EP3327706B1 - Label - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a multi-layer label according to the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1. This label is used for attachment to a cylindrical product and has an information field on its upper layer which is visible from the outside. The different layers of the label are connected to one another via permanent and releasable adhesive connections in such a way that the label can be opened with the aid of an opening means to display additional information fields that are located on the back side of the opened layer or layers and / or on the underlying layer or layers are to be made accessible.

In the DE 10 2012 000 019 A1 a two-layer label is described in which a base and a cover layer are provided, which are formed in one piece with one another and connected via a fold. The connecting area having the fold protrudes laterally opposite the adhesive layer with which the label can be applied to a substrate. This can result in the label tearing off or tearing during transport of the container with the label, for example, and also leads to a less appealing overall visual impression, as the impression can quickly arise that the label is not properly and completely on the product is appropriate. When this label is used as a wet-glue label, however, the area of the fold builds up, which causes problems in the labeler, since there is no flatness in the storage cassette when the label is folded. The base and the top layer must also be made of the same material. In the case of separately arranged layers, different materials can be used for this, so that, for example, the lower or base can consist of a cheaper material, which has advantages. Furthermore, it is also not described how a label could be constructed from more than two layers. The EP 1 594 106 B1 and the EP 2 908 304 A1 describe labels with two or more layers. In order to apply these labels to cylindrical products and containers, the labels each have a recess in the area of their lower layer in order to compensate for the displacement that occurs when the cylindrical product is wrapped. The tears that occur when these recesses are punched must, however, be removed manually from the labels designed in this way. It is of course possible here that such a tear-off is overlooked or not completely removed. This can then lead to considerable problems in the labeling process in the labeling machine, since such sections can then become detached during the labeling process and "wander" through the labeling machine and thereby possibly cause the labeling machine to stop. Such downtimes are on the one hand very expensive for production and it is also time-consuming for the operating personnel of the labeling machine to locate and remove the disturbing tear in the machine.

The object of the invention is therefore to improve a multi-layer label in such a way that the displacement caused by wrapping a cylindrical product is absorbed, but that the label is designed so that there are no tears or loose sections that have to be removed manually and - if removed insufficiently - can come loose during the labeling process and wander through the machine, bringing it to a standstill. This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1, which have the following special meaning.

All layers of the label are the same size, designed separately from one another and there are no sections. The upper layer preferably corresponds to a known label which has at least one information field, often several information fields, namely for a promotional area with the product name, the manufacturer name and the logo and for another area with technical information, such as ingredients, safety instructions, for example in ten languages. Furthermore, the label has additional layers that are located below the upper layer and are connected to it via an adhesive connection. These lower layers are normally covered by the upper layer, but can, if necessary, be made accessible by opening means provided. The information fields that are then visible on the lower layers and possibly on the back of the upper layer preferably have further technical information in other languages. It goes without saying that any information can be arranged on such labels. The present invention finds use in wet glue labels. The term “formed separately” is understood to mean that the various layers of the label are not formed in one piece with one another.

In order to absorb the displacement of the lower layers, which occurs when the cylindrical product is wrapped around, at least two additional weaknesses running parallel to one another are provided on each lower layer of the label, whereby a kink area is formed between these additional weaknesses. When the label is applied to a cylindrical product, these additional weaknesses form predetermined kink points, so that the kink area is bent over when the product is wrapped in order to absorb the displacement of the lower layers. For example, cuts with breakpoints, which can be formed with or without a bevel, or perforations, pre-punched kinks or the like, can serve as weakenings. At least one predetermined kink is provided for each lower layer of a label. Depending on the exact design of the label, there can be several. When applied to the product, the upper layer then covers the intended kink. Whether the intended kink can be seen when the respective lower layer has been made accessible in order to view the information located there depends on the respective specific design of the label.

According to the invention, a label is provided which has more than one lower layer, these lower layers being arranged one below the other, the additional weaknesses in each of these lower layers being arranged in such a way that they are offset from one another in the circumferential direction of the product. This prevents the kink areas of several lower layers from accumulating at one point on the label attached to the product. If the additional weaknesses are offset from one another, this addition is prevented.

The permanent adhesive connections and / or the additional weaknesses are preferably located in the edge area of both layers and outside the information fields. In this way, the information fields that are located on the lower layer or layers can also be read well and without errors, since there are no kinking areas and no permanent gluing points in this area.

A tear-off tab can be provided as the opening means. This is designed with at least one perforation and can be removed from the label in order to open the label and make the at least one lower layer of the label accessible.

