EP0996106A1 - Insertable labels and corresponding panels of labelblanks for laser printing - Google Patents

Abstract

The plant labels are laid out on a sheet that can be inserted in a laser printer, and are attached to each other along lines of weakness (6,7,8) so that they can be detached individually after printing. The labels have a pointed end, and they are assembled on the sheet as two rows of labels with the points (2G,2D) in the center of the sheet. The points are interleaved to form a continuous sheet.

Description

The present invention relates to a label with insert, for example in soil to identify a plant, or in a passage provided for this purpose on the edge a packaging container for plant seedlings.

More specifically, the invention relates to a label of the type comprising a zone, forming a body, adapted to serve as a printing medium and a zone, forming a foot, adapted to allow plugging in.

At present, labels of this type are made of plastic and they are printed in colors by conventional techniques (screen printing, offset) requesting the use of professionals. The making such labels is relatively little expensive but it is only possible when it is to produce large series, that is to say at least 10,000 or 20,000 pieces. Regarding the labels to stick in the ground, there are also on the market PVC labels suitably treated to be printable in "thermal transfer" machines driven by computer but these machines are expensive and are not versatile: they can only be used for printing of labels. British patent application GB 2 307 896 describes such labels, which are obtained by continuous printing by a process of thermal transfer of a strip of plastic material.

In addition, the definition of transfer printers thermal is not optimal, in particular, it is far reach that of laser printers. It is well heard that we know how to print paper labels at laser printers, but such labels do not not suitable for the application targeted by the invention. European patent application No. EP 0 608 984 describes labels obtained by laser printing which are too flexible to fit into a holder since they are self-adhesive paper labels supported by a sheet of which they are peelable. In addition, these labels are printed at using a laser printer called "large volume" (of type IBM 3800), which is a printer reserved for printing professionals.

However, there is a need for quality labels obtained by laser printing, in black and white or in colors, and can be printed by the user himself, using standard office equipment, in according to its own needs, and this, possibly in very small quantities and with all forms of customization desired.

This object is achieved by the invention thanks to the choice of a particular constituent material under a thickness particular.

More specifically, the label according to the invention is a part formed from a blank of material having a at least 150 µm thick and suitable for printing laser using office equipment. Through office equipment means equipment not dedicated to the manufacture of labels, but likely to used for the execution of conventional office work, such word processing, accounting, etc.

So the label is made of a material can be printed using a laser printer office automation, which is within the reach of any craftsman or trader, and this material is, unexpectedly, rigid enough for the new application that is done.

In a preferred embodiment, the foot of the label according to the invention is provided with a succession of perforations forming a fold line in the direction provided for plugging in.

The folding carried out along said succession of perforations advantageously increases the rigidity of the label.

The thickness of the material blank must, as indicated higher, be at least 150 µm, the maximum thickness being imposed by the printer used. Regarding printers currently available on the market, the maximum thickness will be 200 µm. Preferably, the blank of material has a thickness of around 175 µm and it is made of a polyester film, such as poly (ethylene terephthalate), coated with a coating for laser printing.

In a first application of the invention, the label is suitable for being inserted in a medium furniture, such as in the earth of a flower pot. In this case it can have a rectangular body having a width: length ratio between 1: 3 and 1: 6 and one foot in isosceles triangle with base to height ratio between 1: 1.2 and 1: 1.5, the base of the isosceles triangle merging with a width of the body and said line of folding affecting the label over its entire length.

When such a label is folded in half, longitudinally, along its fold line, we obtains a product that is rigid enough to be stuck in the ground, which is surprising when you know that its constituent material is flexible enough to pass through a laser printer.

In a second application of the invention, the label is suitable for being inserted in a passer-by provided for this purpose in a support, for example at the end of a packaging container for plants of plants. Such trays have on one of their edges such a passer-by which consists of a flange of material having a longitudinal dimension according to the insertion direction, a transverse dimension perpendicular to the previous one, an entry and an exit. For such an application, the foot of the label has a proximal part, ending with a leading edge, adapted to penetrate the passer-by and a distal part wider defining, between itself and the part proximal, a pair of shoulders adapted to abut against the entry of the passer-by and to limit the penetration of the foot in said passerby. The proximal part of the foot present, moreover, at a distance from said shoulders substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the passer-by, at least one pair of incisions in its lateral edges, said incisions converging towards each other and towards the leading edge of the foot, so that they create in the proximal end of the barb label foot opposing the extraction of the label once it has been put on in the way.

