EP2422335B1 - Label assembly for applying a label to an object - Google Patents
Label assembly for applying a label to an object Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2422335B1 EP2422335B1 EP10767516.7A EP10767516A EP2422335B1 EP 2422335 B1 EP2422335 B1 EP 2422335B1 EP 10767516 A EP10767516 A EP 10767516A EP 2422335 B1 EP2422335 B1 EP 2422335B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- label
- shape
- registration
- panel
- back sheet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
- G09F3/10—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself by an adhesive layer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F3/0295—Labels or tickets for tubes, pipes and the like
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F2003/0272—Labels for containers
- G09F2003/0273—Labels for bottles, flasks
Definitions
- This invention is directed to a label assembly for application of a label to an object having a planar and/or a non-planar surface, e.g., an IPOD® electronic music player or other MP3 player, a personal digital assistant, or a cell phone.
- the invention is also directed to a printable sheet of such labels, and a method for printing and/or applying the printed labels, such as by a consumer.
- Label assemblies for application of labels to non-planar, e.g. rounded surfaces, such as pens or to planar surfaces, such as CD's or DVD's are known from US 2008/0093839 A1 and US 2008/0093841 A1 , respectively.
- the label assembly of this invention allows for aligning and applying a label to an object, for example, an object having two or more surfaces at an angle to one another.
- the label assembly of this invention is particularly useful in applying a label that has an intricate/uneven surface and/or is to be wrapped around an object, such as for decorating or personalizing small consumer electronics such as music players and cell phones.
- the label assembly and method of this invention provide correct alignment of the label on the object to be labeled without the need for a separate label application apparatus.
- FIG. 1 shows a label sheet 20 (not necessarily shown to scale).
- Label sheet 20 is desirably formed of a face sheet 22 and a back sheet (not shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the back sheet is desirably about the same size as the face sheet 22, but may be slightly larger or smaller than the face sheet 22.
- the surface of the face sheet 22 that is disposed toward the back sheet includes an adhesive material coating.
- the adhesive coating can include any adhesive material known and available to those skilled in the art for forming pressure sensitive, or self-adhesive, labels.
- the back sheet is desirably formed of a material to which the adhesive coating adheres significantly less than to the face sheet 22, such as is known for forming pressure sensitive, or self-adhesive, labels.
- the sheet 20 is of any suitable shape, and generally any suitable size that can be accepted by and fed through a printer, such as a laser printer or an ink j et printer. Common sizes of paper generally fed through printers are 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches, 8.5 inches by 11 inches, 8.263 inches by 11.688 inches (A4 size), and 8.5 inches by 14 inches, however for label sheets such as shown in FIGS. 15-22 the size can be smaller.
- the face sheet 22 is preferably, but not necessarily, constructed of any suitable paper, paper composite, non-metal and/or metal material that can be used as a label. Other suitable materials for constructing the sheet 22 include fabric, plastic, and metal foils.
- the adhesive coating covered by the back sheet is applied to the face sheet 22 in any suitable manner known to those skilled in the art.
- the face sheet 22 desirably has a printable surface 24 on a side opposite the adhesive coating.
- the face sheet and the printable surface 24 can be any of a variety of face materials used to make pressure sensitive or self-adhesive labels.
- face materials may include, but are not limited to: smudgeproof stock, litho stock, cast coated stock, tag stock, fluorescent stock, foils, computer printable polyester, vinyl, satin cloth, TyvekTM material, flexible plastic, book papers, photo quality papers and/or photo quality film.
- various portions of the face materials can be different colors, thereby resulting in different colored parts.
- printable surface relates to a surface of any type of matter upon which a person or machine can draw, print, color, paint, photocopy, write, emboss, or make any other type of mark or graphic.
- Laser printers, ink jet printers, impact printers, thermal transfer printers, direct thermal printers, typewriters, or any other suitable graphic printing devices are preferred but not necessary for use with printable surfaces according to this invention.
- the face sheet can also be pre-printed by the manufacturer or retailer with graphics and/or test desirable to a consumer user.
- the printed surface can include any desirably image or text, or can be colored or include holographic images.
- the face sheet 22 includes a plurality of label shapes 3 0, each defining in the face sheet 22 an individual label according to this invention.
- shape or the phrase “removable or tearable shape” is intended to relate to a shape, such as, but not limited to, the rectangular shapes identified in FIG. 1 by element reference numerals 30, that can be torn away from a remaining portion 26 of the face sheet 22, by using tearable lines of separation 32.
- tearable lines of separation also referred to as simply “tearable lines,” “lines of separation” or “separation lines,” relate to physical or structural lines that can be torn to separate a removable portion or section from the remaining portion or section of the label and/or the label assembly according to this invention.
- the label portion of this invention may further include additional separation lines and/or lines of weakness and/or fold lines to aid in positioning and/or adhering the label around an object.
- Lines of separation and/or lines of weakness can be formed of a die-cut line, a laser die-cut line, a score cut line, a perforation line (such as having a plurality of cuts and ties), a microperforation line, a chemically etched line, a liquid etched line, a gas etched line, or any combination of these types of separation, or any other suitable structure that enables separation.
- a preferred type of tearable line 32 is a line that is die-cut.
- the label shapes 30 can be die-cut along at least a portion of a periphery, such that the label shapes 30 can be easily removed or separated from the remaining portion 26 of the sheet 22, for example after the sheet 22 is run through a printer.
- the back sheet includes a removable panel 40 shown in phantom.
- the removable panel is defined by tearable lines of separation (shown as dashed lines 42 in FIG. 1 ) in a surface of the back sheet that is disposed opposite the front sheet 22.
- a removable panel 40 is disposed over the adhesive coated side of each label shape 30.
- the removable panel 40 is desirably and optionally sized slightly larger than the label shape 30.
- a remaining portion 44 of the back sheet that is disposed around, and desirably surrounding, the removable panel 40 includes a plurality of retainer tabs 46 extending from the remaining portion 44 and adhering to the label shape 30.
- the label sheet 20 includes a registration structure, embodied in FIG. 1 as two spaced apart tabs 50 and 52, aligned with each label shape 30 and the removable panel 40.
- the registration structure of this invention allows for improved and easier application of a label to an object with a non-planer surface, for example, a pen or a pencil.
- the tabs 50 and 52 are each defined on three sides by a tearable line of separation 54 in both the back sheet and the face sheet 22. The tabs 50 and 52 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above the back sheet.
- FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the operation of the label sheet 20 of FIG. 1 for labeling an object having a non-planar surface, shown as a pen.
- the label sheet 20 is routed through a printer to print text and/or graphics onto the printable surface 24 of at least one label shape 30.
- FIG. 2 shows a printed label shape 30 of sheet 20 placed with the printed face sheet 22 downward on a surface.
- the removable panel 40 of back sheet 48 is removed along lines of separation 42 to expose the adhesive material 54 on the non-printed side of the label shape 30.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 the tabs 50 and 52 of the registration structure are raised by the user above the surface of the back sheet 48.
- the tabs 50 and 52 are raised by folding along fold lines 60 and 62, respectively.
- FIG. 3 shows the label sheet 20 with the removable panel 40 removed and a pen 66 placed against the tabs 50 and 52.
- the tabs 50 and 52 are formed by one or more die cuts that extend through both of the back sheet 48 and the face sheet 22, thereby desirably providing increased tab thickness and thus rigidity for receiving the pen 66 there against. With the pen 66 against the raised tabs 50 and 52, the pen may or may not be in contact with the adhesive material on the label shape 30 and/or the remaining portion 26.
- the tabs 50 and 52 desirably assist the user in positioning the pen 66 in proper alignment with the label shape 30 to promote or provide a desirable straight label application.
- the retainer tabs 46 assist in maintaining the label shape 30 within the face sheet 22 upon removing the removable panel 40 and during positioning of the pen 66 against the tabs 50 and 52.
- the pen 66 is rolled by the user from the tabs 50 and 52 across the label shape 30, in the direction shown by arrows 68 in FIG. 4 .
- the adhesive material 54 of the label shape 30 adheres to the cylindrical shaft of the pen 66, thereby separating and removing the label shape 30 from the face sheet 22 and adhering the label shape 30 around the pen 66.
- the label 30 can be simply and straightly applied to a rounded or other non-planar surface manually by a user.
- the apparatus and method of this invention can also be incorporated into an automatic or manual label application machine.
- the removable panel and the registration structure of this invention allow for relatively easier and better placement of a label onto a rounded or otherwise non-planar surface.
- various and alternative sizes, shapes, and configurations are available for the labels, removable panels, and registration structures according to this invention, such as, without limitation, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a label sheet 80, viewed from the back sheet 82, according to another embodiment.
- the label sheet 80 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the shape of tabs 90 and 92 of the registration structure and removable portion 86.
- the tabs 90 and 92 have bent portions 94 and 96, respectively, that can, for example, desirably form a flat edge that in the raised position is perpendicular to the back sheet 82 and against which a pen or similar object can be placed.
- the tabs can be formed as hook-like tabs that include a portion that extends over and/or around a portion of the pen or pencil.
- the removable portion 86 includes a corner starter flap, or removal tab, 88 that is adapted to allow for easier removal of the removable panel 86 by the user.
- the registration structure comprises an embossed structure.
- FIG. 6 shows a label sheet 100 having an embossed structure.
- the label sheet 100 includes a back sheet 102.
- a score line 110 is embossed into the label sheet 100 to provide a raised registration structure against which a pen or other object can be placed for alignment.
- the score line 110 is only as high as is needed for the user to determine when an object is being placed against it.
- the score line 110 can be formed by scoring the face sheet of the label sheet 100 to cause the score line 110 to be raised above the flat back surface of the label sheet 100 (desirably without cutting through the label sheet 100).
- embossed registration structure of this invention can be used as, for example, two or more raised domes.
- Any structure that is or can be raised above the label assembly of this invention, can be used as a registration structure for aligning an object, and is contemplated herein.
- FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a portion of a label sheet 120, viewed from the back sheet 122, according to another embodiment.
- the label sheet 120 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 by including an alignment structure 130 in addition to the tabs 142 and 144 forming the registration structure.
- the alignment structure 130 is formed of a single alignment tab 132, which in this embodiment of the invention is similar is size, shape and function to each of the registration structure tabs 142 and 144.
- the registration structure tabs 142 and 144 are disposed adjacent a first side 146 of the label shape 150.
- the alignment tab 132 is disposed adjacent a second side 152 of label shape 150.
- the alignment structure desirably acts as an end stop for the pen 160 when the alignment tab 132 is raised above the back sheet 122 by the user.
- the alignment structure desirably assists in obtaining consistent placement of the labels on the pen.
- various sizes, shapes, placements and configurations are available for the alignment structure of this invention.
- the additional configurations of the registration structure such as, for example, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , are available for configuration as the alignment structure, depending on need and the object to be labeled.
- more than one alignment tab can be placed along side 146, or two alignment tabs can be placed on opposing sides of a label.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 show a label assembly 200 (not necessarily shown to scale) according to another embodiment.
- Label assembly 200 is desirably formed of a face sheet 202 having a printable surface, shown in the view of FIG. 9 , and a back sheet 204, shown in the view of FIG. 10 .
- the back sheet 204 is desirably about the same size as the face sheet 202, but may be slightly larger or smaller than the face sheet 202.
- the surface of the face sheet 202 that is disposed toward the back sheet 204, and opposite the printable surface, includes an adhesive material coating.
- the label assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 includes two circular label shapes 210 and 210', which will be described herein with reference to label shape 210.
- the circular label shape 210 is defined in the face sheet 202 by a first tearable line of separation 212.
- the circular label shape 210 desirably has a diameter matched to, and preferably slightly smaller than, the diameter of a CD or DVD.
- the label assembly 200 further includes a circle 216 cut within the face sheet 202 by a second tearable line 218 and positioned within the label shape 210, preferably positioned in a center position of the label shape 210.
- the second, smaller circle 216 is desirably approximately equivalent to either a diameter of an inner cut-out circle of the CD or DVD, or a diameter of an inner circle on the CD or DVD where a read/write portion of the CD or DVD adjoins a non-read/write portion of the CD or DVD.
- the area of label shape 210 between the two tearable lines 212 and 218 can be drawn upon, typed upon, or otherwise printed upon, such as when the sheet 200 is run through a printer, and can then be separated from the back sheet 204 to which the label shape 210 initially adheres.
- the label shape 210 can then be adhered to a non-read/write side of, for example, a CD or DVD.
- the back sheet 204 includes a removable panel 230 defined in the back sheet surface 232 by at least one tearable line of separation 234.
- the removable panel 230 is disposed over the label shape 210, and as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , is preferably generally coextensive the label shape 210.
- the removable panel 230 is optionally divided into two sub-panels 236 and 238, which can assist in applying the label shape 210 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of the removable panel 230 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of the label shape 210 to the object.
- the removable panel 230 includes two removal tabs 240 and 242 extending from a periphery of the back sheet removable panel 230.
- Removal tabs 240 and 242 are desirably positioned on opposing sides of the removable panel 230, such as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 .
- Removal tabs 240 and 242 are preferably shaped in such a manner so as to facilitate peeling away of removable panel 230.
- removal tab 240 is associated with sub-panel 236 and removal tab 242 is associated with sub-panel 238.
- the different angling of removal tab 242 facilitates the removal of the relatively narrow sub-panel 238.
- the back sheet 204 also includes a plurality of retainer tabs 248 extending from a remaining portion 250 and adhering to the label shape 210. As discussed above, the retainer tabs 248 are particularly useful in holding the label shape 210 in place (and attached to the remainder of the front sheet 202) while removing the removable panel 230 to expose the adhesive material on the label shape 210.
- the label assembly 200 includes a registration structure, embodied in FIGS. 9 and 10 as two spaced apart registration tabs 260 and 262, aligned with the label shape 210.
- the registration structure of this embodiment allows for improved and easier application of a label to an object, for example, a CD or DVD.
- the tabs 260 and 262 are each defined on three sides by a tearable line of separation 264 in both the back sheet 204 and the face sheet 202.
- the tabs 260 and 264 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above the back sheet 204.
- fold line 266 shows where the tab 260 will desirably be folded, and can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line.
- a center hole in label shape 210 is opened by the removal of the portion of the label assembly 200 within circle 216.
- the center hole of label shape 210 may be opened upon removal of the removable panel sub-panel 236 using a die cut 270 extending partially along a perimeter of the circle 216 and in both face sheet 202 and back sheet 204.
- a die cut 270 extending partially along a perimeter of the circle 216 and in both face sheet 202 and back sheet 204.
- the die cut 270 is preferably generally arcuate and positioned along a side of the circle 216 that corresponds with a side of the first circle 216 that is removed first. As shown in FIG. 10 , the die cut 270 is disposed on the side of circle 216 toward the removal tab 240. According to an embodiment of die cut 270 having an arcuate shape, the arc preferably extends between approximately 1° and 180° along the circle 216 and more preferably extends between approximately 5° and 90° along the circle 216. Alternative designs for facilitating the removal of the portion of the label assembly 200 within circle 216 are also available for use in this invention.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a label assembly 300 according to yet another embodiment.
- the label assembly 300 includes a front sheet 302 having a printable surface and an adhesive material coating a surface opposite the printable surface.
- a back sheet 304 is disposed over the adhesive material.
- Circular label shape 310 is defined in the face sheet by a tearable line of separation 312.
- a removable panel 314 is defined in the surface of the back sheet 304 by a tearable line of separation 316, and is disposed over the label shape 310.
- the label assembly 300 includes a registration structure aligned with the label shape 310 and the removable panel 314.
- the registration structure includes three spaced apart registration tabs 320, 322, and 324, each defined on three sides by a tearable line of separation 326, 328, and 330, respectively, in both the back sheet 304 and the face sheet 302.
- the registration tabs 320, 322, and 324 are raisable above the back sheet by folding outward, such as about the fold line 332.
- a first circle 340 is cut within the face sheet 302 by a tearable line of separation 342 and positioned within the label shape 310.
- a second circle 344 is also cut within the face sheet 302 by a tearable line of separation 346, and nested within a first perimeter of the first circle 340.
- a plurality of nested circular removable label shapes 310, 352, and 354 are thus located within the circle formed by tearable line 312.
- the ring-shaped removable label shape 310 formed between tearable lines 312 and 342 can be adhered to a non-read/write side of the read/write portion of a CD or DVD as a label.
- the ring-shaped removable shape 352 formed between tearable lines 342 and 346 can be adhered to the small non-read/write portion of a CD or DVD as a label.
- the removable shape 354 is desirably sized to leave an opening that corresponds to the center opening of a CD or DVD.
- label shapes 310, 352, and 354 are preferably but not necessarily ring-shaped or circular, as label shapes 310,352, and 354 can also have any polygonal shape or any other suitable non-circular shape.
- an optional further ring-shaped portion (not shown) can be formed between shapes 310 and 3 52 to serve as a discardable spacer.
- the back sheet removable panel 314 includes two removal tabs 360 and 362 extending from a periphery of the removable panel 314. Removal tabs 360 and 362 are desirably positioned on opposing sides of the removable panel 314. As discussed above, removal tabs 360 and 362 are preferably shaped in such a manner so as to facilitate peeling away of removable panel 314.