Furthermore, only a perforation can serve as the opening means and no tear-off tab can be provided. The releasable adhesive connections are preferably provided outside the information fields and enable the upper layer of the label to be opened and reclosed. A tear-off tab or similar is not provided, so that a re-sealed label creates the same overall visual impression as an unopened label.

The perforations, both when a tear-off tab is used and in the absence of one, can be designed as individual straight cutting lines with weak points. If necessary, these weak points can be broken and the top layer can be removed. The resulting The outer edge is then straight and not jagged, which gives a good overall visual appearance of the open label.

In order to enable the label to be opened easily, preferred embodiments provide a special punching of the opening means, which can be designed as a tear-off tab or as a simple perforation, in which the punched material forms at least one tab that can be gripped manually by a user, to open the label. This makes it particularly easy for a user to open the label and without tools.

In the case of the label according to the invention, permanent adhesive connections are preferably provided, for example in the edge region of the layers, so that all the layers remain connected to one another when the upper layer or layers are folded down. Such permanent adhesive connections also exist between the label and the product. In this case, for example, the back of the upper layer or also the back of a foldable lower layer can be provided with information fields.

In one embodiment, the opening means is provided in the edge area of one of the two side edges, with a permanent adhesive connection being located between the opening means and the edge area. Furthermore, a releasable adhesive connection can also be provided adjacent to the opening means. This can be designed in the form of spots of glue in the area of the underside of the part of the upper layer raised from the lower layer. Depending on the size of the information fields, the opening means can be provided in the middle area of the upper layer, so that after opening the label only the area with the information fields on the lower layer is visible. After studying the information, the lower layer can be covered again by the upper layer.

Such an embodiment has the advantage that one or more of the lower layers can be made from an inexpensive material and only the upper layer consists of a high-quality material such as special paper or foil and / or is provided with a protective layer. By reconnecting the upper layer with the lower layers, the safety instructions and information on the information fields of the lower layers remain protected when handling the goods. In addition, after reconnecting the layers, the label still looks the same as before.

Another embodiment has two adjacently arranged lower layers, each of which has a permanent adhesive bond with the upper layer on its left side edge, which is possibly also adjacent to the cutting line if the corresponding lower layer has information fields. The opening point of such a label is for example arranged approximately in the middle. When the label is opened, preferably by means of one or more perforations, only one area of the label is then accessible, while the other remains covered. A permanent adhesive connection then exists adjacent to the opening means and the first area of the lower layer that is not to be made accessible, while a releasable adhesive connection exists adjacent to the opening means and the second area to be made accessible. The opening means can be designed with or without a tear-off tab. In this embodiment, there are two pairs of additional weakenings and thus also two intended buckling areas, one in each area of the lower layer.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemäßes Etikett in einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Etiketts gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf ein weiteres erfindungsgemäßes Etikett, in einer zweiten Ausführungsform

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Etiketts gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf das geöffnete Etikett gemäß Fig. 3 und 4,

Fig. 6

eine Ausgestaltung zweier zusätzlicher Schwächungen mit Knickbereich,

Fig. 7

die zusätzlichen Schwächungen mit Knickbereich bei einem auf ein zylindrisches Produkt aufgebrachten Etikett,

Fig. 8

eine erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung einer Abreißlasche,

Fig. 9

eine erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung einer Perforation ohne Abreißlasche.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to illustrative embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a label according to the invention in a first embodiment,

Fig. 2

a side view of the label according to the invention according to Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3

a plan view of a further label according to the invention, in a second embodiment

Fig. 4

a side view of the label according to the invention according to Fig. 3 ,

Fig. 5

a plan view of the opened label according to Figures 3 and 4 ,

Fig. 6

a design of two additional weaknesses with a kink area,

Fig. 7

the additional weaknesses with a kink area in a label applied to a cylindrical product,

Fig. 8

an inventive design of a tear-off tab,

Fig. 9

an inventive embodiment of a perforation without a tear-off tab.

A first embodiment of the multilayer label 10 according to the invention is shown in FIGS Figs. 1 and 2 shown. In the Fig. 1 one can see the upper layer 20 of the label 10 with the information fields 21, 22, 23. These information fields 21, 22, 23 can be used for different information and references. If, as in this exemplary embodiment, it is a can band, a large field 21 is preferably designed as a sales-promoting eye-catcher, preferably containing the designation of the product and the manufacturer's name as well as the filling quantity. In the case of a known branded product, an area of the information field 21 is also used for the brand name or the logo 27.

