EP2346016B1

EP2346016B1 - Label applicable to packagings and products in general

Info

Publication number: EP2346016B1
Application number: EP10425005.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Loris Genasi; Maurizio Serina
Original assignee: Eticpress Srl; G & G Sas Di Loris Genasi
Current assignee: Eticpress Srl; G & G Sas Di Loris Genasi
Priority date: 2010-01-13
Filing date: 2010-01-13
Publication date: 2018-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 2030-01-13
Also published as: ES2669527T3; EP2346016A1

Description

The present invention relates to a label applicable to packagings and products in general.
Nowadays, on the packagings of products of any type (as well as on the products themselves) it is possible to find labels of various shapes, materials and colors, which bear logos and information of any kind regarding the contents of the packaging.
More and more frequently, at least part of the indications and/or symbols provided are imposed by applicable statutory provisions and must for example inform the user of the use-by date, the place of production/manufacturing, the ingredients, the calorie content, the directions for use, etcetera.
Therefore, the same label has the task of conveying a plurality of images and messages, in relation both to marketing criteria (and therefore criteria of ideal presentation of the product) and as a function of the statutory provisions of the relevant sector.
These many requirements often entail practical difficulties, because the space available, which obviously has an upper limit consisting in the size of the packaging, is not always sufficient to contain everything that one wishes to provide on the label (except by reducing, often excessively, the size of the characters).
This drawback, moreover, is worsened for products intended to be sold, with the same packaging/label, in a plurality of countries: in such cases, in fact, the list of ingredients (for a food product, for example) and/or the instructions for use (for a cosmetic product or a drug) must be provided in all the languages of the countries for which the product is intended.
Documents US 6 332 631 B1 , US 2005/012324 A1 and EP 1024469 A2 teach re-sealable labels for products, having multiple face information display capabilities.
The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems cited above, providing a label for products and packagings of different types that makes it possible to convey a large number of images and messages.
Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a label that makes it possible to substantially multiply the space available for messages and images with respect to the space defined by the dimensions of the product and of the packaging.
Another object of the invention is to provide a label that ensures high reliability in operation.
Another object of the invention is to provide a label that can be obtained easily starting from commonly commercially available elements and materials.
Another object of the invention is to provide a label that has low costs and is safe in application.
This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a label applicable to packagings and products in general, that has the features set forth in claim 1.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of two preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the label according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1 to 3 are perspective views of the use of the label according to the invention, in its first embodiment;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the label according to the invention in its second embodiment.