- the back sheet 304 also includes a plurality of retainer tabs 364 extending from a back sheet remaining portion 366 and adhering to the label shape 310. The retainer tabs 364 assist in holding the label shape 310 in place, e.g., and attached to the remainder of the front sheet 202, while removing the removable panel 314 to expose the adhesive material on the back side of the label shape 310. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , each of the spaced apart registration tabs 320, 322, and 324 is aligned with one of the plurality of retainer tabs 364.
- a center hole in label shape 310 is opened by the removal of either only label shape 354 or both label shapes 352 and 354.
- whether only shape 354 is removed with the removable panel 314 or both shapes 352 and 354 are removed with the removable panel 314 is controlled by which of removal tabs 360 and 362 is used to remove the removable panel 314.
- the label assembly 300 includes a first die cut 370 extending in a first arc partially along a perimeter of the first circle 340 and in the face sheet 302 and the back sheet 304.
- a second die cut 372 extends in a second arc partially along a perimeter of the second circle 344 and in the face sheet 302 and the back sheet 304. Both the first and second arcs extend between approximately 1° and 180°, and more desirably between approximately 5° and 90°, along the first and second circles 340 344, respectively.
- the first arc die cut 370 is disposed on a side of the first circle 340 toward the first removal tab 360.
- the second arc die cut 372 is disposed on a side of the second circle 344 toward the second removal tab 362.
- Removing the removable panel 314 by grasping removal tab 360 and peeling removable panel 314 from the back sheet 304 results in removal of both label shapes 352 and 354 from the front sheet 302.
- the die cut 370 desirably causes the label shapes 352 and 354 to continue adhering to the removable panel 314 and to separate (along tearable line 342) from the front sheet 302.
- Removing the removable panel 314 by grasping the second removal tab 362 and peeling removable panel 314 from the back sheet 304 desirably results in removal of only label shape 354 from the front sheet 302.
- the shape 352 remains attached to the front sheet 302.
- the die cut 372 causes the label shape 354, however, to continue adhering to the removable panel 314 and to separate (along tearable line 344) from the front sheet 302.
- the label assembly user can choose between two alternative shapes of label shape 310, i.e., one version keeping the shape portion 352 attached to cover more surface of the CD or DVD, or a second version without the shape portion 352.
- the invention further provides a method for labeling an object using the label assembly, such as label assembly 300.
- the label assembly user routes the label assembly 300 through a printer to print the desired text and/or graphic on the printable surface of label shape 310.
- the label assembly 330 is desirably placed on a flat hard surface with the printed face sheet 302 downward.
- the user removes the removable panel 314 using one of the two opposing removal tabs 360 or 362 to expose the adhesive material on the label shape 310.
- the user raises the registration structure by breaking the tearable lines 326, 328 and 330 and folding the registration tabs 320,322, and 324 above the surface of the back sheet 304.
- the user places the object against the registration tabs 320, 322, and 324 and then lowers the object to adhere the label shape 310 to the object.
- FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the use of the label assembly 300.
- the user 390 is peeling the removable panel 314 from the back sheet 304 to expose the adhesive coated side 392 of the label shape 310.
- the user 390 is peeling by grasping removal tab 360, and thus both label shapes 352 and 354 are removed from the front sheet 302 and stay adhered to the removable panel 314 to provide an opening 394 in label shape 310.
- the registration tabs 320, 322, and 324 are folded upward, the removable panel 314 is fully removed, and compact disc 396 is placed against the registration tabs 320, 322, and 324 and on the adhesive side of the label shape 310. Placing the compact disc 396 against registration tabs 320, 322, and 324 facilitates proper alignment of the compact disc 396 over the label shape 310, thereby promoting the desired placement of the label shape 310 on the compact disc 396 without a separate label application apparatus. The labeled compact disc 396 can then simply be lifted from the label assembly 300.
- FIGS. 15 and 16 show the back and front, respectively, of a label assembly 400 according to another embodiment of this invention.
- Label assembly 400 includes a face sheet 402 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view of FIG. 16 , and an adjacent back sheet 404, shown in the view of FIG. 15 .
- the back sheet 404 is desirably about the same size as the face sheet 402, but may be slightly larger or smaller than the face sheet 402.
- the surface of the face sheet 402 that is disposed toward the back sheet 404, and opposite the printed or printable surface includes an adhesive material coating.
- the label assembly 400 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 includes a plurality of label shapes, and more particularly two label shapes 410 and 410'.
- the two label shapes 410 and 410' can be the same or have different sizes and/or printed patterns, and will be described herein with reference to label shape 410.
- the label shape 410 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line of separation 412.
- the label shape 410 is particularly adapted to be applied to an object having a non-planar and/or more than one surface.
- the illustrated embodiment is particularly useful in aligning label shape 410 to an object having a planar surface wherein the label is to be applied to a front surface and also wrapped around a side or back surface.
- the label assembly is particularly useful for labeling or personalizing objects having a three-dimensional box-like configuration, including, without limitation, personal electronics such as cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, netbooks or MP3 players, and also any other objects such as credit cards, RF or SIM chip cards, picture frames, photo or keepsake boxes, jewelry boxes, toy cases, etc.
- personal electronics such as cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, netbooks or MP3 players
- any other objects such as credit cards, RF or SIM chip cards, picture frames, photo or keepsake boxes, jewelry boxes, toy cases, etc.
- label shape 410 is configured to be applied to an IPOD® music player, although changes in the size, shape and configuration of the label shape can be made to accommodate other objects.
- Label shape 410 includes additional shapes defined within the periphery by additional tearable lines of separation.
- the label shape 410 includes a circle 414 cut within the face sheet 402 by a second tearable line of separation 416 and a rectangular shape 418 cut within the face sheet 402 by a third tearable line of separation 420. As can be seen in FIG. 15 , these lines of separation 416 and 420 are cut only in the face sheet 402 and correspond to the control mechanism and view screen of the music player, such as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 20 .
- the back sheet 404 includes a removable panel 430 defined in the back sheet surface 432 by at least one tearable line of separation 434 extending around the outer periphery of removable panel 430.
- the removable panel 430 is disposed over the label shape 410, and as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , is preferably generally coextensive with label shape 410.
- the back sheet 404 also includes a plurality of retainer tabs 436 extending from a remaining portion 440 surrounding the removable panel 430 and adhering to the label shape 410. As discussed above, the retainer tabs 436 are particularly useful in holding the label shape 410 in place (and attached to the remaining portion 438 of the front sheet 402) while removing the removable panel 430 to expose the adhesive material on the label shape 410.
- the removable panel 430 is divided into at least two sub-panels, which can assist in applying the label shape 410 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of the removable panel 430 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of the label shape 410 to the object and the subsequent removal or a second panel for wrapping the additional portion of the label shape 410 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object.
- the removable panel 430 includes a center panel portion between two side panel portions 444 and 446.
- the center panel portion is divided from each of the side panel portions 444 and 446 by a corresponding line of separation 448 and 450, respectively, cut within the back sheet 404 only.
- the center panel portion can also include the optional corner starter flap, or removal tab, 455 that is adapted to allow for easier removal of the center panel portion by the user.
- the side panel portions can also optionally include such removal tabs.
- the label assembly 400 includes a registration structure, embodied in FIGS. 15 and 16 as four spaced apart registration tabs 460 aligned with a portion of the label shape 410.
- the registration structure of this embodiment also allows for improved and easier application of a label to an object, for example, an MP3 player.
- the tabs 460 are each defined on three sides by one or more tearable lines of separation in the back sheet 404.
- the tabs 460 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above the back sheet 404.
- fold line 462 shows where the tab 460 will desirably be folded, and can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line.
- the registration structure is positioned within an outer periphery of the removable panel 430 and defined in only the back sheet 404. More particularly, at least one, and desirably each, of the two side panel portions 444 and 446 includes one or more of the registration tabs 460.
- the registration tabs 460 are disposed adjacent to and along an edge of the center panel portion. In one embodiment of this invention, the registration tabs 460 are defined on a side adjacent to the center panel portion by the lines of separation 448 and 450, respectively, that are defining the center panel portion.
- the tabs 460 are each defined on the remaining sides by tearable line of separation 464.
- the label assembly 400 further includes an optional alignment structure aligned with a portion of the label shape 430 and also one of raised or raisable above the back sheet.
- the alignment structure includes two alignment tabs 470 each defined by a tearable line of separation 472 and positioned external of the outer periphery of the removable panel 430.
- the tearable lines of separation 472 can be cut within the back sheet 402 or both the front sheet 402 and the back sheet 404 as they are positioned external of the removable panel 430.
- the invention further includes a method for labeling an object with a label from the label assembly 400.
- label assembly 400 can be pre-printed or printable. If the label assembly is printable, the consumer can print custom images or text on the printable surface of the face sheet 402 with a printer prior to labeling an object.
- the printed label assembly 400 is placed on a surface with the face sheet 402 downward on the surface.
- the center panel portion of the removable panel 430 is removed, such as by using starter flap 455, to expose the adhesive material on a first portion of the label shape 410.
- the registration tabs 460 and the alignment tabs 470 are raised either before or after the center panel portion is removed.
- a surface of the object (not shown) is placed over the adhesive material and kept in proper alignment using the tabs 460 and 470.
- a portion of label shape 410 is adhered to the object surface by placing the object on the exposed adhesive material while the object is against the tabs 460 and 470. Once the object surface is adhered, the side panels 444 and 446 can be removed to expose the adhesive material on the remaining label shape 410. The side portions of the label shape 410 are then applied to the object, for example, by folding the side portions of the label shape 410 along fold lines 480 to wrap the side portions around side and/or back surfaces of the object.
- the object is placed on the surface and the label assembly is placed over the object for labeling the object.
- the tabs 460 and 470 can be preferably sized according to a height of the object on the surface, to hold the label shape just over the object. The label shape can then be applied by pressing down on the label shape.
- the invention also includes software for printing on the label shape.
- the software is executable on a data processor attached to a printer and includes templates for allowing the user to apply text or images in the desired location on the label shape (e.g., to avoid the view screen area).
- the software can include, on a recordable medium, numerous templates each corresponding to one label shape for a known consumer device.
- FIGS. 17 and 18 show the front and back, respectively, of a label assembly 500 according to another embodiment of this invention.
- Label assembly 500 includes a face sheet 502 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view of FIG. 17 , and an adjacent back sheet 504, shown in the view of FIG. 18 .
- the surface of the face sheet 502 that is disposed toward the back sheet 504, and opposite the printed or printable surface, includes an adhesive material coating.
- the label assembly 500 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 includes a single label shape 510, but could alternatively include two or more.
- the label shape 510 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line of separation 512.
- the label shape 510 is also particularly adapted to be applied to an object having non-planar or more than one surface.
- the illustrated embodiment is particularly useful in aligning label shape 510 to an object having a planar surface wherein the label is to be wrapped around a side or back surface.
- label shape 510 is shown as a label suitable for a current IPOD® music player, but the application means of the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18 could be applied using other sizes and shapes of label shapes for other devices, such as consumer electronics or and any other object.
- the label shape 510 includes additional shapes defined within the periphery by additional tearable lines of separation.
- the label shape 510 includes two circles 514 and 515 cut within only the face sheet 502 by tearable lines of separation 516 and 517, respectively, which coordinate to the click-wheel and button of the IPOD® player.
- a rectangular shape 518 is also cut within the face sheet 502 by a tearable line of separation 520 and corresponds to the view screen of the IPOD® player.
- the tearable lines of the face sheet 502 are shown in phantom in FIG. 18 to illustrate the positioning with the tearable lines and panels of the back sheet 504.
- the back sheet 504 includes a removable panel 530 defined in the back sheet surface 532 by at least one tearable line of separation 534 extending around the outer periphery of removable panel 530.
- the removable panel 530 is disposed over a portion, e.g., a majority, of the label shape 510.
- the removable panel 530 is not exactly coextensive with label shape 510 and extends beyond the label shape 510 on three sides and the label shape 510 extends beyond the removable panel 530 on the fourth side.
- the removable panel 530 is divided into two sub-panels, which can assist in applying the label shape 510 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of the removable panel 530 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of the label shape 510 to the object and the subsequent removal or a second panel for wrapping the additional portion of the label shape 510 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object.
- the removable panel 530 includes two panel portions 544 and 546.
- the panel portions 544 and 546 are divided from each other by a line of separation 548, cut within the back sheet 504 only.
- the panel portions 544 and 546 each include an optional corner starter flap, or removal tab, 555 that is adapted to allow for easier removal of the panel portions 544 and 546 by the user.
- the label assembly 500 includes a registration structure, embodied in FIG. 18 as four spaced apart registration tabs 560 aligned with a portion of the label shape 510.
- the tabs 560 are each defined on three sides by one or more tearable lines of separation in the back sheet 504.
- the tabs 560 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above the back sheet 504.
- fold lines 562 show where the tab 560 will desirably be folded, and can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line.
- a portion of the registration structure is positioned within an outer periphery of the removable panel 530 and defined in only the back sheet 504. More particularly, the side panel portion 544 includes two of the registration tabs 560.
- the registration tabs 560 of side panel portion 544 are disposed adjacent to and along an edge of the other panel portion 546.
- the additional two registration tabs 560 are positioned external of the outer periphery of the removable panel 530 and on an opposite side of the side panel portion 546 from side panel portion 544.
- all tabs 560 are cut only in the back sheet 504, as the label sheet 510 extends over at least a portion of each of the tabs 560.
- Each of the registration tabs 560 is defined on a side adjacent to the panel portion 546 by the line of separation 548 and 534, respectively.
- the tabs 560 are defined on the remaining sides by tearable line of separation 564.
- the label assembly 500 further includes an optional alignment structure aligned with a portion of the label shape 530 and also one of raised or raisable above the back sheet.
- the alignment structure includes two alignment tabs 570 defined by a tearable line of separation 572 and positioned external of the outer periphery of the removable panel 530.
- the tearable line of separation 572 can be cut within the back sheet 504 or both the front sheet 502 and the back sheet 504 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , as they are positioned external of the removable panel 530 and label shape 510.
- the label assembly 500 includes a removal facilitation structure for aiding the user in removing the matrix 568 from the label sheet 510 upon adhering an object to the panel portion 546.
- the removal facilitation structure includes a die cut 580 in the back sheet 504 extending between the removable panel 530 and an outer edge 582 of the back sheet 504.
- the die cut 580 is used in cooperation with a die cut 5 84 in the front sheet 502 that extends from the label shape 510 to an edge 586 of the front sheet 502.
- the die cut 580 and the die cut 584 are at least partially offset from each other to help maintain the matrix 568 connection until torn by the user.
- the die cut 584 is curved and intersects with the die cut 580 at the edge 586 of the face sheet 502.
- the label assembly 500 is used in a similar manner as the label assembly 400 discussed above. If the label assembly 500 is to be printed upon, the user feeds the label assembly 500 through a suitable printer. To facilitate printing the tabs 560 have the fold lines 562 disposed toward the printing feed direction to reduce the chance of the tabs 560 being raised during printing.
- the label assembly 500 is placed on a surface.
- the panel portion 546 is removed and the tabs 560 and 570 are raised.
- the label assembly 500 with the removed panel portion 546 can be placed from above onto an object placed on a surface.
- the tabs 460 and 470 align the label shape 510 over the object as the label assembly 500 is lowered onto the object.
- the tabs 560 and 570 can act as legs to stand the label assembly over the object until the user pats the exposed adhesive against the object to adhere the label shape 510 to the object.
- the tabs are appropriately sized to a thickness of the object.
- the other panel portion 544 is removed, and the matrix is removed from the label shape 510.
- the removal of the matrix is facilitated by the user separating die cuts 580 and 584 and tearing the matrix from around label shape 510.
- the label shape can then be wrapped around the object. Where the object has rounded sides, such as an IPOD®, the object can be rolled on the label shape 510 on the flat surface to adhere the additional portions of the label shape to the object. Desirably the edges of the wrapped label sheet meet end to end, but overlap or a gap are also possible.
- FIGS. 19 and 20 show the front and back, respectively, of a label assembly 600 according to another embodiment of this invention.
- Label assembly 600 is a variation of the label assembly 500 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 .
- Label assembly 600 includes a face sheet 602 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view of FIG. 19 , and an adjacent back sheet 604, shown in the view of FIG. 20 .
- An adhesive material is disposed between the face sheet 602 and the back sheet 604.
- the label assembly 600 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 includes a single label shape 610, but could alternatively include two or more.
- the label shape 610 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line of separation 612.
- the label shape 610 is also particularly adapted to be applied to an object having non-planar or more than one surface.
- Label shape 610 is also shown as a label suitable for a current IPOD® music player, including two circles 614 and 615 cut within only the face sheet 602 which coordinate to the click-wheel and button of the IPOD® player, respectively, and rectangular shape 618 cut within the face sheet 602 to correspond to the view screen of the IPOD® player.
- the application means of the embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20 could be applied using other sizes and shapes of label shapes for other devices, such as consumer electronics or and any other object.
- an arcuate die cut can be used as discussed above to facilitate removal of the circles 614 and/or 615 from label shape 610 if desired.
