GB2420548A

GB2420548A - Labels and a method of manufacturing labels

Info

Publication number: GB2420548A
Application number: GB0425877A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard George Blackwell
Original assignee: Ditac Ltd
Current assignee: Ditac Ltd
Priority date: 2004-11-24
Filing date: 2004-11-24
Publication date: 2006-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2024-11-24
Also published as: GB0425877D0; GB2420548B; WO2006056777A1

Abstract

A method of manufacturing labels comprises: providing a web 35 of printable label material; adhering a first multilayered tape 10 to a surface of the label material wherein the first tape comprises, in order, ```an adhesive layer for adhering the first tape to a surface of the label material and ```a release liner layer overlying the adhesive layer; adhering a second multilayered tape 20 to the surface of the label material (along edge 37) at a distance from and substantially parallel to the first tape (along edge 38) wherein the second tape comprises, in order, ```a first adhesive layer for adhering the second tape to the label material, ```an anchor layer overlying the first adhesive layer, ```a second adhesive layer overlying the anchor layer, and ```a release liner layer overlying the second adhesive layer, wherein said first adhesive layer is releasably attached to the anchor layer; and cutting the web of label material including the tapes to provide detachable labels each having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said leading edge and said trailing edge being spaced from one another along a main axis of the label, a section of the first tape being adhered adjacent the leading edge of the label and a section of the second tape being adhered adjacent the trailing edge of the label.

Description

1 2420548 Labels and a Method of Manufacturing Labels

Field

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing labels, particularly self-adhesive labels.

Background

Self-adhesive wraparound labels for attachment to the surface of an article have been in use for several years. The article may be a container such as a bottle or tube. Typically, the label can be used to provide information regarding the contents of a container to which it is applied. In some instances, however, there is too much information to be printed on a simple label. For example, small pharmaceutical containers require a label that can display a great deal of information regarding its contents.

Various "extended text" e.g. "multilanguage" labels have been devised to overcome this problem. One such label is of the booklet type in which the label comprises a booklet displaying additional information. Another type of label is a wraparound label having one end permanently attached to a container e.g. a small bottle. The label has information printed on one side and is wrapped around the container such that it overlaps itself, the other end of the label being releasably and resealably attached to the surface of the label that it covers.

Wraparound labels have been provided in a two-ply laminated sheet form wherein the label can be peeled from a backing sheet. The construction of the laminate is complex and involves the use of an adhesive and silicone zone coating press. Further, the laminate is only available in the form of individual sheets suitable solely for laser or inkjet printers.

The present invention aims to overcome the problems associated with the known wraparound labels. A simpler method of manufacture is provided capable of producing a continuous web of labels capable of being used in continuous feed thermal transfer, hot foil or laser printer installations currently being used to print labels in-house and on demand. The web is of a single ply label material e.g. paper that is printable on both sides. In particular, the paper does not require treatment with a release agent on one side.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing labels which method comprises: providing a web of printable label material; adhering a first multilayered tape to a surface of the label material wherein the first tape comprises, in order, an adhesive layer for adhering the first tape to a surface of the label material and a release liner layer overlying the adhesive layer; adhering a second multilayered tape to the surface of the label material at a distance from and substantially parallel to the first tape wherein the second tape comprises, in order, a first adhesive layer for adhering the second tape to the label material, an anchor layer overlying the first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer overlying the anchor layer, and a release liner layer overlying the second adhesive layer, wherein said first adhesive layer is releasably attached to the anchor layer; and cutting the web of label material including the tapes to provide detachable labels each having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said leading edge and said trailing edge being spaced from one another along a main axis of the label, a section of the first tape being adhered adjacent the leading edge of the label and a section of the second tape being adhered adjacent the trailing edge of the label.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a web of detachable labels comprising: a web of printable label material; a first multilayered tape adhered to a surface of the label material wherein the first tape comprises, in order, an adhesive layer for adhering the first tape to the label material and a release liner layer overlying the adhesive layer; a second multilayered tape adhered to the surface of the label material at a distance from and substantially parallel to the first tape wherein the second tape comprises, in order, a first adhesive layer for adhering the second tape to the label material, an anchor layer overlying the first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer overlying the anchor layer, and a release liner layer overlying the second adhesive layer, wherein the first adhesive layer is releasably attached to the anchor layer; the web of label material including the tapes having been cut to provide detachable labels each having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said leading edge and said trailing edge being spaced from one another along a main axis of the label, a section of the first tape being adhered adjacent the leading edge of the label and a section of the second tape being adhered adjacent the trailing edge of the label.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a first multilayered tape used in the method of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a second multilayered tape used in the method of the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of apparatus suitable for performing the method of the invention.

