WO2012123814A1

WO2012123814A1 - Point of purchase label

Info

Publication number: WO2012123814A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/000522
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fanjia KONG; Yi Li
Original assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
Priority date: 2011-03-16
Filing date: 2012-03-16
Publication date: 2012-09-20

Abstract

A point of purchase label (10) is described that includes a region of exposed pressure sensitive adhesive (32) and a non- tacky region (22) including a portion of a liner (20). Upon adhesive attachment to a consumer product or other article, the label (10) is sufficiently rigid such that the label (10) is self supporting and can extend from the product. The label (10) provides additional surface area for advertising, product information or the like. The label (10) is environmentally friendly and provides cost savings as compared to currently known rigid labels. Collections of these labels in strip form and related methods are also described.

Description

POINT OF PURCHASE LABEL

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority upon US provisional application Serial No. 61/453,161, filed March 16, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field

[0002] The present subject matter relates to rigid labels for attachment to products, and in particular to labels used for promotional purposes that are easily removed, extend the display area of the product and are environmentally friendly.

Background

[0003] Point of purchase promotional items can be an effective marketing tool for the sale of consumer products. One common technique is to attach the promotional items directly to the products being displayed for sale. The promotional items can be adhesive backed labels that are either removable or have tear-away panels.

[0004] Conventional labels of this type typically include a base sheet with a back side coated with an adhesive. Although satisfactory in many regards, such labels impose additional costs upon a manufacturer. Typically, in order for such labels to be sufficiently rigid so that the label is self- supporting, additional material layers and lamination operations are utilized. That is, in order to increase the stiffness of such labels, lamination of additional layers into the label assembly is performed. Lamination is a complex and costly process. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a point of purchase label which was relatively inexpensive, yet which was sufficiently rigid to be self supporting, and which did not require any lamination operations.

[0005] Generally, prior art approaches for producing point of purchase labels involved providing a stiff label with an adhesive layer that is deadened in one or more desired regions, such as a top or upper portion of the label. Another known approach for producing a point of purchase label is to laminate a label from a collection of material layers. However, lamination involves corresponding delamination and relamination operations in order to deaden one or more regions of the adhesive. Although somewhat satisfactory, a need remains for an improved method and label that avoids these methods and/or operations.

[0006] An additional concern typically associated with promotional labels of this type is that in the event the label is removed from the product, it is desirable that no adhesive residue be left on the product. In addition, certain promotional labels contain materials which detrimentally impact the ease of recycling the label. Thus, a need exists for a point of purchase label that does not suffer from these shortcomings.

Summary

[0007] The difficulties and drawbacks associated with previously known point of purchase labels are addressed in the present multilayer assembly and method for producing an improved point of purchase label assembly.

[0008] In one aspect, the present subject matter provides a point of purchase label comprising a facestock layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the facestock layer, and a liner layer disposed on at least a portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, thereby defining a region of exposed pressure sensitive adhesive. The point of purchase label is sufficiently rigid so as to be self- supporting.

[0009] In another aspect, the present subject matter provides a method of producing a point of purchase label. The method comprises providing a facestock, providing a pressure sensitive adhesive and applying the adhesive to the facestock to thereby form an exposed face of the pressure sensitive adhesive, providing a liner and applying the liner on the exposed face of the pressure sensitive adhesive to thereby form a layered assembly, and die cutting the layered assembly to form at least one point of purchase label having sufficient rigidity to be self supporting.

[0010] In yet another aspect, a method of producing a label strip including a plurality of point of purchase labels is provided. The method comprises providing a multilayer label assembly including a facestock layer, an adhesive layer, and a release liner layer. The method also comprises defining a plurality of labels and a demarcation line associated with the multilayer label assembly. The method additionally comprises front cutting the facestock layer, the adhesive layer, and the release liner layer in a first portion of the plurality of labels. The method also comprises front cutting the facestock layer and the adhesive layer in a second portion of the plurality of labels. The method also comprises back cutting the release liner layer along the demarcation line. And, the method further comprises performing matrix stripping to thereby produce a label strip including a plurality of point of purchase labels. [0011] As will be realized, the present subject matter is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the subject matter. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment point of purchase label in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0013] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment process for producing and using a point of purchase label in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates a representative product prior to attachment of a preferred embodiment point of purchase label.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates the product of Figure 3 after attachment of a preferred embodiment point of purchase label in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0016] Figure 5 is a schematic cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment label assembly in accordance with the present subject matter.