- an adhesive strip such as a paper strip with a tacky but not permanent adhesive
- the outer circle 614 can be removed while the inner circle is held in place by the adhesive strip.
- the back sheet 604 includes a removable panel 630 defined in the back sheet surface 632 by at least one tearable line of separation 634 extending around the outer periphery of removable panel 630.
- the removable panel 630 is generally coextensive with label shape 610 on three sides which include plurality of retainer tabs 636 extending on three sides from a remaining portion 640 surrounding the removable panel 630 and adhering to the label shape 610.
- the retainer tabs 636 are particularly useful in holding the label shape 610 in place (and attached to the remaining portion 638 of the front sheet 602) while removing the removable panel 630 to expose the adhesive material on the label shape 610.
- the tearable line defining the periphery of the removable panel 630 is optionally offset from the tearable line defining the periphery of the label shape 610 to allow a portion of label shape 610 to be wrapped around one side of the object to be labeled.
- the removable panel 630 is divided into two sub-panels, which can assist in applying the label shape 610 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of the removable panel 630 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of the label shape 610 to the object and the subsequent removal or a second panel for wrapping the additional portion of the label shape 610 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object.
- the removable panel 630 includes two panel portions 644 and 646.
- the panel portions 644 and 646 are divided from each other by a line of separation 648, cut within the back sheet 604 only.
- One or both of the panel portions 644 and 646 can include an optional corner starter flap, or removal tab, 655 that is adapted to allow for easier removal of the panel portions 644 and/or 646 by the user.
- the registration structure of the label assembly 600 includes four spaced apart registration tabs 660 aligned with a portion of the label shape 610.
- the tabs 660 are each defined on three sides by one or more tearable lines of separation in only the back sheet 604.
- the tabs 660 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above the back sheet 604 at perforated or otherwise scored fold lines 662.
- a portion of the registration structure is positioned within an outer periphery of the removable panel 630 and defined in only the back sheet 604. More particularly, the side panel portion 644 includes two of the registration tabs 660. The registration tabs 660 of side panel portion 644 are disposed adjacent to and along an edge of the other panel portion 646. In this embodiment of this invention, the additional two registration tabs 660 are positioned external of the outer periphery of the removable panel 630 and on an opposite side of the side panel portion 646 from side panel portion 644. However, in this embodiment all tabs 660 are cut only in the back sheet 604, as the label sheet 610 extends over at least a portion of each of the tabs 660.
- the label assembly 600 further includes optional opposing alignment tabs 670 defined by a tearable line of separation 672 and positioned external of the outer periphery of the removable panel 630.
- the tearable lines of separation 672 are cut only within the back sheet 602 because of the placement of the tabs 670 within corresponding retainer tabs 636.
- Alternative configurations could allow for the tabs 670 to be cut within both of the front sheet 602 and back sheet 604 for extra rigidity.
- the label assembly 600 is used in a similar manner as the label assembly 500 discussed above.
- FIGS. 21 and 22 show the front and back, respectively, of a label assembly 700.
- Label assembly 700 includes a face sheet 702 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view of FIG. 21 , and an adjacent back sheet 704, shown in the view of FIG. 22 .
- the surface of the face sheet 702 that is disposed toward the back sheet 704, and opposite the printed or printable surface, includes an adhesive material coating.
- the label assembly 700 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 includes a label shape 710.
- the label shape 710 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line of separation 712.
- the label shape 710 is also particularly adapted to be applied to an object having a side with more than one area or surface for receiving a label.
- the illustrated embodiment is particularly useful in aligning label shape 710 to a cell phone or smart phone, such as a BLACKBERRY® smart phone or IPHONETM, but the application means of the embodiment of FIGS. 21 and 22 could be applied using other sizes and shapes of label shapes for other devices, such as consumer electronics or and any other object.
- the label shape 710 includes additional shapes defined within the periphery 712 by additional tearable lines of separation.
- Label shape 710 includes two shapes 714 and 715 cut within only the face sheet 702 by tearable lines of separation 716 and 717, respectively, which define the labels to be applied to surfaces of the obj ect to be labeled.
- a rectangular shape 718 is also cut within the face sheet 702 by a tearable line of separation 720 and corresponds to the view screen of the smart phone.
- Other shapes defined by tearable lines include shape 722 which corresponds to the keyboard, shape 724 which corresponds to a decorative feature, and shapes 726 and 728 which correspond to functional features such as, for example, microphone and/or speaker openings of the smart phone.
- the back sheet 704 can include arcuate or otherwise corresponding die cuts 727 and 729, respectively, along a portion of the shapes 726 and 728, as described above, to assist in maintaining the connection of shapes 726 and 728 to the removable panel 730.
- Removable panel 730 defined in the back sheet surface 732 by at least one tearable line of separation 734 extending around the outer periphery of removable panel 730.
- the removable panel 730 is disposed over label shape 710.
- the removable panel 730 is not exactly coextensive with label shape 710 and extends beyond the label shape 710 on all four sides.
- the removable panel 730 comprises a single panel to be removed prior to a first adhesion of the label shape 710 to the object.
- the label assembly 700 includes a registration structure, embodied in FIG. 22 as four spaced apart registration tabs 760 aligned with a portion of the label shape 710.
- the tabs 760 are each defined on three sides by one or more tearable lines of separation in the back sheet 704.
- the tabs 760 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above the back sheet 704.
- fold lines 762 show where the tab 760 will desirably be folded, and can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line.
- each of the registration tabs 760 includes a foldable portion 764 foldable about a tab fold line 766, which can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line.
- the registration tabs 760 in the embodiment of FIG. 22 are disposed external of the periphery of the label shape 710 (shown in phantom in FIG. 22 ) and the removable panel 730. In this embodiment of the invention, the tabs 760 are cut only in the back sheet 704, but could optionally be cut within the face sheet 702 as well.
- the label assembly 700 further includes an optional alignment structure aligned with a portion of the label shape 730 and also one of raised or raisable above the back sheet.
- the alignment structure includes two alignment tabs 770 defined by a tearable line of separation 772 and also positioned external of the outer periphery of the removable panel 730 and label shape 710. The tearable line of separation 772 can be cut within the back sheet 702 or both the front sheet 702 and the back sheet 704 as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 .
- the label assembly is used in a manner similar to described above. If the label assembly 700 is to be printed upon, the user feeds the label assembly 700 through a suitable printer. Either the object to be labeled or the label assembly 700 is placed on a surface. The tabs 760 and 770 are raised above the back sheet 704 and the removable panel 730 is removed. In one embodiment of this invention, the object to be labeled is placed on a flat surface, such as a table. Each of the foldable portions 764 are folded about fold line 766 in a direction away from fold line 762 so that the foldable portion is at an angle to the remaining portion of the corresponding tab 760 and extending over an exposed portion of the face sheet 702.
- the label assembly 700 with the removed panel 730 is placed onto the object 790 (shown in phantom) from above.
- the tabs 760 and 770 align the label shape 710 over the object as the label assembly 700 is lowered onto the object 730.
- the tabs 760 and 770 can act as legs to stand the label assembly over the object until the user pats the exposed adhesive against the object to adhere the label shape 710 to the object.
- the tabs are appropriately sized, e.g., slightly taller, to a thickness of the object.
- the foldable portions 764 provide additional strength for the tabs 760 when functioning as "legs" in use as shown in FIG. 23 .
- the foldable portions 764 contact the underside of the remaining matrix 768 of the face sheet 702 to help keep the tabs 760 from collapsing and maintaining the label shape 710 at the desired location above the object 790 until final application.
- various sizes, shapes and configurations are available for the registration tabs and foldable portions thereof of this invention.
- the edge of the foldable portion 764 that contacts the bottom of the face sheet 702 is angled as shown in FIG. 24 to facilitate contact with the face sheet 702 while maintaining a desired substantially perpendicular position of tab 760 when extended.
- An alternative edge configuration is shown in FIG. 25 , where the edge 764 is cut higher than fold line 762 by a thickness of the back sheet 704.
- the matrix is removed from the label shape 710.
- the removal of the matrix is facilitated by the user separating die cut 712 and tearing the matrix from around label shape 710.
- FIGS. 26 and 27 show the front and back, respectively, of a label assembly 800 according to another embodiment of this invention.
- Label assembly 800 includes a face sheet 802 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view of FIG. 27 , and an adjacent back sheet 804, shown in the view of FIG. 26 .
- An adhesive material is disposed between the face sheet 802 and the back sheet 804.
- the label assembly 800 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 includes a single label shape 810, but could alternatively include two or more.
- the label shape 810 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line of separation 812.
- the label shape 810 is also particularly adapted to be applied to an object having non-planar or more than one surface.
- Label shape 810 is also shown as a label suitable for a current IPHONE® smart phone, including shapes 814 cut within only the face sheet 802 which coordinate to components of the IPHONE®, and rectangular shape 816 cut within the face sheet 802 to correspond to the view screen of the IPHONE®.
- arcuate die cuts 818 in the back sheet 804 can be used to facilitate removal of the shapes 814 from label shape 810 if desired.
- the application means of the embodiment of FIGS. 26 and 27 could be applied using other sizes and shapes of label shapes for other devices, such as consumer electronics or and any other object.
- the back sheet 804 includes a removable panel 830 defined in the back sheet surface 832 by at least one tearable line of separation 834 extending around the outer periphery of removable panel 830.
- the removable panel 830 includes a portion of an outer periphery that is offset from a portion of an outer periphery of the label shape.
- the removable panel 830 in the illustrated embodiment is also divided into three sub-panels, which can assist in applying the label shape 810 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of the removable panel 830 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of the label shape 810 to the object and the subsequent removal of a remaining panels for wrapping the additional portions of the label shape 810 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object.
- the removable panel 830 includes three panel portions 844, 846, and 848.
- the panel portions 844, 846, and 848 are divided from each adjacent panel portion by a line of separation 850 and/or 852, cut within the back sheet 804 only.
- the removable middle panel portion 846 is generally coextensive with a portion of label shape 810 that covers a front surface of the IPHONE®.
- the registration structure of the label assembly 800 includes four spaced apart registration tabs 860 aligned along opposing sides of the middle panel portion 846.
- the tabs 860 are each defined by one or more tearable lines of separations 865 cut only the back sheet 804.
- the tabs 860 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above the back sheet 804 at perforated or otherwise scored fold lines 862.
- the fold lines 862 connect each the tabs 860 to one of the other panel portions 844 or 848, respectively, and extend generally perpendicular to the tearable lines 850 and/or 852.
- the fold lines 862 are desirably parallel to two sides of the label assembly 810 and perpendicular to the other two sides of the label assembly 810.
- each of the registration tabs 860 includes a foldable portion 864 foldable about a tab fold line 866, which can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line.
- the tab fold lines 866 align with the tearable lines 850 or 852, such that when in a raised and folded position as shown in FIG. 28 the foldable portions 864 extend substantially parallel with the edge of the panel portions 844 or 848.
- the tabs 860 and foldable portions 864 are used to align an object over the label shape 810, or vice versa, as discussed above.
- the label assembly 800 also includes a fifth registration tab 870 defined at least partially in the back sheet 804 by a tearable line of separation 872 and aligned with a portion of the label shape 810 and/or the removable panel 830.
- the registration structure 870 can be raised above the back sheet surface 832 by folding about fold line 875 to the position shown in FIG. 28 .
- the registration fold line 875 is desirably parallel to a side edge of the label assembly 800.
- the registration tabs 860 align the object by limiting lateral movement of the object
- the registration tab 870 is disposed at an end of the panel portion 846 and acts as an alignment structure to assist in vertical or longitudinal alignment of the object over the label shape 810.
- the registration tab 770 shown in FIG. 22 has an edge that contacts the object to be labeled by extending perpendicular to the back sheet surface
- the registration tab 870 extends at a non-perpendicular angle from the back sheet surface 832 and/or the removable panel 830.
- the registration tab 870 includes an edge or surface that provides the angled side by which the object is aligned against and with.
- the registration tab 870 includes a perforated fold line 874 that defines a foldable portion 876.
- the fold line 874 extends at a non-perpendicular angle from a registration fold line 875 connecting the registration tab 870 to the back sheet 804.
- the foldable portion 876 is defined on three sides by the tearable line 872, and when raised and folded as shown in FIG. 28 , forms a surface 878 extending at a non-perpendicular angle from the back sheet surface 832.
- the tab 870 is positioned external of the outer periphery of the removable panel 830.
- the foldable portion 876 is cut only in the back sheet 804 and not through the front sheet.
- the raised and folded foldable portion 876 can contact the adhesive on the back of face sheet 802.
- the adhesive can help maintain the foldable portion in a desired position.
- a portion of the tab 870 that is adjacent to the foldable portion 876 can be cut in the face sheet 802 as well as the back sheet 804, thereby providing thickness and rigidity when the tab 870 is raised as shown in FIG. 28 .
- the object to be labeled can be aligned over the adhesive area that is under the panel 846 using the raised registration tabs 860.
- the alignment registration tab 870 allows for a proper vertical alignment over the exposed label shape 810.
- the angled surface of the tab 870 allows the user consumer to slide the object down the angled surface into the desired position.
- the edge of the foldable portion 870 does not include the foldable portion, and the object to be labeled is placed upon an angled side edge of the tab 870.
- FIGS. 29 and 30 show the front and back, respectively, of a label assembly 900 according to another embodiment of this invention.
- Label assembly 900 includes a face sheet 902 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view of FIG. 30 , and an adjacent back sheet 904, shown in the view of FIG. 29 .
- An adhesive material is disposed between the face sheet 902 and the back sheet 904.
- the label assembly 900 shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 includes a single label shape 910, but could alternatively include two or more.
- the label shape 910 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line of separation 912.
- the label shape 910 is also particularly adapted to be applied to an object having non-planar or more than one surface.
- Label shape 910 is also shown as a label suitable for a current IPOD® music player, including shapes cut within only the face sheet 902 which coordinate to components of the IPOD®.
- a rectangular shape 918 is cut within the face sheet 902 by a tearable line of separation 920 and corresponds to the view screen of the music player.
- tearable lines include shape 922 which corresponds to the control wheel, and shape 924 which corresponds to a to a functional feature such as, for example, a camera, microphone and/or speaker openings of the device.
- shape 922 which corresponds to the control wheel
- shape 924 which corresponds to a to a functional feature such as, for example, a camera, microphone and/or speaker openings of the device.
- the back sheet 904 can include a corresponding die cut 927, along a portion of the shape 918, as described above, to assist in maintaining the connection of shape 918 to the removable panel 930 during removal of the panel 930.
- the back sheet 904 includes the removable panel 930 defined in the back sheet surface 932 by at least one tearable line of separation 934 extending around the outer periphery of removable panel 930.
- the removable panel 930 includes a portion of an outer periphery that is offset from an outer periphery of the label shape 910.
- the removable panel 930 in the illustrated embodiment is also divided into two sub-panels 944 and 946, which can assist in applying the label shape 910 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of the removable panel 930 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of the label shape 910 to the object and the subsequent removal of a remaining panels for wrapping the additional portions of the label shape 910 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object.
- a different surface e.g., a side and/or back surface
- the registration structure of the label assembly 900 includes four spaced apart registration tabs 960 aligned along opposing sides of the removable panel portion 946, and two opposing alignment tabs 970 disposed at the upper and lower ends of the removable panel portion 946.
- Each of the tabs 960 and 970 is defined by one or more tearable lines of separations 965 or 972.
- the tabs 960 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above the back sheet 904 at perforated or otherwise scored fold lines 962.
- the fold lines 962 connect each of the tabs 960 to the other panel portion 944 or the back sheet 904, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
- each of the registration tabs 960 includes a foldable portion 964 foldable about a tab fold line 966, which can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line.
- the alignment tabs 970 have a similar structure to the tabs 960.
- one of the registration tabs 960 is aligned and disposed over the removable shape 924.
- the panel portion 944 covers the removable shape 924 and includes the tab 960 over the label shape 924.
- the registration tab 960 that is over the label shape 924 is connected to the panel portion 944 by the fold line 962 and includes an edge or tab fold line 966 aligned with a side edge of the other panel portion 946.
- the registration tab 960 that is over the label shape 924 has a shape that is different from the other tabs 960, resulting from a portion 968 of the tab 960 sized to extend over the particular shape of the removable shape 924. At least this registration tab 960 is cut into the back sheet 904 and not cut into the face sheet 902.
- the registration tab 960 desirably has a periphery that is generally coextensive with or slightly larger than the shape 924, so that when the registration tab 960 is raised by folding outward above the back sheet 904 the removable shape 924 continues to adhere to the tab 960 and is removed from the front sheet 902.
- FIG. 31 illustrates a registration tab 960' for placement over a label shape.
- the registration tab 960' in FIG. 31 is sized larger than the tab 960 shown in FIG. 29 . This larger size can be adopted to match a larger size shape cut into the face sheet, or can be used to facilitate lifting of the registration tab 960' for a shape sized smaller than the tab 960', such as the shape 924 shown in FIG. 30 .
- FIG. 32 shows an object, namely an IPOD® music player labeled according to one embodiment of this invention.
