EP3312825A1

EP3312825A1 - Peel and reveal label

Info

Publication number: EP3312825A1
Application number: EP17197167.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Brown
Original assignee: Leading Edge Labels Ltd
Current assignee: Leading Edge Labels Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-18
Filing date: 2017-10-18
Publication date: 2018-04-25
Also published as: GB201617617D0

Abstract

A label comprises two or more layers, a hinge and an adhesive tab. A first layer includes a web having a surface which is coated with adhesive and covered by a removable carrier. A second layer includes a web joined to the first layer by the hinge adjacent a first edge of the second layer. The adhesive tab removably bonds a second opposing free edge of the second layer to the first layer in a way that allows the layers to be separated and repositioned repeatedly. The label provides multiple surfaces that can be printed and is suitable for attaching to a product to provide legislative or legal information, instructions for use of a product, or to enable multiple languages to be printed onto a single label.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a label suitable for attaching to a product to provide legislative or legal information, instructions for use of a product, or to enable multiple languages to be printed onto a single label. The invention also relates to a method for producing the label.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Labelling of products with "peel and reveal" labels is known. The known labels are generally self-adhesive multi-layer labels having information presented on two or more surfaces. Typically, they include a first layer that is peeled away to reveal a second layer. They are generally used when the surface area of a label is insufficient to allow a label having a single layer to have all the required text printed thereon. By making the label multi-layer, it allows text to be printed onto multiple layers / sides of the label and so more text can be presented than would be possible using only a single layer. Peel and reveal labels can be used to provide legislative or legal information, instructions for use or to enable multiple languages to be printed onto a single label.
The function of the multi-layer peel and reveal label is such that it allows a first layer of the label to be peeled away, thereby opening up the label to reveal inner pages. The label allows the inner pages to be read and thereafter the outer layer can be resealed. In this way, if the label is opened up by a consumer prior to purchase of a product bearing the label, the label is not damaged and the carrying product can still be sold in its original form.
There is already an established method for manufacturing the known peel and reveal label, which involves using 2 or 3 self-adhesive webs of material (each consisting of a substrate layer having an adhesive coated surface and a silicon coated carrier layer) and then printing on the surfaces of the substrate layers, printing on one surface a silicon release coating and then laminating these layers together. In this process the additional silicon coated carrier layers that are not required in the final label construction are waste product.
The established method has the disadvantage that the inner pages of the peel and reveal labels are usually fully adhesive on their under surfaces. Although a varnish can be printed over the adhesive to "deaden" the adhesive, this normally means that they are difficult to peel apart. This especially becomes a problem when a 3 layer peel and reveal label is produced, because the layers stick to each other and they must be separated individually. Again, various tab designs and deadened edges have been used to make this easier, but it still limits the use of this type of label.
Accordingly, there is a need for an alternative label that can be attached to a product which has a plurality of layers, which is easier to open and which can be resealed.
Remarkably, this has now been achieved by creating inner layers which do not have an adhesive coating over their entire surface. Instead, they have adhesive on a tab only which allows the label to be opened and re-sealed repeatedly easily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a label which comprises two or more layers, a hinge and an adhesive tab, wherein a first layer includes a web having a surface having adhesive thereon covered by a removable carrier; a second layer includes a web joined to the first layer by the hinge adjacent a first edge of the second layer; and the adhesive tab removably bonds a second opposing free edge of the second layer to the first layer in a way that allows the layers to be separated and repositioned repeatedly.
Advantageously, the label of the invention provides multiple surfaces that can be printed. In addition, the layers are easily separated and repositioned repeatedly. In a first embodiment, the invention provides a label having only two layers.
Preferably, the first layer has a first product facing surface, or underside, which is coated with adhesive substantially over its entire surface. Preferably, the adhesive is selected from a range of available pressure sensitive adhesives which may be acrylic water based, solvent based, hot melt or UV cured adhesives and are engineered to remain sticky until they are applied to a product.
Preferably, the first layer has a second surface opposing the first surface which can be printed.
Preferably, the first layer is of a material selected from paper, polypropylene and polyethylene.
Preferably, the carrier has a coating provided thereon, wherein the coating comprises a non-stick material. This provides the advantage that the first layer can be peeled away from the carrier to reveal adhesive and thereafter the first layer can be bonded to a product.
Preferably, the second layer includes a web which can be printed on one or both sides.
