EP1604907B1 - label - Google Patents

Abstract

A label with a base layer (1) carrying at least one product information sheet (2a,2b), an upper side layer (3) on the base layer and so formed that it forms at least one suspension element (4) and covering sheet (5) covering the product information sheets, is new.

Description

The invention relates to a label having at least one product information sheet and at least one hanger loop.

Labels of this type, most commonly intended for suspending medical infusion containers, are known from US-A-5,967,560 and US-A-5,782,495. The label known from US Pat. No. 5,967,560 has a hanger loop which runs in the edge area of the label and which is folded outwards for use. In the central area of the label product information sheets in the form of a booklet and removable self-adhesive document sections are arranged (FIG. 15 of US Pat. No. 5,967,560). The construction of the prior art label requires that the booklet and slip sections be mounted after attachment of the hanger loop. For the cover sheet for covering the booklet and for generating the document sections an additional material layer is required. The preparation of the known label is therefore expensive.

US-A-5782495 discloses a label according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the label known from US-A-5 782 495, the hanger loop is integrally connected to a first side of the label. Before use, the hanger loop is folded over onto the label. On a second side of the label perpendicular to the first side, a cover sheet for a booklet is adhered which, prior to use, is folded over onto the label so that it overlies the folded hanger loop. Also with this label an additional material layer for the cover sheet of the booklet is required. To use the label, the booklet must first be folded outwardly before the user can fold the hanger loop outwardly. For the user, it is not readily apparent before unfolding the booklet that the label is equipped with a hanger loop. In emergency situations, valuable time can be lost by searching for and unfolding the booklet and the hanger tab.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a label with at least one product information sheet and at least one hanger loop, which is inexpensive to manufacture and is characterized by ease of use. In particular, the user should have the opportunity to unfold the product information sheet and the hanger loop as needed in any order.

To achieve this object, according to the invention, a label is provided with a base layer on which at least one product information sheet is disposed, and with an over label layer disposed on the base layer and shaped to form at least one hanger loop and a cover sheet covering the at least one product information sheet ,

In this construction, according to the invention, the cover sheet and the hanger loop are manufactured from a single material layer, namely from the top label layer. The label is therefore characterized by rational and material-saving production compared to conventional solutions. As a surprising and by no means predictable advantage is to be mentioned that in the above arrangement, the individual components, such as hanger loop and cover sheet, do not affect each other in use. Rather, the user is free to expose, for example, only the product information sheet after unfolding the cover sheet or unfold the hanger loop to hang the container provided with the label to a hook. The use is intuitive and without time-consuming study of a user manual to capture.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the upper label layer is designed so that it forms at least one removable self-adhesive document section. For this purpose, the upper label layer has at least one self-adhesive region which is provided with punches or perforations which delimit the at least one document section, which preferably has a non-adhesive grip tab. At the corresponding point of the base layer, on which the document section rests, the base layer is advantageously provided with an adhesive-repellent layer, for example a silicone layer, in order to facilitate the removal of the self-adhesive document section. The removal of the at least one document section is in no way affected by the other functions, such as unfolding the hanger loop or exposing the product information sheet. Rather, in contrast to conventional labels, all three functions mentioned are independent.

In addition, the upper label layer is optimally utilized, resulting in a considerable saving in manufacturing effort compared to the prior art.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover sheet on a self-adhesive part, via which it is permanently connected to the base layer. This part effectively represents the spine of the product information sheet or booklet. Further, the cover sheet has a non-adhesive portion covering the at least one product information sheet or booklet. Finally, the cover sheet on another self-adhesive part. This further self-adhesive part lies on an adhesive-repellent layer of the base layer. He ensures a secure closure of the booklet or the product information sheet. Since it is releasably adhered to the appropriate place due to the adhesive repellency of the base layer, the closure can be easily opened, especially if it has a non-adhesive grip tab on which it can be easily gripped.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hanger loop is formed by a strip separated from the top label layer which is connected to the top label layer at at least two root regions and thus forms a closed hanger loop.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the upper label layer has a first and a second longitudinal side and two transverse sides, and the two root regions are arranged on the first longitudinal side. The hanger loop has a first branch which extends from the first root area towards the second root area. Before reaching the second root area it turns into a bend. An adjoining second branch runs from the bend in the direction of the second longitudinal side and has a turn in the region of the second longitudinal side. A third branch runs from the turn to the second root area of the first longitudinal side. This type of arrangement of the hanger loop creates a contiguous space outside the closed hanger loop that can be used in a variety of ways.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover sheet for the booklet or the product information sheet is placed outside the closed hanger loop.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover sheet arranged adjacent to the first branch and the second branch of the hanger loop.

