 31 surrounding the label 10A and surrounding some, but not all, of the label 10B. The printing shield 31 may also be known as a matrix. Thus, the sheet 30 displays, on its printable side, a plurality of label sets 10, one or more printing shields 31, and the release liner 13. In the illustrated embodiment, there are five printing shields 31 (i.e., one for each row of label sets 10).The label sets 10 may have more or fewer rows, and therefore more or fewer printed shields 31. Furthermore, there may be multiple printed shields 31 per row. The printed shields 31 may be manufactured from the same facing material as the label sets 10. The printed shields 31 may be present as a result of a die-cutting step used to define the label sets 10 relative to the remaining facing. Therefore, the die-cutting process may result in a waste portion of facing (removed in the sheet 30 in FIG. 7A ). This waste portion was located where the release liner 13 was exposed on the printable surface of the sheet 30, as shown in FIG. 7A . Stated another way, the label sets 10 and the associated rows of printed shields 31 resemble islands surrounded by the release liner 13 after the waste portion is removed. Removal of the waste portion may be performed optionally during manufacturing, allowing the end user or purchaser of the sheet 30 to receive the waste portion as shown in FIG. 7A or 7B , i.e., with the release liner 13 visible. The user or purchaser may remove the waste portion. Printing shield 31 is sized to expose edge 10B″ (e.g., peel edge) or other portions of label 10B, i.e., adjacent release liner 13. This can facilitate grasping and peeling label set 10 from sheet 30 via edge 10B″ without being obstructed by an adjacent surface. In FIG. 7A, one configuration for defining edge 10B″ is to have a distance D1 from the edge of printing shield 31 to edge 10B″. Other configurations are possible. FIG. 7B shows a similar arrangement, but without such distance D1. It is further contemplated that such peel edge 10B″ may be on the side of label 10A. Printing shield 31 can surround a significant portion of label set 10, thus acting as a shield for ink applied to sheet 30 outside the boundary of label set 10.In fact, when printing label sets 10 on sheet 30, even if the ink is intended to be applied only to the label set 10, ink may be printed outside the boundaries of the label set 10 for various reasons, including error, mis-proofing, and splatter. It may be desirable to use print shield 11A to support data that can identify the label set 10. In such cases, ink on print shield 31 is desirable. In such cases, print shield 31 may be considered a print margin. Print shield 31 serves as an area for printing additional information, indicators, headings, titles, instructions, and other information deemed useful to the user or for record-keeping and archiving purposes. Whether used as a shield or a margin, print shield 31 has a protective function because it accepts ink instead of applying it to the release liner 13. Ink on release liner 13 may be undesirable, for example, for certain types of ink and for certain substances on the surface of the release liner 13 (e.g., silicone coatings). Because ink may not adhere or adhere to some release liners 13, the presence of ink on some release liners 13 may be problematic, for example, by staining the printing equipment and the user's fingers. In other words, the ink on the release liner 13 may be more prone to bleeding and unstable, and therefore undesirable. The presence of the printing shield 31 reduces the amount of exposed release liner 13. However, a portion of the release liner 13 may be exposed to facilitate the release of the label sets 10 from the sheet 30. While the printing shield 31 is shown on the sheet 30, it may also be present on a roll of label sets 10, such as in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a strip of label sets 10, or the like. The label sets 10 may be in any orientation, not just the orientation shown in the figures. The printing shield 31 may be used with any of the label sets 10 described herein to cover the portion of the release liner 13 that contains such label sets 10. It is possible to separate the rows of labels from the remainder of the sheet 30 by incorporating perforations or microperforations in the release liner from top to bottom of the sheet in the areas between the rows.In one embodiment, the label sheet does not have a print shield 31, but instead the matrix is ​​left intact and the entire label sheet is covered with a matrix that prevents adhesive bleed-through and printer jamming, except at the edges (e.g., a frame around the sheet). In another embodiment, the entire matrix is ​​removed, leaving the release liner 13 exposed everywhere except at the location of the label set 10.

