MXPA01000848A - Rotating label system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for constructing a rotatable label and attaching the rotatable label to a container. The rotatable label includes a release tab (106) releasably attached to an outer label (100). The release tab is adhered to the container (140), or to an inner label (170) adhered to the container, to secure the outer label to the container while the outer label is wrapped around the container. The release tab may then be detached from the outer label to permit the outer label to be rotated about the container. Longitudinal movement of the outer label relative to the container may be restricted by disposing the outer label between top and bottom label panels (148, 150) formed on the container. The outer label is preferably adapted with a transparent portion or window (112) permitting viewing of indicia disposed therebehind.

Description

SYSTEM AND ROTATING LABEL METHOD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to rotating labels, and more particularly to a system and method for making a rotary label device. 2. Description of the Prior Art Most consumer product containers are labeled with different types of information such as instructions for use of the product, warnings, dosage amounts, ingredients, advertisements, illustrations and the like. This information usually takes the form of written indications presented on a label wrapped around the container. However, in many cases, the space available on a single label is insufficient to display all the information that a manufacturer of the product wishes to present. To provide additional space for the presentation of information about a given container, it has been proposed that an external label placed around an internal label can be used. The outer label typically has a transparent portion and, by rotating the inner label relative to an internal label attached to the container, the information on the internal label can be visualized through the a &igtfcfe. ».. _. and 't8i & ai &^^^^^^^^^^^ j ^ b transparent. Such a construction allows the information to be presented on the internal and external labels thereby substantially increasing the available space over which the information can be presented. Despite the advantages of having a rotating label in a container, it has been impractical to employ rotating labels, in most circumstances due to the high cost and difficulty of applying such a rotating label on a container. A major difficulty has been maintaining the rotating label 10 in the proper position relative to the product container. Because external labels are usually not adhered to the container or the internal label, there is a tendency for these external labels to slide longitudinally relative to the container of the product and be partially or totally separated therefrom. Another limitation of the previous rotary label systems has been that the cost of applying the rotating labels to the containers (or a mass production scale) is prohibitive for many applications. Conventionally, the labels are applied to containers by applying an adhesive to either the label or the container and then wrapping the label around the container to adhere the label to the container. This form of application produces a label that is fixed and not rotatable, in relation to the container. In the last 25, this form of application has not been useful in assembling v ^ - ^ - »* ^. ** - ^^. " ~ 'SiS3_i * aMiÉ - ^^, ^^ &«rotating labels to containers due to the need for the rotary label to rotate around and not be fixed permanently to the container. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a rotary label system and the method by which a rotary label can be mounted in a cost-effective manner on a container without preventing the label from being rotatable relative to the container. Additionally, there is a need to provide a way to effective assembly of a rotating label to a container using the conventional label application machinery. In addition, there is a further need to provide a rotating label that can be maintained longitudinally on a container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention substantially overcomes or solves the above problems associated with the provision of a rotating label. In general, a tongue of The release is removably attached to a removable label to facilitate attachment of the label to a container. The release tab is adhered to the container, or to a label attached to the container, to secure the label to the container as long as the label is wrapped around the container. The release tab is separated after the label once that the label has been wrapped around the container seemed to allow the label to rotate around the container. The label is advantageously placed between label panels formed on the container to limit the longitudinal movement of the label relative to the container. In one embodiment, the rotary label system includes an outer label with a release tab removably attached to the outer label by a perforated edge. The outer label and the release tab have an adhesive applied thereto. In this configuration, the release tab can be adhered to a container, or to an internal label, while the outer label is wrapped around the container. Once the outer label is secured around the container, the release tab is separated from the outer label along the perforated edge to allow the outer label to rotate around the container. In addition, an external rotating label can be secured around a container according to the present! invention by providing an external label that has first and second ends and a release tab releasably €! attached to the first end. The releasable tab is then attached to the container, or to an internal label attached to the container, to removably attach the outer label to the container. The outer label is then wrapped around the container, and the second outer label end is adhered to a front surface of the outer label to secure the outer label around the container. Finally, the outer label is separated from the release tab to allow the outer label to rotate around the container. Current systems and methods for securing a rotating label around a container allow a rotating or wrapped label to be cost-effectively attached to a container using conventional label application machinery. Additionally, securing the label When rotating between the upper and lower label panels, the longitudinal movement of the label on the container is limited, thus maintaining the label on the container. Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings and the detailed description established below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a label according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the label of Figure 1 secured to a liner; Figure 3 illustrates a container having label panels according to the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates the container of Figure 3 having a fixed non-rotating label adhered thereto; Figure 5 illustrates the label of Figure 1 coupled to the container of Figure 3 according to the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates the label of Figure 1 partially wrapped around the container of Figure 3 of 5 according to the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates the label of Figure 1 secured around the container of Figure 3 according to the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates the label of Figure 1 rotatably mounted around the container of Figure 3 according to the present invention; Figure 9 is an exploded view of a two layer label according to the present invention; Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the two layer label of Figure 9; Figure 11 illustrates the label of Figure 10 attached to the container of Figure 3 according to the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates the label of Figure 10 partially wrapped around the container of Figure 3 of 20 according to the present invention; Figure 13 illustrates the label of Figure 10 secured around the container of Figure 3 according to the present invention; Figure 14 illustrates the label of Figure 10 rotatably mounted around the container 13 in accordance with the present invention; Figure 15 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a two layer label according to the present invention; Figure 16 illustrates the label of two layers of the Figure 15 attached to a container according to the present invention; Figure 17 illustrates the two layer label of Figure 16 partially wrapped around a container according to the present invention; Figure 18 illustrates the two layer label of Figure 16 secured around a container according to the present invention; Figure 19 illustrates the two layer label of Figure 16 with an outer layer that is separated from an inner layer to allow the outer layer to rotate in accordance with the present invention; Figure 20 is a side elevational view of another two layer label embodiment according to the present invention; Figure 21 is a side elevational view of the two-layer label of Figure 20 according to the present invention; Figure 22 illustrates the two-layer label according to Figure 20 attached to a container in accordance with ^^^ & ^? teé ^^^ the present invention; Figure 23 illustrates the two layer label of Figure 20 partially wrapped around a container according to the present invention; Figure 24 shows an inner layer of the two-layered label of Figure 20 wrapped around a container according to the present invention; Figure 25 illustrates the two layer label of Figure 20 secured around a container according to the present invention; Figure 26 illustrates the two layer label of Figure 20 with an outer layer separated from an inner layer to allow the outer layer to rotate in accordance with the present invention; Figure 27 is a side elevational view of another label according to the present invention; Figure 28 illustrates the label of Figure 27 adhered to the container of Figure 4 according to the present invention; Figure 29 illustrates the label of Figure 27 partially wrapped around the container of Figure 4 according to the present invention; Figure 30 illustrates the label of Figure 27 secured around the container of Figure 4 according to the present invention; Y . * * * *? ^ *? *? _. u.á? ^ tís mab? ^ at ^ ít? ^ t.

