GB2399800A

GB2399800A - Sleeve-type product packaging element with adhesive label

Info

Publication number: GB2399800A
Application number: GB0306988A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Colin Ogden
Original assignee: BURALL Ltd; Buralls of Wisbech Ltd
Current assignee: BURALL Ltd; Buralls of Wisbech Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-27
Filing date: 2003-03-27
Publication date: 2004-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-27
Also published as: GB0306988D0; GB2399800B; GB2399800A8

Abstract

A sleeve-type product packaging element (2) comprises at least a first layer (20) and a second layer (22) disposed on top of and adhered to the first layer (20) and separated from and secured to the first layer (20) by a peelable adhesive (21) such that at least a portion of the second layer (22) is peelable from the first layer (20). An upper surface (24) of the second layer (22) comprises a printable outer surface printed with product or other information. An upper surface (28) of the first layer (20) (or an under surface (26) of the second layer (22)) comprises a further printable surface printed with product or other information. The second layer may be partially or wholly removable from the first, and may be held in place by dry film adhesive applied to the first layer.

Description

A PRODUCT PACKAGING SLEEVE

The present invention relates to product packaging, and a method of making such product packaging. The invention is specifically directed to packaging for products of the kind which are currently sold with a sleevetype product identification band or wrapping member which serves to encircle or wrap around at least a significant part of a product such as a food product, which may be contained in a dish-format container with (for example) a sealant film.

Sleeve-format product identification and labelling elements are widely accepted in the marketplace as indicative of good product quality. Such product identifying and labelling products can be pre-printed with high quality technical and other data in any chosen printing format, so that the product itself is attractively displayed. Such sleeve-format packaging is readily accepted by consumers and provides a desirable and convenient packaging, in particular for food products.

Increasingly consumers, and regulators, are requiring more and more product information and labelling, on products. Manufacturers and producers also wish to provide additional product information as well as related marketing information. Whilst with a sleeve format packaging both sides of the packaging can be printed with information, space is however limited on the product packaging. In addition there is a general desire, both from consumers and manufacturers, to reduce the bulk of packaging and labelling for economic and environmental reasons. As a result often relatively small type has to be used print important product information which can be difficult for some consumers to read, or alternatively certain information has to be omitted. Small type printing in itself is also not favoured by consumers.

Furthermore whilst consumers, and manufactures may wish to have, and provide more product information such additional information should not detract from the overall impression and attractiveness of the packaging since a key function of the packaging is to attractively present and sell the product. Certain consumers may also not be interested, and may be put off, by a multitude of additional information and/or small type all over the packaging.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved sleeve type product packaging which addresses the above described lo competing demands and/or which offers improvements generally.

According to the present invention there is provided a sleeve type product packaging element as described in the accompanying claims. There is also provided a method of making such a multi-layered sleeve type product packaging element as also described in the accompanying claims.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a sleeve-type product packaging element comprising a planar element comprising a centre panel portion and at least two end panel sections at opposite ends of the centre portion.

The product packaging element is adapted to be mounted upon a product in a sleeve or sleeve-simulating format in which the centre panel portion of the packaging element extends around a first surface of the product and the end panel portions about at least a portion of at least two respective side surfaces of the product. The product packaging element has a printable outer surface printed with product or other information. The product packaging element comprises at least a first layer and a second layer disposed on top of and adhered to the first layer and separated from and secured to the first layer by a peelable adhesive such that at least a portion of the second layer is peelable from the first layer. An upper surface of the second layer comprises the printable outer surface and an upper surface of the first layer, or an under surface of the second layer, comprises a further printable surface printed with product or other information.

The other of an under surface of the second layer, or upper surface of the first layer may comprises an additional printable surface printed with product or other information.

