EP4691938A1

EP4691938A1 - Label-provided container

Info

Publication number: EP4691938A1
Application number: EP24778666.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Masato Nakanishi; Akira Miyazaki
Original assignee: Fuji Seal International Inc
Current assignee: Fuji Seal International Inc
Priority date: 2023-03-29
Filing date: 2024-02-01
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: JPWO2024202520A1; WO2024202520A1

Abstract

A sense of unity between a container and a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label is enhanced. A labeled container (100) includes: a container (1); and a label (2) that is attached to the container (1). The label (2) includes an opening part (20) that opens in a plane of the label (2) and a peripheral region (21) that surrounds the opening part (20). The peripheral region (21) has a color that continuously changes as a distance from the opening part (20) increases.

Description

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a labeled container to which a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label is attached.

Background Art

Patent Literature 1 discloses a configuration in which a hole is provided in a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label in order to expose a surface of a container that is at least partially surrounded by the cylindrical heat-shrinkable label.

Citation List

[Patent Literature]

[Patent Literature 1]
Pamphlet of International Publication No. WO2020/091977

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

In such a labeled container, a sense of unity between a container and a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label is desired to be enhanced.
An object of an aspect of the present disclosure is to achieve a labeled container that makes it possible to enhance a sense of unity between a container and a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label.

Solution to Problem

A labeled container in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a container; and a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label that is attached to the container. The cylindrical heat-shrinkable label includes an opening part that opens in a plane of the cylindrical heat-shrinkable label and a peripheral region that surrounds the opening part. In the cylindrical heat-shrinkable label, the peripheral region has a color that continuously changes as a distance from the opening part increases.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An aspect of the present disclosure makes it possible to enhance a sense of unity between a container and a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 is a view illustrating a configuration of a labeled container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a labeled container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a color of a peripheral region of an opening part of a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a peripheral region in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printed layer in a peripheral region in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment.
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printed layer in a peripheral region in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printed layer in a peripheral region in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a peripheral region in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment.
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a peripheral region in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a peripheral region in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment.
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a peripheral region in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[Embodiments]

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below in detail. In the following description, a numerical range "A to B" means "not less than A and not more than B". The drawings show coordinate axes, which are an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. In these coordinate axes, a height direction of a container 1 is a Z-axis direction, and two directions that are orthogonal to each other in a plane which is orthogonal to the Z-axis are an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction. Further, a longitudinal direction defined below is the Z-axis direction in Fig. 1, and a transverse direction defined below is a circumferential direction of a labeled container 100 in Fig. 1. Furthermore, sizes of members in the drawings do not match their actual sizes.
Fig. 1 is a view illustrating a configuration of the labeled container 100 in accordance with the present embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the labeled container 100 includes a container 1, a label (cylindrical heat-shrinkable label) 2, and a cap 3.

(Container 1)

The container 1 includes a neck part 11, a body part 12, and a bottom part 13. Contents accommodated in the container 1 may be, for example, a liquid detergent. Note, however, that the contents are not limited to a liquid detergent but may be a liquid, powder, or the like other than the liquid detergent.
The neck part 11 extends from the body part 12 and has a pouring port 11A at an end part thereof.
The contents of the container 1 are accommodated in the container 1 via the pouring port 11A and poured out through the pouring port 11A when used. The pouring port 11A is sealed with the cap 3.
The body part 12, together with the bottom part 13, defines a space in which the contents accommodated in the container 1 can be stored. In Fig. 1, the body part 12 is cylindrical and has, at or near the neck part 11, a diameter that is reduced in accordance with a diameter of the neck part 11. The bottom part 13 has a shape parallel to an X-Y plane. Note, however, that shapes of the neck part 11, the body part 12, and the bottom part 13 are not limited to those illustrated in Fig. 1, provided that the shapes allow the contents to be accommodated in the container 1. |
A material of the container 1 is not particularly limited. Examples of the material include a synthetic resin, glass, ceramics, and metal. The container 1 that is formed from a synthetic resin may be formed from a single resin. A single resin is preferably a polyolefin-based resin or a polyester-based resin, more preferably a polyethylene-based resin, a polypropylene-based resin, or a polyethylene terephthalate-based resin, and particularly preferably polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate. Using such a single resin as the material of the container 1 makes it possible to recycle the container 1. Thus, it is preferable to use the single resin in order to reduce an environmental load. Such an effect also contributes to achievement of, for example, Goal 12 "Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations.
A thickness of the container 1 is not particularly limited and may be set as appropriate in accordance with a size or use of the container 1. The container 1 that is made of a synthetic resin has a thickness of, for example, 0.1 mm to 3 mm.
The container 1 may have transparency. In this case, a color of the contents can be visually confirmed through the container 1.