This part of the label 10 represents the front of a can, which is intended to attract the customer on a sales shelf. As a rule, this area of the label 10 is designed in a particularly complex manner due to an attractive design and possibly due to the use of different colors and coatings. The right side of the label 10 forms the rear side of the can and in this example is divided into two information fields 22 and 23 for technical information in particular. The information field 22 can, for example, contain various standardized symbols that provide information on how to proceed with the contents of the can. Furthermore, the information field 22 forms space for bar coding. Corresponding instructions for safe handling for the user can be listed in a further information field 23 and / or the composition of the liquid, pasty or powdery product filled into the can can be indicated. Since such safety instructions must be understandable for every user, these instructions are listed in information field 23 in different languages, this is indicated by the symbols D for German, F for French, NL for Dutch, DK for Danish, I for Italian, GB for English, E for Spanish and SE for Swedish in the Fig. 1 indicated. Of course, the aforementioned information can be arranged as desired on the visible side of the upper layer 20 of the label 10, depending on the manufacturer's wishes.

This upper layer 20 of the label 10 is preferably made of a high quality material, for example a special paper which is provided with a protective coating or of a high quality film. This protective layer can be a lacquer layer which ensures that the inscription on the label 10 applied by a printing process is retained for as long as possible even when exposed to moisture or chemical substances.

The opening means 40 is designed as a perforation 41 and runs over the entire width of the label 10 on the left-hand side in FIG Fig. 1 . The perforation 41 is formed by openings with weak points in between, the are provided exclusively in the upper layer 20. By breaking through these weak points, the label 10 can be opened and one gains access to the information fields 31, 32 of the lower layer 30. In this example, no information fields are provided on the back of the upper layer 20, which would be possible with a larger amount of information.

Of the Fig. 2 It is easy to see that this label 10 consists of two layers, an upper layer 20 and a lower layer 30. Both layers 20, 30 adhere to one another, this is ensured by adhesive connections 25, 26. The adhesive connections 25 are preferably permanent adhesive connections 25, which can only be released by destroying the composite. These permanent adhesive connections 25 are provided in the edge region of the label 10, in which Fig. 1 indicated by the dashed lines. In addition to the adhesive connections 25 at the edges to the side edges 28 and 29 of the label 10, a further adhesive connection 25 is arranged adjacent to the opening means 40.

In Fig. 2 an exemplary implementation of the additional weakenings 34 according to the invention and the resulting kink area 35 is also shown. The two additional weaknesses 34 are designed here as cuts with breakpoints and introduced into a lower layer 30 of the label 10. This will be discussed in more detail later.

The Figs. 3 to 5 show a second embodiment of the label 10 'according to the invention. Here an opening means 40 in the form of a perforation 41 is arranged approximately centrally on the upper layer 20 of the label 10 '.

In the example in Fig. 5 only half of the upper layer 20 is separated by the perforation 41 and lifted from the lower layer 30. The information fields 31, 32 are arranged on the second area 30 ″ of the lower layer 30 and can contain the information of the information fields 22 and / or 23, but in other languages. In the information field 32 of FIG Fig. 5 this is indicated by the characters CZ for Czech, GR for Greek, H for Hungarian, RO for Romanian and P for Portuguese. In order to know immediately when the label 10 is closed that additional information can be found on the lower layer 30 in a desired language, these language abbreviations can also be noted on the label 10, for example next to the opening means 40. It is then obvious to every user what additional information is to be expected on the information fields 31, 32 of the lower layer 30. The first area 30 'of the lower layer 30 is not accessible in this exemplary embodiment and also does not contain any additional information.

The upper layer 20 is in the embodiment according to Figs. 3 to 5 not completely removed, since the permanent adhesive connection 25 is arranged on the side edge 29. In this way, the information on the upper layer 20 of the label 10 is not lost when the label 10 is opened. The lower layer 30 can be produced from an inexpensive material, for example from a corresponding paper or a cheaper foil. The upper layer 20 is equipped in such a way that, when the lower layer 30 is covered, it reconnects with the latter, specifically via the releasable adhesive connection 26, here in FIG Fig. 5 indicated by points of glue. These can be provided either on the underside of the upper layer 20 or on the lower layer 30, preferably outside the information fields 31, 32.

