Self-Adhesive Label With Integrated Suspension Handle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label technologies with handles for bottles suffer from protruding handles interfering with closure areas, mechanical stress damage to printed characters, and high complexity and cost, particularly when applied to small-volume bottles.

Innovation Solution

A method and label design featuring a self-adhesive label with a suspension handle integrated within the label width, using a multilayer material structure with a detachable promoter layer system that includes a secondary label resistant to abrasion and writable, ensuring the handle does not protrude and protects printed characters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handle is made by joining two distinct adhesive films, then the handle can be formed to overturn the container, but the printed characters on the surface tend to be damaged by mechanical stresses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle functionalityVSAvoidprinted characters integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The label is divided into distinct functional layers: a first adhesive film forming the handle structure, a second adhesive film providing surface coverage, and a protective film shielding the printed characters. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, protecting the text while maintaining handle functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A protective film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the printed characters and the external environment. This intermediate protective layer absorbs the mechanical stresses during application and use, preventing direct contact between the handling forces and the printed text, thereby preserving character integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a handle protrudes from the upper edge of the label, then the handle can be easily grasped, but it interferes with the closure area of small-volume bottles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle graspabilityVSAvoidclosure area availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed to extend in a different dimensional orientation - horizontally across the label surface rather than vertically protruding from the edge. This dimensional repositioning allows the handle to remain accessible for grasping while clearing the closure area of small-volume bottles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle structure is nested within the overall label geometry, with the gripping portion positioned within the label's horizontal boundaries. This nesting approach allows the handle to be integrated into the label design without exceeding the label's footprint, preventing interference with bottle closure areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If a handle is integrated within the label width, then the closure area is not interfered with, but the handle may not be easily grasped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure area availabilityVSAvoidhandle graspability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The label surface is differentiated into distinct zones with different properties: a gripping portion with enhanced tactile characteristics for easy grasping, and a transparent or non-interfering portion that allows the handle to be integrated within the label width without compromising closure area access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and ergonomic label that maintains visibility of printed graphics, allows easy handling, and prevents damage to printed characters during application, while being economical and simple to produce.

Implementation Method 1

coating a front surface 10 of the first front layer 8 with at least one detachment promoter layer 12, 18

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion promotion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the adhesive layer 26' adheres at least to the free zone 14 of the first layered material 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3714449B1Label and manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 PILOT ITAL
  • EP3714449B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3714449B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3714449B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Method for manufacturing a label (1) with a suspension handle comprising the steps of: i) providing a first layered material (4) comprising a support layer and a first front layer joined together in a releasable manner; ii) covering a front surface of the first front layer with at least one detachment promoter layer (12, 18), leaving a free zone wherein said promoter layer (12, 18) is absent; iv) providing a second layered material (20) comprising a second front layer transparent to light and an adhesive layer; v) joining the products of the steps (ii) and iv) in a coupled material (40) so that the adhesive layer adheres at least to the free zone of the first layered material (4); vii) at least in the thickness of the second front layer separating a suspension handle in the handle area, at least one secondary label of said label (1) in a different area, and forming a label surround in the first front layer. The second front layer is rendered only partially opaque at the suspension handle to reveal the presence thereof without hiding a first graphic layer (56) superposed on the first front layer and wherein, at the secondary label, said label (1) comprises an opaque contrast layer superposed on the second front layer to substantially eliminate the transparency thereof, at least one second graphic layer superposed on the contrast layer, and at least one protective layer of the second graphic layer, at least partially light- transparent.