With reference to the figures, a label according to the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 and can be applied to packagings A and products in general.
The label 1 has a first outer face 2a, which usually bears images, symbols, lettering and the like, but can also be provided and marketed neutral, without any applied markings, in order to allow the next user to choose the markings to add.
Moreover, the label 1 can be coupled, by means of a second inner face 2b, to a predefined surface B of a product, of a box, of a case, of a packaging A in general of the product itself.
It is appropriate to specify immediately that the intended uses for the label 1 according to the invention are many. In fact, said label can be for example fixed directly to products of various kinds, or to their primary containers, such as bottles, jars, bags or the like (depending on the product type, which can be solid or liquid or gaseous).
Moreover, according to the preferred application, the label 1 can be fixed on the packaging A that encloses the product (and/or its primary container): in this case also, the types of packaging A can be many, and of various shapes, materials and sizes; in greater detail, mention is made of the possibility, as a non-limiting example of the application of the invention, that the packaging A might be a case having a substantially box-like shape (as in the accompanying figures), made of paper-like material, plastic or other material. The predefined surface B thus consists, according to the preferred application, of one of the lateral edges of the case.
According to the invention, the label 1 comprises an adhesive material, which is applied on at least one portion of the inner face 2b: said adhesive material is chosen of the type suitable for detachable and repeatable fixing of the inner face 2b to the predefined surface B.
By using an adhesive material that allows detachable and repeatable fixing, it is possible to remove the label 1 at least partially and then reposition it on the predefined surface B: removal thus allows the user to see additional images, symbols and lettering of various kinds, provided on at least one of the inner face 2b and the predefined surface B. After viewing what is provided on the inner face 2b and/or on the predefined surface B, by means of the subsequent repositioning it is possible to restore the initial configuration, returning the original integrity to the packaging A or in any case to the product and to the wrapping, waiting for any further removals.
In particular, according to the preferred application, both the inner face 2b and the predefined surface B (which can be made of paper, plastic or other material) present said further images, symbols or lettering.
It is thus evident that the space available to indicate ingredients, suggestions for use, methods for use, or anything else (or at least the space that corresponds to the space occupied by the label 1) is substantially tripled with respect to labels applied to packagings and products according to known methods, because it is possible to utilize areas (such as the predefined surface B and/or the inner face 2b) that are normally unusable because they are inaccessible (except by permanently removing the label, with consequent permanent alteration of the container). The result described above, moreover, is obtained with a simple, practical and low-cost solution.
For example, after writing on the outer face 2a of the label 1 (which can be of the self-adhesive type) directions or ingredients in four different languages, it is possible to provide the same lettering in four more languages on the inner face 2b and in four further languages on the predefined surface B. It is thus possible to serve twelve different countries (and meet European regulations in the process of being transposed for various commodity sectors, which indeed require the writing of directions for use and ingredients in twelve languages) with the same packaging A, using a space that with known labels could bear only lettering in four languages.
In order to avoid the risk of deterioration of the packaging A, at the predefined surface B, following repeated operations of removal and repositioning of the label 1 according to the invention, the possibility is furthermore provided to treat said predefined surface B appropriately, for example by lacquering, or by reinforcing the paper-like material, plastic, etcetera that constitutes it, in order to prevent the characters provided thereon from being progressively modified or tending to fade with use.
According to a possible constructive solution, shown in Figure 4, the end tab 3 is associated with a first flap C of the packaging A, which comprises the predefined surface B. At least one second flap D of the packaging A (in Figure 4 there are two second flaps D) is folded onto said first flap C, which in the final configuration for use is perpendicular to the predefined surface B, so as to form a non-removable coupling for the end tab 3, which is indeed retained between the first flap C and at least the second flap D.
In order to obtain this solution, it is sufficient to size the label 1 so that its end tab 3 extends beyond the predefined surface B in order to allow its application on the first flap C, which is aligned with the predefined surface B in a preformed spread configuration and is arranged at right angles to the predefined surface B in the final box-like configuration.
In this manner, if the user wishes to access the information and directions provided on the inner face 2b (and/or on the predefined surface B), it is sufficient to operate on the label 1, lifting it partially, and then restore, after reading, the initial configuration in a practical and simple manner by utilizing the presence of the end tab 3 that keeps it coupled and positioned.
Conveniently, the label 1 according to the invention can comprise means 4 for the non-removable coupling of an end tab 3 of the label 1 to the predefined surface B, in order to allow only partial removal thereof (and prevent the possibility of complete removal) and to constitute an aid for subsequent correct repositioning after said partial removal.
In particular, according to the solution shown in Figures 1 to 3, the coupling means 4 comprise a notch 5, which is preferably die-cut and is provided on the label 1 proximately to the end tab 3. The notch 5 forms a discontinuity along the profile of the label 1 and thus makes it possible to increase the resistance to removal of the end tab 3.
As shown by the accompanying figures, given by way of non-limiting example of the application of the invention (and of the shape of the notch 5 and of the end tab 3), the presence of the notch 5 gives the end tab 3 a U-like shape, which in practice resists lifting and prevents complete removal of the label 1 (in particular by means of the two appendages which are parallel to the lifting direction).
The choice to resort to a notch 5 in order to provide the label 1 with coupling means 4 is particularly advantageous in terms of simplicity of provision and initial fixing, because the presence of the notch 5 does not entail a complication (or an increase in costs) during the steps for assembling the label 1 with the packaging A.
According to another constructive solution, in order to prevent total removal of the label 1 the coupling means 4 comprise a further adhesive substance, which can be applied on the end tab 3 (or on the predefined surface B, at the end tab 3): said adhesive substance is suitable for non-removable fixing thereof to the predefined surface B.
Said adhesive substance can be of various types and can be applied furthermore on a card to be interposed between the end tab 3 and the predefined surface B, if the specific requirements make this preferable.
Moreover, the non-removable coupling can be obtained by means of a combination of two or more of the solutions proposed above (for example by providing the die-cut notches 5 and by providing also for the application of the above cited adhesive substance and/or of the card), without thereby abandoning the protective scope claimed herein.