Figure 31 illustrates the label of Figure 27 rotatably mounted on the container of Figure 4 according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Figure 1 illustrates an outer label or envelope 100 according to the present invention. As shown, the outer label 100 includes a first end 102 and a second end 104. A release tab 106 is releasably attached to the label 100 at a first end 102 by a perforated joint comprising perforated edges »108 and 110. In In this configuration, the label 100 can be separated from the release tab 106 along the perforated edges 108 and 110 after being wrapped around a container as described above. The outer label 100 also includes a transparent portion 112. The transparent portion 112 is illustrated as defined by the edges 114, 116, 118 and 120. The transparent portion 112 may include an open window with no material placed between the edges 114-120. Alternatively, the transparent portion 112 may comprise a transparent film or the like to allow observation through the transparent portion 112. As described in more detail below, the transparent portion 112 allows the exterior of an underlying container or underlying label be displayed - tfiffi? W »- - ~ ***** - * L- through the outer label 100. A- A strip of adhesive 122 is shown placed on the rear surface 124 of the outer label 100 adjacent to the second end of the label. label 104 and is further defined by a edge 128. Advantageously, with the exception of the adhesive strip 122, the outer label 100 the back surface 124 is substantially free of adhesive. As described in greater detail below, the adhesive strip 122 secures the second label end 104 to the front surface of the label external 180 to form a rotating label when the outer label 100 is wrapped around an object such as a container. The release tag 106, as described above, is releasably linked to the outer tag 100. In particular, the release tab 106 has a back surface 126 with an adhesive applied thereto. The release tab 106 is used to attach the outer label 100 to a container, while the outer label 100 is wrapped around the object. In this mode, the release tab 106 is advantageously formed in a substantially triangular shape with a rear edge of release tab 127 which is positioned opposite a tongue release vertex 129. As shown, the apex of release tab 129 is located at the intersection of Perforated edges 108 and 110.

Figure 2 illustrates the outer label 100 secured a liner 130 to protect the adhesive strip 122 and the surface! adhesive backing of the release tab 126 just prior to the application of the outer label 100 to the object, such as a container. As shown, the adhesive strip 122 and the back adhesive surface of the release tab 126 adhere to a front surface 132 of the liner 130. In this configuration, the adhesive strip 122 and the adhesive surface 126 do not adhere inadvertently to nothing more than the front surface of the liner 132 until the outer label 100 is ready to be applied to an object, such as a container. As described below, the liner 130 is detached from the label 100 and the Release tab 106 just before applying the label to a container. Figures 3-8 illustrate the application of the outer label 100 to a container 140. Figure 3 shows the container 140 having a lid 142 removably secures a body 144. The base 144 has an exterior surface 146 that includes a panel 140. upper label 148, a lower label panel 150 and a recessed surface 152 interposed between the upper and lower label panels. As described below, the outer label 100 is applied to the container 140 between the upper label panel 148 and the lower label panel 150. After the outer label 100 is secured around the container 140, the upper label panels are lower 148 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^. container 140. Upper label panel 148, as shown in Figure 3, includes a transverse annular edge 154 intersecting the recessed surface 152 along an annular corner 156. Similarly, the lower label panel includes a transverse annular board 158 intersecting the recessed surface 152 along an annular corner 160. In this configuration, as described below, the label panels 148 and 150 limit longitudinal movement of the outer label 100 along the axis longitudinal of the container 140. In particular, the outer label 100 is maintained between the transverse edges 154 and 168 of the label panels 148 and 150. Figure 4 illustrates the container 140 having a base label 170 affixed to the recessed surface 152 of the transverse edges 154 and 158 of the label panels 148 and 150 respectively. The base label 170 is shown having a base label front surface 172 with written indications 174 placed thereon. Written indications 174 may include text, graphics, artwork, and the like. In addition, the information conveyed by the written instructions 174 may include instructions for use of the product, warnings, dosage amounts, instructions, ingredients, food data, advertising, artistic work and the like. Figure 5 shows the label 100 of Figures 1 and 2 coupled to the container 140 by means of the fixed label 170. Specifically, the back surface of the adhesive 126 (Figure 1) of the release tab 106 is adhered to the front surface 172 of the label 170 between the label panels 148 and 150. Advantageously, the release tab 106 is carefully placed on the front label surface 172 so that the release tab 106 does not cover the written indicia 174 placed on the label. the label front surface 172 In this manner, the first label end 102 is coupled to the container 140 while the outer label 100 is wrapped around and secured around the container 140, as discussed in more detail below. Figure 6 shows the outer label 100 partially wrapped around the container 140. As illustrated, the release tab 106 is adhered to the front surface 172 of the label 170 between the label panels 148 / 150. Preferably, the back surface 124 of the outer label 100 is placed snugly against the front surface 172 of the label 170. To improve the ability of the outer label 100 to rotate relative to the label 170, a slip agent (not shown), such as an agent of Sliding on the basis of silicon, can be placed between _a_a___aaB ", £." - ^^ _ _____a label surfaces 124 and 172 * Figure 7 shows the outer label 100 secured around the container 140 with the second edge 100 of the outer label 100 adhered to a front surface 180 of the outer label 100. As shown, the adhesive strip 122 is adhered to the front surface 180 adjacent the apex 129 of the release tab 106 (illustrated in shaded lines). In the configuration illustrated in Figure 7 the outer label 100 is removably attached to the