- FIGS. 33 and 34 show the front and back, respectively, of a label assembly 1000 according to another embodiment of this invention.
- Label assembly 1000 includes a face sheet 1002 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view of FIG. 33 , and an adjacent back sheet 1004, shown in the view of FIG. 34 .
- the back sheet 1004 is desirably about the same size as the face sheet 1002, but may be slightly larger or smaller than the face sheet 1002.
- the surface of the face sheet 1002 that is disposed toward the back sheet 1004, and opposite the printed or printable surface, includes an adhesive material coating 1005.
- the label assembly 1000 shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 includes a single label shape 1010.
- the label shape 1010 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line of separation 1012.
- the side portions 1015 of label shape 1010 is particularly adapted to be applied to, and in this case wrapped around, an object having a non-planar and/or more than one surface.
- the illustrated embodiment is particularly useful in aligning label shape 1010 to an object having a planar surface wherein the label is to be applied to a front surface and also wrapped around a side or back surface.
- label shape 1010 is configured to be applied to an IPOD® music player, although changes in the size, shape and configuration of the label shape can be made to accommodate other objects, such as discussed above.
- Label shape 1010 includes additional shapes defined within the periphery by additional tearable lines of separation.
- the label shape 1010 includes a circle 1014 cut within the face sheet 1002 by a second tearable line of separation 1016 and a rectangular shape 1018 cut within the face sheet 1002 by a third tearable line of separation 1020. As can be seen in FIG. 33 , these lines of separation 1016 and 1020 are cut only in the face sheet 1002 and correspond to the control mechanism and view screen of the music player.
- the back sheet 1004 includes a removable panel 1030 defined in the back sheet surface 1032 by at least one tearable line of separation 1034 extending around the outer periphery of removable panel 1030.
- the removable panel 1030 is disposed over the label shape 1010, and as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 , is preferably generally coextensive with label shape 1010.
- the back sheet 1004 also includes a plurality of retainer tabs 1036 extending from a remaining portion 1040 surrounding the removable panel 1030 and adhering to the label shape 1010. As discussed above, the retainer tabs 1036 are particularly useful in holding the label shape 1010 in place (and attached to the remaining portion 1038 of the front sheet 1002) while removing the removable panel 1030 to expose the adhesive material on the label shape 1010.
- the removable panel 1030 is divided into at least two sub-panels, which can assist in applying the label shape 1010 to an obj ect, for example, by allowing for only a portion of the removable panel 1030 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of the label shape 1010 to the object and the subsequent removal or a second panel for wrapping the additional portion of the label shape 1010 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object.
- the removable panel 1030 includes a center panel portion 1042 between two side panel portions 1044 and 1046.
- the center panel portion 1042 is divided from each of the side panel portions 1044 and 1046 by a corresponding line of separation 1048 and 1050, respectively, cut within the back sheet 1004 only.
- the center panel portion 1042 can also include the optional corner starter flap, or removal tab, 1055 that is adapted to allow for easier removal of the center panel portion 1042 by the user.
- the side panel portions can also optionally include such removal tabs.
- the label assembly 1000 includes a registration structure, embodied in FIGS. 33 and 34 as four spaced apart registration tabs 1060 aligned with a portion of the label shape 1010.
- the registration structure of this embodiment also allows for improved and easier application of a label to an object, for example, an MP3 player or smart phone.
- the tabs 1060 are each defined by one or more tearable lines of separation in the back sheet 1004.
- the tabs 1060 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above the back sheet 1004.
- fold lines 1062 show where the tabs 1060 will desirably be folded when raised, and can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line.
- the registration structure is positioned within an outer periphery of the removable panel 1030 and defined in only the back sheet 1004. More particularly, at least one, and desirably each, of the two side panel portions 1044 and 1046 includes a portion of one or more of the registration tabs 1060.
- the registration tabs 1060 are disposed along an edge of the center panel portion 1042, and when raised and folded are aligned with the edge of the center panel portion 1042 or the exposed adhesive there beneath.
- Each of the registration tabs includes more than one foldable panels. As shown in FIG. 34 , there are three foldable panels 1064, 1066, and 1068, each defined on at least one side by a fold line 1065. When raised during use, each of the registration tabs 1060 is folded along each of the fold lines 1065 to form a three-dimensional box-like registration structure 1069. In the raised position, foldable panel 1064 faces the center panel 1042 and the exposed adhesive when the center panel 1042 is removed. Foldable panels 1066 and 1068 fold around to be over the adhesive exposed by raising registration tab 1060 so that the adhesive assists the holding of the formed box-like structure 1069 in the folded form.
- the object to be labeled can be aligned over the adhesive area that is under the center panel portion 1042 using the raised registration tabs 1060.
- the label assembly 1000 further includes an optional alignment structure aligned with a portion of the label shape 1030 and also one of raised or raisable above the back sheet.
- the alignment structure includes two alignment tabs 1070 each defined by a tearable line of separation 1072 and positioned external of the outer periphery of the removable panel 1030.
- the alignment tabs 1070 can also be formed using the same or similar structure to the registration tabs 1060 or according to other embodiments discussed herein.
- the registration structure desirably includes more than one foldable panel, but can have two, three, four, or more foldable panels, depending at least in part on the configuration of the label and the object to be labeled.
- FIGS. 35-36 illustrate, without limitation, several possible registration structure alternatives.
- the registration structure is similar to the registration structure shown in FIG.34 , only arranged in a different direction. Instead of extending into the center panel portion 1042, the longitudinal sides of the registration tabs 1060 extend parallel alongside the center panel portion 1042.
- the folded panel 1066 of the box-like structure 1069 faces the center panel portion 1042 and the exposed adhesive.
- FIG. 36 illustrates a registration structure with only two foldable panels, and forming an L-shaped registration tab 1060.
- the registration tab 1060 includes two perpendicular fold lines. When folded, the foldable panel 1064 is disposed toward and aligned with the center panel portion 1042 and the foldable panel 1066 is disposed parallel to and against the exposed face sheet 1002 and held in place by the exposed adhesive.
- FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate a label assembly 1100 according to another embodiment of this invention.
- Label assembly 1100 includes a back sheet 1104 and a face sheet 1102 with a layer of adhesive disposed there between.
- the back sheet 1104 includes a removable panel 1130 defined in the back sheet surface 1132 by at least one tearable line of separation 1134 extending around the outer periphery of removable panel 1130. Similar to the previously illustrated embodiments, the removable panel 1130 includes a center panel portion 1142 between two side panel portions 1144 and 1146. The center panel portion 1142 is divided from each of the side panel portions 1144 and 1146 by a corresponding line of separation 1148 and 1150, respectively, cut within the back sheet 1104 only.
- the label assembly 1100 includes a registration structure embodied as two spaced apart registration tabs 1160 aligned with a portion of the removable panel 1130 and a portion of the label shape there beneath.
- the tabs 1160 are each defined on three sides by one or more tearable lines of separation 1158 in the back sheet 1104.
- the tabs 1160 have a rectangular shape in FIGS.37 and 38 but are not limited to any particular shape or configuration, and could be other shapes such as squares, ellipses or rounded or semicircular shapes.
- the tabs 1160 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above the back sheet 1104 at fold lines 1162 which can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line.
- the fold lines 1162 connect the tabs 1160 to the side panels 1144 and 1146, respectively, while the tabs 1160 are separate from the center panel 1142 by the lines of separation 1158 to allow the removal of the center panel 1142.
- Each of the registration tabs 1160 includes more than one foldable panel, and more particularly three foldable panels 1164, 1166, and 1168, each defined on at least one side by a fold line 1165.
- each of the registration tabs 1160 is folded along each of the fold lines 1165 to form a three-dimensional box-like registration structure 1169 as shown in FIG. 38 .
- foldable panel 1166 faces the center panel 1142 and the exposed adhesive when the center panel 1142 is removed.
- the foldable panel 1168 folds around to be disposed over the adhesive exposed by raising registration tab 1160 so that the adhesive assists the holding of the formed box-like structure 1169 in the folded form.
- the structures 1169, in combination with the optional alignment tab 1170 provide registration or guide members to place the object to be labeled in an aligned position over the exposed adhesive as discussed above.
- FIG. 39 illustrates a label assembly 1200 according to another embodiment of this invention.
- Label assembly 1200 includes a back sheet 1204 and a face sheet 1202 with a layer of adhesive disposed there between.
- the back sheet 1204 includes a removable panel 1230 defined in the back sheet surface 1232 by at least one tearable line of separation 1234 extending around the outer periphery of removable panel 1230.
- the removable panel 1230 includes a center panel portion 1242 between two side panel portions 1244 and 1246, although the features of this embodiment can be applied to other label assembly configurations for other objects.
- the center panel portion 1242 is divided from each of the side panel portions 1244 and 1246 by a corresponding line of separation 1248 and 1250, respectively, cut within the back sheet 1204 only.
- the registration structure 1260 in the embodiment of FIGS. 39 and 40 is embodied as a separate registration element 1262 that is applied to the label assembly 1200 during use.
- the label assembly 1200 includes removable panel strips 1264 that are aligned with the center panel 1242 and removed by the user during use.
- the removable panel strips can include an optional corner starter flap, or removal tab, 1255 that is adapted to allow for easier removal by the user.
- the registration elements 1262 embodied in FIG. 40 as rectangular blocks, are placed over the exposed adhesive. The adhesive temporarily secures the elements 1262 in place along the center panel 1242 to form registration or guide rails for lowering the object to be labeled onto the adhesive material below the center panel 1242 after the center panel 1242 is removed.
- the registration elements are placed on the label assembly before the center panel 1242 is removed, so that the user can align the elements 1262.
- the elements can be applied after the center panel removal by aligning corners with the respective side panel 1244 or 1246.
- the exposed face sheet 1202 under the removable panel strips 1264 can also be marked with a line to facilitate proper placement of the elements 1262.
- FIGS. 39 and 40 also show a similarly embodied alignment structure 1270 which includes an alignment element 1272 that adheres to adhesive exposed below a removable alignment strip 1274.
- the registration/alignment elements can have any size and/or shape, but preferably have a flat surface to place on the exposed adhesive. Alternative numbers and placements of registration/alignment elements are also available.
- the registration/alignment elements can also be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, wood, or spongy material, and desirably have a surface that promotes removal from the adhesive after use.
- the removable panel/alignment strips are desirably sized according to need and the size and shape of the registration/alignment elements.
- the registration/alignment elements are sized larger than the removable panel/alignment strips, and the back sheet includes a raised embossed line, such as shown in FIG. 6 , which the user can use to align an edge of a tilted registration/alignment element followed by lowering the opposing edge onto the exposed adhesive.
- the invention further includes a method for labeling an object with a label from the label assembly of this invention.
- the label assembly can be pre-printed or printable. If the label assembly is printable, the consumer can print custom images or text on the printable surface of the face sheet with a printer prior to labeling an object.
- the printed label assembly is placed on a surface with the face sheet downward on the surface. At least a portion of the removable panel in the back sheet, e.g., the entire panel or just a center panel portion, is removed, such as by using a starter flap, to expose the adhesive material on at least a first portion of a label shape cut in the face sheet.
- the registration structures and the alignment structures are raised or added either before or after the removable panel or a portion thereof is removed.
- a surface of the object (not shown) is placed over the adhesive material and kept in proper alignment using the registration structures and any alignment structure. At least a portion of the label shape is adhered to the object surface by placing the object on the exposed adhesive material while the object is against the registration structures and any alignment structure. Once the object surface is adhered, if any side panels are present they can be removed to expose the adhesive material on the remaining label shape. The side portions of the label shape can then be applied to the object, for example, by folding the side portions of the label shape along fold lines to wrap the side portions around side and/or back surfaces of the object.
- the object is placed on the surface and the label assembly is placed over the object for labeling the object.
- the registration structures and any alignment structure can be preferably sized according to a height of the object on the surface, to hold the label shape just over the object. The label shape can then be applied by pressing down on the label shape.
- the invention also includes software for printing on the label shape.
- the software is executable on a data processor attached to a printer and includes templates for allowing the user to apply text or images in the desired location on the label shape (e.g., to avoid the view screen area).
- the software can include, on a recordable medium, numerous templates each corresponding to one label shape for a known consumer device.
- the invention provides a label assembly with a registration structure that promotes the desired straightened and/or central alignment of a label to an object.
- the label assembly of this invention allows for application of a label to an object without the need for a separate label application apparatus, while still providing the desired placement on the object, such as centered placement of a label on an MP3 player or cell phone.
Description
- This invention is directed to a label assembly for application of a label to an object having a planar and/or a non-planar surface, e.g., an IPOD® electronic music player or other MP3 player, a personal digital assistant, or a cell phone. The invention is also directed to a printable sheet of such labels, and a method for printing and/or applying the printed labels, such as by a consumer.
- Label assemblies for application of labels to non-planar, e.g. rounded surfaces, such as pens or to planar surfaces, such as CD's or DVD's are known from
US 2008/0093839 A1 andUS 2008/0093841 A1 , respectively. - The label assembly of this invention allows for aligning and applying a label to an object, for example, an object having two or more surfaces at an angle to one another. The label assembly of this invention is particularly useful in applying a label that has an intricate/uneven surface and/or is to be wrapped around an object, such as for decorating or personalizing small consumer electronics such as music players and cell phones. The label assembly and method of this invention provide correct alignment of the label on the object to be labeled without the need for a separate label application apparatus.
- A general object of the invention can be attained through a label assembly according to the features of claim 1. Other objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a plan view of a label assembly being not part of this invention. -
FIG.2 is a plan view of a portion of the label assembly ofFIG. 1 , viewed from an opposite side. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an operation of the label assembly ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of a label assembly according to another embodiment being not part of this invention. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of a label assembly according to yet another embodiment being not part of this invention. -
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a portion of a label assembly according to yet another embodiment being not part of this invention. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an operation of the label assembly ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG.9 is a plan view of a label assembly according to yet another embodiment being not part of this invention. -
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the back side of the label assembly ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a label assembly according to yet another embodiment being not part of this invention. -
FIG. 12 is a plan view of the back side of the label assembly ofFIG. 11 .FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an operation of the label assembly ofFIGS. 11 and12 . -
FIGS. 15 and 16 are plan views of a label assembly according to an embodiment of this invention. -
FIGS. 17 and 18 are plan views of a label assembly according to yet another embodiment of this invention.FIGS. 19 and 20 are plan views of a label assembly according to still yet another embodiment of this invention. -
FIGS. 21 and 22 are plan views of a label assembly according to yet another embodiment being not part of this invention. -
FIG. 23 illustrates the use of the label assembly ofFIGS. 21 and 22 . -
FIGS. 24 and 25 are alternative configurations of registration tabs according to one embodiment being not part of this invention. -
FIGS. 26 and 27 are plan views of a label assembly according to yet another embodiment not being part of this invention. -
FIG. 28 illustrates a raised position of the label assembly ofFIGS. 26 and 27 .FIGS. 29 and 30 are plan views of a label assembly according to yet another embodiment not being part of this invention. -
FIG. 31 is a plan view of a label assembly according to yet another embodiment not being part of this invention. -
FIG.32 shows an object labeled according to one embodiment not being part of this invention. -
FIGS. 33 and 34 show the front and back, respectively, of a label assembly according to another embodiment not being part of this invention. -
FIGS. 35-38 are alternative configurations of registration tabs according to other embodiments not being part of this invention. -
FIGS. 39 and 40 show the back of a label assembly according to still yet another embodiment of this invention. -
FIG. 1 shows a label sheet 20 (not necessarily shown to scale).Label sheet 20 is desirably formed of aface sheet 22 and a back sheet (not shown inFIG. 1 ). The back sheet is desirably about the same size as theface sheet 22, but may be slightly larger or smaller than theface sheet 22. The surface of theface sheet 22 that is disposed toward the back sheet includes an adhesive material coating. The adhesive coating can include any adhesive material known and available to those skilled in the art for forming pressure sensitive, or self-adhesive, labels. The back sheet is desirably formed of a material to which the adhesive coating adheres significantly less than to theface sheet 22, such as is known for forming pressure sensitive, or self-adhesive, labels. - The
sheet 20 is of any suitable shape, and generally any suitable size that can be accepted by and fed through a printer, such as a laser printer or an ink j et printer. Common sizes of paper generally fed through printers are 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches, 8.5 inches by 11 inches, 8.263 inches by 11.688 inches (A4 size), and 8.5 inches by 14 inches, however for label sheets such as shown inFIGS. 15-22 the size can be smaller. Theface sheet 22 is preferably, but not necessarily, constructed of any suitable paper, paper composite, non-metal and/or metal material that can be used as a label. Other suitable materials for constructing thesheet 22 include fabric, plastic, and metal foils. The adhesive coating covered by the back sheet is applied to theface sheet 22 in any suitable manner known to those skilled in the art. Theface sheet 22 desirably has aprintable surface 24 on a side opposite the adhesive coating. - The face sheet and the
printable surface 24 can be any of a variety of face materials used to make pressure sensitive or self-adhesive labels. Such face materials may include, but are not limited to: smudgeproof stock, litho stock, cast coated stock, tag stock, fluorescent stock, foils, computer printable polyester, vinyl, satin cloth, Tyvek™ material, flexible plastic, book papers, photo quality papers and/or photo quality film. Furthermore, various portions of the face materials can be different colors, thereby resulting in different colored parts. - The phrase "printable surface" relates to a surface of any type of matter upon which a person or machine can draw, print, color, paint, photocopy, write, emboss, or make any other type of mark or graphic. Laser printers, ink jet printers, impact printers, thermal transfer printers, direct thermal printers, typewriters, or any other suitable graphic printing devices are preferred but not necessary for use with printable surfaces according to this invention. The face sheet can also be pre-printed by the manufacturer or retailer with graphics and/or test desirable to a consumer user. The printed surface can include any desirably image or text, or can be colored or include holographic images.