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a web of label material to which the first and second tapes have been adhered.

Figure 5A is a plan view of a web of detachable labels in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5B is a plan view of a web of detachable labels in accordance with another particular embodiment of the invention.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the unsealing and unwrapping, respectively, of a wraparound label produced in accordance with the invention.

Figures 6C and 6D illustrate the wrapping and sealing, respectively, of a wraparound label produced in accordance with the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A single web of material is used in the method of the invention. The web is of a printable label material that is preferably printable on both sides.

Suitable web materials include paper, laminated paper e.g. a paper/polyester/paper laminate, and synthetic materials such as polyester, polyvinylchloride, polypropylene and polyethylene.

The first tape comprises an adhesive layer for adhering the first tape to the label material. The adhesive is preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive, more preferably a permanent adhesive or semi-permanent adhesive. Examples of suitable adhesives include acrylic based adhesives and rubber based adhesives. An acrylic adhesive comprising acrylic polymers that can be coated in the form of an aqueous emulsion is particularly preferred. The adhesive layer may comprise a carrier for the adhesive e.g. a tissue or filmic carrier. The carrier typically has a layer of the adhesive on both sides.

A layer of release liner material overlies the adhesive layer. Many types of release liner materials are available including Kraft papers, glassine paper, clay coated papers, polymer coated papers and polymer films.

The second tape comprises a first adhesive layer for adhering the second tape to the label material. The adhesive is preferably a pressure sensitive adhesive, more preferably a permanent adhesive or semipermanent adhesive. Examples of suitable adhesives include acrylic based adhesives and rubber based adhesives. An acrylic adhesive comprising acrylic polymers that can be coated in the form of an aqueous emulsion is particularly preferred. The adhesive layer may comprise a carrier for the adhesive e.g. a tissue or filmic carrier. However, because of the construction of the second tape, a carrier is not required.

The first adhesive layer is releasably attached to an anchor layer that overlies the first adhesive layer. The anchor layer provides a surface to which the trailing edge of the label may be releasably and resealably attached without affecting the surface of the label below the anchor layer to which the anchor layer is permanently attached in use.

Preferably, the surface of the anchor layer in contact with the first adhesive layer is provided with a release coating e.g. a silicone release coating.

The anchor layer may be a polymeric film. Examples of suitable polymeric materials from which the film may be made include polyesters, polyvinylchloride, polyethylene and acetate. Preferably, the anchor layer is transparent.

The second adhesive layer overlying the anchor layer preferably comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive, more preferably a permanent adhesive or semi-permanent adhesive. Examples of suitable adhesives include acrylic based adhesives and rubber based adhesives. An acrylic adhesive comprising acrylic polymers that can be coated in the form of an aqueous emulsion is particularly preferred. The adhesive layer may comprise a carrier for the adhesive e.g. a tissue or filmic carrier. However, because of the construction of the second tape, a carrier is not required as the anchor layer serves as a carrier layer.

A layer of release liner material overlies the second adhesive layer.

Many types of release liner materials are available including Kraft papers, glassine paper, clay coated papers, polymer coated papers and polymer films.

In the production of labels, the tapes are adhered to a web of printable label material. The web may be supplied from a roll of material.

Similarly, each tape may be supplied from a roll of the tape. The first tape described above may be wound on itself so that it is ready for use upon unwinding. The second tape described above requires the presence of a release liner overlying the first adhesive layer before it can be wound into roll form. As the second tape is unwound from its roll, the release liner overlying the first adhesive layer needs to be removed before the tape is ready for use.