label 170 by the release tab 106. Specifically, the release tab 106 is releasably attached to the outer label 100 and adhered to the inner label 170. both, in this embodiment, for the outer label 100 to be rotatable relative to the internal label 170, the release tab 106 must be separated from the outer label 100. Figure 8 shows the release tab 106 separated from the outer label 100. to allow the outer label 100 to rotate around the container 140 relative to the label 170. As shown, the release tab 106 is separated from the outer label 100 by rotating the outer label 100 relative to the label 170 and, thus, both, by applying a tensile stress to the perforated edges 108 and 110. Figure 8 shows the perforated edges 108 and 110 that are separated s by turning the outer label 100 slightly to the right, as seen from above. By applying traction to the g ^ ¿, S __ ^ .. A. ^. ^ f. ..to*". _ = 8fe_ "__" * "_ perforated edges 108 and 110, the perforated joint fails and the release tab 106 is separated from the outer label 100. The release tab 106 remains adhered to the internal label 170. 5 configuration illustrated in Figure 8, the outer label 100 is not adhered to the label 170 or the container and does not have the release tab 106 attached thereto and, as such, the outer label 100 can rotate relative to the label 170 In addition, the outer label 100 is maintained longitudinally on the container 140 by the label panels 148 and 150. Accordingly, the written indications 174 on the underlying label front surface 172 can be seen through the transparent window 112 by rotating the outer label 100 around the container 140. The Figures 9-14 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an internal label or wrapper 200 is adhered to the outer label or wrapper 100 prior to application to the container 140. In this manner, the inner label 200 and the outer label 100 can be mounted to the container. essentially at the same time. In particular, and as shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11, the inner label 200 is a generally rectangular label having an adhesive back surface 202 and a front surface 204 (Figure 11). The internal label 200 is further defined by a first end 206, a second end 208, and the upper and lower edges 210 and 212. As shown in Figure 11, the written indicia 222 are placed on the front label surface 204. In this embodiment, a two-layered label 220 is made by adhesion. from the inner label surface 204 (FIG. 11) to the adhesive back surface 126 of the release tab 106. As such, the two-layered label 220 includes the inner label 200 attached to the outer label 100 by the tab Figure 106 shows the two-layered label 220 adhered to the recessed surface 152 of the container 140. Specifically, the back surface of the adhesive 202 (Figure 10) of the inner label 200 is adhered to the surface! recess of container 152 to secure the label of do » layers 220 to the container 140. By adhering one end of the two layer label 220 to the container 140 as illustrated in Figure 11, the wrapping of the two layer label 220 around the container 140 is facilitated as illustrated in figures 12. and 13. Additionally, Figure 11 shows that the indications written on the front surface of the inner label 204 can be seen through the transparent portion 112 of the outer label 100. The written indications 224 are also placed on the front surface 180 of the outer label 100. Figure 12 illustrates the label of two layers 220 partially wrapped around the container 140. Specifically, the adhesive back surface 202 of the inner label 200 is adhered to the recessed surface 152 between the label panels 148 and 150 of the container 140. Because the outer label 100 is adhered to the inner label 200 per half of release tab 106, the two layer label 220 can be made around container 140 as a unitary piece. Figure 13 shows the two-layered label 220 secured around the container 140 with the second outer label end 104 adhered to the front surface 180 of the outer label 100. In particular, the adhesive strip 122 (Figure 12) placed on the The back surface of the outer label 124 is adhered to the front surface of the outer label 180. The perforated edges 108 and 110 are illustrated in shading placed behind the outer label. To separate the inner label 200 from the outer label 100, the outer label 100 is rotated relative to the inner label 200, as illustrated in Figure 14. Turning the outer label 100 relative to the inner label 200 separates the outer tab. release 106 away from the outer label 100 along the perforated edges 108 and 110 to allow the outer label to rotate around the container 140. In Figure 14, the release tab 106 is shown through the window 112 separated from the outer label 100 and adhered to the _____________________________K__i_____ internal label front surface 204. Therefore, in the configuration illustrated in Figure 14, outer label 100 can rotate relative to inner label 200 between label panels 148 and 150 of container 140. FIGS. -19 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figure 15 illustrates a two-layered label 300 having an outer label 302 and an inner label 304. As shown, the outer label 302 and the inner label 304 have lengths and widths substantially equal. Because the outer label 302 and the inner label 304 have substantially equal lengths, this embodiment is particularly useful in "cut and stack" and "roller feed" applications in which the labels are cut and pasted essentially at the same time . In the applications of "Cutting and stacking" and "roll feeding", the labels are often placed in series in large rolls and therefore, it is advantageous that the inner and outer labels have substantially the same lengths. The label application methods of "cutting and stacking" and "roller feed" are conventional and well known to those skilled in the art. In Figure 15, the outer label 302 is shown including a first end 306 and a second 308. A strip of adhesive 312 is placed on a back surface of external tag 314 and is placed adjacent to the second end 308. The adhesive strip 312 is further defined by an edge 316. A transparent window 320 is formed in the outer label 320 to allow the internal label 304 to be displayed through the transparent window 320. The transparent window 320 may be an opening in the outer label 302, or alternatively, a transparent portion of the outer label 302. The window 320 is shown as defined by the edges 322, 324, 326 and 328. Additionally, a release tab 330 is releasably attached to the outer label 302. The release tab 330 allows the outer tab 302 to be attached to the inner label 304, while the