- The
face sheet 22 includes a plurality of label shapes 3 0, each defining in theface sheet 22 an individual label according to this invention. The phrase "shape", or the phrase "removable or tearable shape", is intended to relate to a shape, such as, but not limited to, the rectangular shapes identified inFIG. 1 byelement reference numerals 30, that can be torn away from aremaining portion 26 of theface sheet 22, by using tearable lines ofseparation 32. The term "tearable lines of separation," also referred to as simply "tearable lines," "lines of separation" or "separation lines," relate to physical or structural lines that can be torn to separate a removable portion or section from the remaining portion or section of the label and/or the label assembly according to this invention. The label portion of this invention may further include additional separation lines and/or lines of weakness and/or fold lines to aid in positioning and/or adhering the label around an object. Lines of separation and/or lines of weakness according to this invention can be formed of a die-cut line, a laser die-cut line, a score cut line, a perforation line (such as having a plurality of cuts and ties), a microperforation line, a chemically etched line, a liquid etched line, a gas etched line, or any combination of these types of separation, or any other suitable structure that enables separation. A preferred type oftearable line 32 is a line that is die-cut. Thelabel shapes 30 can be die-cut along at least a portion of a periphery, such that thelabel shapes 30 can be easily removed or separated from theremaining portion 26 of thesheet 22, for example after thesheet 22 is run through a printer. - The back sheet includes a
removable panel 40 shown in phantom. The removable panel is defined by tearable lines of separation (shown as dashedlines 42 inFIG. 1 ) in a surface of the back sheet that is disposed opposite thefront sheet 22. Aremovable panel 40 is disposed over the adhesive coated side of eachlabel shape 30. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , theremovable panel 40 is desirably and optionally sized slightly larger than thelabel shape 30. A remainingportion 44 of the back sheet that is disposed around, and desirably surrounding, theremovable panel 40 includes a plurality ofretainer tabs 46 extending from the remainingportion 44 and adhering to thelabel shape 30. - The
label sheet 20 includes a registration structure, embodied inFIG. 1 as two spaced aparttabs label shape 30 and theremovable panel 40. As will be described in more detail below, the registration structure of this invention allows for improved and easier application of a label to an object with a non-planer surface, for example, a pen or a pencil. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , thetabs separation 54 in both the back sheet and theface sheet 22. Thetabs -
FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the operation of thelabel sheet 20 ofFIG. 1 for labeling an object having a non-planar surface, shown as a pen. Desirably first, thelabel sheet 20 is routed through a printer to print text and/or graphics onto theprintable surface 24 of at least onelabel shape 30.FIG. 2 shows a printedlabel shape 30 ofsheet 20 placed with the printedface sheet 22 downward on a surface. Theremovable panel 40 ofback sheet 48 is removed along lines ofseparation 42 to expose theadhesive material 54 on the non-printed side of thelabel shape 30. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thetabs back sheet 48. Thetabs fold lines FIG. 3 shows thelabel sheet 20 with theremovable panel 40 removed and apen 66 placed against thetabs tabs back sheet 48 and theface sheet 22, thereby desirably providing increased tab thickness and thus rigidity for receiving thepen 66 there against. With thepen 66 against the raisedtabs label shape 30 and/or the remainingportion 26. Thetabs pen 66 in proper alignment with thelabel shape 30 to promote or provide a desirable straight label application. Theretainer tabs 46 assist in maintaining thelabel shape 30 within theface sheet 22 upon removing theremovable panel 40 and during positioning of thepen 66 against thetabs - To apply the
label shape 30 to thepen 66, thepen 66 is rolled by the user from thetabs label shape 30, in the direction shown byarrows 68 inFIG. 4 . As thepen 66 is rolled, theadhesive material 54 of thelabel shape 30 adheres to the cylindrical shaft of thepen 66, thereby separating and removing thelabel shape 30 from theface sheet 22 and adhering thelabel shape 30 around thepen 66. Thus, thelabel 30 can be simply and straightly applied to a rounded or other non-planar surface manually by a user. The apparatus and method of this invention can also be incorporated into an automatic or manual label application machine. - The removable panel and the registration structure of this invention allow for relatively easier and better placement of a label onto a rounded or otherwise non-planar surface. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art following the teachings herein provided, various and alternative sizes, shapes, and configurations are available for the labels, removable panels, and registration structures according to this invention, such as, without limitation, shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 . -
FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of alabel sheet 80, viewed from theback sheet 82, according to another embodiment. Thelabel sheet 80 differs from the embodiment ofFIG. 1 in the shape oftabs FIG. 5 , thetabs portions back sheet 82 and against which a pen or similar object can be placed. In a similar embodiment, the tabs can be formed as hook-like tabs that include a portion that extends over and/or around a portion of the pen or pencil. Also in the embodiment ofFIG. 5 , the removable portion 86 includes a corner starter flap, or removal tab, 88 that is adapted to allow for easier removal of the removable panel 86 by the user. - Other structures than cut-out tabs are available for the registering structure according to this invention. In one embodiment, the registration structure comprises an embossed structure.
FIG. 6 shows alabel sheet 100 having an embossed structure. InFIG. 6 , thelabel sheet 100 includes aback sheet 102. Ascore line 110 is embossed into thelabel sheet 100 to provide a raised registration structure against which a pen or other object can be placed for alignment. Desirably, thescore line 110 is only as high as is needed for the user to determine when an object is being placed against it. Thescore line 110 can be formed by scoring the face sheet of thelabel sheet 100 to cause thescore line 110 to be raised above the flat back surface of the label sheet 100 (desirably without cutting through the label sheet 100). As will be appreciated, other embossed or raised shapes are available for the embossed registration structure of this invention, such as, for example, two or more raised domes. Any structure that is or can be raised above the label assembly of this invention, can be used as a registration structure for aligning an object, and is contemplated herein. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a portion of alabel sheet 120, viewed from theback sheet 122, according to another embodiment. Thelabel sheet 120 differs from the embodiment ofFIG. 1 by including analignment structure 130 in addition to thetabs alignment structure 130 is formed of asingle alignment tab 132, which in this embodiment of the invention is similar is size, shape and function to each of theregistration structure tabs - The
registration structure tabs first side 146 of thelabel shape 150. Thealignment tab 132 is disposed adjacent asecond side 152 oflabel shape 150. As shown inFIG. 8 , the alignment structure desirably acts as an end stop for thepen 160 when thealignment tab 132 is raised above theback sheet 122 by the user. The alignment structure desirably assists in obtaining consistent placement of the labels on the pen. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art following the teachings herein provided, various sizes, shapes, placements and configurations are available for the alignment structure of this invention. For example, the additional configurations of the registration structure, such as, for example, shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , are available for configuration as the alignment structure, depending on need and the object to be labeled. In another embodiment, more than one alignment tab can be placed alongside 146, or two alignment tabs can be placed on opposing sides of a label. -
FIGS. 9 and10 show a label assembly 200 (not necessarily shown to scale) according to another embodiment.Label assembly 200 is desirably formed of aface sheet 202 having a printable surface, shown in the view ofFIG. 9 , and aback sheet 204, shown in the view ofFIG. 10 . Theback sheet 204 is desirably about the same size as theface sheet 202, but may be slightly larger or smaller than theface sheet 202. The surface of theface sheet 202 that is disposed toward theback sheet 204, and opposite the printable surface, includes an adhesive material coating. - The
label assembly 200 shown inFIGS. 9 and10 includes two circular label shapes 210 and 210', which will be described herein with reference tolabel shape 210. Thecircular label shape 210 is defined in theface sheet 202 by a first tearable line ofseparation 212. Thecircular label shape 210 desirably has a diameter matched to, and preferably slightly smaller than, the diameter of a CD or DVD. - The
label assembly 200 further includes acircle 216 cut within theface sheet 202 by a secondtearable line 218 and positioned within thelabel shape 210, preferably positioned in a center position of thelabel shape 210. The second,smaller circle 216 is desirably approximately equivalent to either a diameter of an inner cut-out circle of the CD or DVD, or a diameter of an inner circle on the CD or DVD where a read/write portion of the CD or DVD adjoins a non-read/write portion of the CD or DVD. The area oflabel shape 210 between the twotearable lines sheet 200 is run through a printer, and can then be separated from theback sheet 204 to which thelabel shape 210 initially adheres. Thelabel shape 210 can then be adhered to a non-read/write side of, for example, a CD or DVD. - The
back sheet 204 includes aremovable panel 230 defined in theback sheet surface 232 by at least one tearable line ofseparation 234. Theremovable panel 230 is disposed over thelabel shape 210, and as shown inFIGS. 9 and10 , is preferably generally coextensive thelabel shape 210. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9 and10 , theremovable panel 230 is optionally divided into twosub-panels label shape 210 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of theremovable panel 230 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of thelabel shape 210 to the object. - According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, the
removable panel 230 includes tworemoval tabs removable panel 230.Removal tabs removable panel 230, such as shown inFIGS. 9 and10 .Removal tabs removable panel 230. In this embodiment,removal tab 240 is associated withsub-panel 236 andremoval tab 242 is associated withsub-panel 238. As will be appreciated, the different angling ofremoval tab 242, as compared to the angle ofremoval tab 240, facilitates the removal of the relativelynarrow sub-panel 238. Theback sheet 204 also includes a plurality ofretainer tabs 248 extending from a remainingportion 250 and adhering to thelabel shape 210. As discussed above, theretainer tabs 248 are particularly useful in holding thelabel shape 210 in place (and attached to the remainder of the front sheet 202) while removing theremovable panel 230 to expose the adhesive material on thelabel shape 210. - The
label assembly 200 includes a registration structure, embodied inFIGS. 9 and10 as two spaced apartregistration tabs label shape 210. As will be described in more detail below, the registration structure of this embodiment allows for improved and easier application of a label to an object, for example, a CD or DVD. Thetabs separation 264 in both theback sheet 204 and theface sheet 202. Thetabs back sheet 204. InFIG. 10 ,fold line 266 shows where thetab 260 will desirably be folded, and can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line. - According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, when the
removable panel 230 is peeled away or otherwise removed fromlabel shape 210, a center hole inlabel shape 210 is opened by the removal of the portion of thelabel assembly 200 withincircle 216. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9 and10 , the center hole oflabel shape 210, defined bycircle 216, may be opened upon removal of theremovable panel sub-panel 236 using adie cut 270 extending partially along a perimeter of thecircle 216 and in both facesheet 202 andback sheet 204. A similar use of such a die cut is described in commonly assignedU.S. Patent 6,881,461 , herein incorporated by reference. - The die cut 270 is preferably generally arcuate and positioned along a side of the
circle 216 that corresponds with a side of thefirst circle 216 that is removed first. As shown inFIG. 10 , the die cut 270 is disposed on the side ofcircle 216 toward theremoval tab 240. According to an embodiment of die cut 270 having an arcuate shape, the arc preferably extends between approximately 1° and 180° along thecircle 216 and more preferably extends between approximately 5° and 90° along thecircle 216. Alternative designs for facilitating the removal of the portion of thelabel assembly 200 withincircle 216 are also available for use in this invention. -
FIGS. 11 and12 illustrate alabel assembly 300 according to yet another embodiment. Thelabel assembly 300 includes afront sheet 302 having a printable surface and an adhesive material coating a surface opposite the printable surface. Aback sheet 304 is disposed over the adhesive material. - Two label shapes 310 and 310' are defined in the
face sheet 302, and will be discussed herein with reference tolabel shape 310.Circular label shape 310, appropriately sized for use in labeling a CD or DVD, is defined in the face sheet by a tearable line ofseparation 312. Aremovable panel 314 is defined in the surface of theback sheet 304 by a tearable line ofseparation 316, and is disposed over thelabel shape 310. - The
label assembly 300 includes a registration structure aligned with thelabel shape 310 and theremovable panel 314. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 11 and12 , the registration structure includes three spaced apartregistration tabs separation back sheet 304 and theface sheet 302. Theregistration tabs fold line 332. - A
first circle 340 is cut within theface sheet 302 by a tearable line ofseparation 342 and positioned within thelabel shape 310. Asecond circle 344 is also cut within theface sheet 302 by a tearable line ofseparation 346, and nested within a first perimeter of thefirst circle 340. A plurality of nested circular removable label shapes 310, 352, and 354 are thus located within the circle formed bytearable line 312. As discussed above, the ring-shapedremovable label shape 310 formed betweentearable lines removable shape 352 formed betweentearable lines removable shape 354 is desirably sized to leave an opening that corresponds to the center opening of a CD or DVD. - Various and alternative sizes, shapes, and configurations are available for the removable label shapes of this invention. For example, label shapes 310, 352, and 354 are preferably but not necessarily ring-shaped or circular, as label shapes 310,352, and 354 can also have any polygonal shape or any other suitable non-circular shape. As another example, an optional further ring-shaped portion (not shown) can be formed between
shapes 310 and 3 52 to serve as a discardable spacer. - The back sheet
removable panel 314 includes tworemoval tabs removable panel 314.Removal tabs removable panel 314. As discussed above,removal tabs removable panel 314. Theback sheet 304 also includes a plurality ofretainer tabs 364 extending from a backsheet remaining portion 366 and adhering to thelabel shape 310. Theretainer tabs 364 assist in holding thelabel shape 310 in place, e.g., and attached to the remainder of thefront sheet 202, while removing theremovable panel 314 to expose the adhesive material on the back side of thelabel shape 310. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 11 and12 , each of the spaced apartregistration tabs retainer tabs 364. - According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, when the
removable panel 314 is peeled away or otherwise removed fromlabel shape 310, a center hole inlabel shape 310 is opened by the removal of eitheronly label shape 354 or both label shapes 352 and 354. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 11 and12 , whether only shape 354 is removed with theremovable panel 314 or bothshapes removable panel 314 is controlled by which ofremoval tabs removable panel 314. - The
label assembly 300 includes a first die cut 370 extending in a first arc partially along a perimeter of thefirst circle 340 and in theface sheet 302 and theback sheet 304. A second die cut 372 extends in a second arc partially along a perimeter of thesecond circle 344 and in theface sheet 302 and theback sheet 304. Both the first and second arcs extend between approximately 1° and 180°, and more desirably between approximately 5° and 90°, along the first andsecond circles 340 344, respectively. The first arc die cut 370 is disposed on a side of thefirst circle 340 toward thefirst removal tab 360. The second arc die cut 372 is disposed on a side of thesecond circle 344 toward thesecond removal tab 362. - Removing the
removable panel 314 by graspingremoval tab 360 and peelingremovable panel 314 from the back sheet 304 (generally in a direction toward the opposing tab 362) results in removal of both label shapes 352 and 354 from thefront sheet 302. The die cut 370 desirably causes the label shapes 352 and 354 to continue adhering to theremovable panel 314 and to separate (along tearable line 342) from thefront sheet 302. Removing theremovable panel 314 by grasping thesecond removal tab 362 and peelingremovable panel 314 from the back sheet 304 (generally in a direction toward the opposing tab 360) desirably results in removal ofonly label shape 354 from thefront sheet 302. As there is not die cut like die cut 370 in this direction along the perimeter ofcircle 340, theshape 352 remains attached to thefront sheet 302. The die cut 372 causes thelabel shape 354, however, to continue adhering to theremovable panel 314 and to separate (along tearable line 344) from thefront sheet 302. Thus the label assembly user can choose between two alternative shapes oflabel shape 310, i.e., one version keeping theshape portion 352 attached to cover more surface of the CD or DVD, or a second version without theshape portion 352. - The invention further provides a method for labeling an object using the label assembly, such as
label assembly 300. First, the label assembly user routes thelabel assembly 300 through a printer to print the desired text and/or graphic on the printable surface oflabel shape 310. Thelabel assembly 330 is desirably placed on a flat hard surface with the printedface sheet 302 downward. The user removes theremovable panel 314 using one of the two opposingremoval tabs label shape 310. The user raises the registration structure by breaking thetearable lines back sheet 304. The user then places the object against theregistration tabs label shape 310 to the object. -
FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the use of thelabel assembly 300. InFIG. 13 , theuser 390 is peeling theremovable panel 314 from theback sheet 304 to expose the adhesivecoated side 392 of thelabel shape 310. Theuser 390 is peeling by graspingremoval tab 360, and thus both label shapes 352 and 354 are removed from thefront sheet 302 and stay adhered to theremovable panel 314 to provide anopening 394 inlabel shape 310. - In
FIG. 14 , theregistration tabs removable panel 314 is fully removed, andcompact disc 396 is placed against theregistration tabs label shape 310. Placing thecompact disc 396 againstregistration tabs compact disc 396 over thelabel shape 310, thereby promoting the desired placement of thelabel shape 310 on thecompact disc 396 without a separate label application apparatus. The labeledcompact disc 396 can then simply be lifted from thelabel assembly 300. -
FIGS. 15 and 16 show the back and front, respectively, of alabel assembly 400 according to another embodiment of this invention.Label assembly 400 includes aface sheet 402 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view ofFIG. 16 , and anadjacent back sheet 404, shown in the view ofFIG. 15 . Theback sheet 404 is desirably about the same size as theface sheet 402, but may be slightly larger or smaller than theface sheet 402. The surface of theface sheet 402 that is disposed toward theback sheet 404, and opposite the printed or printable surface, includes an adhesive material coating. - The
label assembly 400 shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 includes a plurality of label shapes, and more particularly twolabel shapes 410 and 410'. The twolabel shapes 410 and 410' can be the same or have different sizes and/or printed patterns, and will be described herein with reference tolabel shape 410. - The
label shape 410 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line ofseparation 412. In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 , thelabel shape 410 is particularly adapted to be applied to an object having a non-planar and/or more than one surface. The illustrated embodiment is particularly useful in aligninglabel shape 410 to an object having a planar surface wherein the label is to be applied to a front surface and also wrapped around a side or back surface. In one embodiment of this invention, the label assembly is particularly useful for labeling or personalizing objects having a three-dimensional box-like configuration, including, without limitation, personal electronics such as cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, netbooks or MP3 players, and also any other objects such as credit cards, RF or SIM chip cards, picture frames, photo or keepsake boxes, jewelry boxes, toy cases, etc. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 15 and 16 ,label shape 410 is configured to be applied to an IPOD® music player, although changes in the size, shape and configuration of the label shape can be made to accommodate other objects.Label shape 410 includes additional shapes defined within the periphery by additional tearable lines of separation. Thelabel shape 410 includes acircle 414 cut within theface sheet 402 by a second tearable line ofseparation 416 and arectangular shape 418 cut within theface sheet 402 by a third tearable line ofseparation 420. As can be seen inFIG. 15 , these lines ofseparation face sheet 402 and correspond to the control mechanism and view screen of the music player, such as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 20 . - The