[0017] Figure 6 is a schematic planar view of the label assembly depicted in Figure 5 illustrating a plurality of point of purchase labels.

[0018] Figure 7 is a schematic planar view of a collection of label strips and optional intermediate label strips produced from the label assembly of Figure 6 after matrix removal.

[0019] Figure 8 is a schematic planar view of an intermediate label strip.

[0020] Figure 9 illustrates winding of a collection of label strips on a spool for subsequent use.

[0021] Figure 10 illustrates a typical configuration for applying point of purchase labels to a moving series of containers or other objects.

[0022] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a preferred process for producing a label strip having a plurality of point of purchase labels.

Detailed Description

[0023] The present subject matter provides a point of purchase label that is relatively rigid such that the label is self supporting, includes at least one region of exposed pressure sensitive adhesive for adhesively attaching the label to a product or other article, is relatively inexpensive to produce, and addresses many if not all of the deficiencies of previously known point of purchase labels. The term "self supporting" as used herein, refers to a preferred characteristic of the preferred labels. Upon adhesive attachment of a label to a product as described in greater detail herein, a portion of the label is free from contact with the product. That is, the label typically extends upward beyond an upper edge or region of the product. Alternatively, the label may be positioned on the product such that the label extends laterally outward beyond a side edge region of the product. The label is sufficiently rigid such that the label region free from contact with the product, does not collapse, fold downward, significantly deform, or otherwise significantly change from its form prior to attachment of the label to the product. The present subject matter also provides a unique die cutting process in which an exposed adhesive region and a relatively rigid, non-sticky label portion are concurrently provided as a result of the die cutting process.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment point of purchase label 10 in accordance with the present subject matter. The label 10 comprises a liner 20, an adhesive layer 30, and a facestock 40. The liner 20 defines an inner face 22 that upon attachment of the label 10 to a product, is directed toward an outer surface of the product. The facestock 40 defines an outer face 44 generally directed in an opposite direction from the inner face 22 of the liner 20. As described in greater detail herein, the label 10 also includes at least one region 32 of exposed adhesive from the adhesive layer 30. The at least one region 32 is preferably exposed or otherwise accessible from the rear or inner face side of the label 10 as depicted in Figure 1.

[0025] As noted, the preferred embodiment point of purchase label 10 defines at least one region 32 of exposed adhesive. This region 32 preferably results or is formed by removing a correspondingly sized portion or region of the liner 20 from the label 10. The resulting region 32 is depicted in Figure 1 as occupying the entire width of the label 10 and a portion of the label height, depicted in Figure 1 as a distance B. The liner 20 occupies the entire width of the label 10 and a portion of the label height, depicted in Figure 1 as a span A of the label 10. The orientation of the distances or spans A and B preferably extends along the height of the label 10 as shown in Figure 1. However, the orientation of the distances or spans A and B could extend along the width or some other aspect of the label 10. Preferably, the surface area of region B is from about 10% to about 70%, more preferably from about 20% to about 60%, and most preferably from about 30% to about 50% of the total surface area of the label 10. The total surface area of a face of the label 10 is the sum of the surface areas of regions A and B. However, it will be appreciated that in no way is the subject matter limited to any of these particular surface area proportions. [0026] It will be appreciated that the preferred embodiment point of purchase labels may include additional material layers. For example, the preferred embodiment labels can optionally comprise one or more layers in addition to the liner 20, the adhesive layer, and the facestock 40. These one or more additional layers can be disposed at any location in the label 10. It will also be understood that the present subject matter labels are not limited to any particular shape such as that depicted in Figure 1. Instead, the preferred embodiment labels may have shapes corresponding to squares, rectangles, triangles, polygons, circles, ovals, stars, symmetrical shapes, nonsymmetrical shapes, arcuate shapes, and in certain applications may include three dimensional configurations.