two-layer label 300 is applied to a container. The release tab 330 also allows the inner label 304 to be separated from the outer label 302 to allow the outer label 302 to rotate relative to the inner label 304. In particular, the release tab 330 is shown in Figure 15 comprising a generally triangular member having a front edge 332 and perforated edges 334 and 336. Advantageously, the perforated edges intersect at a vertex 338. The inner tag 304 is also illustrated in Figure 15. The inner tag 304 comprises a portion of main label 340 and a release tab 342 removably attached to the main label portion 340 by a perforated edge 344. As shown, the release tab 342 has a trailing edge 346 positioned opposite the perforated edge 344. A strip of adhesive 348 is placed on a rear surface of release tab 350 between the trailing edge 346 and an adhesive strip edge 352. The main label portion 340 is shows having a back surface 354 with adhesive strips 356 and 358 placed at either end thereof. Specifically, the adhesive strip 356 is shown to be positioned adjacent the perforated edge 344 and is further defined by the adhesive strip edge 360. The adhesive strip 358 is positioned on the back surface 354 between a first end of the inner label 362 and an adhesive strip. adhesive strip edge 364. As shown, the two layer label 300 is constructed by adhering the outer label 302 to the inner label 304. The outer label 302 is adhered to the inner label 304 by adhering a surface adhesive backing of the release tab 370 to an inner label front surface 372 (Figure 16). The outer tag 302 is further secured to the inner tag 340 by adhering the adhesive strip 312 to a front surface (nc shown) of the inner tag release tab 342. In this configuration, the outer tag 302 and the inner tag 304 are Adhere to each other at both ends. Figure 16 illustrates the two-layered label 300 coupled to the container 140 according to the present invention Fig. 15: Specifically, the inner label adhesive strip 358 (Fig. 15) adheres to the recessed surface 152 of the container 140 between the upper and lower panels 148 and 150. Adhering the two layer label 300 to the container 140 before wrapping the label 300 around the container 140 secures the label 300 to the container 140 and wraps the label 300 around the container 140. Additionally, as shown in FIG. Figure 15, the inner label front surface 372 is shown having written instructions 374 placed on it. Similarly, an outer label front surface 376 also has written indicia 378 placed therein. The written indications of the internal tag 374 can be seen through the transparent window 320. Figure 17 illustrates the two-layered label 300 partially wrapped around the container 140 between the label panels 148 and 150. The two-layered label 300 is partially wrapped around the container 140 by wrapping the label 300 from the position illustrated in Figure 16 to the position illustrated in Figure 17. The two-layered label 300 is then secured around the container 140 by adhering the adhesive strip 356 (Figure 17) to the front surface of the outer label 376 as shown in Figure 18. The strip of adhesive 356 is adhered to the recessed surface 152 (Figure 17). In Figure 18, the bords front of the release tab 332 and the perforated edges of the release tab 334 and 336 are illustrated in shading with the release tab 330 releasably attached to the outer label 302. Similarly, the perforated edge 344 of the label internal is also shown in shading and with the main label portion 340 removably attached to the release tab 342. To separate the inner label 304 and the outer label 302, the outer label 302 is rotated from the position illustrated in Figure 18 to the position illustrated in Figure 19 to separate the outer label 302 from the inner label 304 along perforated edges 334, 336 and 344. More specifically, the release tab 330 is separated of the outer label 302 along perforated edges 334 and 336. Similarly, the release tab 342 is separated from the main label portion 340 of the inner label 304 along the perforated edge 344. The release tab 342 remains adhered to the rear surface of outer label 314 and the release tab 330 remains adhered to the internal label front surface 372. Therefore, as shown in Figure 19, outer label 304 is rotatable relative to inner label 302 and container 140. Figures 20-26 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention . These figures show a label of two layers 400 which includes an outer label, or wrapper 402 and a inner or wrapped label 404, As shown in Figures 20-25, the outer label ^ f © ^ and the inner label 404 are removably attached along a perforated edge 406. In this embodiment, the outer and inner labels 402 and 404 are applied to the container 140 (Figures 22-26) by wrapping the two-layered label 400 around the container 140 twice. A voice secured around the container 140, the external and internal labels 402 and 404 are decoupled to allow the outer label 402 to rotate relative to the inner label 404 and form a two layer label. As illustrated, the inner label 404 includes a first edge 410, a front surface 412 (Figure 21), and a back surface 414. An adhesive is applied to the back surface 414 to allow the internal label 404 to be adhered to the container 140 as described below. Further, as shown in Figures 20-25, the inner label 404 is releasably attached to the outer label 402 along the perforated edge 406. The outer label 402 is shown having a front surface 402 (Figure 21), a back surface 422 (Figure 20) and an edge 424 opposite the perforated edge 406. A strip of adhesive 426 is placed on the back surface 422 adjacent the edge 424 and is further defined by an edge 428. In addition, in a similar way to the modalities before described, a transparent window 430 is formed on the label external 402. The transparent window 430 may comprise an opening with the outer label 402 or a transparent film so that the front surface of the internal label 412 may be observed through the window 430, as shown in Figures 25 and 26 The written indicia 432 are placed on the front surface of the inner tag 412. Similarly, written indicia 434 are placed on the front surface of the outer tag 420. Placing the indicia written on both the inner and outer tags, the area Effective surface area for displaying the written indications on a given container is significantly greater than having only the written indications placed on an individual non-rotating label. The two layer label 400 is secured around the container 140 as illustrated in Figures 22-26. Specifically, Figure 22 shows the inner label 404 adhered to the container 140 