Linerless Label Web With Bridge Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional label application methods require a backing layer, limiting their use and causing material wastage due to the need for a backing layer that is discarded after application.
Innovation Solution
Development of linerless labels with a discontinuous cut line allowing bridge portions to retain adjacent labels until applied to an article, eliminating the need for a backing layer and enabling efficient dispensing and application without waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a backing layer is used to hold the label prior to application, then the label can be easily stored and handled, but material wastage occurs because the backing layer is discarded after application
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the backing layer from the label system, creating a linerless label that consists only of the substrate with adhesive. This eliminates the material wastage associated with discarding the backing layer while maintaining label functionality through direct application from a continuous web.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention eliminates the need to discard the backing layer by removing it entirely from the system. The continuous web of labels is applied directly to articles, and any excess or residual substrate can be recovered and reused, transforming the wasteful single-use backing layer into a recoverable resource.
2Device complexity
If a backing layer is used to hold the label, then the label structure is simple, but the application possibilities are limited and material wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The linerless label structure provides universal applicability across multiple industries and applications including logistics, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. The continuous web format and direct application method enable versatile use cases without requiring different backing layer materials or structures for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of label structure by eliminating the backing layer, transitioning from a two-layer (substrate + backing) to a single-layer (substrate only) configuration. This parameter change enables new application methods and expands versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Productivity
If bridge portions are used to retain adjacent labels, then labels can be dispensed efficiently without backing layer, but the cut line must be discontinuous requiring precise breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the continuous substrate into individual label units through a discontinuous cut line that creates bridge portions. These bridges maintain connection between adjacent labels during handling and dispensing, allowing efficient processing while enabling clean separation at the point of application through controlled breaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The discontinuous cut line with bridge portions is created in advance during label formation, preparing the labels for efficient dispensing. The bridges are pre-formed to maintain connectivity during handling, and the breaking action is prepared for at the point of application, streamlining the overall dispensing process.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective application of labels without a backing layer, reducing material wastage and expanding label application possibilities.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of adhesive applied to at least part of the first and/or a second face of the label
Implementation Method 2
a layer of release material applied to at least part of a first face of the label
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a label, and method and apparatus for forming and dispensing the same. The label is provided as part of a roll of labels. The labels are attached to each other and/or extraneous label or substrate material via a discontinuous line with bridge portions. The labels have a layer of adhesive and a release layer applied thereto and ink printed thereon. In one embodiment the adhesive is applied over the release layer of material prior to forming the roll and when the labels are taken from the roll the adhesive layer leaves the release layer and contacts with the face of the label which overlies the same in the roll.