The tapes are applied to the web such that they are substantially parallel to each other. In a particular embodiment of the invention, each tape is adjacent an edge of the web such that the tapes are parallel to the main axis of the web. The distance between the tapes determines the length of the label.

The tapes may be adhered to the web by passing the web and a tape between a pair of nip rollers.

Individual labels may then be cut in the web and tapes. The labels may be cut using a rotary cutter or a flatbed cutter. Preferably, the individual label shape is achieved using a dual height combined cutting/perforating tool. In this way the cut labels are held in position on the web until they are required. Removal of a label from the web requires minimal effort in breaking the perforations.

Preferably, each label is defined by first and second cuts transverse to the main axis of the web and parallel to the main axis of the label, a third cut between said first and second cuts defining the leading edge of the label having a section of the first tape adhered adjacent the leading edge of the label and a fourth cut between said first and second cuts defining the trailing edge of the label having a section of the second tape adhered adjacent the trailing edge of the label. Preferably, first, second, third and fourth cuts are made as one continuous cut.

The labels may be cut in the web and tapes so that they are individually detachable from the web.

In a preferred embodiment, the cut through each of the first and second tapes extends through all the layers of each tape except the release liner. In this way, a label ready for use may be peeled from the web leaving the release liner of the first tape and the release liner of the second tape still attached to the remaining web. In another embodiment, each label is cut so that all the layers of the first tape and all the layers of the second tape are detachable with the label. In this embodiment, after the label has been detached, the outer release liner layer must be removed from each tape section before the label is ready for use.

The size of the labels may vary widely depending on the size of the article to which they will be attached. For small pharmaceutical bottles, labels may have a length in the range of 100mm to 200mm and a width in the range of 20mm to 100mm.

The web of detachable labels may be wound into a roll. The roll of labels may be used in a continuous feed printer. Alternatively, the web of detachable labels may be folded into sheets to provide a fan-fold supply of labels to a continuous feed printer. Alternatively, the web of detachable labels may be cut into individual sheets.

The web of label material may be preprinted before cutting occurs.

The web of detachable labels may be overprinted after cutting.

Once the desired information has been printed on the labels they are ready for use. In use, a label is detached from the web of printed labels. If necessary, the release liner layer is removed from the adhesive layer of the first tape adjacent the leading edge of the label. The leading edge of the label is applied to the article to be labelled e.g. a bottle such that it is permanently adhered to the article by the adhesive layer. The printed label is wrapped around the article until the trailing edge of the label is in a position to be secured to the wrapped label beneath it. If necessary, the release liner layer is removed from the second adhesive layer of the second tape adjacent the trailing edge of the label. The trailing edge of the label is applied to the surface of the wrapped label beneath it such that it is adhered to the surface by the second adhesive layer. When it is desired to read the information on the label, the trailing edge of the label is lifted free from its attached position and unwound to enable reading. When detaching the trailing edge of the label, the anchor layer remains permanently attached to the surface of the label below by means of the second adhesive layer. After reading, the label can be rewound around the article and adhered to the anchor layer through the first adhesive layer.

Because the first adhesive layer is releasably and resealably attached to the anchor layer, the label can be repeatedly opened, unwound, rewound and tacked back into position. Use of a transparent anchor layer prevents any printing under the anchor layer being obscured.

The invention is further illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a first multilayered tape 10 used in the method of the invention. The view is schematic and not to scale as the layers are very thin. The first tape comprises an adhesive layer for adhering the first tape to a surface of a label material. The adhesive layer comprises a 12 gm2 tissue carrier layer 12 having a hot melt rubber adhesive layer 11 on one side and a hot melt rubber adhesive layer 13 on the other side. A 65 gm2 glassine paper release liner layer 14 overlies the hot melt rubber adhesive layer 13.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a second multilayered tape 20 used in the method of the invention. The view is schematic and not to scale as the layers are very thin. The second tape 20 comprises a first adhesive layer 22 for adhering the second tape 20 to a surface of a label material.