Moreover, said scope includes further coupling means 4 and/or methods for making the coupling between the end tab 3 and the predefined surface B fixed, among which mention is made, merely by way of example, of the possibility of preventing complete removal of the label 1 by superficially treating the end tab 3 and/or the predefined surface B thereat in a suitable manner (for example in order to increase surface roughness).
Advantageously, the label 1 according to the invention comprises an end lip that has at least reduced adhesion to the predefined surface B with respect to that of the remaining part of the label 1, so as to form for it a guide for at least partial removal.
The end lip, which can be for example a substantially rectangular band or can substantially correspond to a triangular sector that comprises a corner of the label 1, can thus be without adhesive material (or in any case have a reduced quantity thereof) in order to stay at least slightly raised from the predefined surface B and be easy to lift by the user if he wishes to remove the label 1 and view what is provided below it.
If the label 1 is provided with the end tab 3, preferably the end lip is arranged on the side opposite to said end tab 3.
According to a constructive solution of significant practical interest, mentioned by way of non-limiting example of the application of the invention, the label 1 substantially consists of a sheet of transparent plastic material (although use of paper-like materials or other materials, optionally not transparent, is not excluded) with the inner face 2b for applying the adhesive material and the outer face 2a.
According to this constructive solution, on the outer face 2a it is thus possible to apply a first layer of lacquer to compose images, symbols, lettering and the like that can be read on the side that corresponds to the inner face 2b (utilizing precisely the transparency of the plastic material chosen for the sheet that constitutes the label 1).
Moreover, on the first layer it is possible to apply a second layer of matting lacquer and a third layer of lacquer, in order to compose images, symbols, lettering and the like that will be read from the side which corresponds to the outer face 2a.
Conveniently, the adhesive material is also applied on at least one portion of the outer face 2a, in order to allow the detachable and repeatable application of at least one second label 1. More generally, by mutually superimposing a plurality of labels 1 (providing for the application of the adhesive material between them), it is possible to increase further the space available for images and lettering.
For example, it is possible to fix non-removably all the labels 1 to each other at a respective end tab 3 (according to one of the above cited methods, or others) in order to provide a substantially book-like shape and allow the partial removal of one or more labels 1 and easy reading thereof (of their inner faces 2b as well).
The set of labels 1 according to the invention comprises a plurality of labels 1, each of which has a first outer face 2a that normally bears images, symbols, lettering and the like. Each label 1, moreover, can be superimposed, by means of a respective second inner face 2b, on the lower label 1 and on a predefined surface B of a product, of a box, of a case, of a packaging A in general of the product itself.
According to the invention, the set comprises an adhesive material, which is applied on at least one portion of each inner face 2b: said adhesive material is suitable for the detachable and repeatable fixing of the inner face 2b to the lower label 1 and to the predefined surface B. This makes it possible to remove at least partially the label 1 and subsequently reposition it, at least one of each of said inner faces 2b and the predefined surface B bearing further images, symbols and lettering of various kinds, which are made visible by at least partially removing the label 1.
A packaging kit according to the invention comprises at least one label 1 and at least one predefined surface B formed on a product, a box, a case, a packaging A in general of the product itself. The label 1 has a first outer face 2a, which usually bears images, symbols, lettering and the like and can be coupled, by means of a second inner face 2b thereof, to the predefined surface B.
According to the invention, the kit comprises an adhesive material applied on at least one portion of the inner face 2b: said adhesive material is suitable for detachable and repeatable fixing of the inner face 2b to the predefined surface B, allowing at least partial removal of the label 1 and subsequent repositioning of the same on the predefined surface B. Moreover, at least one of the inner face 2b and the predefined surface B carries further images, symbols and lettering of various kinds, which are made visible by at least partial removal of the label 1.
More particularly, according to the preferred constructive solution, both the inner face 2b and the predefined surface B bear further images, symbols, lettering of various kinds, which are made visible by at least partial removal of the label 1.
The method for providing a label 1, which substantially consists of a sheet of transparent plastic material, consists in applying, in a first step a., a first layer of lacquer on the outer face 2a of said sheet, in order to compose images, symbols, lettering and the like that can subsequently be read from the side that corresponds to the inner face 2b.
Subsequently, the method provides for depositing, in a second step b., a second layer of matting lacquer on the first layer of lacquer.
Subsequently, it is possible to deposit on the second layer, in a third step c., a third layer of lacquer to compose images, symbols, lettering and the like that can be read from the side which corresponds to the outer face 2a.
It is then possible to apply, in a fourth step d., on at least one portion of the inner face 2b of the sheet, the above cited adhesive material.
The use of the label 1 according to the invention is therefore evident from what has been explained above: it is sufficient to apply the adhesive material on the inner face 2b (but also, in a fully equivalent manner, on the predefined surface B) to provide a removable and repeatable fixing between the label 1 and the packaging A (or the product itself).
In this manner it is possible to remove the label 1 completely or partially (by utilizing the presence of the end tab 3, which is non-removably fixed to the predefined surface B) in order to view what is provided on the inner face 2b and/or on the predefined surface B, areas which are inaccessible with known labels (which are pasted permanently to the packaging) and on which it is therefore not possible to apply images or lettering of various kinds.
In practice it has been found that the label according to the invention fully achieves the intended aim, since the choice to resort to an adhesive material applicable on at least one portion of the inner face and suitable for the detachable and repeatable fixing of the inner face of the label to the predefined surface of a product or of a packaging allows at least partial removal of the label and subsequent repositioning of the same and thus the viewing of images, symbols and lettering of various kinds provided on at least one of said inner face and the predefined surface, with the consequent possibility of conveying a large number of images and messages.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the accompanying claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
In the examples of embodiment shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other examples of embodiment.
Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.
In practice, the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