In the case of such a label, the fold line affects only the foot of the label so as not to create fold in the body of the label, this one being intended to serve as a support for an impression to be observed from the front, for example the reproduction of a photograph of the plant flowery.

Preferably, the width of the proximal part of the label foot is 3 to 5% greater than the dimension transverse of the passer-by so that this proximal part can only be entered by a passerby by holding it folded according to its fold line, which proximal part is then relaxes in passing, on the one hand, by imposing on the label body a slightly more stable domed shape vis-à-vis, for example, drafts and, on the other hand, clearing the barbs from the label base.

The labels are obviously not printed individually: printing affects a sheet drafts which will then each give birth to a individual label. More specifically, the board is consisting of a blank of material in which said blanks are arranged upside down and staggered, with their respective feet nested in each other, the future edges of label bodies being materialized by lines of perforations for breaking, the contours future label feet being materialized by clean cutting lines with preservation of at least one attachment point, and the fold lines being materialized by lines of perforations for folding.

When the label feet have incisions converging towards each other and towards the edge of the blank foot, these incisions are made by clean cut.

Unlike label sheets stickers supported by a sheet from which they are removable and which ensures a continuous layer of material for passage through the laser printer, the blank of material necessary to obtain the labels according to the invention comprises sharp, unlined cuts. The difficulty is therefore to avoid areas of the blank rebel, which would not fail to cause a jam into the printer.

In the case of labels each having a foot in isosceles triangle whose base merges with a width said body, an attachment point is preserved at each main vertex of isosceles triangle.

In the case of labels each with a foot having a proximal part, ending with an edge of attack, and a wider distal part defining, between itself and said proximal part, a pair shoulders, attachment points are preserved at least at each leading edge and at each pair shoulders.

To minimize the risk of jamming by hanging between blanks, we can also play on the direction of extraction of the boards from the tank printer power versus direction general of the sensitive area of the boards, i.e. the area where the blanks overlap. So if, in because of their geometry and their proportions, the isosceles-tipped rectangular label blanks have unlikely to hang from one board to another, this which allows them to be introduced into the printer according to a direction parallel to that of the sensitive area, however it may be better to observe a relationship perpendicular between the direction of extraction and the general direction of the sensitive area for boards drafts of labels of more complex geometries. In effect, in the parallel relation, the sensitive area of a board rubs on the sensitive area of the board underlying during its entire extraction while in the perpendicular relationship, the sensitive area of a board do not rub on the sensitive area of the underlying board only at the start of the extraction.

The layout of the blank labels in the blank of material provides optimal filling of the blank of material, i.e. minimal loss of material to the cut. However, this results in difficulty for the impression that the blanks are arranged head to tail in columns or lines, printing should on the one hand affect areas placed in staggered rows column or row to another and, worse, reverse the orientation printing from one column or row to another. Indeed, if the printing orientation issue may not really matter in the case of a label to file in the ground containing only text, in this sense that we read one side or the other of the label, on the other hand, in the case of a label intended to be placed at the top tray with reproduction of a photo of a plant, the photo has meaning and there can be no question that the photo be printed upside down on half of the labels.

To remedy these difficulties, software specific print has been developed and it's available from PRINTACK- Chelles - France.

• la figure 1 montre, à l'échelle 1/2, une planche format A4 d'ébauches d'étiquettes selon une première forme d'exécution de l'invention, après impression ;
• la figure 2 montre un groupe d'étiquettes selon cette même première forme d'exécution de l'invention, séparé d'une planche d'ébauches non imprimée ;
• la figure 3 montre, de profil, une étiquette séparée du groupe de la figure 2 et pliée dans sa configuration d'utilisation ;
• la figure 4 montre, à l'échelle 1/2, une planche format A4 d'ébauches d'étiquettes selon une deuxième forme d'exécution de l'invention, avant impression, recommandée pour une insertion en imprimante côté court (c'est-à-dire le côté 21 cm) et munie de marges de paramètrage ;
• la figure 5 montre, à l'échelle 1/2, une planche format A4 d'ébauches d'étiquettes selon cette même deuxième forme d'exécution de l'invention, avant impression, recommandée pour une insertion en imprimante côté long (c'est-à-dire le côté 29,7 cm) ;
• la figure 6 montre une étiquette isolée, non imprimée, issue de la planche de la figure 4 ou de la figure 5 ; et
• la figure 7 montre, à l'échelle 1, l'étiquette de la figure 6, vue en élévation, en place dans un passant de barquette.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