(Label 2)

The label 2 is a cylindrical label that opens at a first end part 2A and a second end part 2B, and is attached so as to cover an outer side of the body part 12. In Fig. 1, the label 2 is cylindrical.
Note, however, that a shape of the label 2 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, provided that the shape allows the label 2 to be attached to the container 1 in a cylindrical shape.
Further, for example, information pertaining to the contents may be described in the label 2.
The label 2 is a so-called shrink label that has heat-shrinkable properties. A configuration and a material of the label 2 will be described later.
The label 2 includes an opening part 20, a first region (peripheral region) 21 surrounding the opening part 20, and a second region 22 located further outside the first region (peripheral region) 21.
The opening part 20 is an opening formed in a plane of the label 2. The opening part 20 exposes a part of the body part 12. The part of the body part 12 which part is exposed by the opening part 20 is referred to as an exposed part 14.
The opening part 20 can be disposed at any position in the plane of the label 2. For example, the opening part 20 may be disposed at or near the neck part 11, at or near the bottom part 13, or at a plurality of positions. The opening part 20 may have any shape. For example, in Fig. 1, the opening part 20 has a circular shape, but the shape of the opening part 20 is not limited to the circular shape. For example, the shape of the opening part 20 may be elliptical or quadrangular, or may have design properties.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the labeled container 100, taken along the line II-II in Fig. 1. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the exposed part 14 of the container 1 may be formed from a recess of the container 1 and an outer peripheral region thereof (recess outer peripheral region). In this case, the exposed part 14 includes the recess of the container 1 and the recess outer peripheral region. A shape of the recess of the container 1 in the exposed part 14 is not particularly limited. The recess may be a through hole, may be a protrusion, or may be a collection of a plurality of recesses or protrusions. The recess or the through hole preferably has a shape that brings about an effect of making it easy for a user to hold the container.
Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a color at or near the opening part 20 in the label 2. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the first region 21 is a band-shaped region that is formed so as to surround the opening part 20. The first region 21 may be an annular band-shaped region having a predetermined width. In the example illustrated in Fig. 3, the first region 21 is formed so as to include an edge of the opening part 20.
In a case where the edge of the opening part 20 is made colorless and transparent, the first region 21 may be positioned outside the colorless and transparent edge. The first region 21 has a width of, for example, 1 mm to 20 mm from the edge of the opening part 20. In a case where a transparent region that is colorless and transparent is provided at the edge of the opening part 20, the width of the first region 21 is 1 mm to 20 mm from an outside of an end of the transparent region.
The second region 22 is a band-shaped region outside the first region 21 surrounding the opening part 20. The second region 22 may be an annular band-shaped region having a predetermined width. The second region 22 is adjacent to the first region 21 so as to surround the first region 21. The label 2 need not be divided into two regions, which are the first region 21 and the second region 22, but may include other region(s) such as a third region and/or a fourth region. For convenience of description, a region at or near the outside of the first region 21 is merely referred to as the second region 22. Further, a character, a figure, a pattern, and the like may be superimposed and displayed in the first region 21 and the second region 22. Furthermore, specific color background printing may be performed on the second region 22. Printing of a design or trademark, and/or design indication such as product labeling required by law may be carried out with respect to such background printing. Colors of the character, the figure, the pattern, and the like are not particularly limited.
The first region 21 has a color that continuously changes as a distance from the opening part 20 increases. That is, the color of the first region 21 has a gradation. In the example illustrated in Fig. 3, the first region 21 includes a first region 21a, a first region 21b, and a first region 21c. In this case, the color of the first region 21 continuously changes between the opening part 20 and the second region 22. In this example, not only a color of the first region 21c but also a color of the second region 22 continuously change. This makes it possible to understand that a region of the second region 22 at or near the outside of the first region 21c is also included in a region that has a gradation.
The number of stages in which the color of the first region 21 changes need only be set as appropriate. Further, the color of the first region 21 may be continuously changed in a stepless manner. A color change in the first region 21 may be a change in shade (lightness) of a color, or may be a change in hue or chroma.
In the label 2, specific color background printing may be performed on a region other than the first region 21, i.e., the second region 22. Printing of a design or trademark, and/or design indication such as product labeling required by law may be carried out with respect to such background printing. In a case where a total area of the label 2 excluding the design indication is 100%, almost all the label 2, specifically, at least 70% of a region of the label 2 other than the first region 21 preferably has a background color (the color of the second region 22). Such a configuration allows the entire label 2 including the first region 21 that has a gradation to have a sense of unity.
Further, a color of a region of the first region 21 which region is adjacent to the exposed part 14 (hereinafter referred to as a "first adjacent region") may be identical to or different from a color of the exposed part 14. In the example illustrated in Fig. 3, the first region 21a corresponds to the first adjacent region. The color of the first region 21 may be closer to the color of the exposed part 14 toward the opening part 20.
More specifically, the color of the first adjacent region may be a color identical or similar to the color of the exposed part 14, and the first region 21 may have a gradation so as to be closer to the color of the first adjacent region toward the first adjacent region. Alternatively, the color of the first adjacent region may be a color identical or similar to the color of the exposed part 14, a color of the first region 21 which region is adjacent to the second region 22 (hereinafter referred to as a "second adjacent region") may be a color identical or similar to the color of the second region 22, and the first region 21 may have a gradation so as to change from the color identical or similar to the color of the second region 22 into the color identical or similar to the color of the exposed part 14 from the second region 22 side toward the opening part 20. In the example illustrated in Fig. 3, the first region 21c corresponds to the second adjacent region.
In this way, a color of each of the regions of the first region 21 may be set so as to continuously change from the second region 22 to the exposed part 14 via the first region 21. A case where a color difference ΔE is ≤5 is assumed to mean that colors are identical, and a case where the color difference ΔE is ≤10 is assumed to mean that colors are similar (close). The color difference ΔE will be described in the following paragraph.
Whether the color of the first adjacent region is identical to the color of the contents visible through the container 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "the color of the contents") in the exposed part 14 is determined for example, as follows. An image of the container 1 is captured in a state where the label 2 is attached to the container 1, and a color difference in the captured image between a site corresponding to the color of the contents and a position corresponding to the first adjacent region is measured. The color of the first adjacent region and the color of the contents may be measured by a spectrophotometer or a color-difference meter in accordance with color values L*, a*, and b*. L* represents lightness, and a* and b* each represent chromaticity. The measured difference between the color of the first adjacent region and the color of the contents is ΔE. This difference is calculated with use of the values L*, a*, and b* by the following equation: ΔE=[(L*_X-L*_Y)²+(a*_X-a*_Y)²+(b*_X-b*_Y)²]^1/2. L*x in the equation indicates the color of the first adjacent region, and L*y in the equation indicates the color of the contents. ΔE having a smaller value makes it impossible to easily distinguish between the above two colors. A similar measurement can be carried out also with respect to the color of the second region 22 and a color of the second adjacent region of the first region 21.
Assume, for example, a case where the color of the exposed part 14 is white and the color of the second region 22 is navy blue. In this case, the color of the first adjacent region is light blue, and the color of the second adjacent region is light navy blue. In this case, the color of the exposed part 14 is similar to the color of the first adjacent region, and the color of the second adjacent region is similar to the color of the second region 22. Note that a boundary between the second adjacent region and the second region 22 need not be clear.
With this configuration, even in a case where the color of the exposed part 14 differs from the color of the second region 22, a sense of unity between the exposed part 14 and the second region 22 can be created via the first region 21 that has a gradation. This makes it possible to enhance a sense of unity between the exposed part 14 and the entire label 2.
Further, the first region 21 may have transparency. The first region is preferably configured such that the color of each of the regions is set so as to continuously change by gradually changing a light transmittance from the opening part 20 to the second region 22. Assume, for example, a case where a color of the container 1 is white and the color of the second region 22 is navy blue. In this case, the first region 21a is colorless and transparent, and the white of the container 1 can be visually confirmed from the first region 21a. The first region 21b is made of a transparent film that is slightly colored in navy blue, and the color of the container 1 that is slightly navy bluish can be visually confirmed through the first region 21b. Further, the first region 21c has a darker navy blue than the first region 21b, and the navy blue affected by the white of the container 1 can be visually confirmed. Thus, from the first region 21a toward the second region 22, a gradual decrease in light transmittance preferably causes the color to gradually become navy blue as a distance from the opening part 20 increases. In a case where the color of the first region 21 is closer to the color of the container 1 toward the opening part 20, the container 1 and the label 2 have a design with a sense of unity. In a case where the color of the container 1 and the colors of the first region 21 and the second region 22 are similar to each other, a design with a higher sense of unity is achieved.
Unlike the foregoing example, the color of the first region 21 at the edge of the opening part 20 may be different from the color of the exposed part 14 over the entire circumference of the edge of the opening part 20 as long as a design with a sense of unity is achieved.
A specific configuration for forming a gradation in the first region 21 will be described later.

