AU2015201003A1 - Container label - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A container label 10 is a 3-dimensional (3D) label having a perceivable thickness T. The perceivable thickness T in the embodiment is preferably at least 2 mm thick. The perceivable thickness extends outwardly from a surface of the container 5. The thickness can be constant or can vary along the label 10. In one form, the label 10 is constructed of thick fabric, felt, or silicone. 10 FIGURE 1 -1 ------------10B

Description

1 CONTAINER LABEL Field of the Invention [1] The disclosed invention relates to labels of containers. Background of the Invention [2] Labels for containers typically comprise words and images printed onto a flat surface such as paper. It is desirable for containers to have a label which stands out from competing products. [3] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the above issues, or to at least provide an alternative. [4] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention [5] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a label for containers, the label being three-dimensional and having a perceivable thickness, texture and/or surface feature and adapted for attachment to a container. [6] In one embodiment, the perceivable thickness is at least 2 mm thick. [7] In another embodiment, the perceivable thickness is at least 5 mm thick [8] In another embodiment, the perceivable thickness is at least 7 mm thick. [9] In another embodiment, the perceivable thickness comprises variable thickness. [10] In another embodiment, the label is made from cardboard, plastics, felt, faux fur, thick paper, leather, wood, rubber, silicone, fabrics, cotton, canvas or any combination thereof. [11] In another embodiment, the label has conferred thereon a pattern. [12] In another embodiment, the pattern includes a trade mark, logo or a graphic. [13] In another embodiment, the label is constructed of a plurality of layers of three dimensional material. [14] In another embodiment, the label on a rear side thereof comprises an adhesive suitable for adhering the label to a container. [15] In another embodiment, the pattern is cut, printed, etched, laser cut, engraved, sculpted, burnt, or moulded onto or from the material of the label. [16] In another embodiment, the label comprises a three-dimensional texture.

2 [17] In another embodiment, the texture is smooth, furry, rubbery, leathery, ridges, bumps, contours, or any combination thereof. [18] In another embodiment, the label comprises a ribbon or tie. [19] In another embodiment, the label comprises a pattern cut therein. [20] In another embodiment, the label comprises a plurality of spaced apertures. [21] The present invention also provides a container having the label of any one of the above. [22] In one embodiment, the container is a spirits bottle, wine bottle or champagne bottle. [23] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings [24] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [25] Fig. 1 shows (a) front view of a bottle having a label according to a first embodiment of the present invention and (b) shows a side close up view of the label; [26] Fig. 2 shows a front view of a bottle having a label according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [27] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a process in manufacturing labels according to the present invention; and [28] Fig. 4 shows (a) front view of a bottle having a label according to a third embodiment of the present invention and (b) shows a side close up view of the label. Description of Embodiments [29] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. [30] Referring to Fig. 1, a container label 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is described. The label 10 is a 3-dimensional (3D) label having a perceivable thickness T. The perceivable thickness T in the embodiment is preferably at least 2 mm thick, in another embodiment is at least 5 mm thick, and in another embodiment is at least 7 mm thick. The perceivable thickness extends outwardly from a surface of the container 5. The thickness can be constant or can vary along the label 10.