In the Fig. 4 it is shown that it is intended to lift only part of the upper layer 20 from the second area 30 ″ of the lower layer 30. The first area 30 ′ of the lower layer 30 has no information fields in this example as already mentioned, the opening means 40 is provided. The lifted half of the upper layer 20 is not completely removed when the label 10 'is attached to the product via the above-described gluing. In this way, the information goes on the upper layer 20 of the label 10 'is not lost when the label 10' is opened and the label 10 'regains its original appearance after being closed again. The second area 30 "of the lower layer 30 is equipped in such a way that, due to a releasable adhesive connection 26, it reconnects to the upper layer 20 when it is covered. This releasable adhesive connection 26 is arranged to the right of the opening means 40 and to the left, ie outside, of the information fields of the second area 30 "of the lower layer 30. To the left of the opening means 40 there is a permanent adhesive connection 25 which forms the left side edge of the second area 30" of the lower layer 30 connects to the right side edge of the left half of the upper layer 20 which is not lifted off.

If information fields are provided on both areas 30 ′ and 30 ″ of the lower layer 30, a further opening means 40 can be arranged in the upper layer 20.

In Fig. 6 an exemplary implementation of the additional weakenings 34 according to the invention and the resulting kink area 35 is shown. The two additional weaknesses 34 are designed here as cuts with breakpoints and introduced into a lower layer 30 of the label 10. If the label 10 has a plurality of lower layers 30 arranged one below the other, such weakenings 34 are introduced into each of these lower layers 30. In between there is then the kink area 35, which forms a predetermined kink when looping around a cylindrical product, as in FIG Fig. 7 shown schematically. The width of the kink area 35 is not dependent on the size of the product to be wrapped, but only on the thickness of the material of the corresponding lower layer 30.

In the Figures 8 and 9 various examples of opening means 40 are shown. For example, a tear-off tab 42 can be used which has two perforations 41 and which are in the upper region of the Fig. 8 two tabs 43 forms. Alternatively, use of only one perforation 41 as opening means 40, as in FIG Fig. 9 shown possible. Here, too, a grip tab 43 is provided in order to be able to open the label 10 more easily. In the latter version, there is no rubbish when the label 10 is opened and the re-closed label 10 has the same optical effect Overall impression emerges, like a label 10 that has not yet been opened. Which form of the opening means 40 is used depends on the application. In both cases, however, gripping lugs 43 are provided which make it easier for an operator to open the label 10 without additional sections which would have to be removed manually during the production of the label 10.

The illustrated embodiments of the label 10, 10 'according to the invention only reproduce the subject matter of the invention by way of example. It is of course also conceivable to choose other label shapes, to arrange the opening means in other areas or to provide several opening means. The arrangement of the splices can also be selected as desired. Embodiments are preferred where permanent and / or releasable adhesive connections are provided outside the information fields 31, 32 of both areas 30, 30 ″ of the lower layer 30, or a transparent adhesive is preferred for the releasable adhesive connections. Furthermore, it is possible to have several lower layers 30 below one another below the upper layer 20. The information on these individual lower layers 30 is accessed either by opening the opening means 40 in the upper layer 20 once or further opening means are provided in the lower layers 30 arranged below the upper layer 20 .

A label produced in this way offers more space for information with the same dimensions; in particular, significantly more technical data and instructions can be accommodated on the label without the design eye-catching area (information field 21), which forms the front of a can, having to be restricted . There is enough space for further information fields on the back of the upper layer and on the lower layer. The additional information is not bought at the cost of a significantly more complex and therefore more expensive label, since the lower layer can be produced from an inexpensive material as an additional information carrier. In addition, after the information placed on the lower layer has been inspected, the upper layer can be transferred back to the lower layer by means of the detachable Adhesive connections are glued in such a way that the same overall visual impression of the can is created as before the opening means was opened.

Production takes place, for example, in that, as with known labels, a layer of special paper or foil is printed using an offset process. In the finished label 10, this represents the upper layer 20. In a second method step, one or more opening means 40 are introduced into the upper layer 20 and the corresponding adhesive points 25, 26 are provided on the underside of the upper layer 20, so that in a third method step the lower layer 30 can be attached to the upper layer 20.

The offset printing process of the upper layer 20 can be a known offline process, namely the application of conventional oil printing ink, which is then subsequently covered with a UV lacquer layer for protection. Partial lacquering of the visible side can also be carried out for a specific design.

An inline process for printing is also conceivable, in which hybrid printing inks for UV drying are applied to the upper layer 20. These hybrid inks cure using UV rays, so that the print image and the protective layer are applied in one process step. Regardless of which method and how complex the upper layer of the label is designed, only a small additional effort is required for the multilayer label, namely the introduction of the opening means 40 and the gluing of this upper layer 20 with an inexpensive, printed lower layer 30.

The printing of the label layers is not limited to offset printing processes. Alternatively, other known printing methods can also be used for printing the layers of the labels.