(Method for forming opening part 20)

Examples of a method for forming the opening part 20 include a method in which the label 2 is cut with use of a laser so as to correspond to the shape of the opening part 20. A type of the laser used to form the opening part 20 is not particularly limited, provided that the label 2 can be cut, and examples thereof include a carbon dioxide laser, a YAG laser, and a YVO₄ laser.
According to this method, the opening part 20 (an end edge of the first region 21) can be rephrased as a cutting part obtained by cutting with a laser. The opening part 20 may be formed by using a laser to cut and remove a region of the label 2 which region has been subjected to gradation printing. In other words, the label 2 may be cut so that at least an outer periphery of a removed fragment includes a gradation. Alternatively, an inside of the region which has been subjected to gradation printing may be a colorless and transparent region, and the colorless and transparent region may be cut and removed with use of a laser. In either case, the first region 21 that has a gradation is defined around the opening part 20 which has been formed by cutting and removal.
By moving the laser, a cutting line is formed in the plane of the label 2 in accordance with a movement trajectory of the laser. Such an opening method makes it possible to freely change the movement trajectory of the laser. Thus, the opening part 20 having a desired shape can be easily formed at a desired position in the label 2.
Further, using the laser makes it possible to cut the label 2 without fail. Thus, a region cut by the laser is separated from the label 2 without fail. Further, the opening part 20 has a beautiful edge part. Since cutting with the laser involves heat, the opening part 20 (laser-cut cutting part) melts and solidifies, and is thicker than the label 2. The opening part 20 may be formed in a state in which the label 2 that has not been attached to the container 1 is spread in a planar shape, or may be formed after the label 2 is attached to the container 1. The opening part 20 that is formed after the label 2 is attached to the container 1 is preferable because a sense of unity between a cross section of the opening part 20 and the container 1 is enhanced.
The color of the edge of the opening part 20 may be set so that an absorptance of laser light in the opening part 20, the laser light being used to form the opening part 20, is higher than an absorptance of laser light in the container 1. This configuration makes it possible to easily cut the label 2 with laser light, in other words, to easily form the opening part 20.
A method of cutting the label 2 is not limited to the laser, provided that the label 2 can be cut into a desired shape. The opening part 20 may be formed with use of a cutting tool.