Preferably, the adhesive tab comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive which remains sticky for the life of the product. Preferably, the adhesive tab comprises a non-transferable adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive tab comprises an adhesive selected from an acrylic water based, hot melt or UV cured pressure sensitive adhesive.
Preferably, the adhesive tab is positioned on a first, product facing, surface, or underside, of the second layer.
Preferably, the second layer is of a material selected from paper, polypropylene and polyethylene.
Preferably, the second layer has substantially no adhesive thereon apart from adhesive which forms the adhesive tab and the hinge. Advantageously, all other surfaces of the second layer are substantially adhesive free, meaning that once opened the second layer of the label is unlikely to stick to itself or any other objects.
Preferably the adhesive tab has a width which is small compared to the parallel axis of the second layer of the label. For example, the width of the tab is no more than about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, about 15%, about 10%, about 5% or about 2% of the parallel axis of the second layer of the label.
Preferably the adhesive tab has a width of about 3mm to about 50mm. More preferably, the width of the adhesive tab is about 3mm to about 30mm. Even more preferably, the width of the adhesive tab is about 3mm to about 25mm. Even more preferably, the width of the adhesive tab is about 3mm to about 20mm. Even more preferably, the width of the adhesive tab is about 3mm to about 10mm.
In one embodiment, preferably the adhesive tab is adjacent only the second edge, or free end, of the second layer, distal to the hinge. In a further embodiment, preferably the adhesive tab extends along the sides of the second layer as well as the free end of the layer. In a further embodiment, the adhesive tab extends along only one or both sides of the second layer and not the free end of the layer. Advantageously, the area of the adhesive tab can be made smaller or larger to make the opening of the label easier or harder.
Preferably, a coating of a non-stick material is provided on the first layer directly below the adhesive tab on the second layer. Preferably, it is printed thereon. This provides the advantage of enabling the adhesive on the second layer to be peeled easily away from the first layer. Advantageously, when the label of the invention is closed, the adhesive tab on the second layer bonds to the coating of non-stick material on the first layer in a non-permanent way with a bond having sufficient strength to hold the two layers together but still allowing the layers to be peeled apart and repositioned repeatedly when required.
Preferably, the coating of a non-stick material has a width which corresponds to the width of the adhesive tab.
Advantageously, both the top and underside of the second layer can be printed as well as the top of the first layer, thereby providing 3 printed surfaces. In some instances, for example when the label is to be fixed to a colourless product, the product facing surface, or underside, of the first layer can also be printed to extend the number of printed surfaces to 4.
Preferably, the overall label shape and size of the label is as required. This provides the advantage that the shape of the label is not limited to a rectangle.
In a second embodiment, the invention provides a label having three or more layers.
For example, in a three layer label, in addition to the features described above in relation to a two layer label, preferably, the hinge joins the first layer, the second layer and the third layer together in a permanent bond.
Preferably, a first adhesive tab removably bonds the first layer to the second layer in a way that allows the layers to be separated and repositioned repeatedly. In addition, preferably, a second adhesive tab removably bonds the second layer to the third layer in a way that allows the layers to be separated and repositioned repeatedly.
Preferably, the adhesive tabs on the underside of the third layer and the underside of the second layer are both non-transferable, pressure sensitive adhesives which remain sticky for the life of the product. To enable the adhesive tabs to be peeled away from the first and second layers respectively, both the first and second layers are provided with a coating of a non-stick material directly below the adhesive tabs on layers two and three respectively. Preferably they are printed thereon. This provides the advantage that when the peel and reveal label is closed, the adhesive tab on the second layer bonds to the coating of a non-stick material on the first layer in a non-permanent way with sufficient strength to hold the first and second layers together but still allowing the layers to be peeled apart when required. Similarly the adhesive tab on the third layer bonds to the coating of a non-stick material on the second layer in a non-permanent way with sufficient strength to hold the two layers together but still allowing the second and third layers to be peeled apart when required.
In an alternative embodiment of a three layer label, preferably, the second layer is shorter than the first and third layers so that the second layer is hinged and held in position sandwiched between the first and third layers. Preferably, apart from adhesive which forms the hinge, the second layer has no adhesive thereon. Advantageously, because the second layer is shorter, when the third layer is in the closed position and pushed flat it directly contacts the first layer so the adhesive tab on the third layer removably bonds to the coating of a non-stick material of the first layer. As the second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer this is also held in position.
Preferably, according to this embodiment, the second layer does not have a coating of a non-stick material area provided thereon. Preferably, the second layer also does not have an adhesive tab provided thereon, however it still has an adhesive provided in order to create the hinge.
One advantage of this embodiment of the 3 layer label is that when the label is opened, the consumer only needs to peel the third layer away from the first layer and because the second layer has no adhesive or adhesive tab it will freely separate from the first layer and the third layer.