Such a sleeve-type product packaging element, or label, addresses the above mentioned problems. In particular with such a sleeve-type product packaging element, or label, the printable area, which can be printed with product information and/or suitable labelling designs is increased as compared to a conventional sleeve type product packaging elements/labels without undesirably increasing the overall À size of the sleeve type product packaging element/label. The additional printed surfaces are also not generally viewable, and these surfaces and the printed information thereon is only viewed by peeling back the first layer, so that additional information provided on these surfaces does not detract from the overall external appearance of sleeve type product packaging label.

Preferably the peelable adhesive comprises a dry film adhesive. The peelable adhesive may be applied to a portion of the first layer.

The packaging element may further comprise a further portion attached to one of the end portions and which extends over a second surface of the product.

The second layer may be completely removable from the first layer. Alternatively a portion of the second layer is permanently attached to the first layer.

In an embodiment there is also provided a method of making a multilayered sleeve-type product packaging element comprising at least a first layer and a second layer disposed on top of the first layer and separated from and secured to the first layer by a peelable adhesive such that the first layer is peelable and removable from the first layer. An upper surface of the second layer comprises a printed outer surface and an upper surface of the first layer comprises a further printed surface printed with product or other information. The method comprises: a) providing a laminar sheet of material comprising an elongate roll of sheet material; b) printing information on at least two laterally spaced regions spaced across the width of the laminar material; c) cutting and splitting the laminar material longitudinally between the two laterally spaced regions; d) laterally overlying a first of the split laterally spaced regions over and on top of the second of the split laterally spaced regions; e) applying a peelable adhesive onto the surface of one of the first and second overlying split laterally spaced regions and between the first and second overlying split laterally spaced regions; f) bonding the first and second overlying split laterally spaced regions together; g) cutting the laminar material comprising the bonded overlying first and second overlying split laterally spaced regions to a length a shape corresponding to the required length and shape of the sleeve-type product packaging element.

This method provides a simple and convenient way of manufacturing a multilayered sleeve type product packaging, as for example described above.

The present invention, and embodiments thereof, will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures in which: Figures 1 and 2 are schematic end and plan views respectively of a product packaged with a sleeve type packaging label; Figure 3 is a schematic end view, similar to figure 2, of a product packaged with an alternative sleeve-type packaging label; Figure 4 is a schematic cross section through a section of the sleeve type product packaging label illustrating its construction; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an end view of the sleeve-type product packaging label shown in figure 2 showing a top layer of the sleeve type product packaging label being opened; Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the sleeve-type packaging mounted upon a section of web backing as manufactured according to one embodiment; and Figure 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating a method, and series of steps, for manufacturing the sleeve type packaging.

This invention is concerned with product labelling elements or units, of a sleeve type, or sleeve simulating type which are adapted to simulate product labelling sleeves. These labelling elements carry the usual preprinted information and product identification on their outer surface. Their lower surface carries adhesive for application to the product, though it may not always be necessary for the entire lower surface to be coated with adhesive, depending upon particular product requirements.

These product labelling elements are used in the principal application of the product in the manner of a product sleeve-simulating label which is applied to, for example, three surfaces of the product namely the upper surface and the two side surfaces. There will usually be no need and it will usually not be convenient to cause the label to adhere to the lower surface of the product since this will not affect the effectiveness of the simulation of the product sleeve (with its attendant customer quality implications), but such may of course be adopted if so desired.

In an alternative arrangement of a sleeve type product labelling or packaging elements could be used in the format i of product-encircling sleeves or bands which could be caused to encircle the product by a simple wrap-around technique with the application of adhesive to the overlapped ends.

Such differs not particularly significantly from a product label secured directly to the product by adhesive.

Such sleeve-type product packaging elements are generally known and are widely used to package food products in which the food product is contained within a product packaging tray to which a sleeve type packaging element or label is applied to provide labelling of the product and provide an attractive appearance. Other, non-food products are similarly also packaged using such elements, and the sleeve type packaging elements are not limited to being applied to tray packaging and may be applied directly to the product and/or to other packaging. I The sleeve-type product packaging elements or labels are, as is known in the art, in either case applied to the product by hand or using fully or semi automated methods and apparatus.