between the label panels 148 and 150. In particular, the inner surface of the inner label 414 is adhered to the recessed surface of the container 152. The two-layer label 400 is then wrapped around the container 140 by wrapping the two layer label 400 from the position shown in Figure 22 to the position shown in Figure 23. Figure 23 shows the inner label 404 wrapped and adhered around a substantial portion of the container 140. Next, the entire internal tag 404 is adhered to the container 140 by wrapping the two-layered label 400 from the position shown in Figure 23 to the position 5 shown in Figure 24. In the configuration illustrated in Figure 23 the inner label 404 is adhered around the container 140. For wrapping the outer label 402 around the container 140, the labeling system ueta is wrapped from the position shown in Figure 24 to the position illustrated in Figure 25. Figure 25 shows the two layered label 400 secured around the container 140. To secure the label system 400 around the container 140, the adhesive strip 426 (Figure 23) is adhered to the label front surface. external 420. Preferably, in the configuration shown in Figure 25, the adhesive strip 426 is not adhered to the perforated edge 406 (illustrated in shading) to allow the outer and inner labels 402 and 404 to be disconnected, as described in FIG. Figure 26 shows the external tag 402 uncoupled from the inner tag 404. The inner and outer tags 402 and 404 are decoupled by separating the perforated edge 406 releasably attaching the outer and inner tags 402 and 404 As illustrated, perforated edge 406 can be separated by turning the outer label 402 relative to the inner label 404. Because the inner label 404 is adhered to the container 140, by turning the outer label 402 relative to the inner label 402, it subjects the perforated edge 406 to a substantial increase in tensile stress, which in turn, causes the perforated edge 406 fails. When the perforated board 406 breaks or fails, the outer tag 402 is disconnected from the inner tag 404 and allowed to rotate around the container 140 relative to the inner tag 404 between the tag panels 148 and 150. FIGS. -31 illustrate yet another embodiment of a rotating label according to the present invention. Specifically, Figures 27 and 28 illustrate the outer label or shell 500 having a back surface 502, a front surface 504 and a transparent window 506. As YES shows, the written indications 520 are placed on the front surface of the outer label 504. Droplets or tips of glue 510 are placed on the back surface of the label 502 adjacent a first label end 512 to temporarily adhere the outer label 500 to the label internal 170 as described below. An adhesive 514 is; also positioned on the outer label outer surface 502 adjacent a second outer label end 516 and further defined by an edge 518. Preferably except for the glue points 510 and the adhesive 514 the label rear surface 502 substantially does not have adhesive. As shown in Figure 28, the outer label 500 is temporarily adhered to the front surface 172 of the fixed internal label 170 by glue dots 510 to temporarily secure the outer label 500 to the container 140. Specifically, adhering the outer label 500 to the internal label 170 only with glue points 510, the glue points 510 act to temporarily secure the outer label 500 to the container 140 while the outer label 500 is wrapped and secured around the container 140. The glue points 510 are configured to allow the outer label 500 to be separated from the internal label 170, once the outer label 500 is secured around the container 510, so that the outer label 500 can be rotated relative to the internal label 170 and the container 170 as described below. It should be understood that, while Figure 27 illustrates three glue dots 510 positioned on the back surface of outer tag 502, different numbers, sizes and shapes of glue dots can also be effectively employed. Preferably, the glue points 510 should be of a sufficient number, size and geometry to temporarily adhere the outer label 500 to the inner label 170 while the outer label 500 is wrapped around the container 150. The glue points 510 should allow ? t ^ -_ ^ ig-Í-fa-.J «^ _ flte __-__, _. . Also, the adhered connection of the outer label "500 and the internal label 170 along the points 510 to be separated by the rotation of the outer label 500 with respect to to internal label 170 as described below To achieve this result, a glue having adhesive strength decreased over time, such as a time-release adhesive, can be used Figure 29 illustrates outer label 500 partially wrapped around the container 140. As shown, the glue points 510 (illustrated in shading) maintain the outer label 500 temporarily adhered to the inner label 170 and, therefore, temporarily secured to the container 140. The outer label 500 is then moved from the position illustrated in Figure 29 to the position illustrated in Figure 30 to secure the outer label 500 around the container 140. In particular, the outer label back surface 502 is adhered to the outer label front surface 500 by the adhesive 514 affixed to the back surface of the outer label 502 to secure the outer label 500 around the container 140. With the outer label 500 secured around the container 150 as shown in FIG. Figure 30, the outer tag 500 is then rotated relative to the inner tag 170 to separate the outer tag 500 from the inner tag 170 to allow the outer tag 500 to rotate about the ^ áli ***, **** - ^ **** ^ - ^^ á g container 140. Specifically, rotating the outer label 500 from the position shown in Figure 30 to the position shown in Figure 31 are submitted drops of glue 510 at shear stress. These shear forces cause the attached connection of the internal label 170 to the outer label 500 to fail along glue points 510 to allow the outer label 500 to rotate relative to the internal label 170. Allowing the outer label 500 rotate in relation to internal label 170, written indications 174 placed on the front surface of the inner label 172 can be seen through the transparent window 506. The methods by which the above-described embodiments can be secured around a container will now be described with reference to the drawings. With respect to First mode, the outer label 100 is attached to the container 140 as shown in Figures 4-8. Initially, as shown in Figure 4, the inner or base label 170 is adhered to the recessed surface of the container 152. As shown in Figure 5, the back surface of the adhesive 126 The release tab 106 is adhered to the inner label front surface 172 for coupling the outer label to the container 140 by means of the internal