back sheet 404 includes aremovable panel 430 defined in the back sheet surface 432 by at least one tearable line ofseparation 434 extending around the outer periphery ofremovable panel 430. Theremovable panel 430 is disposed over thelabel shape 410, and as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 , is preferably generally coextensive withlabel shape 410. Theback sheet 404 also includes a plurality ofretainer tabs 436 extending from a remainingportion 440 surrounding theremovable panel 430 and adhering to thelabel shape 410. As discussed above, theretainer tabs 436 are particularly useful in holding thelabel shape 410 in place (and attached to the remaining portion 438 of the front sheet 402) while removing theremovable panel 430 to expose the adhesive material on thelabel shape 410. - In one embodiment of this invention, such as shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16 , theremovable panel 430 is divided into at least two sub-panels, which can assist in applying thelabel shape 410 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of theremovable panel 430 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of thelabel shape 410 to the object and the subsequent removal or a second panel for wrapping the additional portion of thelabel shape 410 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object. In the embodiment of this invention shown inFIG. 15 , theremovable panel 430 includes a center panel portion between twoside panel portions side panel portions separation back sheet 404 only. The center panel portion can also include the optional corner starter flap, or removal tab, 455 that is adapted to allow for easier removal of the center panel portion by the user. The side panel portions can also optionally include such removal tabs. - The
label assembly 400 includes a registration structure, embodied inFIGS. 15 and 16 as four spaced apartregistration tabs 460 aligned with a portion of thelabel shape 410. As described above, the registration structure of this embodiment also allows for improved and easier application of a label to an object, for example, an MP3 player. Thetabs 460 are each defined on three sides by one or more tearable lines of separation in theback sheet 404. Thetabs 460 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above theback sheet 404. InFIG. 15 ,fold line 462 shows where thetab 460 will desirably be folded, and can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16 , the registration structure is positioned within an outer periphery of theremovable panel 430 and defined in only theback sheet 404. More particularly, at least one, and desirably each, of the twoside panel portions registration tabs 460. Theregistration tabs 460 are disposed adjacent to and along an edge of the center panel portion. In one embodiment of this invention, theregistration tabs 460 are defined on a side adjacent to the center panel portion by the lines ofseparation tabs 460 are each defined on the remaining sides by tearable line ofseparation 464. - Upon removing the center panel portion, the object to be labeled can be aligned over the adhesive area that is under the center panel portion using the raised
registration tabs 460. Thelabel assembly 400 further includes an optional alignment structure aligned with a portion of thelabel shape 430 and also one of raised or raisable above the back sheet. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 , the alignment structure includes twoalignment tabs 470 each defined by a tearable line ofseparation 472 and positioned external of the outer periphery of theremovable panel 430. The tearable lines ofseparation 472 can be cut within theback sheet 402 or both thefront sheet 402 and theback sheet 404 as they are positioned external of theremovable panel 430. - The invention further includes a method for labeling an object with a label from the
label assembly 400. As discussed above,label assembly 400 can be pre-printed or printable. If the label assembly is printable, the consumer can print custom images or text on the printable surface of theface sheet 402 with a printer prior to labeling an object. The printedlabel assembly 400 is placed on a surface with theface sheet 402 downward on the surface. The center panel portion of theremovable panel 430 is removed, such as by usingstarter flap 455, to expose the adhesive material on a first portion of thelabel shape 410. Theregistration tabs 460 and thealignment tabs 470 are raised either before or after the center panel portion is removed. A surface of the object (not shown) is placed over the adhesive material and kept in proper alignment using thetabs label shape 410 is adhered to the object surface by placing the object on the exposed adhesive material while the object is against thetabs side panels label shape 410. The side portions of thelabel shape 410 are then applied to the object, for example, by folding the side portions of thelabel shape 410 alongfold lines 480 to wrap the side portions around side and/or back surfaces of the object. - In an alternative embodiment, the object is placed on the surface and the label assembly is placed over the object for labeling the object. In such an embodiment, the
tabs - The invention also includes software for printing on the label shape. The software is executable on a data processor attached to a printer and includes templates for allowing the user to apply text or images in the desired location on the label shape (e.g., to avoid the view screen area). The software can include, on a recordable medium, numerous templates each corresponding to one label shape for a known consumer device.
-
FIGS. 17 and 18 show the front and back, respectively, of alabel assembly 500 according to another embodiment of this invention.Label assembly 500 includes aface sheet 502 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view ofFIG. 17 , and anadjacent back sheet 504, shown in the view ofFIG. 18 . The surface of theface sheet 502 that is disposed toward theback sheet 504, and opposite the printed or printable surface, includes an adhesive material coating. - The
label assembly 500 shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 includes asingle label shape 510, but could alternatively include two or more. Thelabel shape 510 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line of separation 512. In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 , thelabel shape 510 is also particularly adapted to be applied to an object having non-planar or more than one surface. The illustrated embodiment is particularly useful in aligninglabel shape 510 to an object having a planar surface wherein the label is to be wrapped around a side or back surface. As discussed above forFIGS. 15 and 16 ,label shape 510 is shown as a label suitable for a current IPOD® music player, but the application means of the embodiment ofFIGS. 17 and 18 could be applied using other sizes and shapes of label shapes for other devices, such as consumer electronics or and any other object. - As shown in
FIG. 17 , thelabel shape 510 includes additional shapes defined within the periphery by additional tearable lines of separation. Thelabel shape 510 includes twocircles face sheet 502 by tearable lines ofseparation rectangular shape 518 is also cut within theface sheet 502 by a tearable line ofseparation 520 and corresponds to the view screen of the IPOD® player. The tearable lines of theface sheet 502 are shown in phantom inFIG. 18 to illustrate the positioning with the tearable lines and panels of theback sheet 504. - Referring to
FIG. 18 , theback sheet 504 includes aremovable panel 530 defined in theback sheet surface 532 by at least one tearable line ofseparation 534 extending around the outer periphery ofremovable panel 530. Theremovable panel 530 is disposed over a portion, e.g., a majority, of thelabel shape 510. Theremovable panel 530 is not exactly coextensive withlabel shape 510 and extends beyond thelabel shape 510 on three sides and thelabel shape 510 extends beyond theremovable panel 530 on the fourth side. - The
removable panel 530 is divided into two sub-panels, which can assist in applying thelabel shape 510 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of theremovable panel 530 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of thelabel shape 510 to the object and the subsequent removal or a second panel for wrapping the additional portion of thelabel shape 510 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object. In the embodiment of this invention shown inFIG. 18 , theremovable panel 530 includes twopanel portions panel portions separation 548, cut within theback sheet 504 only. Thepanel portions panel portions - The
label assembly 500 includes a registration structure, embodied inFIG. 18 as four spaced apartregistration tabs 560 aligned with a portion of thelabel shape 510. Thetabs 560 are each defined on three sides by one or more tearable lines of separation in theback sheet 504. Thetabs 560 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above theback sheet 504. InFIG. 18 ,fold lines 562 show where thetab 560 will desirably be folded, and can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 18 , a portion of the registration structure is positioned within an outer periphery of theremovable panel 530 and defined in only theback sheet 504. More particularly, theside panel portion 544 includes two of theregistration tabs 560. Theregistration tabs 560 ofside panel portion 544 are disposed adjacent to and along an edge of theother panel portion 546. In this embodiment of this invention, the additional tworegistration tabs 560 are positioned external of the outer periphery of theremovable panel 530 and on an opposite side of theside panel portion 546 fromside panel portion 544. However, in this embodiment alltabs 560 are cut only in theback sheet 504, as thelabel sheet 510 extends over at least a portion of each of thetabs 560. Each of theregistration tabs 560 is defined on a side adjacent to thepanel portion 546 by the line ofseparation tabs 560 are defined on the remaining sides by tearable line ofseparation 564. - Upon removing the
panel portion 546, the object to be labeled can be aligned over the adhesive area that is under thepanel portion 546 using the raisedregistration tabs 560. Thelabel assembly 500 further includes an optional alignment structure aligned with a portion of thelabel shape 530 and also one of raised or raisable above the back sheet. The alignment structure includes twoalignment tabs 570 defined by a tearable line ofseparation 572 and positioned external of the outer periphery of theremovable panel 530. The tearable line ofseparation 572 can be cut within theback sheet 504 or both thefront sheet 502 and theback sheet 504 as shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 , as they are positioned external of theremovable panel 530 andlabel shape 510. - In one embodiment of this invention, the
label assembly 500 includes a removal facilitation structure for aiding the user in removing thematrix 568 from thelabel sheet 510 upon adhering an object to thepanel portion 546. As shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 , the removal facilitation structure includes adie cut 580 in theback sheet 504 extending between theremovable panel 530 and anouter edge 582 of theback sheet 504. The die cut 580 is used in cooperation with a die cut 5 84 in thefront sheet 502 that extends from thelabel shape 510 to anedge 586 of thefront sheet 502. Preferably, the die cut 580 and the die cut 584 are at least partially offset from each other to help maintain thematrix 568 connection until torn by the user. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 , the die cut 584 is curved and intersects with the die cut 580 at theedge 586 of theface sheet 502. - The
label assembly 500 is used in a similar manner as thelabel assembly 400 discussed above. If thelabel assembly 500 is to be printed upon, the user feeds thelabel assembly 500 through a suitable printer. To facilitate printing thetabs 560 have thefold lines 562 disposed toward the printing feed direction to reduce the chance of thetabs 560 being raised during printing. - Either the object to be labeled or the
label assembly 500 is placed on a surface. Thepanel portion 546 is removed and thetabs tabs label assembly 500 with the removedpanel portion 546 can be placed from above onto an object placed on a surface. Thetabs label shape 510 over the object as thelabel assembly 500 is lowered onto the object. Thetabs label shape 510 to the object. Desirably, the tabs are appropriately sized to a thickness of the object. - Once the
label shape 510 is partially adhered to the object, theother panel portion 544 is removed, and the matrix is removed from thelabel shape 510. The removal of the matrix is facilitated by the user separating diecuts label shape 510. The label shape can then be wrapped around the object. Where the object has rounded sides, such as an IPOD®, the object can be rolled on thelabel shape 510 on the flat surface to adhere the additional portions of the label shape to the object. Desirably the edges of the wrapped label sheet meet end to end, but overlap or a gap are also possible. -
FIGS. 19 and 20 show the front and back, respectively, of alabel assembly 600 according to another embodiment of this invention.Label assembly 600 is a variation of thelabel assembly 500 shown inFIGS. 17 and 18 .Label assembly 600 includes aface sheet 602 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view ofFIG. 19 , and anadjacent back sheet 604, shown in the view ofFIG. 20 . An adhesive material is disposed between theface sheet 602 and theback sheet 604. - The
label assembly 600 shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 includes asingle label shape 610, but could alternatively include two or more. Thelabel shape 610 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line ofseparation 612. In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 , thelabel shape 610 is also particularly adapted to be applied to an object having non-planar or more than one surface.Label shape 610 is also shown as a label suitable for a current IPOD® music player, including twocircles face sheet 602 which coordinate to the click-wheel and button of the IPOD® player, respectively, andrectangular shape 618 cut within theface sheet 602 to correspond to the view screen of the IPOD® player. The application means of the embodiment ofFIGS. 19 and 20 could be applied using other sizes and shapes of label shapes for other devices, such as consumer electronics or and any other object. - In one embodiment of this invention, an arcuate die cut can be used as discussed above to facilitate removal of the
circles 614 and/or 615 fromlabel shape 610 if desired. If thecenter circle 615 is desired, but not theouter circle 614, an adhesive strip (such as a paper strip with a tacky but not permanent adhesive) or equivalent can be placed across theface sheet 602 and over thecircles removable panel 630 is removed, theouter circle 614 can be removed while the inner circle is held in place by the adhesive strip. - Referring to
FIG. 20 , theback sheet 604 includes aremovable panel 630 defined in theback sheet surface 632 by at least one tearable line ofseparation 634 extending around the outer periphery ofremovable panel 630. In this embodiment of the invention, theremovable panel 630 is generally coextensive withlabel shape 610 on three sides which include plurality ofretainer tabs 636 extending on three sides from a remainingportion 640 surrounding theremovable panel 630 and adhering to thelabel shape 610. As discussed above, theretainer tabs 636 are particularly useful in holding thelabel shape 610 in place (and attached to the remainingportion 638 of the front sheet 602) while removing theremovable panel 630 to expose the adhesive material on thelabel shape 610. On the fourth side oflabel shape 610, the tearable line defining the periphery of theremovable panel 630 is optionally offset from the tearable line defining the periphery of thelabel shape 610 to allow a portion oflabel shape 610 to be wrapped around one side of the object to be labeled. - The
removable panel 630 is divided into two sub-panels, which can assist in applying thelabel shape 610 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of theremovable panel 630 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of thelabel shape 610 to the object and the subsequent removal or a second panel for wrapping the additional portion of thelabel shape 610 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object. In the embodiment of this invention shown inFIG. 20 , theremovable panel 630 includes twopanel portions panel portions separation 648, cut within theback sheet 604 only. One or both of thepanel portions panel portions 644 and/or 646 by the user. - The registration structure of the
label assembly 600 includes four spaced apartregistration tabs 660 aligned with a portion of thelabel shape 610. In this embodiment of the invention, thetabs 660 are each defined on three sides by one or more tearable lines of separation in only theback sheet 604. Thetabs 660 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above theback sheet 604 at perforated or otherwise scored fold lines 662. - Similar to the embodiment discussed above in
FIGS. 17 and 18 , a portion of the registration structure is positioned within an outer periphery of theremovable panel 630 and defined in only theback sheet 604. More particularly, theside panel portion 644 includes two of theregistration tabs 660. Theregistration tabs 660 ofside panel portion 644 are disposed adjacent to and along an edge of theother panel portion 646. In this embodiment of this invention, the additional tworegistration tabs 660 are positioned external of the outer periphery of theremovable panel 630 and on an opposite side of theside panel portion 646 fromside panel portion 644. However, in this embodiment alltabs 660 are cut only in theback sheet 604, as thelabel sheet 610 extends over at least a portion of each of thetabs 660. - Upon removing the
panel portion 646, the object to be labeled can be aligned over the adhesive area that is under thepanel portion 646 using the raisedregistration tabs 660. Thelabel assembly 600 further includes optional opposingalignment tabs 670 defined by a tearable line of separation 672 and positioned external of the outer periphery of theremovable panel 630. In this embodiment, the tearable lines of separation 672 are cut only within theback sheet 602 because of the placement of thetabs 670 withincorresponding retainer tabs 636. Alternative configurations could allow for thetabs 670 to be cut within both of thefront sheet 602 andback sheet 604 for extra rigidity. Thelabel assembly 600 is used in a similar manner as thelabel assembly 500 discussed above. -
FIGS. 21 and 22 show the front and back, respectively, of alabel assembly 700.Label assembly 700 includes aface sheet 702 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view ofFIG. 21 , and anadjacent back sheet 704, shown in the view ofFIG. 22 . The surface of theface sheet 702 that is disposed toward theback sheet 704, and opposite the printed or printable surface, includes an adhesive material coating. - The
label assembly 700 shown inFIGS. 21 and 22 includes alabel shape 710. Thelabel shape 710 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line ofseparation 712. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 21 and 22 , thelabel shape 710 is also particularly adapted to be applied to an object having a side with more than one area or surface for receiving a label. The illustrated embodiment is particularly useful in aligninglabel shape 710 to a cell phone or smart phone, such as a BLACKBERRY® smart phone or IPHONE™, but the application means of the embodiment ofFIGS. 21 and 22 could be applied using other sizes and shapes of label shapes for other devices, such as consumer electronics or and any other object. - As shown in
FIG. 21 , thelabel shape 710 includes additional shapes defined within theperiphery 712 by additional tearable lines of separation.Label shape 710 includes twoshapes face sheet 702 by tearable lines ofseparation rectangular shape 718 is also cut within theface sheet 702 by a tearable line of separation 720 and corresponds to the view screen of the smart phone. Other shapes defined by tearable lines includeshape 722 which corresponds to the keyboard,shape 724 which corresponds to a decorative feature, and shapes 726 and 728 which correspond to functional features such as, for example, microphone and/or speaker openings of the smart phone. As shown inFIG. 22 , theback sheet 704 can include arcuate or otherwise corresponding diecuts shapes shapes removable panel 730. -
Removable panel 730 defined in theback sheet surface 732 by at least one tearable line of separation 734 extending around the outer periphery ofremovable panel 730. Theremovable panel 730 is disposed overlabel shape 710. In this embodiment of the invention, theremovable panel 730 is not exactly coextensive withlabel shape 710 and extends beyond thelabel shape 710 on all four sides. In this embodiment, as only one side of the object is to be labeled, theremovable panel 730 comprises a single panel to be removed prior to a first adhesion of thelabel shape 710 to the object. - The
label assembly 700 includes a registration structure, embodied inFIG. 22 as four spaced apartregistration tabs 760 aligned with a portion of thelabel shape 710. Thetabs 760 are each defined on three sides by one or more tearable lines of separation in theback sheet 704. Thetabs 760 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above theback sheet 704. InFIG. 22 ,fold lines 762 show where thetab 760 will desirably be folded, and can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 22 , each of theregistration tabs 760 includes afoldable portion 764 foldable about atab fold line 766, which can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line. Theregistration tabs 760 in the embodiment ofFIG. 22 are disposed external of the periphery of the label shape 710 (shown in phantom inFIG. 22 ) and theremovable panel 730. In this embodiment of the invention, thetabs 760 are cut only in theback sheet 704, but could optionally be cut within theface sheet 702 as well. - Upon removing the
