GB2286814A

GB2286814A - Multi-layer label

Info

Publication number: GB2286814A
Application number: GB9403396A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy John Plimmer
Original assignee: Kenrick & Jefferson
Current assignee: Kenrick & Jefferson
Priority date: 1994-02-23
Filing date: 1994-02-23
Publication date: 1995-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2014-02-23
Also published as: GB9403396D0; GB2286814B

Abstract

A multi-layer label comprises a sheet (10) with parallel fold lines (14 and 15) separating it into three portions (11, 12 and 13). The sheet can be folded with the portion (13) lying between the portions (11 and 12). The sheet (11) is cut to form a tab (18) which can be lifted to allow the fold between the second and third portions (12 and 13) to be inserted underthetab. The portion (11) (including the tab) is adhesive coated to enable it to be adhered to a surface, the adhesive coating on the tab adhering to the second portion (12) in use to hold the label in its folded condition. One fold line (14) may be weakened, e.g. perforated, to allow opening of the label. Once the tab has been adhesively secured, the label cannot be opened without visible damage. <IMAGE>

Description

MULTI-LAYER LABEL This invention relates te a multi-layer label for use, inter alia, in labelling packages.

There is often a requirement for a label for attaching to a package for delivery by a delivery service. Frequently, packages are labelled by folding up a computer-printed delivery note and inserting the note into a plastic or other bag or envelope which can be adhesively attached to the package. Folding is carried out so that only those parts of the text printed on the note is visible, although the remaining text is necessary for the recipient to the able to identify the contents of the package before opening it.

The process of producing a delivery note, folding it correctly, inserting it in the correct orientation into the bag or envelope and attaching the bag or envelope to the package is a laborious one and it is an object of the present invention to provide a label which can serve as a detailed delivery note without requiring any separate bag or envelope.

A label in accordance with the invention comprises a sheet having first, second and third portions connected together along parallel fold lines, said first area being provided on one side with an adhesive coating and being formed with a tab, such that when the sheet is folded with the third portion thereof lying between the other side the first portion and the second portion, the adhesive coating on the tab can be used to retain the sheet in its folded condition.

With such a label the "public" p!1 text which is required for use by the delivery service is printed (or otherwise depicted) on the second portion and the "private' ext is printed (or otherwise depicted) or. the third portion so that it is concealed once the sheet is folded.

Preferably the fold line between the first and second portions is a line of weakening rather than a simple crease line. The second and third portions can then be removed from the first portion for retention by the recipient, the tab being torn from the first portion if necessary.

Preferably the adhesive coating on the first portion is formed of a selfadhesive material and is covered with a protective cover sheet which can readily be stripped off to expose the adhesive. The tab is preferably formed by a die-cut slit of semi-circular or equivalent shape which can readily be lifted from the cover sheet when folding the sheet.

An example of a label is accordance with the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an elevation of the label before folding; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the label during folding; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the folded label.

In the example shown in the drawings, the label comprises a sheet of paper 10 which is divided into first1 second and third potions 11, 12 and 13 by parallel lines 14 and 15 across the width of the sheet. Line 14 is a line of weakening formed by perforations or slit in the sheet and line 1 is a crease line allowing easy folding of the sheet.

The second portion 12 of the sheet is for "public" text which may be part printed in advance of the use of the sheet and filled in manually or by a computer when required, or completely computer printed at the time of use. The third portion 13 is for "private" text and may again be partially preprinted.

The first portion 11 is provided with a coating of adhesive 16 which is preferably a self-adhesive material. The adhesive is covered by a protective cover sheet 17 (shown partially cut-away to reveal the adhesive) which adheres to the adhesive but can readily be stripped off to expose the adhesive. The first portion 11 is formed, adjacent the edge thereof remote from the perforated line 14, with a semi-circular die-cut slit 18 in the adhesive area. The ends of the slit 18 are adjacent the aforementioned edge and the slit forms a semi-circular tab which can be bent away from the cover sheet 17 when required. The slit 18 need not necessarily be semi-circular but can be of any other shape which will define a tab of similar utility.

The distance between lines 14 and 15 is smaller than the distance between line 14 and the aforementioned edge of the first portion 11, but larger than the distance between line 15 and the opposite edge of the third portion 13.

When the sheet has been fully printed or otherwise completed, it is folded backwardly along lines 14 and 15 as shown in Figure 2, so that the third portion is made to lie between the first and second portions.

The user can now lift the tab formed by slit 18 away from the cover sheet and manipulate it to overlie the fold 15 so that it becomes adhesively attached to the second portion 12. The "private" text on the third portion is totally hidden from view.

To attach the folded and fastened label to a package the user merely strips off the cover sheet 17 and applies the label to the package.

The adhesive and paper used are preferably such that a very strong bond is formed so that once the tab has been attached it cannot be peeled away from the paper. Such adhesives are well known in the art. This ensures that the recipient can detect whether the label is opened as opening will damage the tab or the back surface of the third portions.

The recipient can readily open the label by breaking the tab and separating the second portion from the first portion on the perforated line 14.

There may, if desired be more than one of the tabs.

Claims

1. A label comprising a sheet having first, second and third portions connected together along parallel fold lines, said first aiea being provided on one side with an adhesive coating and being formed with a tab, such that when the sheet is folded with the third portion thereof lying between the other side the first portion and the second portion, the adhesive coating on the tab can be used to retain the sheet in its folded condition.

2. A label as claimed in Claim 1, in which the fold line between the first and second portions is also a line of weakening.

3. A label as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the adhesive coating on said first portion is formed of a self-adhesive material and is covered with a protective cover sheet which can be stripped off to expose the adhesive.

4. A label as claimed in Claim 3, in which the tab is formed by a die-cut slit of semi-circular or equivalent shape which can readily be lifted from the cover sheet when folding the sheet.

5. A label as claimed in any preceding claim in which the sheet is formed of paper such that once the tab has been attached it cannot be peeled away from the paper without visible damage to the latter.

6. A label substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.