It will also be appreciated that such sleeve type I product packaging elements or labels, comprise a particular] and specific packaging type and arrangement. Such sleeve type product packaging elements or labels have their own distinct, particular, and unique requirements as compared to t other product packaging in particular due to the sleeve, or sleeve simulating manner in which they are applied to a product. Such sleeve type product packaging elements or labels may accordingly be distinguished from other types of packaging and packaging arrangements.

Referring to figures 1 and 2, there is shown a sleeve type product packaging label 2 as applied to a product 4. In this case the product 4 comprises a tray containing for example a food product (eg meat) with a film applied over the top of, and sealing, the food tray.

The sleeve type product packaging label 2 comprises a planar element, for example of cardboard, paper, plastic film, or other suitable printable material conventionally used for packaging. The sleeve type product packaging label 2 is a multi-layered element and comprises a multilaminate/multi-ply label comprising two or more laminated, but user separable, layers 20,22 of such material. The layers 20,22 are peelably separated by a peelable adhesive 21 disposed therebetween which adheres the layers 20,22 together whilst allowing a user to separate and peel the layers 20,22 apart. At least one surface of each layer 20,22 is printable.

The multi-layered construction of the sleeve type product packaging label 2 will be described further below.

An upper, show, surface 1, of the sleeve type product packaging label 2 comprises a printable surface which is printed with product information and suitable labelling designs. The undersurface 30 of the sleeve type product packaging label 2 may also comprise a printable surface which is printed with further product information and a suitable labelling designs.

The sleeve type product packaging label 2 comprises a central panel portion 6 dimensioned to overlie a first surface of the product 2, and two side panel portions 8,10 disposed at opposite ends of the central panel 6. The side panel portions 8,10 are separated from the central panel 6 by fold lines 3,5 such that the side panel portions 10,8 can be bent with respect to the central panel portion 6 to extend down and over the respective sides of the product 4.

Adhesive, which is applied to the under surface of the ends 7,9 of the side panel portions 8,10 which abut against the sides of the product 2, secures the ends 7,9 of the side panel portions 8,10 to the product 2, and so secures the 3 5 sleeve type product packaging label 2 to the product 4.

Adhesive may also be applied to the entire, or further portions of the, undersurface of the sleeve type product packaging label 2 which abut against the product 4 to further secure the sleeve type product packaging label 2 to the product 2. In this way the sleeve type product packaging label 2 encloses and is wrapped about at least a portion of the first surface of the product 4 and at least of portion of at least two sides of the product 4 in a sleeve simulating format.

10An alternative sleeve type product packaging label 2' is shown in figure 3. This sleeve type product packaging label 2' is generally similar in construction and, like reference numerals are used for like features. Only the significant differences will be described. In this arrangement the sleeve type product packaging label 2' À comprises a full sleeve which completely wraps around and encircle four sides of the product 4. Specifically the side panel portions 8,10 extend the full depth of the sides of the product 4. A pair of further end panel portions 12,14 extend from the respective side panel portions 8,10. The end panel portions 12,14 are separated from the side panel portions 8,10 by fold lines 11,15 such that the end panel portions 12,14 can be folded with respect to the side panel portions 8,10 and over the bottom of the product 4. The end panel portions 12,14 each extend over the bottom of the product 4 such that in combination they extend over the entire width of the bottom of the product 4, and such that they overlap, as shown, with the distal end of one of the end panel portions 12 overlying the distal end of the other end panel portion 14. Adhesive, which is applied to either or both of the under surface of the end of the overlying end panel portion 12, or to the upper surface of the end of the underlying end panel portion 14, in the region 13 of overlap, secures the end panel sections 12,14 together, and so secures the sleeve type product packaging label 2' in a generally tubular sleeve type configuration wrapped around the product 4. Further adhesive may also be applied to the undersurface of the sleeve type product packaging label 2' to further secure the sleeve type product packaging label 2' to the product 4.