(Configuration and material of label 2)

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the label 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The label 2 includes a heat-shrinkable film layer 23 and a printed layer 24. In general, the label 2 is disposed so that, when the label 2 is attached to the container 1, the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 and the printed layer 24 are positioned on an outer side and an inner side, respectively, of the label.
The heat-shrinkable film layer 23 is a layer that is flexible and that includes a film which shrinks in a heat shrinkage direction when heated to a heat shrinkage temperature. The shrinkage temperature is, for example, 60°C to 120°C. Further, the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 is preferably a transparent film that substantially does not contain an inorganic pigment, and is more preferably colorless and transparent.
A thickness of the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 is not particularly limited. It is possible to use the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 that has a thickness of, for example, approximately 10 µm to 100 µm, and further approximately 15 µm to 80 µm.
In terms of thermal properties, the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 may be a film that thermally shrinks mainly in at least the transverse direction (a circumferential direction of the label in Fig. 1), and further may be a film that thermally changes in the longitudinal direction (the Z-axis direction in Fig. 1) may be used. In other words, the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 can be a uniaxially or biaxially oriented film that is stretched mainly in the transverse direction.
A heat shrinkage rate of the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 in the transverse direction is not particularly limited. For example, the heat shrinkage rate under immersion in hot water at 90°C for 10 seconds is not less than 40%, and preferably not less than 50%. The heat shrinkage rate in the transverse direction is preferably higher, but is ordinarily not more than 85%.
The heat shrinkage rate of the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 in the longitudinal direction is not particularly limited. For example, the heat shrinkage rate under immersion in hot water at 90°C for 10 seconds is not less than 1%, and preferably not less than 5%. A too high heat shrinkage rate in the longitudinal direction may cause a wrinkle and/or a reduction in length in the longitudinal axis direction. Thus, the heat shrinkage rate under immersion in hot water at 90°C for 10 seconds is preferably not more than 40%, and more preferably not more than 20%.
A material of the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 is not particularly limited. Preferable examples of the material include a heat-shrinkable synthetic resin film, heat-shrinkable nonwoven fabric, a heat-shrinkable foam resin film, and a film obtained by laminating these. More preferable examples of the material include: one selected from polyester-based resins (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid), polyolefin-based resins (such as polyethylene, polypropylene and cyclic olefin), polystyrene-based resins (such as polystyrene and a styrene-butadiene copolymer), polyamide-based resins, and thermoplastic resins (such as a vinyl chloride-based resin); and mixtures of two or more of these resins. Further, the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 may be made of a multilayer film formed by one or more types of layers. The multilayer film can be, for example, a film in which a layer of a polyester-based resin and a layer of a polystyrene-based resin are laminated. In terms of a large amount of laser absorption and achievement of easy laser cutting, the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 is most preferably a heat-shrinkable film that contains a polyester-based resin and/or a polystyrene-based resin as a main component.
The printed layer 24 is a printed layer in which indication of a desired color, a pattern, characters, a figure, and/or the like is represented with one or more colors. The first region 21 and the second region 22 are represented by the printed layer 24. The printed layer 24 can be formed by a gravure printing method or the like with use of color ink conventionally known in the art. The printed layer 24 has a thickness of, for example, 0.1 µm to 15 µm.
The printed layer 24 need only be provided at least in the first region 21 and the second region 22 around the first region 21, and need not be provided to an entire surface of the heat-shrinkable film layer 23.
The printed layer 24 may be composed of a plurality of layers. For example, the printed layer 24 may be composed of a background layer 25 that forms a background such as design and trademark indication, a shielding layer 26, and a slip layer 27 that has a slip surface for improving slipperiness of an inner surface of the label 2, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The background layer 25 is a layer that is composed of ink of at least one color. The shielding layer 26 is a layer that reduces transparency of the label 2 and that prevents the container 1 from being visually confirmed through the label 2. The shielding layer 26 contains a silver pigment and/or a white pigment. In this case, the first region 21 and the second region 22 are represented by the background layer 25 and the shielding layer 26. In general, the label 2 that has the shielding layer 26 provides clear indication of a character, a figure, a pattern, and the like, and has excellent visibility. Providing the shielding layer 26 makes it difficult to visually confirm the color of the container 1 from an outside of the label 2, so that a color of the label 2 itself is visually confirmed as an appearance. A layer that displays a design, a trademark, etc. is generally disposed in a gap between the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 and the background layer 25, but is omitted in Fig. 4.
Alternatively, the printed layer 24 may be composed of the background layer 25 and the slip layer 27 without the shielding layer 26. In this case, the first region 21 and the second region 22 are represented by the background layer 25. Since the background layer 25 has transparency, a color obtained by combining a color of the background layer 25 with the color of the container 1 is visually confirmed as an appearance.
The background layer 25 has a plurality of regions that continuously spread so as to be planar with respect to the label 2, as illustrated in Fig. 4. A background layer 25a is a background layer that is printed on the first region 21a. Similarly, a background layer 25b is a background layer that is printed on the first region 21b, a background layer 25c is printed on the first region 21c, and a background layer 25d is printed on the second region 22. The heat-shrinkable film layer 23 and the slip layer 27 are colorless and transparent. The label 2 that has the shielding layer 26 does not have transparency as illustrated in Fig. 4. Note, however, that the label 2 need not have the shielding layer 26 in other embodiments.
In Fig. 4, the color of the background layer 25 is continuously changed from the background layer 25a to the background layer 25c by changing a color of ink used or a combination of colors of ink used. Preferably, the background layer 25d has a color close to that of the background layer 25c, and the background layer 25a has a color close to that of the exposed part 14. For example, as the color of the first region 21 is changed from the second region 22 to the opening part 20 by, for example, making the color of the first region 21 lighter (or darker) gradually or stepwise, the color of the first region 21 that is visually confirmed is closer to the color of the container 1. That is, a natural color change occurs from the second region 22 to the exposed part 14. This makes it difficult to visually confirm a boundary between the exposed part 14 and the first region 21, so that a sense of unity between the container 1 and the label 2 is improved.
