WO2010012036A1

WO2010012036A1 - Continuous roll-fed leaflet label

Info

Publication number: WO2010012036A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/000971
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oliver Needham; Alexander Mckinnon; Joanna Wojtalik
Original assignee: Oliver Needham; Alexander Mckinnon; Joanna Wojtalik
Priority date: 2008-07-30
Filing date: 2009-07-30
Publication date: 2010-02-04
Also published as: EP2394258A1

Abstract

A multi-laminar booklet label (Fig U) comprising a non-adhesive continuous base material [176] coated with a preferably silicon release material [175] in predetermined portions spaced to receive a multi-laminar booklet [182] manufactured offline using standard print and finishing machinery and adhered to the base material with a low tack, reusable glue [181] over which is applied a cover sheet [183], typically a paper or film or other stock, also adhered to the base material with a low tack, reusable glue [179] over which is laid a laminate [177] to which has been applied a preferably semi-permanent, pressure sensitive adhesive along the reverse transverse side [178], the laminate then die cut in successive portions extending beyond the opposing transverse sides of the underlying cover and booklet, so that the laminate semi-permanently adheres to the rewind substrate at the fore edge [184] and opposite edge [178], a matrix of waste laminate being removed from the coated parts of the rewind substrate [175] and [185], forming a succession of booklet labels carried on a rewind substrate, the whole applied to a typically cylindrical container using high speed labelling machinery, mitigating the normal requirement to apply similar such multi-laminar labels in a separate typically offline process. The laminated cover [183] holds the booklet closed during manufacture, application and distribution until the consumer peels the cover back using a protruding tab situated on the fore edge side [184] to reveal and remove the booklet [182], which can be kept or replaced to its original position and the label returned to its closed configuration.

Description

Continuous Roll-Fed Leaflet Label DESCRIPTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to multi-laminar booklet labels and specifically to a new label structure and method of forming the label structure for providing a simplified label structure suitable for preferably high-speed, high volume online application to packaging containers, preferably non-planar, preferably but not necessarily cylindrical, using existing label applicators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A growing awareness of health and safety and environmental issues amongst consumers and demand for information relating to the same, as well as food labelling regulations, has resulted in an increased need to place large amounts of information on disposable consumer packaging. The incorporation of the information onto the disposable consumer packaging has led to the development of label assemblies that include additional printed sheets that move away from the surface of the packaging container.

Furthermore, an appreciation amongst product manufacturers that their product distribution networks can serve as a communications channel, creates a commercial opportunity for a multi-laminar labelling solution that meets manufacturer requirements in terms of cost and speed of manufacture and application whilst also meeting stringent environmental standards, giving rise to the demand for a low- cost booklet label that can be applied preferably online in preferably high-speed, high-volume bottling and canning environments preferably using existing labelling machinery which typically use continuous roll fed or cut and stack labelling systems, as opposed to the pressure sensitive type upon which the prior art relating to re-sealable booklet labels is based.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Known label assemblies include labels in which a single folded sheet forms two panels with four pages that are available for printing. A clear overlying film secures the single folded sheet to the front of a base label. The base label has a pressure sensitive adhesive on a side of the base label opposite to the single folded panel. While assembling of this type of label may be done on a single assembly pass, the amount of information that may be printed on the inline label is limited to what can fit on four pages and thus this type of label is not suitable for conveying large amounts of published material.

Another type of known label assembly includes a leaflet comprised of a single sheet that has multiple folds to form an accordion fold of multiple panels. One panel of the single sheet is adhered to the overlying film panel, and the remainder of the panels are tucked into a pocket formed between the base label and overlying film. Opening the pocket permits the panels to be unfolded and viewed by the user. The leaflet type of label assembly permits greater amounts of information to be conveyed on the label, but since the single sheet may extend a significant distance from the point of attachment of the sheet to the base label, the label needs careful refolding and reinserting, and furthermore, the leaflet type of label assembly does not create the appropriate end user publishing experience.

A variation of this assembly incorporates a booklet in the pocket instead of the sheet with multiple folds. The booklet includes multiple folded sheets that are nested together and stitched, stapled or glued together to hold the folded sheets together.