[0093] In the case of a roll 20, tear lines 13A may be provided to separate the liner 13 into segments, as shown in FIG. 6A . For example, tear lines 13A may be formed in the liner 13 between each label 10 so that the label 10 and its associated portion of the liner 13 can be separated from the roll 20 or from a sheet, booklet, fanfold, or any other format of label set 10 and liner 13. Alternatively, perforation lines 13A may not be present. In another variation, perforation lines 13A may be spaced every second, third, fourth, or any number of labels, or at any interval between label sets 10, so that multiple label sets 10 are arranged per single support liner 13. To facilitate peeling of the label sets 10, SimPEEL technology from GA International Inc. (Laval, Canada), as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20220058984, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, the support liner 13 may have a slit or back slit 13B to facilitate peeling of the label set 10 from the liner 13. The back slit 13B may be in the form of a continuous vertical slit located below the label set 10 at any distance from the end of the roll 20, separating the liner 13 and exposing the adhesive surface of the label set 10 to facilitate peeling from the support liner 13. Furthermore, this slit 13B, in combination with perforation lines 13A or other slits, may allow manipulation of the label set 10 in the manner described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 092,719 (incorporated herein by reference). In one embodiment, a portion of the support liner, designated 13C, remains on the label set 10 after the label set 10 is peeled from the remainder of the support liner 13. This support liner portion 13C may be used to manipulate the label set 10 during application to the tube or vial 1.The support liner portion 13C may be removed from the label 10B after the label 10A is attached to the tube or vial 1, or may be removed after the user begins to adhere the label 10B to the tube or vial 1. In one embodiment, the label roll 20 may be provided in a dispenser box 40, as shown in FIG. 8, that can be placed on a bench and dispense the label set 10 for manual writing. In one embodiment, the label roll 20 may be provided in a kit with a dispenser, such as a single-roll or multi-roll dispenser, which may or may not have a spindle to accommodate the label roll 20. The label set of the present disclosure combines easy-to-peel separable labels with arcuate corners in the liner with perforations and back slits, which makes removal and application significantly more efficient than conventional labels. In our testing, the labels of the present disclosure can speed up labeling of microtubes by at least 30%.

[0094] Although not shown, the liner 13 of the roll 20 may have notches at repeated intervals. For example, the notches could interrupt the break line 13A. The notches serve as visual or optical markers (also known as notches or label position indicators) for locating the label set 10 when the printer prints from the roll 20. The notches can be another label position indicator. Notches for visual or optical detection by a printer sensor may be located in any area of ​​the roll 20, depending on the location of the sensor in the printer (whether a dynamic or static sensor printer is used). In an embodiment other than a notch or notch, the visual marker takes the form of a printed control line (also known as a black mark or mark sensing line). The control line may have a contrasting color or shade to its surroundings so that it can be optically detected by the printer sensor. In other words, the control line serves as a marker for the printer to locate the label set 10 when printing from the roll 20. The control line may be of different lengths, covering the entire width of the roll or label, or it may only partially cover the width of the roll or label. Depending on the type of printer or printing device, there may be other types of contrast lines or shapes (e.g., squares, rectangles, etc.) that may be placed anywhere on the underside of the roll to provide for detection of the label by the printer's sensors. In one embodiment, cutouts, notches, and / or contrast lines may not be present in roll 20 or other formats, in which case the printer's sensors may be placed under the location of printed portion 11B (opaque printed area) or printable portion 11A to detect the label by detecting the opacity of 11B or 10A, 10B, or 10C in Figures 3A, 4A, and 4C.

[0095] 12 , in one embodiment, a method 100 for attaching a label set 10 to a tube 1 may include one or more of the following steps: step 101 of peeling a label set including at least a first label and a second label connected to each other from a common release liner; step 102 of adhering the first label to a first portion of the tube after peeling, optionally by pressing the circular label and using a finger to secure it to the cap 1A of the vial 1 via adhesive; step 103 of separating the first label from the second label, for example, optionally using a break line between the first and second labels while pressing the first label; and step 104 of adhering the second label to the second portion of the tube. Adhering the first label to the first portion of the tube may include adhering the first label to the cap of a small tube. Adhering the second label to the second portion of the tube may include adhering the second label to the container body of the tube. Optionally, adhering the second label to the tube container body may include attaching a first end of the second label having a printable surface to the cylindrical surface of the tube, wrapping the second label around the cylindrical surface of the tube, and adhering a transparent shielding portion of the second label to the printable surface. Printing or writing on the label set may be performed before peeling. Separation occurs when the first label and one of the second labels are adhered to the small tube.