removable panel 730, the object to be labeled can be aligned over the adhesive area that is under thepanel 730 using the raisedregistration tabs 760. Thelabel assembly 700 further includes an optional alignment structure aligned with a portion of thelabel shape 730 and also one of raised or raisable above the back sheet. The alignment structure includes twoalignment tabs 770 defined by a tearable line ofseparation 772 and also positioned external of the outer periphery of theremovable panel 730 andlabel shape 710. The tearable line ofseparation 772 can be cut within theback sheet 702 or both thefront sheet 702 and theback sheet 704 as shown inFIGS. 21 and 22 . - The label assembly is used in a manner similar to described above. If the
label assembly 700 is to be printed upon, the user feeds thelabel assembly 700 through a suitable printer. Either the object to be labeled or thelabel assembly 700 is placed on a surface. Thetabs back sheet 704 and theremovable panel 730 is removed. In one embodiment of this invention, the object to be labeled is placed on a flat surface, such as a table. Each of thefoldable portions 764 are folded aboutfold line 766 in a direction away fromfold line 762 so that the foldable portion is at an angle to the remaining portion of thecorresponding tab 760 and extending over an exposed portion of theface sheet 702. - As shown in
FIG. 23 , thelabel assembly 700 with the removedpanel 730 is placed onto the object 790 (shown in phantom) from above. Thetabs label shape 710 over the object as thelabel assembly 700 is lowered onto theobject 730. Thetabs label shape 710 to the object. Desirably, the tabs are appropriately sized, e.g., slightly taller, to a thickness of the object. - The
foldable portions 764 provide additional strength for thetabs 760 when functioning as "legs" in use as shown inFIG. 23 . Thefoldable portions 764 contact the underside of the remaining matrix 768 of theface sheet 702 to help keep thetabs 760 from collapsing and maintaining thelabel shape 710 at the desired location above theobject 790 until final application. As will be appreciated various sizes, shapes and configurations are available for the registration tabs and foldable portions thereof of this invention. In one embodiment of this invention, the edge of thefoldable portion 764 that contacts the bottom of theface sheet 702 is angled as shown inFIG. 24 to facilitate contact with theface sheet 702 while maintaining a desired substantially perpendicular position oftab 760 when extended. An alternative edge configuration is shown inFIG. 25 , where theedge 764 is cut higher thanfold line 762 by a thickness of theback sheet 704. - Once the
label shape 710 is partially adhered to the object the matrix is removed from thelabel shape 710. The removal of the matrix is facilitated by the user separatingdie cut 712 and tearing the matrix from aroundlabel shape 710. -
FIGS. 26 and 27 show the front and back, respectively, of alabel assembly 800 according to another embodiment of this invention.Label assembly 800 includes aface sheet 802 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view ofFIG. 27 , and anadjacent back sheet 804, shown in the view ofFIG. 26 . An adhesive material is disposed between theface sheet 802 and theback sheet 804. - The
label assembly 800 shown inFIGS. 26 and 27 includes asingle label shape 810, but could alternatively include two or more. Thelabel shape 810 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line ofseparation 812. In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 26 and 27 , thelabel shape 810 is also particularly adapted to be applied to an object having non-planar or more than one surface.Label shape 810 is also shown as a label suitable for a current IPHONE® smart phone, includingshapes 814 cut within only theface sheet 802 which coordinate to components of the IPHONE®, andrectangular shape 816 cut within theface sheet 802 to correspond to the view screen of the IPHONE®. As discussed above, arcuate die cuts 818 in theback sheet 804 can be used to facilitate removal of theshapes 814 fromlabel shape 810 if desired. The application means of the embodiment ofFIGS. 26 and 27 could be applied using other sizes and shapes of label shapes for other devices, such as consumer electronics or and any other object. - Referring to
FIG. 26 , theback sheet 804 includes aremovable panel 830 defined in theback sheet surface 832 by at least one tearable line ofseparation 834 extending around the outer periphery ofremovable panel 830. Theremovable panel 830 includes a portion of an outer periphery that is offset from a portion of an outer periphery of the label shape. Theremovable panel 830 in the illustrated embodiment is also divided into three sub-panels, which can assist in applying thelabel shape 810 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of theremovable panel 830 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of thelabel shape 810 to the object and the subsequent removal of a remaining panels for wrapping the additional portions of thelabel shape 810 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object. In the embodiment of this invention shown inFIG. 26 , theremovable panel 830 includes threepanel portions panel portions separation 850 and/or 852, cut within theback sheet 804 only. The removablemiddle panel portion 846 is generally coextensive with a portion oflabel shape 810 that covers a front surface of the IPHONE®. - The registration structure of the
label assembly 800 includes four spaced apartregistration tabs 860 aligned along opposing sides of themiddle panel portion 846. In this embodiment of the invention, thetabs 860 are each defined by one or more tearable lines ofseparations 865 cut only theback sheet 804. Thetabs 860 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above theback sheet 804 at perforated or otherwise scored fold lines 862. The fold lines 862 connect each thetabs 860 to one of theother panel portions tearable lines 850 and/or 852. In embodiments where the label assembly has a square or rectangular peripheral shape, such as shown inFIGS. 26 and 27 , thefold lines 862 are desirably parallel to two sides of thelabel assembly 810 and perpendicular to the other two sides of thelabel assembly 810. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 26 , each of theregistration tabs 860 includes afoldable portion 864 foldable about atab fold line 866, which can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line. Thetab fold lines 866 align with thetearable lines FIG. 28 thefoldable portions 864 extend substantially parallel with the edge of thepanel portions tabs 860 andfoldable portions 864 are used to align an object over thelabel shape 810, or vice versa, as discussed above. - The
label assembly 800 also includes afifth registration tab 870 defined at least partially in theback sheet 804 by a tearable line ofseparation 872 and aligned with a portion of thelabel shape 810 and/or theremovable panel 830. Theregistration structure 870 can be raised above theback sheet surface 832 by folding aboutfold line 875 to the position shown inFIG. 28 . Theregistration fold line 875 is desirably parallel to a side edge of thelabel assembly 800. Whereas theregistration tabs 860 align the object by limiting lateral movement of the object, theregistration tab 870 is disposed at an end of thepanel portion 846 and acts as an alignment structure to assist in vertical or longitudinal alignment of the object over thelabel shape 810. - Whereas the
registration tab 770 shown inFIG. 22 has an edge that contacts the object to be labeled by extending perpendicular to the back sheet surface, theregistration tab 870 extends at a non-perpendicular angle from theback sheet surface 832 and/or theremovable panel 830. Theregistration tab 870 includes an edge or surface that provides the angled side by which the object is aligned against and with. - In one embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 26-28 , theregistration tab 870 includes aperforated fold line 874 that defines afoldable portion 876. Thefold line 874 extends at a non-perpendicular angle from aregistration fold line 875 connecting theregistration tab 870 to theback sheet 804. Thefoldable portion 876 is defined on three sides by thetearable line 872, and when raised and folded as shown inFIG. 28 , forms asurface 878 extending at a non-perpendicular angle from theback sheet surface 832. Thetab 870 is positioned external of the outer periphery of theremovable panel 830. - In one embodiment of this invention, the
foldable portion 876 is cut only in theback sheet 804 and not through the front sheet. In such embodiments, the raised and foldedfoldable portion 876 can contact the adhesive on the back offace sheet 802. The adhesive can help maintain the foldable portion in a desired position. As seen inFIG. 27 , a portion of thetab 870 that is adjacent to thefoldable portion 876 can be cut in theface sheet 802 as well as theback sheet 804, thereby providing thickness and rigidity when thetab 870 is raised as shown inFIG. 28 . - Upon removing the
removable panel portion 846 as shown inFIG. 28 , the object to be labeled can be aligned over the adhesive area that is under thepanel 846 using the raisedregistration tabs 860. Thealignment registration tab 870 allows for a proper vertical alignment over the exposedlabel shape 810. The angled surface of thetab 870 allows the user consumer to slide the object down the angled surface into the desired position. Once thelabel shape 810 is partially adhered to the object theremovable panel portions matrix 880 can be removed from thelabel shape 810, as discussed above. The reminder of thelabel shape 810 can be applied around the object as discussed above. - As will be appreciated various sizes, shapes and configurations are available for the registration tabs and foldable portions thereof shown in
FIGS. 26-28 . In one embodiment of this invention, the edge of thefoldable portion 870 does not include the foldable portion, and the object to be labeled is placed upon an angled side edge of thetab 870. -
FIGS. 29 and 30 show the front and back, respectively, of alabel assembly 900 according to another embodiment of this invention.Label assembly 900 includes aface sheet 902 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view ofFIG. 30 , and anadjacent back sheet 904, shown in the view ofFIG. 29 . An adhesive material is disposed between theface sheet 902 and theback sheet 904. - The
label assembly 900 shown inFIGS. 29 and 30 includes asingle label shape 910, but could alternatively include two or more. Thelabel shape 910 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line ofseparation 912. In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 29 and 30 , thelabel shape 910 is also particularly adapted to be applied to an object having non-planar or more than one surface.Label shape 910 is also shown as a label suitable for a current IPOD® music player, including shapes cut within only theface sheet 902 which coordinate to components of the IPOD®. Arectangular shape 918 is cut within theface sheet 902 by a tearable line ofseparation 920 and corresponds to the view screen of the music player. Other shapes defined by tearable lines includeshape 922 which corresponds to the control wheel, and shape 924 which corresponds to a to a functional feature such as, for example, a camera, microphone and/or speaker openings of the device. As shown inFIG. 29 , theback sheet 904 can include a corresponding die cut 927, along a portion of theshape 918, as described above, to assist in maintaining the connection ofshape 918 to theremovable panel 930 during removal of thepanel 930. - Referring to
FIG. 29 , theback sheet 904 includes theremovable panel 930 defined in theback sheet surface 932 by at least one tearable line ofseparation 934 extending around the outer periphery ofremovable panel 930. Theremovable panel 930 includes a portion of an outer periphery that is offset from an outer periphery of thelabel shape 910. Theremovable panel 930 in the illustrated embodiment is also divided into twosub-panels label shape 910 to an object, for example, by allowing for only a portion of theremovable panel 930 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of thelabel shape 910 to the object and the subsequent removal of a remaining panels for wrapping the additional portions of thelabel shape 910 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object. - The registration structure of the
label assembly 900 includes four spaced apartregistration tabs 960 aligned along opposing sides of theremovable panel portion 946, and two opposingalignment tabs 970 disposed at the upper and lower ends of theremovable panel portion 946. Each of thetabs separations tabs 960 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above theback sheet 904 at perforated or otherwise scored fold lines 962. The fold lines 962 connect each of thetabs 960 to theother panel portion 944 or theback sheet 904, respectively. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 29 , each of theregistration tabs 960 includes afoldable portion 964 foldable about atab fold line 966, which can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line. Thealignment tabs 970 have a similar structure to thetabs 960. - In
FIGS. 29 and 30 , one of theregistration tabs 960 is aligned and disposed over theremovable shape 924. Thepanel portion 944 covers theremovable shape 924 and includes thetab 960 over thelabel shape 924. Theregistration tab 960 that is over thelabel shape 924 is connected to thepanel portion 944 by thefold line 962 and includes an edge ortab fold line 966 aligned with a side edge of theother panel portion 946. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 29 and 30 , theregistration tab 960 that is over thelabel shape 924 has a shape that is different from theother tabs 960, resulting from aportion 968 of thetab 960 sized to extend over the particular shape of theremovable shape 924. At least thisregistration tab 960 is cut into theback sheet 904 and not cut into theface sheet 902. Theregistration tab 960 desirably has a periphery that is generally coextensive with or slightly larger than theshape 924, so that when theregistration tab 960 is raised by folding outward above theback sheet 904 theremovable shape 924 continues to adhere to thetab 960 and is removed from thefront sheet 902. - By positioning a
registration tab 960 over thelabel shape 924, thelabel shape 924 can be easily removed by lifting theregistration tab 960. This embodiment of the registration tab of this invention is also particularly useful in labeling objects where a desired label shape in the front sheet is approximate a desired placement of a registration tab. Various sizes, positions, shapes and configurations are available for the registration tabs shown inFIGS. 29-30 . For example,FIG. 31 illustrates a registration tab 960' for placement over a label shape. The registration tab 960' inFIG. 31 is sized larger than thetab 960 shown inFIG. 29 . This larger size can be adopted to match a larger size shape cut into the face sheet, or can be used to facilitate lifting of the registration tab 960' for a shape sized smaller than the tab 960', such as theshape 924 shown inFIG. 30 . -
FIG. 32 shows an object, namely an IPOD® music player labeled according to one embodiment of this invention. -
FIGS. 33 and 34 show the front and back, respectively, of alabel assembly 1000 according to another embodiment of this invention.Label assembly 1000 includes aface sheet 1002 having a printed or printable surface, shown in the view ofFIG. 33 , and anadjacent back sheet 1004, shown in the view ofFIG. 34 . Theback sheet 1004 is desirably about the same size as theface sheet 1002, but may be slightly larger or smaller than theface sheet 1002. The surface of theface sheet 1002 that is disposed toward theback sheet 1004, and opposite the printed or printable surface, includes anadhesive material coating 1005. Thelabel assembly 1000 shown inFIGS. 33 and 34 includes asingle label shape 1010. Thelabel shape 1010 is defined at an outer periphery by a tearable line ofseparation 1012. In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 33 and 34 , theside portions 1015 oflabel shape 1010 is particularly adapted to be applied to, and in this case wrapped around, an object having a non-planar and/or more than one surface. The illustrated embodiment is particularly useful in aligninglabel shape 1010 to an object having a planar surface wherein the label is to be applied to a front surface and also wrapped around a side or back surface. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 33 and 34 ,label shape 1010 is configured to be applied to an IPOD® music player, although changes in the size, shape and configuration of the label shape can be made to accommodate other objects, such as discussed above.Label shape 1010 includes additional shapes defined within the periphery by additional tearable lines of separation. Thelabel shape 1010 includes acircle 1014 cut within theface sheet 1002 by a second tearable line ofseparation 1016 and arectangular shape 1018 cut within theface sheet 1002 by a third tearable line ofseparation 1020. As can be seen inFIG. 33 , these lines ofseparation face sheet 1002 and correspond to the control mechanism and view screen of the music player. - The
back sheet 1004 includes aremovable panel 1030 defined in theback sheet surface 1032 by at least one tearable line ofseparation 1034 extending around the outer periphery ofremovable panel 1030. Theremovable panel 1030 is disposed over thelabel shape 1010, and as shown inFIGS. 33 and 34 , is preferably generally coextensive withlabel shape 1010. Theback sheet 1004 also includes a plurality ofretainer tabs 1036 extending from a remainingportion 1040 surrounding theremovable panel 1030 and adhering to thelabel shape 1010. As discussed above, theretainer tabs 1036 are particularly useful in holding thelabel shape 1010 in place (and attached to the remaining portion 1038 of the front sheet 1002) while removing theremovable panel 1030 to expose the adhesive material on thelabel shape 1010. - In one embodiment of this invention, the
removable panel 1030 is divided into at least two sub-panels, which can assist in applying thelabel shape 1010 to an obj ect, for example, by allowing for only a portion of theremovable panel 1030 to be removed prior to a first adhesion of thelabel shape 1010 to the object and the subsequent removal or a second panel for wrapping the additional portion of thelabel shape 1010 around a different surface (e.g., a side and/or back surface) of the object. In the embodiment of this invention shown inFIG. 34 , theremovable panel 1030 includes acenter panel portion 1042 between twoside panel portions center panel portion 1042 is divided from each of theside panel portions separation back sheet 1004 only. Thecenter panel portion 1042 can also include the optional corner starter flap, or removal tab, 1055 that is adapted to allow for easier removal of thecenter panel portion 1042 by the user. The side panel portions can also optionally include such removal tabs. - The
label assembly 1000 includes a registration structure, embodied inFIGS. 33 and 34 as four spaced apartregistration tabs 1060 aligned with a portion of thelabel shape 1010. As described above, the registration structure of this embodiment also allows for improved and easier application of a label to an object, for example, an MP3 player or smart phone. Thetabs 1060 are each defined by one or more tearable lines of separation in theback sheet 1004. Thetabs 1060 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above theback sheet 1004. InFIG. 34 ,fold lines 1062 show where thetabs 1060 will desirably be folded when raised, and can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 33 and 34 , the registration structure is positioned within an outer periphery of theremovable panel 1030 and defined in only theback sheet 1004. More particularly, at least one, and desirably each, of the twoside panel portions registration tabs 1060. Theregistration tabs 1060 are disposed along an edge of thecenter panel portion 1042, and when raised and folded are aligned with the edge of thecenter panel portion 1042 or the exposed adhesive there beneath. - Each of the registration tabs includes more than one foldable panels. As shown in
FIG. 34 , there are threefoldable panels fold line 1065. When raised during use, each of theregistration tabs 1060 is folded along each of thefold lines 1065 to form a three-dimensional box-like registration structure 1069. In the raised position,foldable panel 1064 faces thecenter panel 1042 and the exposed adhesive when thecenter panel 1042 is removed.Foldable panels registration tab 1060 so that the adhesive assists the holding of the formed box-like structure 1069 in the folded form. - Upon removing the
center panel portion 1042, the object to be labeled can be aligned over the adhesive area that is under thecenter panel portion 1042 using the raisedregistration tabs 1060. Thelabel assembly 1000 further includes an optional alignment structure aligned with a portion of thelabel shape 1030 and also one of raised or raisable above the back sheet. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 28 , the alignment structure includes twoalignment tabs 1070 each defined by a tearable line ofseparation 1072 and positioned external of the outer periphery of theremovable panel 1030. Thealignment tabs 1070 can also be formed using the same or similar structure to theregistration tabs 1060 or according to other embodiments discussed herein. - Various sizes, shapes, and configurations are available for the registration structure and the foldable panels of the registration structure of this invention. For example, the registration structure desirably includes more than one foldable panel, but can have two, three, four, or more foldable panels, depending at least in part on the configuration of the label and the object to be labeled.