The space between the second and third branch within the closed hanger loop is utilized according to a further advantageous embodiment for the arrangement of at least one detachable document section.

Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

• Figur 1 zeigt das Etikett gemäß der Erfindung in der Draufsicht;
• Figur 2 zeigt das Etikett aus Figur 1, wobei jedoch ein Informationsheftchen freigelegt und ein selbstklebender Belegabschnitt abgenommen ist;
• Figur 3 zeigt das Etikett aus Figur 1, bei dem die Aufhängerschleife ausgeklappt ist und das Informationsheftchen freigelegt ist.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment schematically illustrated in the drawings.

• Figure 1 shows the label according to the invention in plan view;
• Figure 2 shows the label of Figure 1, but with an information booklet exposed and a self-adhesive document section removed;
• Figure 3 shows the label of Figure 1, in which the hanger loop is unfolded and the information booklet is exposed.

The label shown in FIG. 1 has a base layer 1 of rectangular outline and a top label layer 3 largely covering the base layer 1. The base layer 1 is a film which is coated over its entire surface with a pressure-sensitive adhesive (not visible in the drawing) on its side lying in the illustration in FIG. 1, by means of which it is permanently attached to a drug container (not shown) during use, for example may. The second side of the base layer 1 (i.e., the side of the base layer 1 at the top in the drawing) has two adhesive-repellent layers 6 and 8 (shown in Figure 2), the meaning of which will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 2. The base layer 1 can also be printed with any desired decorative or informative nature.

On the upper side of the base layer 1 in FIG. 1, at least in places, the top label layer 3 adheres. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the top label layer 3 projects beyond the contour of the base layer 1 at some points. The upper label layer 3 is a preferably transparent film, which is coated on its side facing the base layer 1 with pressure-sensitive adhesive, by means of which it adheres at least partially to the base layer 1. As will be explained in detail below, however, it is necessary that the top label layer 3 at some points not or only slightly on the base layer. 1 adheres. In the places where the adhesion is to be prevented or mitigated, the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive is printed with a so-called adhesive killer. This is, for example, a paint, which is applied to the adhesive layer. Alternatively, it is also possible to partially print the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive on the underside of the upper label layer 3 only where adhesion is desired. As a second alternative approach, to make the upper label layer 3 only partially adhesive, is to locally cover a full-surface coating with pressure-sensitive adhesive with a thin film, so as to turn off the adhesive effect of the pressure-sensitive adhesive in places.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the upper label layer 3 has a rectangular area which-as will be explained in more detail below-serves as cover sheet 5 for covering a product information sheet or booklet. The cover sheet 5 is connected by means of an easily separable perforation punching 13 with the rest of the upper label layer 3, and easily detachable from this by separating the perforation punching 13. In a first part 5a, the cover sheet 5 is self-adhesive. In a middle part 5b of the cover sheet, it is non-adhesive, i. the existing on the underside of the cover sheet 5 layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is printed there with an adhesive killer. In a third part 5c, the cover sheet 5 is in turn self-adhesive. The cover sheet 5 has a grip tab 5d projecting beyond the contour of the base layer 1, which is non-adhesive on its underside. At this protruding, non-adhesive grip tab, the cover sheet 5 can be grasped and withdrawn. In the region of the adhesive part 5a of the cover sheet 5 this is firmly and permanently connected to the base layer 1. In the region 5c of the cover sheet, which is also self-adhesive, is on the base layer 1, the above-mentioned adhesive-repellent layer 8, which allows easy detachment of the part 5c of the base layer 1.

Another part of the upper label layer 3 forms a hanger loop 4. The hanger loop 4 is a narrow strip cut off by punching or perforation from the remaining upper label layer 3. This comprises a first branch 4c, which extends starting from a first root portion 4a approximately parallel to the longitudinal side 9 of the label. Thereafter, an approximately rectangular bend 4d is provided, after which the strip runs approximately parallel to the transverse side 12. This is followed in the vicinity of the second longitudinal side 10 a turn 4f. After this, the strip runs along the transverse side 12 to the second root region 4b. The two root areas 4a and 4b are connected to each other via a web 14, so that a closed loop is formed.