• FIG. 1 shows, on a 1/2 scale, an A4 format sheet of label blanks according to a first embodiment of the invention, after printing;
• FIG. 2 shows a group of labels according to this same first embodiment of the invention, separated from an unprinted blank sheet;
• Figure 3 shows, in profile, a label separate from the group of Figure 2 and folded in its configuration of use;
• Figure 4 shows, on a 1/2 scale, an A4 format sheet of label blanks according to a second embodiment of the invention, before printing, recommended for insertion in a printer on the short side (this is ie the side 21 cm) and provided with setting margins;
• FIG. 5 shows, on a 1/2 scale, an A4 format sheet of label blanks according to this same second embodiment of the invention, before printing, recommended for insertion in a printer on the long side (c ' i.e. the side 29.7 cm);
• Figure 6 shows an isolated label, not printed, from the sheet of Figure 4 or Figure 5; and
• Figure 7 shows, at scale 1, the label of Figure 6, elevational view, in place in a tray pass.

If we first look at Figure 2, we see a group of four blanks according to the first embodiment each defining a rectangular body 1 of length L and width l , extended along one of its widths by a part, called "foot", in isosceles triangle 2 of height h, base b (= l ) and main vertex 2 '. Two adjacent isosceles feet 2 determine between them an isosceles void 3 of main vertex 3 '.

If we now look at Figure 1, we see a full board of label blanks identical to those of Figure 2. More specifically, we find, at left, a column of oriented drafts like those of the figure 2 and on the right a column of sketches oriented conversely, the 2D isosceles feet of the right column occupying the isosceles voids 3 between the isosceles feet 2G in the left column and vice versa. This zone nesting is called "sensitive area".

At its upper and lower ends, the board of sketches has a technical margin, respectively, 4 and 5.

As shown in Figure 1, the blanks of labels are delimited by lines of perforations for rupture corresponding to the longitudinal edges 6 of rectangular bodies 1 and by straight cut lines corresponding to the sides 7 of the isosceles feet 2G and 2D. The perforations for rupture may, for example, have a cut superior to the holding and about 15 points / cm. A attachment point 8 is however preserved between each top of isosceles foot 2G or 2D and top 3 '(Figure 2) corresponding. Each label blank further includes a line of perforations for folding 12 over its entire length, along its median longitudinal axis. The perforations for folding can, for example, have a cut substantially equal to the outfit and about 5 points / cm. Taking into account the geometry of the blank labels and their staggered arrangement, the blank board is crossing, from one side edge to the other, by lines of perforations formed over a length L of perforations for rupture and over a length L + h of perforations for folding, once at the start of the left edge, once at departure from the right edge.

It also appears from FIG. 1 that the column on the left of the sketches is printed with mentions 9G horizontal (such as COURGETTE, MELON, SARIETTE, etc ... and bar codes) readable in the orientation normal of the sheet of drawings, while the column of right of the sketches is printed with horizontal mentions 9D legible in reverse orientation. In addition, left and right columns of sketches are printed mentions, respectively, 10G (3.60 F, 5.10 F, etc.) and 10D parallel to the side edges of the board, but in both cases the top of the mentions is directed towards the edge side closest to the board. Finally, each group of statements regarding a label of a column is staggered relative to the group of mentions concerning a label adjacent to the other column. For achieve such a multi-orientation and offset printing from one column to another, the use of software specially developed for this purpose is necessary.

To date, most laser printers in office have a short side power supply (21 cm for the format A4). The blank sheet of Figure 1 is therefore intended to be extracted from the feed tray according to the arrow F2, that is to say in a direction parallel to that of the sensitive area. The emerging trend is however moving on to more printer drums wide which will allow feeding on the long side (29.7 cm for A4 format), which will make it possible to extract the board in a direction perpendicular to that of the sensitive area, if desired.