[0027] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment process 100 for preparing a preferred label and using such label by attaching to a product. The preferred embodiment process 100 comprises an operation 110 of providing a facestock. Next, a layer of an adhesive and preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) is applied to the facestock. As shown in Figure 1, the layer of adhesive is preferably applied to a rearward face of the facestock. This operation is depicted in Figure 2 as operation 120. It will be noted that in operation 120, adhesive can be coated on facestock or liner before mating with the liner or facestock. The coating process can utilize either a direct coating process or a transfer coating process. Next, a liner is provided and applied over the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive. For example, and as previously explained, upon removal of a portion of the liner portion, region B illustrated in Figure 1 is formed. This operation is depicted as operation 130. The process 100 also comprises one or more die cut operations collectively referenced as operation 140 in Figure 2. Although a variety of different die cutting operations can be used, preferably a die cutting method is used in which (i) a portion of the liner is cut and/or removed to produce a region of exposed adhesive, and (ii) a portion of the liner is retained to provide increased stiffness and/or rigidity to the label assembly while also preventing adhesive under the remaining label portion from inadvertently contacting and adhering to other surfaces. Most preferably, the die cutting method is performed such that (i) and (ii) are performed concurrently or substantially so. After die cutting, a portion of the liner is removed from the assembly to thereby form the noted region of exposed adhesive. This operation is referred to as operation 150 in Figure 2. It is also contemplated that region B could be formed simply by selection and placement of a suitably shaped and sized liner on the adhesive layer. The resulting label can then be readily adhesively attached to a product or other article as denoted by operation 160.

[0028] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a typical product 200 to which a preferred embodiment point of purchase label can be adhesively attached. The product 200 includes an outer container surface. Usually, one or more container labels 210 are attached to the container 200 along the outer surface. As will be understood, the maximum surface area of such labels is limited by the surface area of the container. As depicted in Figure 4, use of one or more preferred embodiment labels 10 can increase the total surface area associated with the product for receiving text 48, symbols or other graphics 46, and/or colored regions 44.

[0029] The labels can be automatically applied to products on a high speed production line by well known automatic machines. The adhesive stays with the label so that the labels may be attached to the outside of the product or packaging by the adhesive.

[0030] The labels are attached to a product or packaging by the adhesive on the back side of the label. The pressure sensitive adhesive coating on the back of the label strongly adheres to the product or packaging in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. The labels can also be attached to a product or packaging manually, or by a combination of automatic and manual operations.

[0031] In any event, the labels are preferably attached at only one end so that a body portion of the label extends beyond an edge or region of the product or packaging, as shown in Figure 4. The label layers are flexible but somewhat rigid making the label sufficiently rigid to extend upward and/or laterally outward relative to the product without collapsing. The label thus effectively increases the display area of the product or packaging. These features also render the label more eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing to the consumer. In addition, such features render the label more easily removable by simply grasping the outwardly extending label portion and urging the body portion of the label away from the product.

[0032] Additional details of the preferred embodiment point of purchase labels are as follows.

Facestock

[0033] The facestock can be formed from a wide range of materials. For example, the facestock can be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polystyrene (PS), and combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that various paper and/or cardboard materials and preferably glossy coated paper-based materials could be used for the facestock. Thus, the subject matter includes the use of any material typically used as a pressure sensitive label facestock. A preferred material for the facestock is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP).

[0034] An optional printing layer may be disposed on the facestock outer substrate. The printing layer serves to receive and retain one or more inks deposited or otherwise applied on the facestock. The ink(s) constitute indicia or other markings for the cover laminate and package assembly. The printing layer can be formed from a wide range of materials typically known to those skilled in the art. For example, a variety of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and cellulose-based materials can be used for the printing layer. Referring to Figure 1, the printing layer can be applied on the outer face 44 of the facestock 40. Alternatively or in addition, the printing layer can be applied on an oppositely directed face of the facestock so long as the adhesive layer 30 and the liner 20 are sufficiently transparent so that the printing layer is visible through those layers. It is also contemplated that the printing layer could be applied on the inner face 22 of the liner 20. It will be understood that the outer face can be printed in nearly any fashion.

[0035] The facestock material has a thickness such that when incorporated into the layered label assembly, the resulting label exhibits sufficient rigidity to be self supporting. Typically, the thickness of the facestock layer is from about 10 microns to about 200 microns, and preferably from about 50 microns to about 80 microns. Depending upon the particular application or end use requirements for the label, the facestock could be 10 microns BOPP/PET or 200 microns PET.