The application of these labels is not limited. However, they can advantageously be used where there is only limited space on the goods or products for a label, for example on standardized packaging such as cans or bottles or other cylindrical or other-shaped containers. Use with wet glue labels is particularly advantageous.

Claims (14)

1. Label (10, 10') for application to a cylindrical product, comprising an upper layer (20) with information fields, wherein at least one information field (21, 22, 23) is present that is visible from outside,
   and at least one further lower layer (30), formed separately from the upper layer (20), with at least one information field (31, 32),
   whereby the rear side of the lower layer (30) is used for fixing to the product,
   wherein the at least one lower layer (30) is arranged below the upper layer (20) and is covered by this upper layer (20) in the closed state,
   the layers (20, 30) being connected to one another in certain regions via releasable adhesive bond (26), one or more perforations (41) being introduced into the upper layer (20) as opening means (40)
   and, in the open state, by folding down at least part of the upper layer (20), access is provided to the information fields on the back of the upper layer (20) which are not visible from the outside and/or to the information fields (31, 32) of the lower layer (30) which are not visible from the outside
   wherein permanent adhesive bonds (25) and/or detachable adhesive bonds (26) are provided for connecting the layers (20, 30)
   and wherein the detachable adhesive bonds (26) are provided outside the information fields (31, 32) and enable the upper layer (20) to be lifted from the lower layer (30) and the layers (20, 30) to be bonded again,
   characterised in that
   all layers (20, 30) of the label are the same size,
   on each lower layer (30) of the label, two additional weakened areas (34) are provided running parallel to each other, such as cuts with holding points, whereby a folding region (35) is formed between the additional weakened areas (34),
   when the label is applied to a cylindrical product, the additional weakened areas (34) form predetermined folding points, and the folding region (35) is folded over when the product is wrapped around it in order to absorb the displacement of the lower layers (30), the folding region (35) being covered by the upper layer (20) when the label is applied to the product and not opened
   more than one lower layer (30) is provided, wherein the several lower layers (30) are arranged one below the other and the additional weakened areas (34) of the several lower layers (30) are arranged offset to each other in the circumferential direction of the product.
2. Label (10, 10') according to claim 1, characterised in that the permanent adhesive bonds (25) and/or the additional weakened areas (34) are preferably provided in the edge region of both layers (20, 30) and outside the information fields (31, 32).
3. Label (10') according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that a tear-off flap (42) is provided as opening means (40), which can be torn off with the interposition of at least one perforation (41) in order to open the label (10) and make the lower layer (30) accessible.
4. Label (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that no tear-off tab (42) is provided as opening means (40), but only at least one perforation (41) serves as opening means (40), whereby the label (10) once opened produces the same overall optical impression as a label (10) not yet opened after the layers (20, 30) have been joined together again.
5. Label (10, 10') according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the punching of the opening means (40) formed as a tear-off tab (42) and/or as a perforation (41) is such that at least one grip tab (43) is provided in the region of the opening means (40), which can be gripped manually to facilitate opening of the label (10).
6. Label (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the upper layer (20) remains connected to the lower layer (30) during folding by means of permanent adhesive bonds (25) between the layers (20, 30) and by means of permanent adhesive bonds (25) between at least one of the layers (20, 30) and the product.
7. Label (10, 10') according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the perforation (41) or perforations (41) is designed as a straight cutting line with weakened areas.
8. Label (10, 10') according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the opening means (40) is provided in the edge region of one side edge (28) and/or the other side edge (29) of the top layer (20), an adhesive bond (25) being located between the opening means (40) and the side edge (28, 29).
9. Label (10, 10') according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the opening means (40) is provided in the middle area of the upper layer (20) depending on the size of the information fields (31, 32), so that after opening the label (10) only the area with the information fields (31, 32) of the lower layer (30) becomes visible.
10. Label (10, 10') according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a permanent adhesive bond (25) and a detachable adhesive bond (26) are located adjacent to the opening means (40).
11. Label (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that adjacent to the opening means (40) on the underside of the part of the upper layer (20) lifted away from the lower layer (30), there are adhesive points as a detachable adhesive bond (26).
12. Label (10, 10') according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the lower layers (30) are made of an inexpensive material.
13. Label (10, 10') according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the upper layer (20) consists of a high-quality material, preferably a special paper or film and/or that the upper layer (20) is provided with a protective layer.
14. A label (10') according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that several areas (30', 30") of the lower layer (30) are provided, with said areas (30', 30") being arranged side by side.

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