Such a known label is disclosed in EP-A-0232054. Due to the nature of its construction, the label disclosed in that specification suffers from the problem that when the label is applied to a non-planar surface, such as the typically but not exclusively cylindrical surface of a container, typically a bottle or can, the adhesion of the over laminate to the opposing sides of the underlying base label can cause the rucking or creasing of the base label when it is bent around a radius corresponding to that of the outer surface of the container: due to the thickness of the multi-laminar booklet, the overiaminate must travel around a wider circumference than the underlying base label does, if their two opposing sides are to remain adhered to one another at the same point.

WO-A-92/04703 discloses a self-adhesive label in which a multi-laminar booklet is sandwiched between a lower self adhesive base label and an upper self adhesive transparent plastic overiaminate, with the overiaminate being adhered on one side of the label to the support piece and on the other side of the label to the backing release material. Such a label can, with certain limitations, be applied directly to a typically but not exclusively cylindrical labelling surface without creasing or rucking. However, such label types are applied using self-adhesive labelling equipment not commonly found on high speed, high volume bottling and canning environments where alternative methods of label application are employed; typically using a non-adhesive continuous roll fed BOPP film and melt glue. In such circumstances such label types are applied offline, which adds considerable cost to the labelling process.

As a general consideration, it will be realised that the production of label structures is less expensive per unit when the number of production steps and materials is reduced. Thus the elimination of the number of production steps and material allows the production of the label structures at lower cost.

The label structure and method of forming the label structure according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, which predominantly related to self-adhesive labels, and in so doing provides a system providing a simplified label structure having greater commercial applicability given that multi-laminar booklet label products can now be applied directly to product packaging containers using existing, non-self adhesive labelling equipment, of the type commonly found in high speed, high volume production plant with minimal impact on operational efficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of multi-laminar label products now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new label structure and method of forming the label structure wherein the same can be utilised for providing a label structure that can be applied to a preferably non-adhesive carrier material, typically a continuous rewind or other material designed for application to product packaging, the whole then applied to typically but not exclusively cylindrical container surfaces typically using high speed automated labellers common in the industrial field.

In keeping with one aspect of this invention, a succession of label products is fabricated in succession on an elongated web of release material. Preferably each finished label product includes a self- adhesive base label and a booklet and a cover sheet die cut, preferably with a pull tab and both resealably attached to the base label. Preferably the booklet is spaced from a first edge of the base label which is transverse to the direction of the web, and extends over and beyond a second transverse edge of the base label. Preferably the cover sheet is disposed to attach to the base label to cover the booklet and extend over and beyond the transverse edge of the booklet.

Preferably a self-adhesive laminate overlays the base label, cover sheet die cut, preferably with a pull tab, and booklet in a manner which secures the cover sheet and booklet in place over the base label. Preferably the laminate extends from the first transverse edge of the base label to a point which is past both the second transverse edge of the portion of the cover sheet and booklet which extends beyond the base label. Preferably the portion of the laminate which extends past the booklet is secured to the release material during fabrication up to a first transverse edge of the overhanging portion of the laminate. Preferably a laminated paper pull tab extends from a portion of second transverse laminated edge of the cover sheet. Preferably, the pull tab is not adhered to the web, or the continuous rewind material, because the paper, which is adhered to the adhesive side of the laminate, does not adhere to the release material or the continuous rewind material. Preferably the succession of booklet labels on a release liner is wound into a reel.

In a separate process, preferably the booklet label is then applied to a roll of continuous rewind material or substrate, typically BOPP (Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene), preferably using a rewind based technology.

Preferably the adhesive base label is shortened in readiness for over-labelling onto the preferably continuous rewind material where the adhesive base label and overiaminate adhere to the continuous rewind material at both transverse edges. The base label is shortened to release tension and accommodate any rucking and crumpling that may occur when the continuous roll fed film containing the booklet label product is applied to a typically but not exclusively cylindrical container.

In keeping with a second aspect of this invention, a concertina fold or pressed corrugated crease, the dimensions of which are determined by the thickness of the multi-laminar booklet, is formed preferably along the latitudinal axis of the cover sheet, allowing the cover sheet to travel across the wider circumference caused by the presence of multi-laminar booklet whilst remaining adhered to the continuous rewind material as it is fed through the web path of the label applicator, applied to a typically but not exclusively cylindrical container without rucking and crumpling of the inner ply.