In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a label of the invention.
In a first embodiment of the method, a first layer and a second layer are provided and an adhesive tab is printed directly onto the underside of the second layer. The second layer is turned 180 degrees after printing the adhesive before laminating the first layer to the second layer.
In a second embodiment of the method, there is provided a method for printing an adhesive tab onto the first layer and then transferring the adhesive tab from the first layer to the second layer. This provides the advantage of avoiding the need to turn the second layer by 180 degrees after printing the adhesive.
Preferably, a coating of a non-stick material is printed onto an area of the first layer. In addition, two areas of adhesive are printed, the first area is to form a hinge and the second area which is printed on top of the coating of a non-stick material is to form an adhesive tab.
The first layer and the second layer are laminated together, and in doing this, the adhesive which is printed over the coating of a non-stick material transfers from the first layer to the underside of the second layer.
Preferably, the hinge between the first layer and the second layer is created by printing an adhesive onto the first layer which does not have a coating of a non-stick material underneath it and so when the first and second layers are laminated together the adhesive forms a permanent bond between the two layers.
Preferably, the same production method as described above is used for a 3 layer label. The adhesive tab on the underside of the third layer is printed on the top side of the second layer directly over a coating of a non-stick material which transfers from the second layer to the third layer when the layers are laminated together. The adhesive tab on the underside of the second layer is printed on the top side of the first layer directly over a coating of a non-stick material which transfers from the first layer to the second layer when the layers are laminated together.
Preferably, the hinge between the first layer and the second layer is created by providing an adhesive onto the first layer which does not have a coating of a non-stick material underneath it and so when laminated becomes a permanent bond between the two layers. The hinge between the second layer and the third layer is created by printing an adhesive onto the second layer which does not have a coating of a non-stick material underneath it and so when laminated becomes a permanent bond between the two layers. Preferably, the adhesive is printed onto the first and second layers.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a package, such as a package comprising a plastics container, wherein said package includes a label as hereinbefore described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a label according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a label according to the invention wherein 3 layers are shown.
Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a label according to the invention wherein both the first layer and the second layer are printed with a silicon coating directly below the adhesive tabs on the layer above. When the peel and reveal label is closed, the adhesive tab on the second layer sticks to the silicon coating on the first layer in a non-permanent way with sufficient strength to hold the second layer and the first layer together but still allowing the layers to be peeled apart when required.
Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a label according to the invention having three layers. In this embodiment, it can be seen that the second layer is cut shorter than the first layer and the third layer.
Figure 5 shows typical construction of a label according to the invention having three layers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following definitions shall apply throughout the specification and the appended claims.
Within the context of the present specification, the term "comprises" is taken to mean "includes" or "contains", i.e. other integers or features may be present, whereas the term "consists of" is taken to mean "consists exclusively of".
Within the context of this specification, the word "about" means preferably plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.
Within the context of this specification, the word "substantially" means "preferably at least 90%, more preferably 95%, even more preferably 98%, most preferably 99%.
Within the context of this specification, the term "non-stick material" means a material engineered to reduce the ability of other materials to stick to it. Preferably, the non-stick material is selected from silicon and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
It will be appreciated that aspects, embodiments and preferred features of the invention have been described herein in a way that allows the specification to be written in a clear and concise way. However, unless circumstances clearly dictate otherwise, aspects, embodiments and preferred features can be variously combined or separated in accordance with the invention. In a preferred embodiment, a device in accordance with the invention comprises all aspects of the invention.
Referring now to Figure 1, in a first embodiment the invention provides a label which comprises two layers, a hinge and an adhesive tab, wherein a first layer includes a web having a surface which is coated with adhesive and covered by a removable carrier; a second layer includes a web joined to the first layer by the hinge adjacent a first edge of the second layer; and the adhesive tab removably bonds a second opposing free edge of the second layer to the first layer in a way that allows the layers to be separated and repositioned repeatedly.
The first layer has a first product facing surface, or underside, which is coated with adhesive substantially over its entire surface. In addition, the first layer has a second surface opposing the first surface which can be printed.