[0096] In one embodiment, the label sets 10 are provided in a kit. The kit may include one or more of the label sets 10, such as label sets 10 on a release liner 13, rolls 20, sheets, booklets, fanfolds, strips, and label sets 10 in one or more tubes 1. In the kit, the labels 10 may be provided separately. The kit may also include the presence of a liquid or other substance in the tube 1. Some or all of the components of the kit may optionally be sterile (i.e., sterilized). The label sets 10 may be non-sterile, sterile, or cleanroom certified or compliant. The label sets 10 may be provided blank or pre-printed and / or may have any background color or color indicator, such as chromic or thermochromic ink, and / or images, and / or information, and / or bar codes, and / or alphanumeric indicia, and / or indicia. The kit may also include ink and / or ink ribbon that is compatible with the material of the surface 11 and provides resistance to solvents (e.g., alcohol, xylene, bleach, formalin, acids, bases, MEK, fuel, gasoline, ketones, acetone) and / or cryogenic conditions or other conditions or phenomena such as freezers, autoclaves, dry heat, gamma sterilization, radiation resistance, physical friction, mechanical forces, water, boiling water, radiation, light such as UV radiation, microwaves, dishwashers, etc. The kit may also include a printing or writing device such as a printer. In one embodiment, the kit is part of a diagnostic kit or sample collection kit, such as a DNA collection kit, genetic testing kit, biological sample collection kit, or any other type of kit used in laboratories or any other industry.

[0097] In addition to the embodiments shown herein, the label set 10 can be arranged on a roll or sheet in any orientation, such as landscape, portrait, or vertical, and at any suitable angle. A peeler and / or labeling or robotic device can provide orientation to facilitate automated removal. The label set 10 can be used in any robotic device, which can include modules such as a printer, RF encoder, peeler, applicator, robotic arm, any other module for actual robotic or operational use, or a combination thereof. The label set 10 can facilitate automated processes by simplifying the removal of multiple labels in a single motion. The label set 10 can be suitably used in cryogenic storage or application to frozen surfaces, one particularly contemplated use of the label set 10, for example, in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,762,308, entitled "Method and System for Radio Frequency Identification of Samples in Cryogenic Liquid Storage," and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 060,778, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. The RFID tag may have specific information encoded therein, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 7,350,703, entitled "Low Temperature Radio Frequency Identification Tracking System," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The label 10 may be printed using a "Verification System for Label Printers," as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 826,888, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0098] As noted above, label set 10 may also be provided with three or more labels, such as a third label that can be peeled off and attached to a form, notebook, or duplicate aliquot in one motion. Clinical laboratories often require the identification of multiple tubes containing multiple specimens from a single patient, and these multiple tubes must be labeled. The multiple specimens may be blood, urine, and other types of biological fluids, specimens, and tissues. In some cases, microscope slides, IVF straws, IVF goblets, cryogenic boxes, freezer boxes, cell culture plates, microtiter plates, microarray plates, PCR plates, Petri dishes, PCR tubes, or similar or other containers may be used as part of patient specimen identification. Peeling off multiple labels in one motion to identify multiple containers is highly desirable. For example, rather than a circle and a rectangle, label set 10 may be multiple circles that can be peeled off in one motion or multiple rectangles that can be peeled off in one motion to label vials or containers. In one embodiment, any other shape described herein is contemplated. Referring to FIG. 11A, multiple labels 10A, i.e., label strips, are shown attached to one another via break lines while positioned on the same support liner 13. Thus, a user may remove the support liner 13 to obtain five labels 10A for adhering to five microcentrifuge tubes or vial caps, etc. Although five labels 10A are shown, the strip of FIG. 11A may include more or fewer labels 10A. Thus, a user need only remove the support liner 13 to obtain enough labels 10A for multiple tubes and vials. In a variation, a slit 13B is optionally provided in the support liner 13 so that a support liner portion 13C remains on one or more labels 10A. The slit 13B may be located elsewhere, provided it is positioned below any one of the labels 10A.Thus, a user can manipulate the strip of label 10A from support liner portion 13C, exposing the adhesive (e.g., adhesive 12 as described above) of label 10A and removing the remainder of support liner 13. Then, when the last label 10A is applied, support liner portion 13C is removed. Referring to FIG. 11B, multiple labels 10C are shown attached to the same support liner 13 via break lines in a manner similar to label 10A in FIG. 11A. Thus, a user may remove support liner 13 to obtain five (or more or fewer) labels 10C that can be adhered to equivalent microcentrifuge tubes or vials, such as the sides of tubes or vials. Thus, a user need only remove support liner 13 to obtain enough labels 10C for multiple tubes or vials. In a variation, slit 13B is optionally provided in support liner 13 so that support liner portion 13C remains on one or more labels 10C. Slit 13B may be located in other positions, as long as it is positioned below one of the labels 10C. Thus, a user can manipulate the strip of labels 10C with the support liner portion 13C and remove the remaining portion of the support liner 13, exposing the adhesive (e.g., adhesive 12 described above) on the labels 10C. The support liner portion 13C is then removed as the final label 10C is applied. In either case, multiple back-and-forth steps are avoided. While illustrated, the break line is optional. A user may rely on the narrowing of the joint between the labels to separate them. As with other embodiments, lines of weakness may also be used to facilitate manual separation. In other embodiments, the lines of weakness, such as cuts or perforations, may be of different sizes or configurations to provide sufficient cohesion to remove the labels from the support liner in a single motion, yet significant weakness to allow easy separation from one another. In other embodiments, the liner 13 may be provided with multiple slits 13B.