The two root regions 4a and 4b - as far as they rest on the base layer 1 - and the two root portions 4a and 4b connecting web 14 of the top label layer 3 are permanently and resiliently connected to the base layer 1 by the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the underside of the top label layer 3. The remaining parts of the hanger loop 4, so in particular the branches 4c, 4e and 4g and the bend 4d and the turn 4f are non-adhesive or only slightly adhesive, so that the hanger loop 4 can be easily lifted from the base layer 1. For this purpose, it can be gripped very comfortably at the over the base layer 1 above Kefre 4f.

Another part of the upper label layer 3 is used to form a removable self-adhesive document section 7. The document section 7 is bounded on two opposite sides by the punching line of the branches 4e and 4g of the hanger loop 4. The document section 7 can be separated from the remaining upper label layer 3 by a first perforation 15. The document section 7 is divisible by a further perforation 16 into two sections 7a and 7b. The document section 7 is self-adhesive on its side facing the base layer 1 so that it can be glued into a documentation underlay after separation. Only at his within the bend 4f on the contour of the base layer 1 protruding end of the slip portion 7 is non-sticky, so that he can be used there by the user, without this dirty his fingers with adhesive.

The above-mentioned adhesive-repellent layer 6 on the base layer 1 is located below the document section 7 and thus prevents a permanent connection between the document section 7 and the base layer 1.

FIG. 2 shows the label from FIG. 1, however, for explanatory purposes, the cover sheet 5 has been unfolded and the receipt section 7 has been cut out, while the hanger loop 4 remains unchanged in the position already shown in FIG.

The cover sheet 5 is knocked back, to which the user grips the cover sheet 5 on the non-adhesive, over the contour of the base layer 1 projecting Anfaßiasche 5d. In this case, the Abdechblatt 5 is separated from the receipt section 7 and the branch 4 c of the hanger loop 4 by tearing the perforation 13. By repelling the cover sheet 5, a booklet 2 has been exposed, which consists of two product information sheets 2a and 2b. By repelling the cover sheet 5, the already mentioned adhesive-repellent layer 8 has been exposed, which is symbolized in Figure 2 by a Schrägschraffierung. When open cover sheet 5, the Information on the product information sheets 2a and 2b be noted. As FIG. 2 shows, the opening of the booklet 2 is possible independently of the unfolding of the hanger loop 4. To close the booklet 2, the cover sheet is moved back into the position shown in Figure 1, so that the self-adhesive part 5c again comes into contact with the adhesive-repellent layer 8 on the base layer 1. The bonding force between the part 5c of the cover sheet 5 and the adhesive-repellent layer 8 is sufficient to securely hold the cover sheet 5 in the closed position and to avoid self-opening.

To remove the slip portion 7, this is gripped at its on the contour of the base layer 1 above non-adhesive end and separated along the perforation 15 of the remaining upper label layer 3. After removing the self-adhesive document section 7, the adhesive-repellent layer 6 indicated by oblique hatching in FIG. 2 has been uncovered, which has already been mentioned above. As FIG. 2 shows, the removal of the document section 7 is also independent of whether or not the trailer hanger 4 has been unfolded.

If desired, the removed receipt section 7 can be separated into two parts in order to attach the information located on it to two different locations. A perforation 16 facilitates the separation process.

FIG. 3 shows the label from FIG. 1, however, for explanatory purposes, the cover sheet 5 has been unfolded (as already shown in FIG. 2) and, in addition, the hanger loop 4 has been unfolded. The document section 7 is located at its place of origin, as shown in FIG. For unfolding the hanger loop 4, this is gripped in the region of the turn 4f, which protrudes beyond the longitudinal side 10 of the base layer 1, and pulled from there in the direction of the opposite longitudinal side 9. In this case, the easily detachable perforation 13 (Figure 1) is separated, so that only the hanger loop 4 is lifted, while the slip portion 7 and the two root portions 4a and 4b connecting web 14 remain on the base layer 1. In Figure 3, the unfolded Hanger Schieiie 4, which consists of the non-adhesive parts 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g and from the firmly and permanently adhering to the base layer 1, the root portions 4a and 4b connecting web 14 is outlined. If the user wants to remove the document section completely or partially, he proceeds as well as explained with reference to FIG 2. Also, the closing of the booklet happens as already explained in connection with the description of Figure 2. Visible are the three processes, namely opening and closing the booklet 2, removing the document section 7 and unfolding the hanger loop independent of each other and can be executed in any order.