[0036] In certain embodiments, it may be preferred to use a multilayer facestock assembly. An example of a multilayer facestock assembly includes a layer of a PET or BOPP film which has a face of a thin metalized layer such as aluminum, and an oppositely directed face which may receive a top coating. Optionally, a primer composition may be disposed along the face of the PET or BOPP film, and then a metal layer deposited on the primer composition. The PET or BOPP film can be clear or optically transparent. The metal layer can include aluminum or other suitable metals or like materials.

Liner

[0037] As noted, a portion of the liner, preferably after die cutting, is left on the label or label assembly. The main functions of the liner that is left on the label are to prevent the adhesive layer from contacting and sticking to other surfaces or other regions of the label, and/or to provide increased rigidity to the label.

[0038] The liner can be formed from a wide range of materials. For example, the liner can be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), glassine or other types of paper, and polyethylene kraft (PEK) paper. The liner can be siliconized or non-siliconized. Generally, any low surface energy film which is compatible with the adhesive can be used as the liner. Preferably, the liner is formed from recyclable materials. In this regard, it is preferred that the liner be free of halogens such as chlorides. [0039] The liner material has a thickness of from about 10 microns to about 200 microns, preferably from about 50 microns to about 150 microns, and most preferably from about 20 microns to about 100 microns. For certain applications, a thickness of about 100 microns is preferred.

Adhesive

[0040] The preferred embodiment label includes a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive provides a tacky surface allowing a bond to another contacting surface, such as an outer surface of a container or existing label of a product.

[0041] A wide range of pressure sensitive adhesives can be used in this layer so long as their properties and characteristics are consistent with the point of purchase label. The pressure sensitive adhesive could be a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, such as for example a rubber-based or acrylic- based pressure sensitive adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive could be a UV cured hot melt. The pressure sensitive adhesive could be based on a rubber-based hot melt composition, a solvent rubber adhesive, a solvent acrylic adhesive, or a solvent polyurethane adhesive. The pressure sensitive adhesive could be emulsion-based such as an emulsion acrylic adhesive. As noted, a wide array of pressure sensitive adhesives could be used. An extensive selection of various pressure sensitive adhesives are disclosed in US Patents 5,623,011; 5,830,571; and 6,147,165; owned by the assignee of the present application.

[0042] A preferred pressure sensitive adhesive for use in the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is commercially available under the designation Fasson^* S692N. The S692N adhesive is an acrylic emulsion based adhesive. Generally, this adhesive is a polymeric blend of butyl acrylate and 2-ethyl-hexyl acrylate monomers with various tackifiers and processing aids. Other preferred pressure sensitive adhesives include, but are not limited to, emulsion acrylic adhesives and rubber-based hot melt adhesives.

[0043] The thickness of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer typically ranges from about 5 microns to about 40 microns and preferably from about 12 to about 30 microns. It will be understood however that the present subject matter includes adhesive layers using thicknesses greater than or lesser than these thicknesses. Label Assemblies

[0044] Two particularly preferred label constructions have been identified. A first preferred embodiment point of purchase label comprises a facestock of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a thickness of 50 microns, a layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive extending entirely across and on the facestock, and a liner of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a thickness of 30 microns extending over a portion of the adhesive. A second preferred embodiment point of purchase label comprises a facestock of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a thickness of 80 microns, a layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive extending entirely across and on the facestock, and a liner of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a thickness of 100 microns extending over a portion of the adhesive. In both embodiments, the pressure sensitive adhesive is a polymeric blend of butyl acrylate and 2-ethyl-hexyl acrylate monomers with various tackifiers and processing aids. As previously noted, the adhesive is commercially available under the designation Fasson^* S692N.

[0045] Several additional preferred label constructions are set forth below in Table 1. These constructions utilize a multilayer facestock assembly. Specifically, the multilayer facestock assemblies include a layer of PET or BOP P, a metalized layer such as formed from vapor deposition, and in certain versions, an acrylic primer layer. The multilayer facestock assemblies include a top coating which is generally formed from an acrylic composition. Table 1 summarizes various representative label constructions using such multilayer facestock assemblies.

Table 1 - Preferred Label Constructions

[0046] Referring further to Table 1, label A is a 50 micron matt silver PET with top coating/S692N/PET liner having a thickness of about 30 to 36 microns; Label B is 50 micron clear PET with top coating/S692N/PET liner having a thickness of about 30 to 36 microns; Label C is 50 micron silver BOPP with top coating/S692N/PET liner having a thickness of about 30 to 36 microns; Label D is 50 micron clear BOPP with top coating/S692N/PET liner having a thickness of about 30 to 36 microns; Label E is 50 micron bright silver PET with top coating/S692N/PET liner having a thickness of about 30 to 36 microns; Label F is 50 micron white PET with top coating/S692N/PET liner having a thickness of about 30 to 36 microns.