[0099] The label set 10 may further include an RF inlay, as shown at 14 in FIG. 5B. The RF inlay 14 may include memory, which may be a tag identifier (TID) memory capable of encoding a unique identification number for the RF inlay, an electronic product code (EPC), a user memory that allows information to be encoded and read, or a reserved memory for locking the read and write capabilities of the RF inlay. Labels 10 are contemplated to include any form of RFID memory or functionality, or other wireless chip of any suitable frequency (e.g., NFC, UHF, HF, radio). The label set 10 may be cut to define the labels 10A and 10B using a rotary die cutter, semi-rotary die cutter, laser cutter, flatbed die cutter (also known as a kiss cutter), digital cutter, plotter, or the like. In one embodiment, die-cutting is performed via a rotary die cutter, which may be part of a flexographic printing press. In another embodiment, cutting is performed via a laser cutter, which uses a laser beam to cut the labels. In one embodiment, die-cutting is performed using a standalone rotary die cutter or laser cutter. In one embodiment, the die cutting is performed via a rotary die cutter or laser cutter as part of any printing press or device. In one embodiment, the die cutting is performed via a rotary die cutter finisher or a laser cutter finisher after printing onto the web of material.

[0100] Thus, label 10 may be described as a label set for a tube, such as a small tube, and label 10 may have a facing defining a first label and a second label connected to one another, a break line at the junction between the first label and the second label, and an adhesive layer on the underside of the facing, wherein the first label is dimensioned to adhere to the cap of the tube and the second label is dimensioned to adhere to the body of the tube, and the first label and second label are separable from one another via the break line after removal from the release liner.

[0101] Label set 10 may be affixed to IVF straws for storage in liquid or vapor-phase liquid nitrogen. Label set 10 may also be affixed to tubes for storage in liquid or vapor-phase liquid nitrogen, or in ultra-low temperature freezers at temperatures ranging from -70°C to -196°C and / or on dry ice.

[0102] The label configurations and methods described below can be used in any industry where labels are used. Some embodiments of the label configurations and methods may also be particularly suited for use in certain industries. In particular, labels used in some industries, such as biotechnology, biomedicine, cell banking, tissue banking, and other fields involving cryogenic biopreservation or freezing of biological specimens, are typically required to be thinner and more flexible than labels in other fields. Therefore, they are substantially more difficult to remove using conventional methods. For purposes of this disclosure, cryogenic application is performed at temperatures below -70°C. Specifically, cryogenic application includes storage in the liquid phase of liquid nitrogen at -196°C, storage in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen, freezers at temperatures below -70°C, -80°C, -120°C, or -196°C, and / or dry ice. In some applications, the label 10 may be used in contact with liquid helium at -269°C. It is contemplated that other liquefied gases may be used when storing or contacting the label. For example, it has been shown that cryogenic label materials intended for use at temperatures below -80°C, such as in liquid nitrogen tanks at -196°C or below, or exposed to liquid helium at -269°C, can exhibit surface elongation of 10% to 500%, or more. The labels of the present disclosure may be used at any temperature, including, but not limited to, ambient temperature, in a refrigerator at approximately +10°C to 0°C, in a freezer at approximately -1°C to -150°C, in ice such as ice cubes, in dry ice, in a thermostat at approximately 25°C to 250°C, in a steam sterilization autoclave, and other high or low temperatures achievable in a laboratory or industrial environment.