In both cases the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' is produced as a planar flat elongate element or strip.

This is applied to the product and folded along the respective fold line 3,5,11,15 and wrapped around the product 4 by techniques known in the art. The adhesive may be applied during, or just prior to, the wrapping of the sleeve type product packaging label 2, 2' around the product 4. Preferably -however the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' is fabricated from a self adhesive material (as is known the art) in which there is an adhesive coating applied to the undersurface of the planar material which is carried upon a Àweb of release material 16, as shown for example in figure 6. The release material 16 which protects the adhesive until application. Prior to applying the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' to the product 4 the release material 16 is removed from the undersurface of the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2', exposing the adhesive, which then attaches the sleeve type product packaging label 2, 2'to the product 4.

Referring to figures 4 and 5, and in accordance with the invention, the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' is multi-layered and comprises at least a first layer 20 and a second layer 22 disposed on top and overlying the first layer 20. The two layers 20,22 are separated by a layer of peelable adhesive 21 applied between the layers 20,22. The adhesive secures and adheres the layers 20,22 together, but is also arranged such that a user can peel and pull the layers 20,22 apart, as shown in figure 5, and peelably separate the layers 20,22. In this regard the peelable adhesive 21 may be applied as a complete layer between the two layers 20,22, or to only selective regions. Preferably a dry film adhesive is used, although other suitable peelable adhesives will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The adhesive 21 may be omitted from an edge region 34 of the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' so as to allow easier initial separation of the layers 20,22. Although not shown, the second, upper layer, 22 may also extend in an edge region beyond the lower first layer 20 to provide a slight gap beneath the second layer again allowing easier 1G initial separation to the layers 20,22.

An upper surface 24 of the upper second layer 22 comprises a printable surface which is printed with product information and/or suitable designs, and comprises the upper, show, surface 15, of the sleeve type product packaging label 2. A lower surface 30 of the first layer 20, disposed, when applied to the product 4, adjacent the product 4 and beneath the second surface 22 comprises the undersurface of the sleeve type product packaging label 2. This may also comprise a printable surface which is printed with further product information and/or suitable labelling designs. In addition the under surface 26 of the second layer 22 and/or the upper surface 28 of the first layer 20 comprise further printable surfaces which are printed with further product information and/or suitable labelling designs. In other words at least one of the inner surfaces 26,28 of the layers 20,22 comprises a further printable surface. Furthermore additionally both and all surfaces 24,26,28,30 and sides of the layers 20,22 could be printed to provide the maximum printed area. As a result the printable area, which can be printed with product information and/or suitable labelling designs is increased, and in this case may be doubled, as compared to a conventional sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' without undesirably increasing the overall size of the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' . The additional printed surfaces 26,28 are not though generally viewable, and these surface and the printed information thereon is viewed by peeling back the second layer 22, as shown by arrows A and B in figure 5 to separate the first and second layers 20,22. Since the printed surfaces 26,28 are not generally viewable the additional information provided on these surfaces does not detract from the overall external appearance of sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' provided by the show surface 1.

In the embodiments shown the second layer 22 can be completely peeled back from, separated from, and removed from the first layer 20. Advantageously in such an arrangement, and in particular for a food product, the second layer 22, and in particular the under surface 26 of the second layer could be printed with recipe instructions relating to the packaged food product. Since the second layer 22 is separable and can be removed form the first layer 20 this second layer 22, and the recipe information thereon, can then be kept and retained by a consumer as a separate recipe card.

In alternative embodiments a region of the second layer 22 may be permanently adhered and attached to the first layer 20, by a use of a suitable adhesive so that whilst a major portion of the first and second layers 20, 22 can be peelably separated, to view the additional information the first and second layers 20,22 are generally not completely detachable and remain attached together. In a yet further alternative arrangement only a portion, or enclosed region of the second layer 22 may be peelable and separable from the first layer 20. Furthermore whilst the second layer 22 as shown preferably totally overlies and covers the first layer 20, and generally corresponds to the shape and size of the first layer 20, the two layers 20,22 may be of different sizes with second layer 22 only covering a portion of the first layer 20, or alternatively completely covering and overlapping the first layer 20 and extending beyond the first layer 20. The first and second layers 20,22 may also not be completely overlapped and may be staggered with respect to each other with only a portion of the second layer 22 overlying and peelably adhered to a portion of the first layer 20.