label 170. In this configuration, the outer label 100 can be wrapped around the container 140 without the first end from outer label 102 sliding relative to the label -anal 170. Next, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the outer label 100 is wrapped around the container 140. Once the outer label 100 is wrapped around the container 140, the adhesive strip 122 is pressed. against the outer label front surface 180 for bonding, by adhering the second end of the outer label 104 to the label front surface 180. Finally, the outer label 100 is rotated from the position illustrated in Figure 7 to the position illustrated in Figure 8 to separate the release tab 106 from the outer label 100 along the perforated edges 108 and 110. Once the outer label 100 is separated from the release tab 106, the outer label can turn around the container 140 between the label panels 148 and 150. The label panels 148 and 150 limit the longitudinal movement of the outer layer 100 and maintain the outer layer 100 on the container 140. The embodiment illustrated in Figures 9-14 this processed and secured around a container as described below. First, the outer label 100 is adhered to the inner label 200 by adhering the release tab 106 to the inner label 200, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, to make the label of two. layers 220. Next, the two-layer label 220 is coupled to the container tüg- as shown in Figure 11 Specifically, the adhesive back surface 202 (Figure 10) is adhered to the surface. j = 152 of container 140 -% adhering one end of < P two-layered label 220 to the container 120 before wrapping the two-layered label 220 around the container facilitates the wrapping of the two-layered label 220 around the container 140. With one end of the two-layered label 220 adhered to the container 140 as shown in figure 11, the two-layered label 220 is then wrapped around the container as shown in figure 12. In particular, the adhesive back surface 202 of the inner label 200 is wrapped around and adhered to the recessed surface 152. Because the outer label 100 is adhered to the inner label 200, the outer label 100 is wrapped around the container 140 as the inner label 200 is wrapped around the container 140. Next, the second end 104 of the The outer label is adhered to the front surface of the outer label 180 to secure the outer label 100 around the container 140. Specifically, the Outer label adhesive 122 is adhered to the front surface of outer label 180. In this configuration, the outer label is secured around container 140. Finally, outer label 100 is rotated with relationship to the label to separate the outer label 100 from the inner label 200. Turning the outer label 100 relative to the inner label 200, the perforated edges 108 and 110 are subjected to relatively high stresses. At the same time. this elevated tension along the perforated edges 108 and 110 causes the release tab 110 to be separated from the outer label 100 along the perforated edges 108 and 110 as shown in Figure 14. In this configuration, the outer label 100 can be rotated relative to the inner tag 200 even allowing the length of the inner front face surface 204 to be displayed through the transparent window 112! by turning the outer label 100 relative to the internei label 200. As shown in FIG. 15, the double layer label 300 is made by adhering the adhesive surface of the release tab 370 to the inner label front surface 372 (FIG. 16) and by adhering the surface! of the outer label 314 to the inner label front surface 372 by the adhesive strip 312. In this configuration, the two-layer label 300 is processed and applied to the container 140. Once processed, the two-layer label 300 is applied to vessel 140, as shown in Figures 16-19. First, the inner label 304 is adhered to the surface} recess 152 of container 140 between label panels 148 and 150. The inner label ^ 04 is adhered to the recessed surface 152 by the adhesive strip 358 placed on the inner surface of the inner label 354. Next, show in Figures 17 and 5 18, the label of two c? 300 is wrapped around and secured around the container 140. To wrap the two-layered label 300 around the container 140, the label 300 is moved from the position illustrated in Figure 16 to the position illustrated in Figure 17. The label 300 it is wrapped further around the container 140 by moving the label from the position illustrated in Figure 17 to the position shown in Figure 18. Once the label 300 is placed as shown in Figure 18, the adhesive strip 356 is adhered to. the recessed surface of the container 152. Similarly, the strip of adhesive 348 is adhered to the outer label front surface 376 to secure the two-layered label 300 around the container 140. Finally, the outer label 302 is disconnected from the inner label 304 to allow the outer label 302 rotates relative to the inner label 304. In the configuration illustrated in Figure 18, the outer label 302 is connected to the inner label by the adhesive strip 312 and by the adhesive back surface 370 of the release tab 330. To disconnect the external label 302 from the label internal 304, the outer label 304 is rotated from the position shown in Figure 18 to the position shown in Figure 19. By rotating the outer label 304 relative to the inner label 302 ,, the perforated edge of the inner label 334 is separated. Similarly, the rotation also causes the release tab 300 to be separated from the outer label 304 along the perforated edges 334 and 336. Consequently, as shown in Figure 19, with the outer label 304 separated from the inner label 302, outer label 304 can rotate around container 140 with the internal label release tab 342 adhered to outer label 304 and with external label release tab 330 adhered to inner label 302. FIGS. 26 illustrate another method of mounting a ro label system to a container in accordance with the present invention. As shown in Figure 22, the two-layered label 400 is adhered to the recessed surface 152 of the container 140 by the back surface of the adhesive internal label 414. Next, the label system 400 is wrapped from the position shown in the Figure 22, to the position shown in Figure 23 to substantially wrap the inner label 404 around the container 140. The inner label 404 is wrapped completely around the container 140 by wrapping the two layer label 400 from the position illustrated in Figure 23 to the position illustrated in Figure 24. The outer label 402 is wrapped then around the container 140 and the internal label 404 by wrapping the two-layered label 400 from the position shown in figure 24 to the position shown in figure 25. The rear