The label shown in Figures 1 to 3 and described above is intended to be mounted on a pharmaceutical infusion bottle (not shown). The label is placed with the two root areas 4a and 4b facing the bottom of the infusion bottle. Often, the size of the label is chosen so that the mutual distance of the two root portions 4a and 4b corresponds to half the circumference of the bottle, so that the two roots are located at two diametrically opposite points of the infusion bottle. The unfolded hanger loop 4 (Figure 3) is then suspended from the hook of an infusion rack so that the infusion bottle hangs upside down, ie, with the bottle opening down, on the infusion rack ready for infusion administration. In this case, the hanger loop 4 assumes the shape of a triangle as a result of acting on this weight of the infusion bottle. The large length of the hanger loop 4, which is anchored to the diametrically opposite to the bottle roots 4a and 4b with the label and thus with the infusion bottle, makes it possible to hang the infusion bottle exactly vertical.

Base layer (1)
Product Information Sheet (2a, 2b)
Booklet (2)
Upper label layer (3)
Hanger loop (4)
two root areas (4a, 4b)
Branch (4c) Bend (4d) Bend (4f) Branch (4g)
Cover sheet (5)
self-adhesive part (5a) non-adhesive part (5b) further self-adhesive part (5c)
at least one adhesive-repellent layer (6, 8)
Voucher section (7)
adhesive-repellent layer (8)
first (9) and a second longitudinal side (10)
two transverse sides (11, 12)
Perforation punching 13
Bridge 14
Perforation 15
further perforation 16

Claims (12)

1. A label having a base layer (1), on which at least one product information sheet (2a, 2b) is situated, and having an upper label layer (3), which is situated on the base layer (1) and shaped in such a way that it forms a cover sheet (5) covering the at least one product information sheet (2a, 2b), and characterized in that the upper label layer forms at least one hanger loop (4).
2. The label according to Claim 1, wherein the upper label layer (3) is self-adhesive in at least partial areas of its side facing toward the base layer (1).
3. The label according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base layer (1) is provided with at least one adhesive-repellent layer (6, 8) in at least parts of its side facing toward the upper label layer (3).
4. The label according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper label layer (3) is shaped in such way that it forms at least one removable self-adhesive receipt section (7).
5. The label according to Claim 4, wherein the removable receipt section (7) is in an area in which the at least one adhesive-repellent layer (6) is provided.
6. The label according to one of the preceding claims, which has two or more product information sheets (2a, 2b), which are connected to one another like a booklet (2).
7. The label according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover sheet (5) has a self-adhesive part (5a), via which it is permanently connected to the base layer (1), a nonadhesive part (5b), using which it covers the at least one product information sheet (2a, 2b), and a further self-adhesive part (5c), using which it is removably adhered to an area of the base layer (1) coated with the at least one adhesive-repellent layer (8).
8. The label according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hanger loop (4) is formed by a strip cut off of the upper label layer (3), which is connected on at least two root areas (4a, 4b) to the upper label layer (3) and forms a closed hanger loop (4) in this way.
9. The label according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper label layer (3) has a first long side (9) and a second long side (10) and two transverse sides (11, 12) and the two root areas (4a, 4b) are situated on the first long side (9) and the hanger loop (4) has a first branch (4c), which runs starting from the first root area (4a) in the direction toward the second root area (4b) and passes into a first bend (4d) before reaching the second root area (4b), a second branch (4e), which runs starting from the first bend (4d) in the direction toward the second long side (10) and passes into a turn (4f) in the area of the second long side (10), and a third branch (4g), which runs from the turn (4f) to the second root area (4b) of the first long side (9).
10. The label according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover sheet (5) of the upper label layer (3) lies outside the closed hanger loop (4).
11. The label according to Claim 9, wherein the cover sheet (5) is situated adjoining the first branch (4c) and the second branch (4e) of the hanger loop (4).
12. The label according to Claim 9, wherein the at least one removable receipt section (7) is situated inside the hanger loop (4) between the second branch (4e) and the third branch (4g) thereof.

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