In a third aspect of this invention, with a view to prevailing environmental and commercial requirements the materials employed in the manufacture of the booklet labels are preferably minimised and the manufacturing process thereby simplified, so that the booklet is preferably adhered directly to the typically continuous rewind material, preferably in a one-stop manufacturing process and secured by cover material preferably featuring a concertina fold or corrugated crease. Preferably the manufacturing method includes the neutralising of a section of an adhesive laminate material or the application of a, typically silicon, release coating to the rewind material, the booklet being sandwiched between the underlying continuous rewind material to which it is resealably adhered and a cover sheet, the whole covered with a resealable adhesive laminate material.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, preferably the cover material is dispensed with, the booklet's front cover preferably extend beyond the remaining pages at the fore edge at which point a concertina fold or corrugated crease is formed and preferably a transverse perforation applied. Preferably the booklet might then be applied to a paperboard or other material sleeve of the type used to insulate takeaway beverages, at the point of manufacture, the spine edge back cover of the booklet and the underside of the extended front cover of the booklet adhered to the sleeve to secure the booklet, keeping the pages held flat against the surface of the sleeve, the concertina fold or corrugated crease allowing the flat sleeve to be manually formed into a typically but not exclusively cylindrical shape and coupled to a takeaway beverage, typically a conical disposable cup, at the point of purchase for the purpose of distributing booklets designed to inform, educate and/or entertain.

There has thus been outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilised as basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the objects of this invention include but are not limited to:

(a) A process by which a preferably re-sealable booklet labels can be applied to product packaging material, preferably continuous rewind material, of the type commonly applied to food and beverage packaging;

(b) A method for making the same preferably re-sealable booklet labels employing the invention disclosed herein to streamline the production process and allow for the construction of a booklet label directly onto continuous rewind material of the type typically used in flexible packaging applications;

(c) A method for making the same preferably re-sealable booklet labels employing the invention disclosed herein to minimize the risk of the label crumpling on application to a preferably non-planar or typically but not exclusively cylindrical surface, typically, bottles;

(d) A method for applying booklets to preferably fast moving consumer goods to create a low cost application fit for preferably high-speed, high volume online labelling lines; and

(e) A method to attach booklets formed in accordance with the present invention to preferably disposable paper and plastic cups, typically as used in fast food restaurants and cafes, by adhering the booklet directly to the cup or insulated pre-formed sleeve or other material coupled to the cup, and to minimize the risk of the inner pages of the booklet crumpling on application to the typically but not exclusively cylindrical cups by employing the invention described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of this invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. A is a cross-sectional view of a booklet label product made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. B is the open configuration elevated view of a booklet label product made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. C is a close up view of the label product of FIG. 2; FIG. D is a cross-sectional view of a novel booklet label product made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. E is a perspective view of the label product of FIG. D, constructed using an alternative technique disclosed herein and in which the label product is in the open condition;

FIG. F is a diagram of a container to which the booklet label product of FIG D is being applied in accordance with the method of this invention;

FIG. G is an open configuration elevated view of FIG F;

FIG. H is an elevated view of the container of FIG F showing the booklet label product as it closes around the container in accordance with the method of this invention;

FIG. I is a plan view of the container of FIG F showing the booklet label product of FIG D in an open configuration in accordance with the method of this invention;

FIG. J is a cross-sectional perspective view of an assembly of the booklet label product made in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, employing a method of desensitising an adhesive over-laminate in its manufacture;

FIG. K is a cross-sectional plan view of an assembly of the booklet label product made in accordance with the present invention, employing a method of applying an adhesive in its manufacture;

FIG. L is a plan view of the manufacturing process by which the booklet label product made in accordance with the present invention is assembled and constructed using techniques disclosed herein;

FIG. M is a plan view showing the process by which a section of paperboard or other material is formed into a sleeve that might be used to insulated a disposable cup;

FIG. N is a cross-sectional plan view of an assembly of the booklet label product made in accordance with the present invention, wherein the booklet is adhered directly to the container or other packaging material, the booklet featuring an elongated cover where a fold or crease has been applied;

FIG. O is a plan view showing the process by which a booklet might be attached to the sleeve of FIG M section of paperboard or other material is formed into a sleeve that might be used to insulated a disposable cup in accordance with the present invention; FIG. P is an open configuration elevated plan view of an alternative sleeve design to that shown in FIG M, to which a booklet has been applied;