As illustrated in figure 6, and mentioned above the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' may be manufactured and carried on a web of release material 16. The respective layers 20,22 of the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' being applied to the release material 16, with the relevant surfaces printed and the peelable adhesive 21, and securing adhesive to secure the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' to the product 4, applied between the layers 20,22 and to the respective layers 20. The sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' and its required shape can then be die cut, cutting through the layers 20,22 to but not through the release web 16 to leave the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' of the required shape behind on the web 16 as shown in figure 6. As shown in figure 6 the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' may be orientated on the web of release material 16 with their long edge transverse to the length of the web 16 and feed direction of the web 16 and labels thereon. Such an orientation of sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' has advantages, in particular if variable product information is additionally printed onto the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' as is described in our UK Patent 2357273, and the sleeve type product packaging label 2, 2' may be used in such a described arrangement.

An alternative advantageous method of manufacturing the sleeve type product packaging labels 2,2' is schematically illustrated in figure 7. The sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' is manufactured from a laminar sheet material 30, for example paper or film supplied typically from a roll.

This sheet material may further alternatively comprise a self adhesive material stock in which adhesive is carried on one side and the material is carried on a web of release material 50. The adhesive secures the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' to the product and may also comprises the peelable adhesive 21 securing the first and second layers 20,22 together.

The laminar sheet material 30 is first printed with the required printed information to be carried by the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2'. The printed information for the respective layers 20,22 is printed, using a suitable printer 32, at two laterally spaced regions across the width of the laminar sheet material 30. Specifically, and as shown, the printing for the upper surface 24 for the second layer is printed in a right hand region 34 of the web, with the information the printing for the upper surface 28 for the first layer printed on a left hand region 36 of the web laterally spaced and transposed from the right hand region 32. The respective printing for each layer of the label 2 is though longitudinally aligned with each other along the length of the web of material 30 with the pattern of printing for each label 2 repeated along the length of the web for successive labels 2. It will be appreciated that both the upper 31 and lower 33 surfaces of the laminar sheet material could be printed, with as will be explained further below such surfaces 31,33 comprising the multiple printed surfaces 24,26,28,30 of the respective layers 20,22 of the final sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' . It will also be recognized that the printing could be arranged such that on one side (for example the right hand side 34 region) printing could be on the upper surface 31, whilst on the other side (for example left hand side 36 region) the printing could be on both the upper 31 and lower 33 surface, or vice versa, as may be required to provide printing on the respective layers 20,22 and surface 24,26,28,30 of the final sleeve type product packaging label 2,2 ' . The printed web 38 is cut and split, using suitable apparatus 40, longitudinally between the left and right hand printed regions 34,36, and as shown generally down the centre of the web 38 to form two parallel sheet printed strips 42,44 which are to comprise the second and first layers 20,22 of the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2'. The parallel sheet printed strips 42,44 are then laterally transposed and merged laterally together such that the strips 42,44 overlie each other, with in this case the right hand strip 42, which is to form the second upper layer of the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' disposed on top of the left hand strip 44 which is to form the first layer 20 of the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2'. The peelable adhesive 21 is applied to the underside of the right hand strip 42, or alternatively to the topside of the left hand strip such that when the strips 42,44 are overlayed the peelable adhesive is provided between the strips 42,44/layers 20,22. Alternatively if a self adhesive laminar sheet material stock 30 is used then the web of release material from the right hand strip 42 is removed, exposing the adhesive on the underside of the right hand strip 42. The overlying strips 42,44 are bonded together by pressing the strips 42,44 together and the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' die cut, longitudinally along the length of the strips 42,44, from the overlying joined laminated strips 42,44, using a suitable cutting apparatus 46. When fabricated from self adhesive laminar stock 30 the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' are left behind and carried on the web of release material 50 with the cutting of the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' only cutting down to the release material web 50.