-
FIGS. 35-36 illustrate, without limitation, several possible registration structure alternatives. InFIG. 35 , the registration structure is similar to the registration structure shown inFIG.34 , only arranged in a different direction. Instead of extending into thecenter panel portion 1042, the longitudinal sides of theregistration tabs 1060 extend parallel alongside thecenter panel portion 1042. In the embodiment ofFIG. 35 , the foldedpanel 1066 of the box-like structure 1069 faces thecenter panel portion 1042 and the exposed adhesive. -
FIG. 36 illustrates a registration structure with only two foldable panels, and forming an L-shapedregistration tab 1060. Theregistration tab 1060 includes two perpendicular fold lines. When folded, thefoldable panel 1064 is disposed toward and aligned with thecenter panel portion 1042 and thefoldable panel 1066 is disposed parallel to and against the exposedface sheet 1002 and held in place by the exposed adhesive. -
FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate alabel assembly 1100 according to another embodiment of this invention.Label assembly 1100 includes aback sheet 1104 and aface sheet 1102 with a layer of adhesive disposed there between. - The
back sheet 1104 includes aremovable panel 1130 defined in theback sheet surface 1132 by at least one tearable line ofseparation 1134 extending around the outer periphery ofremovable panel 1130. Similar to the previously illustrated embodiments, theremovable panel 1130 includes acenter panel portion 1142 between twoside panel portions center panel portion 1142 is divided from each of theside panel portions separation back sheet 1104 only. - The
label assembly 1100 includes a registration structure embodied as two spaced apartregistration tabs 1160 aligned with a portion of theremovable panel 1130 and a portion of the label shape there beneath. In this embodiment thetabs 1160 are each defined on three sides by one or more tearable lines ofseparation 1158 in theback sheet 1104. Thetabs 1160 have a rectangular shape inFIGS.37 and 38 but are not limited to any particular shape or configuration, and could be other shapes such as squares, ellipses or rounded or semicircular shapes. Thetabs 1160 are raisable to an extended position by folding outward above theback sheet 1104 atfold lines 1162 which can be imaginary or a perforated or otherwise scored fold line. Thefold lines 1162 connect thetabs 1160 to theside panels tabs 1160 are separate from thecenter panel 1142 by the lines ofseparation 1158 to allow the removal of thecenter panel 1142. - Each of the
registration tabs 1160 includes more than one foldable panel, and more particularly threefoldable panels fold line 1165. When raised during use, each of theregistration tabs 1160 is folded along each of thefold lines 1165 to form a three-dimensional box-like registration structure 1169 as shown inFIG. 38 . In the raised position,foldable panel 1166 faces thecenter panel 1142 and the exposed adhesive when thecenter panel 1142 is removed. Thefoldable panel 1168 folds around to be disposed over the adhesive exposed by raisingregistration tab 1160 so that the adhesive assists the holding of the formed box-like structure 1169 in the folded form. Thestructures 1169, in combination with theoptional alignment tab 1170 provide registration or guide members to place the object to be labeled in an aligned position over the exposed adhesive as discussed above. -
FIG. 39 illustrates alabel assembly 1200 according to another embodiment of this invention.Label assembly 1200 includes aback sheet 1204 and aface sheet 1202 with a layer of adhesive disposed there between. - The
back sheet 1204 includes aremovable panel 1230 defined in theback sheet surface 1232 by at least one tearable line ofseparation 1234 extending around the outer periphery ofremovable panel 1230. Similar to previously illustrated embodiments, theremovable panel 1230 includes acenter panel portion 1242 between twoside panel portions center panel portion 1242 is divided from each of theside panel portions separation back sheet 1204 only. - The
registration structure 1260 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 39 and 40 is embodied as aseparate registration element 1262 that is applied to thelabel assembly 1200 during use. Thelabel assembly 1200 includes removable panel strips 1264 that are aligned with thecenter panel 1242 and removed by the user during use. The removable panel strips can include an optional corner starter flap, or removal tab, 1255 that is adapted to allow for easier removal by the user. Upon removing the removable panel strips 1264, theregistration elements 1262, embodied inFIG. 40 as rectangular blocks, are placed over the exposed adhesive. The adhesive temporarily secures theelements 1262 in place along thecenter panel 1242 to form registration or guide rails for lowering the object to be labeled onto the adhesive material below thecenter panel 1242 after thecenter panel 1242 is removed. - In one embodiment of this invention, the registration elements are placed on the label assembly before the
center panel 1242 is removed, so that the user can align theelements 1262. However, the elements can be applied after the center panel removal by aligning corners with therespective side panel face sheet 1202 under the removable panel strips 1264 can also be marked with a line to facilitate proper placement of theelements 1262. -
FIGS. 39 and 40 also show a similarly embodiedalignment structure 1270 which includes analignment element 1272 that adheres to adhesive exposed below aremovable alignment strip 1274. - Various sizes shapes, materials, and configurations are available for the registration/alignment elements and the removable panel/alignment strips of this invention. The registration/alignment elements can have any size and/or shape, but preferably have a flat surface to place on the exposed adhesive. Alternative numbers and placements of registration/alignment elements are also available. The registration/alignment elements can also be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, wood, or spongy material, and desirably have a surface that promotes removal from the adhesive after use. The removable panel/alignment strips are desirably sized according to need and the size and shape of the registration/alignment elements. In one possible alternative, the registration/alignment elements are sized larger than the removable panel/alignment strips, and the back sheet includes a raised embossed line, such as shown in
FIG. 6 , which the user can use to align an edge of a tilted registration/alignment element followed by lowering the opposing edge onto the exposed adhesive. - The invention further includes a method for labeling an object with a label from the label assembly of this invention. As discussed above, the label assembly can be pre-printed or printable. If the label assembly is printable, the consumer can print custom images or text on the printable surface of the face sheet with a printer prior to labeling an object. The printed label assembly is placed on a surface with the face sheet downward on the surface. At least a portion of the removable panel in the back sheet, e.g., the entire panel or just a center panel portion, is removed, such as by using a starter flap, to expose the adhesive material on at least a first portion of a label shape cut in the face sheet. The registration structures and the alignment structures (if any) are raised or added either before or after the removable panel or a portion thereof is removed. A surface of the object (not shown) is placed over the adhesive material and kept in proper alignment using the registration structures and any alignment structure. At least a portion of the label shape is adhered to the object surface by placing the object on the exposed adhesive material while the object is against the registration structures and any alignment structure. Once the object surface is adhered, if any side panels are present they can be removed to expose the adhesive material on the remaining label shape. The side portions of the label shape can then be applied to the object, for example, by folding the side portions of the label shape along fold lines to wrap the side portions around side and/or back surfaces of the object.
- In an alternative embodiment, the object is placed on the surface and the label assembly is placed over the object for labeling the object. In such an embodiment, the registration structures and any alignment structure can be preferably sized according to a height of the object on the surface, to hold the label shape just over the object. The label shape can then be applied by pressing down on the label shape.
- The invention also includes software for printing on the label shape. The software is executable on a data processor attached to a printer and includes templates for allowing the user to apply text or images in the desired location on the label shape (e.g., to avoid the view screen area). The software can include, on a recordable medium, numerous templates each corresponding to one label shape for a known consumer device.
- Thus the invention provides a label assembly with a registration structure that promotes the desired straightened and/or central alignment of a label to an object. The label assembly of this invention allows for application of a label to an object without the need for a separate label application apparatus, while still providing the desired placement on the object, such as centered placement of a label on an MP3 player or cell phone.
- The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element, part, step, component, or ingredient which is not specifically disclosed herein.
- While in the foregoing detailed description this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.
Claims (12)
- A label assembly (400, 500, 600, 1200) including a face sheet (402, 502, 602, 1202) with at least one label shape (410, 410', 510, 610) defined by at least one tearable line of separation (412, 512, 612), a back sheet (404, 504, 640, 1204) adjacent to the face sheet (402, 502, 602, 1202), and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet (402, 502, 602, 1202) and the back sheet (404, 504, 640, 1204), the label assembly (400, 500, 600, 1200) comprising: the back sheet (404, 504, 640, 1204) including a removable panel (430, 530, 630, 1230) disposed over the label shape (410, 410', 510, 610) and a registration structure aligned with at least a portion of the label shape (410, 410', 510, 610) and one of raised or raisable above the back sheet (404, 504, 640, 1204), where the registration structure comprises a registration tab (460, 560, 570, 660) defined by at least one tearable line of separation (464, 564) in the back sheet (404, 504, 640, 1204) and positioned within an outer periphery of the removable panel (430, 530, 630, 1230), characterized in that the removable panel (430, 530, 630, 1230) comprises at least two panel portions (444, 446,544, 546, 644, 646, 1242, 1244, 1246) and the registration tab (460, 560, 570, 660) is disposed within a periphery of one of the panel portions (444, 446, 544, 546, 644, 646, 1242, 1244, 1246) and adjacent to one of the other panel portions.
- The label assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the registration tab (460, 560, 570, 660) is cut into the back sheet (404, 504, 640, 1204) and raisable by folding outward above the back sheet (404, 504, 640, 1204).
- The label assembly according to any of Claims 1 or 2, wherein one of the two panel portions comprises at least a portion of the registration tab (460, 560, 570, 660).
- The label assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the registration tab (460, 560, 570, 660) includes a tab fold line (462, 480, 562, 662) defining a foldable portion
- The label assembly according to Claim 4, wherein the tab fold line (462, 480, 562, 662) is substantially perpendicular to a fold line connecting the registration tab (460, 560, 570, 660) to the back sheet (404, 504, 640, 1204).
- The label assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the registration tab (460, 560, 570, 660) includes an edge extending at a non-perpendicular angle from the back sheet surface (532, 632, 1232) or the removable panel (430, 530, 630, 1230).
- The label assembly according to Claim 6, wherein the registration tab (460, 560, 570, 660) further comprises a surface extending at a non-perpendicular angle from the back sheet surface (532, 632, 1232) when raised.
- The label assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 7, further comprising a removable shape cut within the face sheet and positioned within the label shape, wherein a portion of the registration tab is disposed over the removable shape, the registration tab being raisable above the back sheet surface (932) and the removable shape adheres to the registration tab when raised.
- The label assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the registration tab comprises more than one foldable portion, wherein the more than one foldable portion are positioned at an angle to another when the registration tab is raised and folded.
- A method for labeling an object with a label from a label assembly according to claim 1, the method comprising: providing a label assembly (400, 500, 600, 1200) according to claim 1; placing the label assembly (400, 500, 600, 1200) or the object on a surface; removing the first panel portion of the removable panel (430, 530, 630, 1230) to expose the adhesive material on at least a first portion of the label shape (410, 410', 510, 610); placing the object against the registration structure; adhering the object to the first portion of the label shape (410, 410', 510, 610) by contacting the object with the exposed adhesive material while the object is against the registration structure; and removing the object with the adhered label shape (410, 410', 510, 610) from the label assembly (400, 500, 600, 1200).
- The method of Claim 10, further comprising: removing a second panel portion of the removable panel (430, 530, 630, 1230) upon adhering the object to the first portion to expose the adhesive material on a second portion of the label shape (410, 410', 510, 610); and applying the second portion of the label shape (410, 410', 510, 610) to the object by wrapping the second portion of the label shape (410, 410', 510, 610) around a portion of the object.
- The method of Claim 10 or 11, wherein the registration tab (460, 560, 570, 660) is defined by at least one tearable line of separation and including a foldable portion, and further comprising raising the registration tab (460, 560, 570, 660), folding the foldable portion, and placing the object against the folded foldable portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/426,816 US8171661B2 (en) | 2006-10-24 | 2009-04-20 | Label assembly for applying a label to and around a portion of an object |
US12/426,823 US8272669B2 (en) | 2006-10-24 | 2009-04-20 | Label assembly for applying a label to an object |
US12/581,660 US8273433B2 (en) | 2006-10-24 | 2009-10-19 | Label assembly having angled registration tabs for applying a label to an object |
US12/581,672 US8419070B2 (en) | 2006-10-24 | 2009-10-19 | Label assembly having raisable registration tabs disposed over removable shapes |
US29716010P | 2010-01-21 | 2010-01-21 | |
PCT/US2010/030541 WO2010123703A2 (en) | 2009-04-20 | 2010-04-09 | Label assembly for applying a label to an object |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2422335A2 EP2422335A2 (en) | 2012-02-29 |
EP2422335A4 EP2422335A4 (en) | 2013-07-31 |
EP2422335B1 true EP2422335B1 (en) | 2018-01-24 |
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EP10767516.7A Active EP2422335B1 (en) | 2009-04-20 | 2010-04-09 | Label assembly for applying a label to an object |
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WO (1) | WO2010123703A2 (en) |
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WO2016099849A1 (en) * | 2014-12-18 | 2016-06-23 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Article and method for parallel labeling of an array of connections |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US7726696B2 (en) * | 2006-10-24 | 2010-06-01 | Continental Datalabel, Inc. | Label assembly for applying a label to an object |
US7959187B2 (en) * | 2006-10-24 | 2011-06-14 | Continental Datalabel, Inc. | Label assembly for applying a label to an object |
-
2010
- 2010-04-09 EP EP10767516.7A patent/EP2422335B1/en active Active
- 2010-04-09 WO PCT/US2010/030541 patent/WO2010123703A2/en active Application Filing
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EP2422335A4 (en) | 2013-07-31 |
WO2010123703A3 (en) | 2011-01-13 |
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