Methods

[0047] The present subject matter also relates to methods of efficiently preparing collections of the preferred point of purchase labels, forming a plurality of the labels residing on a web or matrix, and selectively applying the labels to one or more objects of interest such as containers or other consumer good products.

[0048] A preferred method is schematically illustrated in Figure 11 as method 500. Preferably, a label assembly is provided. That operation is depicted in Figure 11 as operation 510. A preferred construction for the label assembly is depicted in Figure 5. The label assembly 300 comprises a facestock 310, an adhesive layer 320, and a release liner 330. The adhesive layer 320 is disposed between the facestock 310 and the release liner 330. The label assembly 300 defines an outer face 302 and an oppositely directed inner face or underside 332. Typically, an exposed outer face of the facestock layer 310 constitutes the outer face 302, and an exposed face of the release liner 330 constitutes the inner face 332.

[0049] Figure 6 is a planar view of the outer face 302 of the label assembly 300 depicted in Figure 5. A plurality of point of purchase labels 350 are defined. In the representative illustration of Figure 6, the labels 350 are depicted as having an oval shape. It will be understood that in no manner is the present subject matter limited to oval labels. Instead, the subject matter includes labels having a wide range of shapes, sizes, and/or combinations of different shapes and sizes. Specifically, referring to Figure 6, a demarcation line C is also defined which typically extends across a collection or row of the labels 350. Preferably, the demarcation line extends across a label 350 and divides the face area of the label 350 into at least two portions. A first area portion is bounded by a perimeter A and the portion of line C extending across the label 350, and a second area portion is bounded by a perimeter B and the same portion of line C extending across the label 350. As will be understood, the sum of the first and second area portions is equal to the area of the label 350. And, the sum of the distances of perimeters A and B is equal to the perimeter of the label 350.

[0050] The orientation of the demarcation line C and its intersection or "crossing" of a label 350 corresponds to the desired orientation of the distances or spans A and B, depicted and described in conjunction with Figure 1. In the illustration of Figure 6, the demarcation line C is depicted as bisecting, or approximately so, each of the oval-shaped labels 350. The operations of defining a plurality of labels and one or more demarcation lines are depicted in Figure 11 as 520. It will be appreciated that operation 520 includes defining such individually or collectively.

[0051] Referring further to Figure 6, the label assembly 300 is subjected to particular die cutting as follows. The label assembly 300 is front cut along perimeter A. All layers of the label assembly 300 are cut, i.e. layers 310, 320, and 330. This is illustrated as operation 530 in Figure 11. In this operation, the front cutting is performed upon portion(s) of the perimeter of the associated labels which are located on one side of the demarcation line C. The label assembly 300 is further front cut along perimeter B. This operation is shown in Figure 11 as operation 540. All layers except for the liner layer 330 are cut, i.e. layers 310 and 320 are cut. In this operation, the front cutting is performed upon portion(s) of the perimeter of the associated labels which are located on another side of the demarcation line C, and more specifically on a side opposite the side in which the previously described front cutting is performed. This is indicated by the second front cutting operation being performed along perimeter B, which is located on a side of the demarcation line C which is opposite the side in which perimeter A is located. The term "front cut" as used herein refers to cutting, and preferably by die cutting, from the front face 302 of the label assembly 300. In certain processes, it is preferred to form the perimeter A, B in one diecutting operation or front cut. This diecutting operation is performed by using a cutting knife adapted to provide two cutting depths. One cutting depth serves to cut through the thickness of the label assembly, i.e. layers 310, 320, and 330. The other cutting depth serves to cut through the thickness of the facestock and the adhesive, i.e. layers 310 and 320. Thus, operations 530 and 540 in method 500 of Figure 11 can be performed in a single operation by using a cutting implement which provides two cutting depths as described herein. Another cutting operation is performed along the rear face 332 of the label assembly 300. The liner layer 330 is back cut along the demarcation line C. This operation is depicted as operation 550 in Figure 11. The term "back cut" as used herein refers to cutting, and preferably by die cutting, from the rear face 332 of the label assembly 300. [0052] After performing the previously noted front cuts and back cut, portions of the facestock layer 310 and portions of the release liner 330 are removed to produce one or more label strips such as label strips 360, 365 in Figure 7, and optionally one or more intermediate label strips 370, as shown in Figure 7. Specifically, during these removal operations, all regions of the facestock layer 310 except for the regions corresponding to the labels 350 are removed. And, portions of the release liner 330 external to region A and between adjacent rows of labels 350 are removed. Removal of the unwanted portions of facestock layer 310 and release liner 330 are referred to herein as matrix stripping. The matrix stripping operation is depicted in Figure 11 as 560.