In the following description, Figs. 5 to 8 are used as examples to show other embodiments. In configurations illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8, the label 2 does not have the shielding layer 26, and the slip layer 27 is not illustrated. Further, in the configurations illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8, the heat-shrinkable film layer 23 and the slip layer 27 are colorless and transparent. Thus, the label 2 has transparency.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the background layer 25 in the first region 21 and the second region 22 in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 5, a thickness from the background layer 25d to the background layer 25a continuously decreases toward the opening part 20. In this configuration, the background layer 25a to the background layer 25d are preferably realized with use of ink of the same color or ink of a plurality of colors. This gradually makes the color of each of the regions lighter from the first region 21a to the second region 22, so that gradation printing can be achieved.
In a case where ink for the background layer 25 has semitransparency (semi-shading), the color of the container 1 can be gradually visually confirmed as the color of the first region 21 becomes lighter toward the opening part 20. This allows even the label 2 and the container 1 that differ in color to have a design with a sense of unity via the first region 21.
For example, in a case where the label 2 illustrated in Fig. 5 is attached to the container 1 that is white, the exposed part 14 is white. In a case where the color of the background layer 25 is navy blue, the color of the container 1 and the navy blue of the background layer 25 are superimposed, so that the color of the second region 22 can be visually confirmed as being navy blue. Further, as the background layer 25 that is navy blue has a smaller thickness from the second region 22 toward the opening part 20, the navy blue gradually becomes lighter by being influenced by the white of the container 1, so that it can be visually confirmed that a navy blue-to-white gradation is formed. As yet another embodiment, in a case where the label 2 illustrated in Fig. 5 is attached to the container 1 that is navy blue, the exposed part 14 is navy blue. In a case where the color of the background layer 25 is white with use of a white pigment having high shielding performance, the color of the container 1 is blocked by the background layer 25. Thus, white, which is the color of the background layer 25, can be visually confirmed as the color of the second region 22. Further, as the background layer 25 has a smaller thickness from the second region 22 toward the opening part 20, a shielding effect is reduced, and the navy blue gradually becomes darker by being influenced by the navy blue of the container 1, so that it can be visually confirmed that a white-to-navy blue gradation is formed. In this way, even in a case where the label 2 does not have the shielding layer 26, and the background layer 25 itself has shielding performance, light transmissivity can be adjusted by reducing the shielding effect in accordance with a reduction in thickness of the background layer 25. This allows even the label 2 and the container 1 that differ in color to have a design with a sense of unity via the first region 21.
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the background layer 25 in the first region 21 and the second region 22 in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 6, a printing area from the background layer 25a to the background layer 25c, that is, an area of a region per unit area in which region ink is present continuously decreases toward the opening part 20. In this configuration, the background layer 25a to the background layer 25d are preferably realized with use of ink of the same color or ink of a plurality of colors. This gradually makes the color of each of the regions lighter from the first region 21a to the second region 22, so that gradation printing can be achieved.
Even in a case where ink for the background layer 25 has shielding performance, a non-printed area increases as the color of the first region 21 gradually becomes lighter due to a decrease in printing area of the first region 21 toward the opening part 20. This makes it possible to gradually visually confirm the color of the container 1. This allows even the label 2 and the container 1 that differ in color to have a design with a sense of unity via the first region 21.
In yet another aspect, the configurations of Figs. 5 and 6 may be used together. That is, the thickness and the printing area of the background layer 25 may continuously decrease toward the opening part 20. This makes it possible to enhance a degree of freedom in gradation printing from the first region 21 to the second region 22.
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the background layer 25 in the first region 21 and the second region 22 in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the thickness from the background layer 25a to the background layer 25c continuously increases toward the opening part 20. This makes it possible to achieve gradation printing from the first region 21a to the second region 22. Thus, a continuous visual effect with the opening part 20 used as a start point can be produced.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the background layer 25 in the first region 21 and the second region 22 in accordance with an aspect different from the embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the printing area from the background layer 25a to the background layer 25c continuously increases toward the opening part 20. This makes it possible to achieve gradation printing from the first region 21a to the second region 22. Thus, a continuous visual effect with the opening part 20 used as a start point can be produced.
In yet another aspect, the configurations of Figs. 7 and 8 may be used together. That is, the thickness and the printing area of the background layer 25 may continuously increase toward the opening part 20. This makes it possible to enhance a degree of freedom in gradation printing from the first region 21a to the second region 22.
In yet another aspect, the first region 21 may be divided into regions of a plurality of colors so as to be parallel to an outer edge of the opening part 20. The regions of the plurality of colors which regions have been obtained by division are each referred to as a compartment. For example, the first region 21 may be divided into two compartments, which are an upper red compartment and a lower blue compartment. In this configuration, a color of at least one of the compartments of the plurality of colors may form a gradation from the first region 21a to the first region 21c. In a case where a color of a first compartment among the compartments of the plurality of colors becomes lighter from the first region 21c to the first region 21a, it is preferable that a color of a second compartment among the compartments of the plurality of colors similarly become lighter. In contrast, in a case where the color of the first compartment among the compartments of the plurality of colors becomes darker from the first region 21c to the first region 21a, it is preferable that the color of the second compartment among the compartments of the plurality of colors similarly become darker.
Also in a case where the first region 21 thus has compartments of a plurality of colors, a gradation can be formed in the first region 21 with use of any of methods of the configurations illustrated in Figs. 4 to 8.