The first and second layers are of a material selected from paper, polypropylene and polyethylene or any other material available in a web form which can be printed. The carrier is silicon coated.
The second layer includes a web which can be printed on one or both sides.
The adhesive tab comprises a non-transferable, pressure sensitive adhesive which remains sticky for the life of the product. The adhesive tab is positioned on a first, product facing, surface, or underside, of the second layer.
The second layer has substantially no adhesive thereon apart from the adhesive which forms the adhesive tab and the hinge. All other surfaces of the second layer are substantially adhesive free. The adhesive tab is adjacent only the second edge, or free end, of the second layer; or it extends along the sides of the label as well as the free end of the label. The area of the adhesive tab can be made smaller or larger to make the opening of the label easier or harder.
A silicon coating is printed on the first layer directly below the adhesive tab on the second layer.
Both the top and underside of the second layer can be printed as well as the top of the first layer, thereby providing 3 printed surfaces. Alternatively, if the label is to be fixed to a colourless product, the underside first layer can also be printed to extend the number of printed surfaces to 4.
The overall label shape and size of the label is as required. The shape of the label is not limited to being a rectangle.
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment wherein the invention provides a three layer label. The first layer again is a self-adhesive substrate with a full coating of adhesive on the underside. The second layer and the third layer are non-adhesive substrates selected from paper, polypropylene, polyethylene or any other material available in a web form which can be printed.
A hinge holds the first layer, the second layer and the third layer together in a permanent bond. Two adhesive tabs are provided, the first of which holds the first layer and the second layer together in a way that allows the first layer to be peeled away from the second layer. The second adhesive tab holds the second layer and the third layer together in a way that allows the third layer to be peeled away from the second layer. The adhesive on the underside of the third layer and the underside of the second layer are both non-transferable pressure sensitive adhesives which remain sticky for the life of the product. To enable the adhesives to be peeled away from the first layer and the second layer respectively both the first layer and the second layer are printed with a silicon coating directly below the adhesive tabs on the second and third layers respectively. This is shown in Figure 3.
When the label of the invention is closed, the adhesive tab on the second layer bonds to a silicon coating on the first layer in a non-permanent way with sufficient strength to hold the second layer and the first layer together but still allowing the layers to be peeled apart when required. Similarly the adhesive tab printed on the third layer bonds to the silicon coating on the second layer in a non-permanent way with sufficient strength to hold the two layers together but still allowing the third layer and the second layer to be peeled apart when required.
The hinge between the first layer and the second layer is created by printing an adhesive onto the first layer which does not have a printed silicon coating underneath it and so when laminated becomes a permanent bond between the two layers. The hinge between the second layer and the third layer is created by printing an adhesive onto the second layer which does not have a printed silicon coating underneath it and so when the layers are laminated together the adhesive forms a permanent bond between the two layers.
Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the 3 layer label of the invention. In this version the second layer is shorter than the first layer and the third layer. The second layer is still hinged and held between the first layer and the third layer, however because it is shorter, when the third layer is in the closed position and pushed flat it directly contacts with the first layer and so the adhesive tab on the third layer sticks to the silicon area of the first layer, holding the third layer onto the first layer. As the second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer this is also held in place.
In this embodiment the second layer does not have a printed silicon area thereon. The second layer also does not have an adhesive tab thereon, however it still needs an adhesive printed onto it in order to form the hinge.
In Figure 5, a method for production of a label of the invention is shown. Firstly an area of silicon release coating is printed on the first layer. Then two areas of adhesive are printed, the first area is for the hinge and the second area which is printed on top of the silicon release coating is for the adhesive tab.
When the first layer and the second layer are laminated together, the adhesive which is printed over the silicon release coating transfers from top side of the first layer to the underside of the second layer.
The hinge between the first layer and the second layer is created by printing an adhesive onto the first layer which does not have a printed silicon coating underneath it and so when laminated becomes a permanent bond between the two layers.
The same production method as described in Figure 5 is used to produce a 3 layer label. The adhesive tab on the underside of the third layer is printed on the top side of the second layer directly over a printed silicon release coating which transfers from the second layer to the third layer when the layers are laminated together. The adhesive tab on the underside of the second layer is printed on the top side of the first layer directly over a printed silicon release coating which transfers from the first layer to the second layer when the layers are laminated together.