[0053] Each of the label strips 360, 365 includes one or more labels 350 associated with a strip or region of liner 330. Producing one or more label strips is shown in Figure 11 as 570. A portion of the label 350 extends beyond an edge portion of the liner 330. That extending portion corresponds to region A shown and described in conjunction with Figure 1. The portion of the label 350 which extends beyond an edge portion of the liner 330, i.e. demarcation line C, includes liner 330 which covers adhesive layer 320.

[0054] Depending upon the number of rows of labels 350, an intermediate label strip 370 as shown in Figure 7 may be produced after matrix stripping. If such an intermediate label strip 370 is produced, typically it is preferred to cut or sever that intermediate strip 370 into two halves to thereby form the previously noted label strips.

[0055] Figure 8 illustrates an intermediate label strip 370. In this configuration, the intermediate label strip 370 includes a plurality of labels 350 associated with a section of liner 330. In forming two label strips such as strips 380, 385 from the intermediate strip 370; a slit, cut, or sever line D is defined which is oriented such that upon cutting along the slit line D, the label strips 380 and 385 are symmetrical with respect to one another. The present subject matter includes cutting an intermediate label strip to form two or more non-symmetrical label strips.

[0056] After formation or production of the label strips such as for example one or more of labels strips 360, 365, 380, and/or 385; the labels 350 may be applied to one or more surfaces or objects of interest. Alternatively, the one or more label strips can be rewound on one or more spools such as spool 390 depicted in Figure 9, and retained for future use. A wound spool 400 including one or more label strips can be conveniently transported or stored.

[0057] Figure 10 is a schematic view depicting application of a plurality of labels 350 from a label strip such as previously described label strips 360, 365, 380, 385, to a collection of containers 410. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the labeling arts, the label strip carrying the labels 350 is directed to a moving series of containers 410. Upon application of a label 350 to a desired container 410, a return roller (not shown) or other component directs the release liner 330, devoid of the labels 350, away from the moving series of containers.

[0058] A significant advantage of the preferred embodiment labels and layered assemblies is the use of environmentally friendly materials, and particularly, the materials used for the liner layer. Generally, the preferred embodiment labels are environmentally friendly because the preferred labels exhibit comparable performance and functions as previously known labels, and can be provided using less materials.

[0059] In addition, the preferred embodiment process which, in certain versions avoids any lamination operations, is simple and straight forward. Furthermore, the preferred embodiment processes for formation of the preferred point of purchase labels avoid prior art operations of delaminating, deadening adhesive, and relaminating.

[0060] The avoidance of lamination is also advantageous because curling of the label does not occur.

[0061] Thus, the present subject matter provides an economic label that can be used to easily attach promotional information and/or offers to products and displays. The label is comprised of readily available polymeric films and paper or other printable liners, and the labels can be assembled and applied using continuous automatic line processes. Moreover, in certain embodiments, all or a portion of the label is transparent so as not to cover graphics on the printed layer.

[0062] Although the various preferred embodiment labels have been described in terms of point of purchase labels, it will be appreciated that in no way is the subject matter limited to such. Instead, the various labels and layered assemblies can be used in a wide array of other applications.

[0063] Many other benefits will no doubt become apparent from future application and development of this technology.

[0064] All patents, published applications, and articles noted herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0065] It will be understood that any one or more feature or component of one embodiment described herein can be combined with one or more other features or components of another embodiment. Thus, the present subject matter includes any and all combinations of components or features of the embodiments described herein. [0066] As described hereinabove, the present subject matter solves many problems associated with previously known labels and practices. However, it will be appreciated that various changes in the details, materials and arrangements of components, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the subject matter, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scope of the subject matter, as expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A point of purchase label comprising:

a facestock layer;

a pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the facestock layer; and

a liner layer disposed on at least a portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, thereby defining a region of exposed pressure sensitive adhesive;

wherein the point of purchase label is sufficiently rigid so as to be self-supporting.