In yet another aspect, the label 2 may have a matte layer. The matte layer is a matte printed layer that contains an extender pigment. The matte layer is preferably disposed at a position at which the matte layer is outside the label 2 when the label 2 is attached. Thus, the printed layer 24 that is positioned inside the label 2 is assumed to be arbitrarily formed regardless of whether the matte layer is present.
In a case where a thickness and/or a printing area of the matte layer is/are increased toward the opening part 20, the first region 21 becomes less glossy toward the opening part 20. In a case where the thickness and/or the printing area of the matte layer is/are decreased toward the opening part 20, the first region 21 becomes glossy toward the opening part 20. In general, a surface of a container is frequently less glossy than a surface of a label. Thus, the first region 21 is preferably continuously less glossy toward the opening part 20.
In the description of Fig. 5 to Fig. 8, an aspect in which the shielding layer 26 is not provided has been discussed. However, the label 2 may have the shielding layer 26 in the aspect. In this case, not the color of the container 1 but a color (e.g., white) that the shielding layer 26 has can be displayed.
Assume, for example, a case where the shielding layer 26 is formed in an aspect of Fig. 7. In a case where the background layer 25 is formed in navy blue, and the label 2 is attached to the container 1 that is navy blue, a continuous color change from white into navy blue occurs from the second region 22 to the exposed part 14. This allows the label 2 and the container 1 to have a design with a sense of unity.
In the following description, Figs. 9 to 12 are used as examples to show other embodiments. In configurations illustrated in Figs. 9 to 12, a thickness and a printing area of a background layer 251 are continuously greatly or slightly changed in a stepless manner. In the examples illustrated in Figs. 9 to 12, the thickness and the printing area of the background layer 251 change such that the printing area decreases as the thickness decreases, and the printing area increases as the thickness increases. However, in order to avoid complexity of the drawings, Figs. 9 to 12 illustrate only a change in thickness of the background layer 251 and do not illustrate a change in printing area. The label 2 may include the slip layer 27 that is colorless and transparent, but the slip layer 27 is not illustrated. The heat-shrinkable film layer 23 is also colorless and transparent. Further, in the configurations illustrated in Figs. 9 to 12, the background layer 251 and the background layer 25d are formed with use of, for example, the same ink, and a color of a region of the background layer 251 which region is adjacent to the background layer 25d is identical to a color of a region of the background layer 25d which region is adjacent to the background layer 251.
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the first region 21 and the second region 22 in accordance with another aspect. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the opening part 20 side end part of the background layer 251 is present at a position farther from the opening part 20 than the opening part 20 side end part of the shielding layer 26. In the first adjacent region, the background layer 251 is not formed. Thus, the color of the shielding layer 26 is displayed as the color of the first adjacent region.
For example, in a case where the label 2 illustrated in Fig. 9 is attached to the container 1 that is white, and the shielding layer 26 is formed in white containing a white pigment, the first adjacent region and the exposed part 14 are white. Further, in a case where a color of the background layer is navy blue, the navy blue of the background layer 25d and the white of the shielding layer 26 are superimposed, so that the second region 22 is visually confirmed as being navy blue, and the background layer 251 has a smaller thickness toward the opening part 20. Thus, the label 2 is formed so as to have a gradation such that navy blue becomes lighter and changes into white from the second region 22 to the opening part 20. Thus, in a case where the color of the container 1 is identical to the color of the shielding layer 26, the configuration of Fig. 9 is suitable.
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the first region 21 and the second region 22 in accordance with another aspect. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the background layer 251 in the first region 21 is formed from an end part of the opening part 20 so that the thickness and the printing area of the background layer 251 decrease as a distance from the end part increases. The opening part 20 side end part of the shielding layer 26 is present at a position farther from the opening part 20 than the opening part 20 side end part of the background layer 251. Thus, in the first adjacent region, the shielding layer 26 is not formed on a back side of the background layer 251. In a case where the background layer 251 has transparency, the container 1 can be visually confirmed through the background layer 251, and a color in which a color of the background layer 251 and the color of the container 1 are superimposed is obtained. This reduces a color difference between the exposed part 14 and the first adjacent region, and thus enhances a sense of unity between the label 2 and the container 1. Note that, since the background layer 25d is not formed in the second region 22, the color of the shielding layer 26 can be visually confirmed.
Assume, for example, a case where the label 2 that has the background layer 251 which is navy blue and the shielding layer 26 which is white is attached to the container 1 that is navy blue. In this case, the color of the exposed part 14 is navy blue, navy blue can be visually confirmed in the first adjacent region by superimposition of the navy blue of the label and the navy blue of the container 1, the white of the shielding layer 26 is visually confirmed as the thickness, etc. of the background layer 251 gradually decreases toward the second region 22, and the navy blue gradually becomes lighter and changes into white. In this case, in the first adjacent region, the navy blue of the container 1 can be visually confirmed through the navy blue of the background layer 251. This makes it possible to visually further reduce a subtle difference between colors than representation of the first adjacent region only with the navy blue of the background layer 251, so that the label 2 and the container 1 have a design with a sense of unity. In this configuration, the second region 22 can be visually confirmed as being white.
Further, in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 10, the opening part 20 side end part of the shielding layer 26 is present at a position farther from the opening part 20 than the opening part 20 side end part of the background layer 251. However, the opening part 20 side end part of the shielding layer 26 may be formed so as to be present from the same position as the opening part 20 side end part of the background layer 251. In this case, both the background layer 251 and the shielding layer 26 are formed from the respective end parts of the opening part, and the first adjacent region exhibits a color in which the color of the background layer 251 and the color of the shielding layer 26 are superimposed.