[0103] It will be understood that the label configurations and methods described below are not limited to use in these fields, but may also be used in other fields, such as clinical trials, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biobanking, histology, plant science, animal science, entomology, homeopathy, archaeology, geology, fuel analysis, perfumery, environmental laboratories, water and soil analysis, air quality, veterinary medicine, livestock, packaging, automotive, electrical, electronics, avionics, aerospace, food, chemical, agriculture, fashion, gas and oil, plumbing, heavy industry, light industry, construction, jewelry, eyewear, or any other suitable field, industry, or laboratory. The facing may include a tamper-evident notch, which destroys the label upon attempting to remove it from the vial. A frangible facing material may be used, which may be of a type that breaks easily upon removal. Other types of tamper-evident material configurations are also contemplated. A water-soluble material may be used to remove the label / information. Labels may be made using laser cutting, rotary die cutting, flat die cutting (also known as kiss cutting), or plotter cutting using a computer-driven blade or knife, such as a Roland plotter. Different portions of the same label 10 may contain different adhesives, and different portions of the same label 10 may be adhesive-free while other portions contain adhesive. Different portions of the label 10 may be made of different facing materials. Software template design (e.g., using MS Word®) for printing on any of the labels of the present disclosure is contemplated.

[0104] Regarding the shear stress described in FIG. 9 , if the labels 10A and 10B are connected or transitioned at an angle rather than a straight line, the connection between the two labels 10A and 10B may be weakened, potentially resulting in separation between the labels 10A and 10B during the peeling process. Further analysis showed that the reason for this is weakened structural integrity. To overcome this, a V-shaped or parabolic transition may be used between the labels 10A and 10B, with first perforations located approximately 0.5 mm from the top and bottom of the rounded V-shape. This configuration may significantly strengthen the structure without breaking during peeling. Measurements of the snap force required for a non-rounded V-shape, which does not have any curvature along the transition line, compared to three other embodiments in which the transition between the two labels 10A and 10B is rounded V-shaped, revealed a significant difference in snap force.

[0105] For example, a tensile test was performed on label set 10 in accordance with ASTM D638-99 "Tensile Properties of Plastics." The test speed was set at 10 mm / min. The test was performed at room temperature, and 10 specimens were tested for each sample. This test was performed using an electromechanical testing machine, Insight (MTS Insight), equipped with 5 N and 100 N load cells.

[0106] The resulting force required to rupture the sample is: JPEG2026508251000002.jpg40142

[0107] Actual measurements of samples with different connection patterns revealed significant differences in tensile strength when measuring the force required to snap Labels 10A and 10B. Gen 1 is the negative control and has no curved corners. Gen 3, on the other hand, is the same label, exhibiting a rounded, V-shaped transition. The tensile force required to break the shape is more than three times greater for the rounded corners with perforations located approximately 0.5 mm from the connection point. Gen 4 and Label 562 have rounded, V-shaped connections, but the connection width is 4.0 mm compared to 5.0 mm for Gen 3 and Gen 1. Despite the 20% narrower connection, Gen 4 and Label 562 have at least 2.5 times the tensile strength compared to Gen 1.

Claims

1. 1. A method of labeling a tube, comprising: peeling a label set including at least a connected first label and a connected second label from a common release liner; After the peeling, adhering the first label to a first portion of the tube; manually separating the first label from the second label; adhering the second label to a second portion of the tube; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein manually separating the first label from the second label comprises using a break line between the first label and the second label.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein adhering the first label to the first portion of the tube comprises adhering the first label to a cap of the tube.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein adhering the second label to the second portion of the tube comprises adhering the second label to a container body of the tube.

5. Adhering the second label to the tube container body includes: affixing a first end of the second label, the end having a printed surface, to a cylindrical surface of the tube; wrapping the second label around the cylindrical surface of the tube; attaching a transparent shielding portion of the second label to the end portion having the printing surface; The method of claim 4, comprising:

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising printing the label set before peeling.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein manual separation is performed when adhering the first label to the first portion of the tube.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein peeling the label set from the common release liner comprises retaining a portion of the release liner over a portion of the second label.

9. 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising removing a portion of the release liner from the second label before or during adhering the second label to the second portion of the tube.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method is carried out in a microcentrifuge tube or a vial.