The adhesive is an emulsion acrylic permanent adhesive. A 62 gm2 glassine paper release liner layer 21 overlies the adhesive layer 22. The surface of the first adhesive layer 22 remote from the release liner 21 is in contact with a silicone release coating layer 23 coated on a 5Ojtm gloss transparent polyester anchor layer 24. The surface of the anchor layer 24 remote from the silicone release coating layer 23 is in contact with an emulsion acrylic permanent adhesive layer 25. A 62 gm2 glassine paper release liner layer 26 overlies the adhesive layer 25.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of apparatus 30 suitable for performing the method of the invention. A feed roll 31 provides a supply of tape 20. In order to render tape 20 ready for use, release liner layer 21 is peeled off and wound on roll 32. A feed roll 33 provides a supply of tape while roll 34 supplies a web of paper 35 suitable for label manufacture.

The web of paper 35 is fed in the direction of the arrow between nip rollers 36.

Similarly, tape 20 without release liner 21 is fed in the direction of the arrow between nip rollers 36. The tape 20 travels parallel to the main axis of the web 35 and is brought into contact with web 35 adjacent an edge 37 of the web. The exposed first adhesive layer 22 of tape 20 is brought into contact with the surface of web 35 between the nip rollers 36 and adheres tape 20 to web 35.

Similarly, tape 10 is fed in the direction of the arrow between nip rollers 36. The tape 10 travels parallel to the main axis of the web 35 and is brought into contact with web 35 adjacent an edge 38 of the web. The exposed adhesive layer 11 of tape 10 is brought into contact with the surface of web 35 between the nip rollers 36 and adheres tape 10 to web 35.

The web 35 having tapes 10 and 20 attached is passed to a rotary cutter where the labels 40 are cut. Each label 40 is defined by first and second cuts transverse to the main axis of the web and parallel to the main axis of the label, a third cut between said first and second cuts defining the leading edge of the label having a section of the first tape adhered adjacent the leading edge of the label and a fourth cut between said first and second cuts defining the trailing edge of the label having a section of the second tape adhered adjacent the trailing edge of the label. The labels 40 are cut so that each label is individually detachable from the web 35.

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a web 35 of label material to which the first and second tapes have been adhered. The reference numerals employed for the layers of the tapes correspond to those used in Figures 1 and 2. In this particular embodiment, line 41 depicts a cut defining the trailing edge of the label having a section of the second tape adhered adjacent the trailing edge of the label. The cut extends through all the layers of the second tape except the release liner layer 26. Similarly, line 42 depicts a cut defining the leading edge of the label having a section of the first tape adhered adjacent the leading edge of the label. The cut extends through all the layers of the first tape except the release liner layer 14.

Figure 5A is a plan view of a web 50A of detachable labels in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention. A paper web 51A has a first tape 52A as used in the invention and a second tape 53A as used in the invention attached to the underside of the web, Individual labels 54A are shown by their cut lines. The labels 54A are contiguous whereby a single cut line separates adjacent labels. The cut lines above tapes 52A and 53A extend through the web and tape as far as the release liner layer of each tape. The cut lines 55A defining the trailing edge of each label are to one side of the second tape providing a non-adhesive strip at the trailing edge of the label facilitating the lifting of that edge. Cut lines 55A extend through the web. The cut lines between the first and second tapes are perforated cuts such that the labels in the web are held together before removal.

In use, the sheet of labels shown, or, alternatively, a continuous web of such labels is printed with the required information. Thereafter, individual labels can be peeled away from the release liner tapes on the underside of the web.

Figure 5B is a plan view of a web 50B of detachable labels in accordance with another particular embodiment of the invention. A paper web 51B has a first tape 52B as used in the invention and a second tape 53B as used in the invention attached to the underside of the web.

Individual labels 54B are shown by their cut lines. The labels 54B are spaced apart from each other. The cut lines defining the labels are perforated cut lines extending through the web and all the layers of each tape. The cuts 55B defining the trailing edge of each label are to one side of the second tape providing a non-adhesive strip at the trailing edge of the label facilitating the lifting of that edge.