For example, in a case where the foregoing label 2 that has the background layer 251 which is navy blue and the shielding layer 26 which is white is attached to the container 1 that is navy blue, a color in which the navy blue of the background layer 251 and the white of the shielding layer 26 are superimposed can be visually confirmed as being navy blue in the first adjacent region, and the navy blue of the container can be visually confirmed in the exposed part 14. Thus, the label 2 and the container 1 have a design with a sense of unity.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the first region 21 and the second region 22 in accordance with another aspect. As illustrated in Fig. 11, the label 2 has the background layer 251 and the background layer 25d on a back side of the heat-shrinkable film layer 23, and has the background layer 252 on the back side of the background layer 251. Further, the label 2 has the shielding layer 26 on a back side of the background layer 252 and the background layer 25d. In Fig. 11, the background layer 251 in the first region 21 is formed from an end part of the opening part 20 so that the thickness and the printing area of the background layer 251 increase as a distance from the end part increases. In contrast, the background layer 252 is formed from an end part of the opening part 20 so that a thickness and a printing area decrease of the background layer 252 as a distance from the end part increases. From the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region, a color of the background layer 252 gradually becomes lighter and cannot be visually confirmed, whereas a color of the background layer 251 gradually becomes darker and can be visually confirmed. In this way, a color obtained by superimposition of the background layer 251, the background layer 252, and the shielding layer 26 can be visually confirmed in the first region 21. Further, ink of the same color is used for the background layer 25d and the background layer 251, and ink of different colors is used for the background layer 251 and the background layer 252.
Although the label 2 has two background layers in Fig. 11, the label 2 may have two or more background layers. In the examples illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, white can be mainly visually confirmed in either the color of the second region 22 of the label 2 or the color of the container 1 (exposed part 14), and the shielding layer 26 that is white is responsible for white display of the label 2. The configuration of Fig. 11 is suitable for displaying a case where the second region 22 of the label 2 and the container 1 (exposed part 14) have colors other than white.
Assume, for example, a case where the label 2 that has the background layer 251 which is red, the background layer 25d which is red, and the background layer 252 which is navy blue is attached to the container 1 that is navy blue. In this case, navy blue can be visually confirmed in the exposed part 14, and navy blue obtained by superimposition of the background layer 252 and the shielding layer 26 can be visually confirmed in the first adjacent region. As the background layer 252 gradually has a smaller thickness and a smaller printing area toward the second region 22, the navy blue of the background layer 252 becomes lighter and cannot be visually confirmed. Further, as the background layer 251 gradually has a greater thickness and a larger printing area toward the second region 22, the red of the background layer 252 becomes darker, and the color of the first region 21 gradually changes from navy blue into red. The second region 22 has a red color identical to that of the background layer 251 in the second adjacent region.
In the configuration illustrated in Fig. 11, the thicknesses of and the printing areas of the background layer 251 and the background layer 252 may be gradually increased (or decreased) in the same direction in the first region 21. Further, the configuration illustrated in Fig. 11 may be such that the shielding layer 26 is not provided. As an example thereof, the following case will be discussed: In the configuration illustrated in Fig. 11, the shielding layer 26 is not provided, and, in the first region 21, the thicknesses of and the printing areas of the background layer 251 and the background layer 252 are gradually increased from the first proximal region to the second adjacent region. Further, in the second region 22, the background layer 25d1 in connection with the background layer 251 and the background layer 25d2 in connection with the background layer 252 are stacked so as to have a predetermined thickness.
In this configuration, for example, in a case where the background layer 251 and the background layer 25d1 are formed in navy blue, and the background layer 252 and the background layer 25d2 are formed in white, opaque navy blue can be visually confirmed in the second region 22. In a case where the background layer 251 that is navy blue and the background layer 252 that is white and that has shielding performance gradually have a smaller thickness and a smaller printing area from the second proximal region to the first proximal region, navy blue and shielding performance are gradually lost. This makes it possible to achieve a continuous color change from navy blue opacity into colorless transparency. In a case where the label 2 thus configured is attached to the container 1 that is colorless and transparent and that has contents which are colorless and transparent, the first adjacent region and the exposed part 14 both become colorless and transparent, so that the label 2 and the container 1 have a design with a sense of unity. In this case, the background layer 25d2 can carry out a function substantially the same as that of the shielding layer 26. This allows the background layer 25d to be clearly displayed.
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the first region 21 and the second region 22 in accordance with another aspect. As illustrated in Fig. 12, the background layer 251 is formed so as to gradually have a greater thickness and a larger printing area from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region. Further, the label 2 does not have the shielding layer 26. Thus, the label 2 has transparency.
For example, in a case where the label 2 in Fig. 12 is attached to the container 1 that is colorless and transparent and that has contents which are colorless and transparent, the first adjacent region and the exposed part 14 are colorless. In a case where the background layer 251 and the background layer 25d are formed with use of the same navy blue ink, a color can be continuously changed from colorless transparency into navy blue (transparent navy blue) from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region in the first region 21, and the second adjacent region and the second region 22 can have the same navy blue color (transparent navy blue color). This allows the label 2 and the container 1 to have a design with a sense of unity and also makes it possible to visually confirm the contents. As a secondary effect, color matching between the first adjacent region and the exposed part 14 is unnecessary in an aspect of Fig. 12.
In the configuration illustrated in Fig. 12, in a case where the contents are colored, a color of the contents can be visually confirmed from the first adjacent region and the exposed part 14. Further, in each of the second adjacent region and the second region 22, a color in which (i) the color of the contents and the color of the background layer 251 and (ii) the color of the contents and the color of the background layer 25d are superimposed can be visually confirmed. In a case where the background layer 251 is formed in navy blue and the color of the contents is white, from the first adjacent region to the second adjacent region, a color can be continuously changed from the white of the contents into navy blue in which the color of the contents and the color of the background layer 251 are superimposed. This allows the label 2 and the container 1 to have a design with a sense of unity and also makes it possible to visually confirm the contents.