surface 422 of the external label 402 is adhered to the outer label front surface 420 by the adhesive strip 426 to secure the two-layered label 400 around the container 140. Finally, the outer label 402 and the inner label 404 are disconnected along the perforated edge 406. As shown, the disconnection of the outer label 402 from the inner label 404 is achieved by rotating or rotating the outer label 404 relative to the inner label 402 to subject the perforated edge 406 to tensile stress. Due to the perforated nature of the perforated edge 406, a relatively small amount of force is required to cause the perforated edge to break and separate., disconnecting external and internal tags in this way. With the outer tag 402 disconnected from the inner tag 404, the outer tag 402 is free to rotate relative to the inner tag 404 to allow written indications of the inner tag 434 to be displayed through the transparent window 430. The Figures 28-30 illustrate a manner in which the outer label 500 can be applied to the container 140 according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 28, the outer tag 500 is first adhered to the front surface of Tf ^ WWWM8! - ifV "riir '^ gj ^ jgjg ^ _Í ____________ i___________i internal label 172 to temporarily secure the outer label 500 to the container 140. The outer label 500 is adhered to the front surface of internal label 172 by glue points 510 ( illustrated in shading) positioned on the rear surface of outer label 502. With the outer label 500 temporarily secured to the container 140, the outer label 500 is partially wrapped around the container 140 by moving the outer label 500 from the position shown in Figure 28. in the position shown in Figure 29. Next, the outer label 500 is secured around the container 500 by moving the outer label 500 from the position shown in Figure 29 to the position shown in Figure 30. The back surface of the label external 502 is adhered to the front surface of outer label 504 for securing the outer label 500 around the container 140. Finally, to allow the outer label 500 to rotate around the container 140, the outer label 500 is rotated relative to the internal label 170 to separate the outer label 500 from the internal label 170 throughout the points of glue 510. Specifically, the outer label 500 is rotated from the position shown in Figure 30 to the position shown in Figure 31 to impart shear stresses to the glue points 510. The glue points 510, being subjected to those shearing efforts fail under the associated sharp efforts to cause the outer label 500 is separated cPé- inner label 170 and rotated around container 140"between label panels 148 and 150. As shown, rotating outer label 500 relative to inner label 170, allows written indications 174 placed along the length of the internal tag 174 are displayed through the window 506. The above invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, however it will be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broadest spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.The foregoing description and drawings are, accordingly, to be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. íi-fiíffffiW'if ^^^^ - ^^^^^^ 1 ^^ '- - - * J * ^ * - "^ nKnttm ^ r" ** i ~ * ~ ^' "- - ^ - > ¿

Claims (39)

1. CLAIMS A label for application to an object, comprising: a shell having front and rear surfaces; and 5 a releasing tab releasably attached to the housing, the release tab having a rear surface; a first adhesive placed on the rear surface of the release tab for coupling the release tab to the object while the housing is placed around the object; and a second adhesive for adhering an end portion of the back surface of the shell to a corresponding end portion of the front shell surface after 15 that the wrap has been placed around the object so that the wrap is secured around the object.
2. 2. A label according to claim 1, characterized in that the shell also comprises a transparent portion.
3. 3. A tag according to claim 1, characterized in that the release tab is releasably attached to the shell by a perforated joint.
4. 4. A label according to claim 1, characterized in that the front surface of the envelope has written indications placed thereon.
5. A label according to claim, characterized in that it also comprises a liner adhered to the envelope and the release tab.
6. A giratocjfa tag for application to an object comprising: a first shell having front and rear surfaces; a second shell having front and rear surfaces; a releasing tab releasably attached to the first casing, the release tab having a back surface with an adhesive applied thereto, the release tab that is adhered to the second casing front surface for releasably attaching the first and second casings; and an adhesive placed on the second back surface of the casing for attaching the second casing to an object.
7. 7. A rotating label according to claim 6, characterized in that the second casing further comprises described indications placed on the second casing front surface.
8. A rotating label according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises: written indications placed on the second front surface of the shell; a transparent portion formed in the first shell, wherein the written indications placed on the second front shell surface can be visualized through the transparent portion. *
9. 9. A rotating label according to claim 6, characterized in that the first shell also comprises an adhesive on the first surface! back wrap to adhere an end portion of the first back shell surface to a corresponding end portion 10 of the first front shell surface so that the first shell is secured around the object.
10. 10. A rotating label according to claim 6, characterized in that the release tab is. 15 releasably attached to the first shell by a perforated joint.
11. A rotary label system comprising: a container having upper and lower label panels with a recessed surface positioned between the upper and lower label panels; a casing having a front and back surface, the back casing surface having an adhesive placed thereon to adhere the back casing surface to the front casing surface to secure the first casing 25 around the container between the upper label panels and lower; Y *. a release tab releasably engaged, the release tab having a rear surface coupled to the recessed surface of the container between the upper and lower label panels to releasably attach the shell to the container while the shell is placed around the container, the release tab which is subsequently removable from the shell to allow it to rotate around the container.