Examples

Example 1

To demonstrate the effectiveness of a label according to the invention, tests were carried out as follows:

A label according to the invention having three layers was produced as a test label. This label had three layers as shown in Figure 4.

The ease of opening was tested compared to a known label fixed to a purchased commercially available product.
It was found that the label of the invention was remarkably easy to open compared to the known label having three layers fixed to a commercially available product. In this regard, it was found that the label of the invention took a person about 1 to 3 seconds to open and reseal, whereas, by comparison, the known label took about 10 to 30 seconds.
The invention has been illustrated by reference to particular embodiments, but it will be readily appreciated that numerous modifications and alterations may be made to the exemplified embodiments without departing from the principles underlying the invention. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.

Claims

A label which comprises two or more layers, a hinge and an adhesive tab, wherein a first layer includes a web having a surface having adhesive thereon covered by a removable carrier; a second layer includes a web joined to the first layer by the hinge adjacent a first edge of the second layer; and the adhesive tab removably bonds a second opposing free edge of the second layer to the first layer in a way that allows the layers to be separated and repositioned repeatedly.
A label according to claim 1 wherein the first layer has a first, product facing surface, or underside, which is coated with adhesive substantially over its entire surface.
The label according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first layer has a second surface opposing the first surface which can be printed.
A label according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the carrier has a coating provided thereon, wherein the coating comprises a non-stick material.
A label according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the adhesive tab
(a) comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive which remains sticky for the life of the product and/or

(b) is positioned on a first, product facing, surface, or underside, of the second layer and/or

(c) is adjacent only the second edge, or free end, of the second layer and/or

(d) extends along the sides of the second layer as well as the free end of the layer.
A label according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second layer has substantially no adhesive thereon apart from adhesive to form the adhesive tab and the hinge.
A label according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a coating of a non-stick material is provided on the first layer directly below the adhesive tab on the second layer; optionally wherein the coating of a non-stick material is printed onto the first layer.
A label according to any one of claims 1 to 7 having (a) only two layers; or (b) three or more layers.
A label according to claim 8 wherein the hinge joins the first layer, the second layer and the third layer together in a permanent bond.
A label according to claim 8 or claim 14 wherein a first adhesive tab removably bonds the first layer to the second layer in a way that allows the layers to be separated and repositioned repeatedly, and a second adhesive tab removably bonds the second layer to the third layer in a way that allows the layers to be separated and repositioned repeatedly.
A label according to claim 10 wherein the adhesive tabs on the underside of the third layer and the underside of the second layer are both non-transferable, pressure sensitive adhesives which remain sticky for the life of the product.
A label according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein both the first and second layers are provided with a coating of a non-stick material directly below the adhesive tabs on the second and third layers respectively; optionally wherein the coating of a non-stick material is printed onto the first and second layers.
A label according to claim 8 wherein, the second layer is shorter than the first and third layers so that the second layer is hinged and held in position sandwiched between the first and third layers; optionally wherein, apart from adhesive which forms the hinge, the second layer has no adhesive thereon; and/or wherein the second layer does not have a coating of a non-stick material area provided thereon; and/or wherein the second layer does not have an adhesive tab provided thereon.
A method for producing a label of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein a first layer and a second layer are provided, adhesive to provide a hinge is provided and an adhesive to provide an adhesive tab is provided, wherein the adhesive tab allows the layers to be separated and repositioned repeatedly and wherein the method comprises laminating the layers together so that they are held together by the hinge and the adhesive tab; optionally wherein a coating of a non-stick material is printed onto an area of the first layer; optionally wherein the adhesive tab is printed directly onto the underside of the second layer and the second layer is turned 180 degrees after printing the adhesive thereon so that the adhesive tab faces the first layer, before laminating the first layer to the second layer; optionally which comprises printing an adhesive tab onto the first layer and then transferring the adhesive tab from the first layer to the second layer; optionally wherein the adhesive is printed over the coating of a non-stick material on the first layer and transfers from the first layer to the underside of the second layer when the first layer and the second layer are laminated together; optionally wherein the hinge between the first layer and the second layer is created by printing an adhesive onto the first layer which does not have a coating of a non-stick material underneath it and so when the first and second layers are laminated together the adhesive forms a permanent bond between the two layers; optionally wherein an adhesive tab is printed on the underside of a third layer or is printed on the top side of the second layer directly over a coating of a non-stick material which transfers from the second layer to the third layer when the layers are laminated together; optionally wherein a hinge between a first layer and a second layer is created by providing an adhesive onto the first layer which does not have a coating of a non-stick material underneath it and so when laminated becomes a permanent bond between the two layers and a hinge between the second layer and a third layer is created by printing an adhesive onto the second layer which does not have a coating of a non-stick material underneath it and so when laminated becomes a permanent bond between the two layers.
A package, such as a package comprising a plastics container, wherein said package includes a label according to any one of claims 1 to 13.