A label (1) applicable to packagings and products in general, comprising: a first outer face (2a) which usually bears images, symbols, lettering and the like and can be coupled, with a second inner face (2b), to a predefined surface (B) of a product, of a box, of a case, of a packaging (A) in general of said product; - an adhesive material applied on at least one portion of the inner face (2b) and suitable for detachable and repeatable fixing of said inner face (2b) to the predefined surface (B), in such a way to allow to remove partially the label (1) so as to make visible further images, symbols and lettering of various kinds provided on at least one of said inner face (2b) and the predefined surface (B), and subsequently reposition it on the predefined surface (B); and means (4) for non-removable coupling of an end tab (3) of the label (1) to the predefined surface (B), in order to remove the label (1) only partially and to aid subsequent correct repositioning thereof after said partial removal, characterized in that said non-removable coupling means (4) comprise a notch (5), which is provided on the label (1) proximately to said end tab (3) and forms a discontinuity along the profile of the label (1), said notch (5) having a shape such that the end tab (3) has a U-shape with two appendages that are parallel to the lifting direction of the label (1) so as to increase the removal resistance of said end tab (3).
The label according to claims 1, characterized in that said label (1) is configured to be applied to a packaging of the kind comprising a first flap (C), which in turn comprises the predefined surface (B), and at least one second flap (D) being folded onto the first flap (C) in the final configuration for use; the end tab (3) of said label (1) being configured in order to be associated with said a first flap (C) of the packaging (A), so as to form a non-removable coupling for said end tab (3).
The label according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coupling means (4) comprise a further adhesive substance applicable on said end tab (3), said adhesive substance being adapted for the non-removable fixing thereof to the predefined surface (B).
The label according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an end lip that has at least reduced adhesion to the predefined surface (B) with respect to that of the remaining portion of the label (1), so as to form for it a guide for its at least partial removal.
The label according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it substantially consists of a sheet of transparent plastic material with said inner face (2b) for applying the adhesive material and said outer face (2a) for depositing a first layer of lacquer, so as to compose images, symbols, lettering and the like that can be read from the side that corresponds to said inner face (2b), a second layer of matting lacquer and a third layer of lacquer, so as to compose images, symbols, lettering and the like that can be read from the side which corresponds to said outer face (2a).
The label according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said adhesive material is applied on at least one portion of said outer face (2a), for the removable and repeatable application of at least one second label (1).
set of labels, the labels as set forth in any of the preceding claims, each label (1) having a first outer face (2a) that normally bears images, symbols, lettering and the like, and being able to be superimposed, with a respective second inner face thereof (2b), on a lower label (1) and on a predefined surface (B) of a product, of a box, of a case, of a packaging (A) in general of the product itself, wherein it comprises an adhesive material applied on at least one portion of each inner face (2b), said adhesive material being suitable for the removable and repeatable fixing of said inner face (2b) to the lower label (1) and to the predefined surface (B), in order to remove at least partially each one of said labels (1) and subsequently reposition them, at least one of each of said inner faces (2b).
A packaging kit comprising at least one label (1), as set forth in any of the claims 1- 7, and at least one predefined surface (B) formed on a product, a box, a holder, a packaging (A) in general of said product, said label (1) having a first outer face (2a) which usually bears images, symbols, lettering and the like, and able to be associated, by means of a second inner face (2b) thereof, with the predefined surface (B), wherein it comprises an adhesive material applied on at least one portion of the inner face (2b) of said label (1), said adhesive material being suitable for the removable and repeatable fixing of said inner face (2b) to the predefined surface (B), for the at least partial removal of the label (1) and its subsequent repositioning on the predefined surface (B), at least one of said inner face (2b) and the predefined surface (B) bearing further images, symbols and lettering of various kinds, which are made visible by the at least partial removal of said label (1).
The packaging kit according to claim 9, characterized in that said inner face (2b) and the predefined surface (B) both bear further images, symbols and lettering of different kinds, which are made visible by the at least partial removal of said label (1).
A method for providing a label as set forth in any of the claims 1-7, comprising the steps
a. depositing on said outer face (2a) of a sheet of transparent plastic material a first layer of lacquer to compose images, symbols, lettering and the like that can be read from the side which corresponds to said inner face (2b);

b. depositing on the first layer of lacquer a second layer of matting lacquer;

c. depositing on the second layer of lacquer a third layer of lacquer to compose images, symbols, lettering and the like that can be read from the side which corresponds to said outer face (2a);

d. applying said adhesive material on at least one portion of said inner face (2b) of said sheet; and

e. providing means (4), for non-removable coupling of an end tab (3) of the label (1) to a predefined surface (B) of a product, that comprise a notch (5), which is provided on the label (1) proximately to said end tab (3) and forms a discontinuity along the profile of the label (1), said notch (4) having a shape such that the end tab (3) has a U-shape with two appendages that are parallel to the lifting direction of the label (1) so as to increase the removal resistance of said end tab (3).