Alternatively adhesive may be applied to the underside of the left hand strip of material (or the region corresponding thereto) and a web of release material applied underneath to support the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' produced. In a yet further alternative when the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' are cut from the strips, they may only be partially cut (and/or perforated) such that they remain interconnected to each other for ease of handling and are then separated prior to application to the product 4.

Whilst in the above descriptions the sleeve type product packaging label 2,2' comprises two layer 20,22, it will be appreciated that additional layers providing additional printable surfaces printed with further product information may be provided and similarly added. In such a case in the method shown in figure 7 further regions across the width of the laminar sheet material 30 can be printed and the laminar sheet material further longitudinally cut in multiple longitudinal strips.

It will be appreciated that there are many minor modifications from the basic described arrangement without departing from the invention.

Claims

1. A sleeve-type product packaging element comprising a planar element comprising a centre panel portion and at least two end panel sections at opposite ends of the centre portion such that the product packaging element is adapted to be mounted upon a product in a sleeve or sleevesimulating format in which the centre panel portion of the packaging element extends around a first surface of the product and the end panel portions about at least a portion of at least two respective side surfaces of the product, the product packaging element having a printable outer surface printed with product or other information, wherein the product packaging element comprises at least a first layer and a second layer disposed on top of and adhered to the first layer and separated from and secured to the first layer by a I peelable adhesive such that at least a portion of the second layer is peelable from the first layer, an upper surface of the second layer comprising the printable t outer surface and an upper surface of the first layer, or an under surface of the second layer, comprising a further printable surface printed with product or other information.

2. A sleeve-type product packaging element as claimed in claim 1 in which the other of an under surface of the second layer, or upper surface of the first layer comprises an additional printable surface printed with product or other information.

3. A sleeve-type product packaging element as claimed in any preceding claim in which the peelable adhesive comprises a dry film adhesive.

4. A sleeve-type product packaging element as claimed in any preceding claim in which the peelable adhesive is applied to a portion of the first layer.

5. A sleeve-type product packaging element as claimed in any preceding claim in which the packaging element further comprises a further portion attached to one of the end portions and which extends over a second surface of the product.

6. A sleeve-type product packaging element as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second layer is completely removable from the first layer.

7. A sleeve-type product packaging element as claimed in claim 1 to 5 in which a portion of the second layer is permanently attached to the first layer.

8. A method of making a multi-layered sleeve-type product packaging element comprising at least a first layer and a second layer disposed on top of the first layer and separated from and secured to the first layer by a peelable adhesive such that the first layer is peelable and removable from the first layer, an upper surface of the second layer comprising a printed outer surface and an upper surface of the first layer comprising a further printed surface printed with product or other information; the method comprising: a) providing a laminar sheet of material comprising an elongate roll of sheet material; b) printing information on at least two laterally spaced regions spaced across the width of the laminar material; c) cutting and splitting the laminar material longitudinally between the two laterally spaced regions; d) laterally overlying a first of the split laterally spaced regions over and on top of the second of the split laterally spaced regions; e) applying a peelable adhesive onto the surface of one of the first and second overlying split laterally = spaced regions and between the first and second overlying - split laterally spaced regions; f) bonding the first and second overlying split - laterally spaced regions together; g) cutting the laminar material comprising the bonded overlying first and second overlying split laterally spaced regions to a length a shape corresponding to the required length and shape of the sleeve-type product packaging element.

9. A sleeve-type product packaging substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as shown in figures 1 to 7.

10. A method of making a sleeve-type product packaging - substantially as hereinbefore described with reference - to, and/or as shown in figures 1 to 7.