Peel-back, re-sealable multi-ply label

Details Peel-back, re-sealable multi-ply label Peel-back, re-sealable multi-ply label

2002-03-08

2004-06-22

Zirker, Daniel (Department: 1771)

Printed matter

Having revealable concealed information, fraud preventer or...

Identifier

C428S040100, C428S042200, C428S042300, C428S343000, C428S354000, C428S192000, C283S101000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06752431

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to labels having multiple layers with more than one exposed surface for printed matter, and more specifically, to labels having a single-ply portion and a multi-ply portion, and a method for making such labels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The packaging industry has long had an interest in the manufacture and use of multiple layer labels as a means of increasing available graphic and text area where use of a single layer label affixed to a container would lack such extra print space. The demand for increased label print space arises from governmental labeling laws, need for multiple language instructions and warnings, promotional messages, and the like. The term “expanded content label” (ECL) is used to refer to multiple layer labels providing more that one exposed label surface for printing.
Many ECL constructions have been disclosed, with most falling into one of several general categories. One category of ECL constructions is disclosed by Barry (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,972,455 and 5,863,628) and Anderson (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,588,239, 5,860,238 and 6,027,598), for example, in designs that use multi-folded leaflets or booklets affixed to a base label which are in turn applied to containers, usually by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive coated on the underside of the base label.
A second category of ECL constructions is disclosed by Ingle (U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,667) and Weernink (U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,093), for example, and relates to the use of a single strip of pressure sensitive label material usually patterned with release coatings and/or adhesive deadeners. The usually long resultant label strips are commonly referred to as “wrap around” labels as they normally are applied around a container's entire perimeter and additional lengths of the label continue to wrap on themselves.
A third category of ECL constructions, which will be referred to as “multi-ply” ECL labels, is disclosed by Gartner (U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,363) and Kaufmann (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,264,265 and 5,389,415), for example, and relates to the use of two or more layers or plies of pressure sensitive label material. Specifically, a base ply is provided having pressure sensitive adhesive on its underside or lower surface for eventual application to a surface, such as a package or bottle. A second layer of material with pressure sensitive adhesive is superposed on the base ply. This upper ply can be partially peeled away from the base ply for viewing of text and graphics. This peel-away feature is typically accomplished through the use of release coatings on the base ply in those areas that are in contact with the upper ply's adhesive coat. Areas on the base ply without such release coating result in a more-or-less permanent bond between the base ply and the upper ply. This permanently bonded region acts as a living hinge, allowing the upper label ply to be peeled back for viewing and then to be reapplied to the base ply in perfect register. However, the multi-ply labels disclosed in the prior art have certain limitations.
First, the current designs for ECL labels incorporate the use of a pattern release coating on the upper surface of the base ply as a means of forming a living hinge between the edge of the base ply and the edge of the upper ply with a non-release region, void of release coating, defining the “hinge” attachment area on the base ply. During production, the use of a pattern release coating (to allow for the “non-release region”) necessitates the need for expensive printing devices to apply a pattern versus the use of an inexpensive “tint roll” to “flood coat” print roll, if the pattern release were otherwise not needed. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an ECL construction that eliminates the need for a pattern release coat on the base layer as a means to form a living hinge.
Second, the current designs for multi-ply ECL labels rely on the adhesive bonding force in the “hinge” area to adequately insure that the upper ply and the base ply do not become completely separated when opened for viewing. However, there is normally only a small amount of hinge securing area (non-release region) available at the edge in light of the often-congested text requirements to be printed on the base ply. Also, the hinging relies on the accurate placement of the non-release varnish area. Misregistration of the pattern release coating will result in an ineffective hinge caused by the non-release region being mislocated or even absent. Further, after one or multiple viewings of the “inside” text by peeling open then subsequently closing the upper ply, the hinge area is weakened and subject to tearing apart. Lastly, the surface of the base ply may not be as conducive to forming a strong hinge. For example, a paper base ply is likely to tear apart at the hinge due to the poor strength characteristic of paper as compared to most plastics. The integrity of the entire label, with the top and bottom plies remaining intact via the hinge is particularly important where governmentally regulated information is involved, as is common in pharmaceuticals. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an ECL construction that insures that the upper ply, often imprinted with important information, will remain permanently bonded with the container even after multiple viewings.
Third, the current designs for multi-ply ECL labels depict the base ply as being coextensive with the upper ply, with the occasional exception of a relatively small, extended peel-tab structure. When such labels are applied to curved, non-planar, and/or deformable surfaces such as a cylindrical bottle or squeeze tube, the results are often not satisfactory. Specifically, a multi-ply ECL has thickness, and as such, the layers or plies have different radii of curvature when the label is affixed to a curved surface. Consequently, the upper ply will attempt to stretch, or more commonly, the base ply will buckle; or as also happens, the opposing edges of the entire label will lift away from the container. This is particularly the case when the multi-ply ECL label wraps around a significant portion of the container's perimeter. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an ECL construction that reduces or eliminates the likelihood that wrinkling, buckling, or label lifting will occur when the multi-ply ECL label is applied to a curved, non-planar, and/or deformable surface, such as a cylindrical bottle or squeeze tube.
Fourth, as previously mentioned, the current designs for multi-ply ECL labels depict the base ply as being coextensive with the upper ply, with the occasional exception of a relatively small peel-tab structure. Often, a single label is applied to a bottle or tube such that the label wraps around almost the entire container. The printed text and graphics on the label are typically divided into two panels, a front panel with display graphics, and a back panel with informational text. The use of a single label rather than the application of two separate labels, one for the front and one for the back, has various advantages relating to costs and production efficiencies. Current ECL multi-ply designs with coextensive upper and base plies require a double thickness of label layers throughout substantially the entire length and width of the label. This often-unnecessary use of two plies on the front panel of a container can cause several problems. First, the exposed edges of the label perimeter have trace amounts of adhesive as a result of die cutting during the forming process of the label as well as a natural adhesive “ooze” or flow from between the two plies which occurs over time. This exposed adhesive can attract dust and dirt, rendering the front panel of the label unattractive and less apt to be sold. Secondly, the unneeded double thickness of the label material in the front panel area can affect handling such as reducing squeeze characteristics on a conformable tube. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an ECL construction that reduces or eliminates the need for a multi-ply ECL to be substantially coexten

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Peel-back, re-sealable multi-ply label does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Peel-back, re-sealable multi-ply label, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Peel-back, re-sealable multi-ply label will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3340294