In use, the continuous web of labels shown, or, alternatively, a sheet of such labels is printed with the required information. Thereafter, individual labels can be removed from the web. The release liner covering the adhesive layer on each tape has to be removed from each label before use.

Figure 6A shows a small pharmaceutical bottle 60 to which a wraparound label 61 of the invention has been applied. The trailing edge 62 of the label 61 adjacent the second tape is free of adhesive and stands proud of the bottle enabling easy lifting.

Figure 6B shows the label 61 in its unwound position. The anchor layer 63 may be seen.

Figure 6C shows the label almost completely rewound and ready for resealing. In addition to the anchor layer 63, the second adhesive layer 64 of the second tape adjacent the trailing edge 62 of the label may be seen.

Figure 6D shows the trailing edge of the label reattached by means of the adhesive layer 64 applied to the anchor layer.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of manufacturing labels which method comprises:

providing a web of printable label material; adhering a first multilayered tape to a surface of the label material wherein the first tape comprises, in order, an adhesive layer for adhering the first tape to a surface of the label material and a release liner layer overlying the adhesive layer; adhering a second multilayered tape to the surface of the label material at a distance from and substantially parallel to the first tape wherein the second tape comprises, in order, a first adhesive layer for adhering the second tape to the label material, an anchor layer overlying the first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer overlying the anchor layer, and a release liner layer overlying the second adhesive layer, wherein said first adhesive layer is releasably attached to the anchor layer; and cutting the web of label material including the tapes to provide detachable labels each having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said leading edge and said trailing edge being spaced from one another along a main axis of the label, a section of the first tape being adhered adjacent the leading edge of the label and a section of the second tape being adhered adjacent the trailing edge of the label.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the printable label material comprises paper, a laminated paper or a synthetic polymer.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the adhesive layer of the first tape comprises a permanent or semi-permanent adhesive.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the adhesive is selected from acrylic based adhesives and rubber based adhesives.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first adhesive layer of the second tape comprises a permanent or semi- permanent adhesive.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the adhesive is selected from acrylic based adhesives and rubber based adhesives.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the anchor layer is a polymeric film.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the surface of the anchor layer in contact with the first adhesive of the second tape is provided with a release coating.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the anchor layer is transparent.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second adhesive layer overlying the anchor layer comprises a permanent or semi-permanent adhesive.

11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the adhesive is selected from acrylic based adhesives and rubber based adhesives.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second tapes are adhered to a surface of the label material parallel to the main axis of the web.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein one of the tapes is adhered to a surface of the label material parallel to and adjacent an edge of the web.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the other tape is adhered to a surface of the label material parallel to and adjacent the other edge of the web.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each label is defined by first and second cuts transverse to the main axis of the web and parallel to the main axis of the label, a third cut between said first and second cuts defining the leading edge of the label having a section of the first tape adhered adjacent the leading edge of the label and a fourth cut between said first and second cuts defining the trailing edge of the label having a section of the second tape adhered adjacent the trailing edge of the label.

17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims the cut through each of the first and second tapes extends through all the layers of each tape except the release liner.

18. A method according to any one of claims I to 16 wherein each label is cut so that all the layers of the first tape and all the layers of the second tape are detachable with the label.

19. A web of detachable labels comprising: a web of printable label material; a first multilayered tape adhered to a surface of the label material wherein the first tape comprises, in order, an adhesive layer for adhering the first tape to the label material and a release liner layer overlying the adhesive layer; a second multilayered tape adhered to the surface of the label material at a distance from and substantially parallel to the first tape wherein the second tape comprises, in order, a first adhesive layer for adhering the second tape to the label material, an anchor layer overlying the first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer overlying the anchor layer, and a release liner layer overlying the second adhesive layer, wherein the first adhesive layer is releasably attached to the anchor layer; the web of label material including the tapes having been cut to provide detachable labels each having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said leading edge and said trailing edge being spaced from one another along a main axis of the label, a section of the first tape being adhered adjacent the leading edge of the label and a section of the second tape being adhered adjacent the trailing edge of the label.