FIG. Q is closed configuration elevated plan view of FIG O;

FIG. R show two perspective views of the booklet sleeve of FIG O applied to a disposable cup in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. S is plan view of the booklet of FIG O attached to the sleeve of FIG M and applied to the disposable cup of FIG N, showing the benefit of the present invention;

FIG. T is the open configuration elevated view of a booklet label product made in accordance with the present invention, wherein either a treated substrate film or a desensitised adhesive over-laminate, as described herein, is used to allow construction of the booklet label directly onto the substrate film;

FIG. U is a cross-sectional view of the booklet label of FIG T;

FIG. V is a plan view of a manufacturing process by which the booklet label product of FIG T made in accordance with the present invention is assembled and constructed using techniques disclosed herein;

FIG. W is a plan view of an alternative manufacturing process by which the booklet label product of FIG T made in accordance with the present invention is assembled and constructed using techniques disclosed herein; and

FIG. X is a perspective view of a manufacturing process by which a fold, crease or other gathering of excess material can be formed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned and other features of this invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG A, preferably a series of multi-laminar booklet labels is made on a release liner [5], preferably manufactured in rolls for application to a continuous rewind material of the type typically used in food and beverage packaging, preferably the multi-laminar booklet labels being adhered to the continuous rewind material typically by a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive [9], the continuous rewind material being rewound and applied to product packaging containers using standard continuous roll fed, glue applied, labelling equipment. Preferably a base label [6] is made on a release liner {5] and removably adhered to the release liner by a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive [9]. Preferably the base label is printed and die cut into singular panels, the waste being removed from the release liner. A multi-page booklet [3] is disposed over at least part of the base label at the transverse edge [10] using a re-sealable adhesive, typically a hot melt glue [8]. The booklet typically includes several sheets, folded and bound typically using a glue, stitch or staple. The booklet extends past the edge of the base label and rests directly on the release liner. A cover sheet [2] is disposed over at least part of the base label using a re-sealable adhesive [71, typically a hot melt glue, and extends over the booklet, its transverse edge [11] resting directly on the release liner.

A laminate [1] having a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive [12] extends across the whole, covering the base label [6] and the cover sheet [2], overlapping the transverse edge of the cover sheet with its pull tab [11] and being adhered to the release liner [5], and latterly, upon application to a continuous rewind material, to the continuous rewind material. The laminate [1] is typically transparent so that the base label [6J and the cover sheet [2] can be seen through it and is die cut into singular booklet labels with transverse edges [6] and [4], the waste laminate matrix being removed.

FIG B shows the booklet label product applied to a continuous rewind film [13], cut into a composite product the dimensions being determined by those of the product container around which the whole is wrapped. The booklet label [16] extends to a length typically but exclusively 20-80% of the underlying non-adhesive film label [13], fed onto product packaging, typically but not exclusively cylindrical containers, in a continuous roll, die cut and wrapped around the container, the edges [20] and [26] in FIG C being adhered to one another.

The booklet [17] and cover sheet [16] cover a portion of the base label [15], the transverse edge [14] remaining exposed, when in a closed configuration. The booklet [17] is revealed by peeling the pull tab [19] away from the continuous film [13] that is adhered to product packaging and the booklet can be read, removed and replaced as desired. The cover sheet [16] is resealed to the underlying continuous rewind material [13] by the adhesive laminate [18].

With reference to FIG C, when the laminated cover [23] is adhered to the continuous rewind material [26] by the adhesive laminate [24] and the whole applied to an object typically but not exclusively cylindrical, the presence of the booklet [25] means that the radius of the laminated cover [23] is greater than the radius of the continuous rewind material [20]. Therefore, when applied to a typically but not exclusively cylindrical surface, typically a bottle, outer ply, such as the cover laminate [23], must travel around a larger circumference than the inner ply, such as the rewind material [2], if these two parts are to remain fixed together where they are adhered at points [24] and [26]. Normally, this circumferential difference causes a rucking of the inner ply - a feature that is not only aesthetically unappealing but also technically undesirable, for the rucking of the continuous rewind film has the effect of shortening the film so that the transverse edges [20] and [26] may no longer meet to be adhered together when fully wrapped around a typically but not exclusively cylindrical container. The short base [21] is a first inventive step to reduce the amount of rucking caused.