To separate the blank from Figure 1 by individual labels 11, just remove the margins techniques 4 and 5, then to exert a traction with two hands according to arrows F1, F'1: the two columns of sketches are separate in a zigzag by breaking the attachment points 8 which are the only connecting points between the two columns since the sides 7 of the feet are in straight cut. Then the individual labels are separated according to the perforation lines for rupture 6.

Individual labels can be used as is if it is a question of threading them between the wall of a flower pot and the earth it contains. However, if it is to prick them in the ground, it is necessary to increase their rigidity and to do this, just bend them longitudinally along the line of perforations for folding 12 as seen in Figure 3.

If we come to Figures 6 and 7, we see a another embodiment of label according to the invention, this time intended to be plugged into a support, such than a pass-by provided at the end of the packaging tray plant plants. It will be used, about the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, and plates corresponding blanks of Figures 4 and 5, the same references to Figures 1 to 3, increased by 100, for designate identical or similar elements between two forms of execution.

The label 111 in Figures 6 and 7 has a body 101 and a foot 102 narrower than the body. Foot 102 has two parts, namely a proximal part 102p and a distal part 102d, wider than the part proximal 102p, so that at their junction, the leg 102 has a pair of shoulders 113. The label 111 also presents in the proximal part 102p of his foot, a pair of incisions 114 which each leave of a lateral edge 107 of the foot 102 and converge one towards the other and towards the leading edge 115 of the foot.

If we now look at Figure 4, we see a blank board in which are delimited large upper 104 and lower 105 margins which allow choose a parameter for the same blank board printer in "letter" or "A4". This time, the label blanks are not arranged in half columns in relation to a "portrait" orientation of the plank but on two lines and the general direction of the sensitive area is horizontal instead of vertical. It follows that, unlike Figure 1, we have a perpendicular relationship between the general direction of the sensitive area and the direction of extraction F4 (supply short side of the printer). Alternatively, the supply of the printer could be on the long side, depending on the arrow F'4. As in the embodiment of Figure 1, the label blanks in Figure 4 are delimited by perforation lines for rupture corresponding to longitudinal edges 106 of bodies 101 and by lines of clean cut corresponding to the contours 107 of the feet 102H and 102B. Taking into account the geometry of the feet and the width of the area bounded by clean cuts, it it is necessary to preserve several attachment points, know in 108a on the leading edge 115 and in 108b, 108c at the ends of each shoulder 113. Where appropriate, the two attachment points 108b, 108c can be replaced by a single 108d attachment point in the middle of each shoulder 113 (see Figure 5). The incisions 114 are made by clean cut. Each draft label also has a short line of perforations for folding 112 which only affects the feet 102 along their axis longitudinal median. For the rest, all that has been described in connection with figure 1 applies to figure 4.

Figure 5 differs from Figure 4 only in one layout suitable for printer supply long side according to arrow F5 and by the simple presence of technical margins 104 'and 105' instead of the large margins settings, as in Figure 4.

It is understood that, in the case of FIG. 4, when the supply is done long side, according to arrow F'4, the entire sensitive area of the board, i.e. that which is affected by nested 102H and 102H feet, rub on the corresponding area of the board underlying while it is pulled out of the bin feed. This can result in a collision between planks if a rebellious cross section, hence the importance of providing for a judicious distribution of attachment points. Such a risk is greatly mitigated when the board is extracted short side, according to the arrow F4, or according to arrow F5 in the case of FIG. 5 where the sensitive area in question shifts from the sensitive area of the underlying board as soon as the board is extracted.

Coming to Figure 7, we see a label 111 in use, i.e. in place in the passing 120 from a tray wall 121. This passing has a longitudinal dimension dl in the direction for inserting the label 111, a transverse dimension dt, an input 122 and an output 123. The width of the proximal part 102p of foot 102 is slightly higher to the dt dimension so that in order to be able to thread this proximal part in loop 120, pinch the leg 102 along fold line 112. As soon as the incisions 114 of the proximal part 102p have crossed the exit 123 from pass 120, the part of the foot between the leading edge 115 and the incisions 114 relaxes in forming barbs 124 which prevent extraction involuntary label. For their part, the shoulders 113 prevent the proximal part 102p from entering the passing 120 beyond what is desirable, i.e. imprison the passer-by between themselves and barbs 124. For this purpose, the distance between the shoulders 113 of incisions 114 is substantially equal to the dimension dl of the loop 120.