2. The label of claim 1 wherein the facestock is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polystyrene (PS) paper, and combinations thereof.

3. The label of claim 1 wherein the facestock is polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

4. The label of any one of claims 1-3 wherein the label further comprises:

a printing layer disposed on the facestock layer.

5. The label of any one of claims 1-4 wherein the facestock has a thickness of from about 10 microns to about 200 microns.

6. The label of any one of claims 1-4 wherein the facestock has a thickness of from about 50 microns to about 80 microns.

7. The label of any one of claims 1-6 wherein the liner is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), glassine or other types of paper, polyethylene kraft (PEK) paper, and combinations thereof.

8. The label of any one of claims 1-7 wherein the liner has a thickness of from about 10 microns to about 200 microns.

9. The label of any one of claims 1-7 wherein the liner has a thickness of from about 50 microns to about 150 microns.

10. The label of any one of claims 1-9 wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive is selected from the group consisting of a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive, a UV cured hot melt, a rubber- based hot melt composition, a solvent rubber adhesive, a solvent acrylic adhesive, a solvent polyurethane adhesive, an emulsion-based pressure sensitive adhesive, and combinations thereof.

11. The label of any one of claims 1-10 wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive has a thickness of from about 5 microns to about 40 microns.

12. The label of any one of claims 1-10 wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive has a thickness of from about 12 microns to about 30 microns.

13. The label of any one of claims 1-12 wherein the liner has a thickness of from about 20 microns to about 100 microns.

14. The label of any one of claims 1-13 wherein the region of exposed pressure sensitive adhesive constitutes from about 10% to about 70% of the total surface area of a face of the label.

15. The label of claim 14 wherein the region constitutes from about 20% to about 60% of the total surface area of the face of the label.

16. The label of claim 15 wherein the region constitutes from about 30% to about 50% of the total surface area of the face of the label.

17. The label of any one of claims 1-16 wherein the facestock layer includes a film layer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP).

18. The label of claim 18 wherein the facestock layer further includes a thin layer of aluminum.

19. The label of any one of claims 17-18 wherein the facestock layer further includes a top coating disposed on the film layer.

20. The label of any one of claims 17-19 wherein the facestock layer further includes a primer layer.

21. The label of any one of claims 17-20 wherein the liner layer is polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

22. A method of producing a point of purchase label, the method comprising:

providing a facestock;

providing a pressure sensitive adhesive and applying the adhesive to the facestock to thereby form an exposed face of the pressure sensitive adhesive;

providing a liner and applying the liner on the exposed face of the pressure sensitive adhesive to thereby form a layered assembly; and

die cutting the layered assembly to form at least one point of purchase label having sufficient rigidity to be self supporting.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the label is adhesively attached to a product by:

removing at least a portion of the liner from the label to thereby form a region of exposed pressure sensitive adhesive on the label; and

contacting at least a portion of the region of exposed pressure sensitive adhesive on the label with a portion of an outer surface of the product, whereby the label is adhesively attached to the product.

24. A method of producing a label strip including a plurality of point of purchase labels, the method comprising:

providing a multilayer label assembly including a facestock layer, an adhesive layer, and a release liner layer; defining a plurality of labels and a demarcation line associated with the multilayer label assembly;

front cutting the facestock layer, the adhesive layer, and the release liner layer in a first portion of the plurality of labels;

front cutting the facestock layer and the adhesive layer in a second portion of the plurality of labels;

back cutting the release liner layer along the demarcation line;

performing matrix stripping to thereby produce a label strip including a plurality of point of purchase labels.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein front cutting the facestock layer, the adhesive layer, and the release liner layer in a first portion is performed on a first side of the demarcation line, and front cutting the facestock layer and the adhesive layer in a second portion is performed on a second side of the demarcation line opposite the first side.

26. The method of any one of claims 24-25 wherein the facestock layer includes a film layer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP).

27. The method of any one of claims 24-26 wherein the release liner layer includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

28. The method of any one of claims 24-27 wherein the label strip is wound about a spool.