12. 12. A rotary label system according to claim 11, characterized in that the shell further comprises a transparent window.
13. 13. A rotating label system according to claim 11, characterized in that the tongue of The release is removably attached to the shell by a perforated edge.
14. 14. A rotary label system according to claim 11, characterized in that the front casing surface has written indicia placed thereon.
15. 15. A two-layered label, comprising: an outer shell having front and rear surfaces and first and second ends; a first releasing tab releasably unidei the outer shell adjacent to the first end 25 of outer shell, the first release tab that has front and back surfaces; an inner shell having front and rear surfaces and first and second ends, the front surface of the inner shell that is adhered to the first rear surface 5 of the release tab for removably attaching the outer shell to the inner shell at the first end of internal envelope; and a second releasing tab releasably attached to the inner casing adjacent the second inner casing end, the second release tab that is adhered to the inner casing for releasably coupling the inner casing to the outer casing at the second outer casing end. .
16. 16. A two layer label in accordance with claim 15, wherein the outer shell comprises} in addition a transparent window.
17. A two-layer label according to claim 15, wherein the inner shell and the outer shell can be separated one from the other by separating the first shell. 20 release tab from the outer shell and separating the second release tab from the inner shell.
18. 18. A two-layer label according to claim 15, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell comprise substantially equal lengths. 25
19. 19 A two-layer label in accordance with the claim 15, characterized * J because the front outer casing surface has written indications placed therein and the inner casing front surface has written indications placed thereon.
20. 20. A two-layer label according to claim 15, characterized in that the first release tab is releasably attached to the outer shell by a perforated edge and the second release tab is removably attached to the inner shell by a 10 edge. Perforated.
21. 21. A method of labeling a container, comprising the steps of: providing a container; providing an internal tag having a front surface and first and second ends; providing a release tab releasably attached to the outer label adjacent to the first outer label end; attach the release tab to the container; 20 wrap the outer label around the container; and attaching the second outer label end to the outer label front surface to secure the outer label around the container.
22. 22. A method according to claim 21, 25 further comprising the step of separating the tongue from . ^^^ S3 = _ ^ 6te ^ _ ^ _.-, g ^^ ij ^ sg ^ release from the outer label to allow the outer label to rotate relative to the container.
23. 23. A method according to claim 22, characterized in that the separation step further comprises 5 turn the outer label relative to the container.
24. 24. A method according to claim 21, further comprising providing an internal label attached to the container, wherein the act of coupling further comprises adhering the outer label to the inner label.
25. 25. A method according to claim 21, characterized in that the release tab is releasably attached to the outer label by a perforated joint.
26. 26. A method according to claim 21, 15 further comprising: providing upper and lower label panels formed from an outer surface of the container; placing the outer label between the upper and lower label panels to limit the longitudinal movement 20 of the outer label relative to the relation to the container.
27. 27. A method of labeling a container, comprising: providing a container; provide an internal tag that has first and 25 second ends; provide an outer label having a front surface and first and second ends; providing a first releasing tab releasably attached to the first outer label end; 5 adhering the first release tab to the inner label adjacent the first inner label end; wrap the inner label around the container; and attaching the second outer label end to the outer label front surface to secure the outer label 10 around the container.
28. 28. A method according to claim 27, further comprising separating the first release tab from the outer label by rotating the outer label relative to the internal label.
29. 29. A method according to claim 27, characterized in that the first release tab is removably attached to the first outer label end by a perforated joint.
30. 30. A method according to claim 27, characterized in that the container further comprises an outer surface having upper and lower label panels formed therein, the inner label being wrapped around the container between the upper label panels and lower. 25 31.
31. A method of labeling a container, which ^^^^^^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ j ^^ ¿S? * _ 'S te_ comprises: provide a container; provide an internal tag having first and second ends; 5 providing an outer label having a front surface and first and second ends; providing a first release tab unidably releasable to the first end of the outer label; providing a second releasing tab 10 releasably to the inner tag at the second inner tag end; adhering the first release tab to the inner label adjacent to the first adjacent label end to secure the first internal label end to the first outer label end 15; adhering the second release tab to the outer label adjacent to the second outer label end to secure the second inner label end to the second outer label end; 20 wrap the inner label around the container; and adhering the second inner label end to the outer label front surface to secure the outer label around the container.
32. A method according to claim 31, 25 further comprising: separating the first release tab from the outer label; separating the second release tab from the inner label to allow the outer label to rotate with respect to the internal label.
33. 33. A method according to claim 31, further comprising rotating the outer label relative to the inner label to separate the first release tab from the outer label and to separate the second tab from the outer label. 10 release from the internal label to allow the outer label to rotate relative to the internal label.
34. 34. A method according to claim 31, characterized in that the container further comprises upper and lower label panels, further comprising wrapping the 15 internal label around the container between the upper and lower label panels.
35. 35. A method of applying a rotating label to an object, comprising: providing an object; 20 ensure an internal label around the object; temporarily attach an external label to the internal label while the outer label is wrapped around the object; secure the outer label around the object; 25 separate the outer label from the inner label to ~ - ^ * < * ~ * ~ ^ aaSfe "- * - ** - * - * * ~ allow the outer label to rotate around the object;
36. 36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the step of temporarily coupling also comprises adhering a glue point placed on a back surface of the outer label to a front surface of the inner label
37. 37. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the separation step comprises in addition to rotating the outer label in relation to the internal label.
38. 38. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the separation step follows the assurance step.
39. 39. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that the step of temporarily coupling! it further comprises temporarily adhering the outer label to the inner label while the outer label is wrapped around the object. ^ ¿^ ¿¿¿G