Because the proximal part 102p of the foot 102 is slightly wider than the loop 120, it remains folded in the way and this fold continues in the part distal 102d as seen in Figure 7. The body 101 itself is not bent but a slight concavity is given to it by the bend of the foot. This concavity advantageously stiffens the label body.

The label blanks are presented in sheets for printing and they can be manufactured by appropriate perforation and cut sheet by sheet. It is of course we can also practice perforations and clean cuts on a strip of continuous material, which is then cut into boards suitable for printing.

Claims (12)

Label with a zone, forming a body (1; 101) adapted to serve as a printing medium and a zone, forming a foot (2; 102) adapted to be plugged into a support, characterized in that it is obtained by cutting from a blank of material having a thickness of at least minus 150 µm and suitable for laser printing using office equipment. Label according to claim 1, characterized in that said foot (2; 102) is provided with a succession of perforations forming fold line (12; 112) according to the direction provided for plugging in. Label according to claim 1 or 2, adapted to be inserted in a movable medium, having a body (1) rectangular and an isosceles triangle foot (2), the base of the isosceles triangle merging with a width of the body (1), characterized in that said fold line (12) affects the label along its entire length. Label according to claim 1 or 2, adapted to be plugged into a pass-through (120) provided for this purpose in a support, which pass (120) consists of a material flange having a longitudinal dimension (dl) depending on the direction of insertion, a transverse dimension (dt) perpendicular to the previous one, an entry (122) and an outlet (123), characterized in that the foot (102) has a proximal part (102p), ending in a leading edge (115), adapted to penetrate said pass (120) and a wider distal part (102d) defining, between itself and the proximal part (102p), a pair shoulders (113) adapted to abut against the entry (122) of the passer-by (120) and to limit the penetration of the foot (102) in said pass (120), said proximal part (102p) having, on the one hand, at a distance from said shoulders (113) substantially equal to said dimension longitudinal (dl) of the passer-by (120), at least one pair incisions (114) in its lateral edges, said incisions (114) converging towards each other and towards said leading edge (115). Label according to claim 4, characterized in that the width of said proximal part (102p) is 3 to 5% greater than the transverse dimension (dt) of the passing (120). Plate of label blanks for obtaining individual labels (11; 111) each comprising a zone, forming a body (1; 101), adapted to serve as a support identification and a zone, forming a foot (2; 102), adapted to be plugged into a holder, characterized in that it consists of a blank of material in which said blanks are arranged upside down and staggered, with their respective feet (2; 102) nested one inside the others, the future edges (6; 106) of body (1; 101) of labels being materialized by lines of perforations for rupture, the contours (7; 107) of future feet (2; 102) of labels being materialized by clean cutting lines with preservation of at least one attachment point (8; 108). Blank board according to claim 6 for labels which will each have a triangle foot (2) isosceles, characterized in that an attachment point (8) is preserved at each main triangle vertex isosceles. Blank board according to claim 6 for labels which will each have a foot (102) having a proximal part (102p), ending with a leading edge (115), and a wider distal part (102d) defining, between itself and said proximal part (102p), a pair of shoulders (113), characterized in that attachment points are preserved at each edge attack (115) and each pair of shoulders (113). Plate of label blanks according to claim 8, characterized in that it has in addition, a pair of sharp cut incisions (114) extending each of a future lateral edge of the foot (102), the incisions (114) of each pair converging towards one the other and towards the leading edge (115) of said foot (102). Plate of label blanks according to one any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the blank of material has a thickness of between 150 μm and 200 µm and suitable for laser printing at using office equipment. Label according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or continuous board or strip blanks according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the material blank has a thickness around 175 µm. Label according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 11 or continuous board or strip blanks according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the material is a polyester film coated with a coating for laser printing.

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