(Attachment method)

As a method for attaching the label 2 to the container 1, it is possible to employ a method in which the label 2 is externally fixed to an outside of the container 1 and heated so that the label 2 is thermally shrunk and attached to the container 1. For example, the label 2 that has been formed in a cylindrical shape in advance is laid outside a site of the container 1 to which site the label 2 is to be attached. Next, the label 2 is heated so as to have a reduced diameter, and is attached to the container 1 by closely adhering to the container 1. As an attachment method, an attachment method known in the art can be mainly used.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but can be altered by a skilled person in the art within the scope of the claims. The present invention also encompasses, in its technical scope, any embodiment derived by combining technical means disclosed in differing embodiments.
Aspects of the present invention can also be expressed as follows:
A labeled container in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention includes: a container; and a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label that is attached to the container, the cylindrical heat-shrinkable label including an opening part that opens in a plane of the cylindrical heat-shrinkable label and a peripheral region that surrounds the opening part, and the peripheral region having a color that continuously changes as a distance from the opening part increases.
In a second aspect of the present invention, a labeled container may be configured such that, in the first aspect, the color of the peripheral region is closer to a color of the container, which color is visually confirmable from the opening part, toward the opening part.
In a third aspect of the present invention, a labeled container may be configured such that, in the first and second aspects, the peripheral region has transparency.

Reference Signs List

100 Labeled container
1 Container
2 Label
3 Cap
11 Neck part
12 Body part
13 Bottom part
14 Exposed part
20 Opening part
21 First region (peripheral region)
22 Second region
23 Heat-shrinkable film layer
24 Printed layer
2A First end part
2B Second end part
11A Pouring port

Claims

A labeled container comprising: a container; and a cylindrical heat-shrinkable label that is attached to the container,
the cylindrical heat-shrinkable label including an opening part that opens in a plane of the cylindrical heat-shrinkable label and a peripheral region that surrounds the opening part, and

the peripheral region having a color that continuously changes as a distance from the opening part increases.
The labeled container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the color of the peripheral region is closer to a color of the container, which color is visually confirmable from the opening part, toward the opening part.
The labeled container as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the peripheral region has transparency.