11. A label set for a tube, comprising: a facing defining a first label and a second label connected to one another and a break line at the juncture between the first label and the second label; an adhesive layer on the underside of the surface material; Including, the first label is sized to adhere to the cap of the tube and the second label is sized to adhere to the body of the tube; the first label and the second label are separable from each other via the tear line after being removed from the release liner; Tube label set.

12. 12. The label set of claim 11, further comprising the release liner to which the first label and the second label are connected and adhered.

13. 13. The label set of claim 11 or 12, wherein the facing is a transparent facing and has an opaque print area defined on an upper surface of the transparent facing, the print area configured to receive data thereon, and the print area covers only a portion of the transparent facing, whereby an obscured portion defined by a remainder of the label is transparent.

14. 14. The label set of claim 13, wherein the opaque printed area is a print layer defined by an opaque ink.

15. 15. The label set of claim 13 or 14, wherein the opaque printed area covers the first label and a portion of the second label.

16. The length L of the shielding portion 2 is πD<L 2 < 3.5πD.

17. The length L of the printing area 1 is 0.8πD<L 1 < 1.3πD.

18. The label set according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the label set is capable of withstanding storage at -70°C or below.

19. The label set of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the label set is capable of withstanding contact with liquid nitrogen and / or gaseous nitrogen.

20. 18. The label set of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the label set is capable of withstanding contact with dry ice.

21. The label set of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the label set is capable of withstanding autoclaving.

22. The label set of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the label set is capable of withstanding contact with xylene and / or alcohol.

23. 18. The label set according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the adhesive layer is a cryogenic adhesive capable of adhering to frozen vials or vials frozen at least at -70°C.

24. 18. The label set according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the adhesive layer is a cryogenic adhesive capable of adhering to frozen vials or vials frozen at least at -60°C.

25. 18. The label set according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the adhesive layer is a cryogenic adhesive capable of adhering to frozen vials or vials frozen at least at -40°C.

26. 13. The label set of claim 12, wherein the release liner is a sheet having a plurality of label sets adhered thereto.

27. 13. The label set of claim 12, wherein the release liner is a roll having a plurality of labels deposited thereon.

28. The label set of any one of claims 11 to 27, wherein the first label is generally circular.

29. The label set of any one of claims 11 to 28, wherein the label set is configured for thermal transfer printing or direct thermal printing.

30. The label set of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the label set is configured for laser printing or inkjet printing.

31. The label set according to any one of claims 11 to 30, wherein an end of the joint between the first label and the second label is arcuate.

32. A label set according to any one of claims 11 to 31, Tubes or vials Kit including:

33. 33. The kit of claim 32, wherein the label set is pre-labeled on the tube or vial.

34. Creating an electronic template that matches the design of a label set according to any one of claims 11 to 31.

35. Electronic data for inputting template or design data that matches the configuration of the label set according to any one of claims 11 to 31 and printing the label set.

36. at least two label sets, each label set having a first label and a second label connected to one another, a facing defining a break line at a joint between the first label and the second label, and an adhesive layer on a lower surface of the facing, wherein the first label is dimensioned to adhere to a cap of the tube and the second label is dimensioned to adhere to a body of the tube, and the first label and the second label are separable from one another via the break line after being removed from a release liner; a release liner to which the first label and the second label are connected and adhered; at least one shield defined by the facing and the adhesive layer, the shield enclosing a portion of at least two of the label sets; An assembly comprising: an assembly wherein the at least two label sets and the shield cover only a portion of the release liner, leaving another portion of the release liner exposed adjacent the peel-away ends of the at least two label sets.

37. 1. A method of labeling a tube, comprising: peeling a label strip comprising a plurality of connected labels from a common release liner; after said peeling, adhering a first label from said label strip to a first tube; manually separating the first label from the remainder of the label strip; adhering a second label from the label strip to a second tube; A method comprising:

38. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein manually separating the first label from the label strip includes using a break line between the first label and the second label.

39. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein adhering the first label to the tube comprises adhering the first label to a cap of the tube.

40. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 39, comprising printing the label strip before peeling.

41. The method of any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein manual separation is performed when adhering the first label to the first tube.

42. 42. The method of any one of claims 37-41, wherein peeling the label set from the common release liner comprises maintaining a portion of the release liner over a portion of the label strip.

43. 43. The method of any one of claims 37 to 42, wherein the method is carried out in a microcentrifuge tube or vial.

Images