3 [31] The label 10 of the preferred embodiment may be constructed from any of a variety of materials, including but not limited to cardboard, plastics, felt, faux fur, thick paper, leather, wood, rubber, silicone, fabrics, cotton, canvas and the like, or any combination thereof. [32] In the form illustrated in Fig. 1, the label 10 is constructed of thick fabric, felt, or silicone. The label 10, on a rear side thereof, is applied with an adhesive suitable for adhering the label 10 to a container 5. The container 5 in the embodiment is a wine bottle. [33] The label 10 is laser cut to exhibit a pattern 100, providing the label 10 with a desired three-dimensional design. The pattern 100, in one form, is cut into the material of the label 10, thus forming a plurality of spaced shaped apertures in the label 10. In other forms, the pattern 100 may be printed, etched, laser cut, engraved, sculpted, burnt, or moulded onto or from the material of the label 10. It is to be understood that the manner in which the pattern 100 is conferred to the label 10 is not limiting, and that various manners that best suit the material from which the label 10 is made may be employed. [34] The three-dimensional design may include the trade mark of the product, the logo or any other graphic as desired. [35] Fig. 2 illustrates a further form of the label 1 Ob according to a first variation. The label 1 Ob according to the first variation is constructed of a fabric, and has a pattern 1 00b printed thereon being an animal print pattern. [36] Figure 3 shows printing of multiple copies of the pattern 100b onto a label fabric material 200. Accordingly, mass production of the label 10b is facilitated and labels 10 may be cut from the larger piece of fabric 200. [37] Fig. 4 illustrates a second variation of the label 10c. The label 10c according to the second variation includes a plurality of materials layered on each other. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the label 10 includes a first layer 400 of fabric over which a further layer of fabric 410 is laid. Each of the layers 400, 410 may be of a different or same material. The layer 410 is cut into a strip and formed as a tie or ribbon onto the container 5. The layers 400, 410 contribute and add to the 3-dimensional nature of the label 10. [38] In one variation, the material from which the label 10 is fabricated is provided with a desired texture. The desired texture may be conferred onto the material, or may be a property of the material itself. The desired texture may be, for example, furry, rubbery, leathery, ridges, bumps, contours, and the like or any combination thereof. [39] The label 10 according to the present disclosure allows containers, and in particular the products contained in the containers, to be uniquely portrayed and visually and texturally distinct from current containers. The label 10 may be used on, for example, wine bottles, spirit 4 bottles, beer bottles, water bottles, juice bottles, soft drink bottles, cans, other glass or plastic bottles, and the like. [40] The 3D nature of the label 10 allows the container to which the label 10 is attached to stand out from other products in its vicinity. [41] The tactile nature of the label 10 add to the distinctiveness of the container to which the label is attached, and further make the container more aesthetically appealing and engaging with consumers. This attractiveness also increases the possibility of the container being reused by the consumer for other purposes. [42] The label 10 may be layered, comprising two or more layers of other 3D material of the same or different material. [43] In a further variation, the label 10 is constructed by a 3D printing process. The 3D printing process prints the label 10 from one or more suitable materials, and may further print the adhesive as a layer. [44] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described. [45] The present invention in a broad form provides non-paper bottle labels. The invention provides textured and 3 dimensional labels. Using a printing press is just one option in printing the labels 10. Another possible process is laser cutting techniques to cut out the design of the logo or other design in to the materials. [46] The present invention provides an original way of advertising products, such as alcoholic products and a new way for consumers to touch and hold a product. The wine and champagne market in particular appreciates distinctiveness and the added value thereof. [47] The bottles with a 3-dimensional label will stand out above the crowded shelves. It offers a new level of packaging to appeal to a broader audience. [48] The present invention provides options for layers of fabric and wrapping up bottles to look like a gift, drinks that appeal to a female audience can for example have a big ribbon around them. They are tactile and aesthetically appealing, and engages people with the product.

Claims (18)

1. A label for containers, the label being three-dimensional and having a perceivable thickness, texture and/or surface feature and adapted for attachment to a container.

2. A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perceivable thickness is at least 2 mm thick.

3. A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perceivable thickness is at least 5 mm thick

4. A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perceivable thickness is at least 7 mm thick.

5. A label as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the perceivable thickness comprises variable thickness.

6. A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the label is made from cardboard, plastics, felt, faux fur, thick paper, leather, wood, rubber, silicone, fabrics, cotton, canvas or any combination thereof.

7. A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the label has conferred thereon a pattern.

8. A label as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pattern includes a trade mark, logo or a graphic.

9. A label as claimed in claim 6, wherein the label is constructed of a plurality of layers of three-dimensional material.

10. A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the label on a rear side thereof comprises an adhesive suitable for adhering the label to a container.

11. A label as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pattern is cut, printed, etched, laser cut, engraved, sculpted, burnt, or moulded onto or from the material of the label.

12. A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the label comprises a three-dimensional texture.

13. A label as claimed in claim 12, wherein the texture is smooth, furry, rubbery, leathery, ridges, bumps, contours, or any combination thereof.

14. A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the label comprises a ribbon or tie.

15. A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the label comprises a pattern cut therein. 6

16. A label as claimed in claim 1, wherein the label comprises a plurality of spaced apertures.

17. A container having the label of any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The container of claim 17, wherein the container is a spirits bottle, wine bottle or champagne bottle.