With reference to FIG T, the booklet label is constructed directly onto a continuous rewind substrate, typically of a paper or film stock, removing the need for separate application to the continuous rewind material, the pressure sensitive base label shown in FIG B being dispensed with. A booklet [172] is applied to a web of continuous rewind material [169] with a preferably low-tack hot melt glue, over which is disposed a cover sheet [171] in the manner described herein, the cover and underlying booklet being held in place by a preferably semi-permanent adhesive laminate which is die cut so that the laminate extends beyond the transverse edges of the cover sheet [170] and the opposing tab edge [174] which latter adheres to the continuous rewind substrate [173], the continuous rewind substrate carrying a succession of such booklet labels, wound into a reel, the reel being applied to product packaging, typically but not exclusively cylindrical containers, using label applicators commonly found within the field, individual labels being cut and wrapped around the container, the edges [169] and [173] adhered to one another with, typically, glue.

A second inventive step is shown in FIG U where the continuous rewind substrate [176] is treated in predetermined portions with a, typically silicon, release material to aid the removal of unwanted laminate and measured to accommodate a booklet [182] (adhered to an untreated portion of continuous rewind substrate with a resealable adhesive [179]) and a single ply cover sheet [180] with a protruding tab, similarly adhered to an untreated portion of continuous rewind substrate with a resealable adhesive [181] and disposed to cover the booklet and extend beyond its transverse edges.

The laminate [177], having a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive [178] extends across the whole, covering the cover sheet [180], overlapping the transverse edge of the cover sheet with its pull tab [183] and being adhered to the untreated continuous rewind substrate at the tab edge [184] and its opposing transverse edge [178], is die cut into singular booklet labels with transverse edges, a waste matrix of laminate being removed from the portions of rewind substrate treated with a release coating [175] and [185].

FIG V shows a method for constructing the booklet label product of FIG U. A reel of continuous rewind substrate [188], typically a paper or film stock and preferable printed with graphics and registration (cutting) marks, and with a pre-applied coating of typically silicon release material in pre-determined areas [190], is fed along a web path using an unwind unit [189] with the printed surface facing upwards. A low tack, re-sealable adhesive [192] is applied to the rewind substrate by a glue unit [187] in two strips running perpendicular to the web path.

The booklets [193], which are printed and folded off-line, are fed down a booklet feeder [186] and laid down onto the continuous rewind material, positioned over the adhesive [192] and carried along the web path where the cover sheet [194], preferably with protruding tab, is fed down a second feeder [191] where it is laid down onto the continuous rewind material, positioned over the second adhesive strip [192] and disposed so as to completely cover the booklet [195] and carried along the web path to where a preferably clear laminate treated with a preferably semi-permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on one side [196] is applied to the length of the rewind substrate. The whole passes through a rotary cutting drum [197] creating a succession of booklet labels products [198] as seen in FIG T and the matrix of waste laminate [199] is removed from the coated sections of the rewind substrate [190]. The web of finished label products [198] is wound on a reel in a rewind unit and this reel is applied to bottles or other containers using high speed, continuous roll fed labelling machines.

An alternative method is shown in FIG W, wherein the rewind substrate [203] remains untreated with a release material, instead the laminate [209] with a typically pressure sensitive adhesive on one side has an adhesive neutralizing solution, typically an ultraviolet adhesive deadener, applied to the adhesive side of the laminate material, typically a transparent polypropylene material, in a pattern of transverse strips to provide non-adhesive sections [209]. The strips are dried and exposed to ultraviolet light (UV) [208] that neutralizes the adhesive in strips where the neutralizing material has been applied. When the adhesive laminate is laid down onto the continuous rewind film, to which has been applied the booklet [206] and cover sheet [207], the laminate adheres only to the cover [207] and to sections of the continuous rewind film material [203] either side of the cover. The whole passes through a rotary cutting drum [211] creating a succession of booklet labels products [213] as seen in FIG T and the matrix of waste laminate [212] is removed.

A third inventive step is shown in FIG D, where the laminated cover [30] is modified to include a fold or crease [29] that has the effect of shortening the laminated cover [3] when the booklet label is in a planar, closed configuration, typically on a roll. FIG E shows an alternative location for the fold or crease [39], the dimensions of such fold or crease being proportionate to the thickness of the multi- laminar booklet.

When the booklet label is adhered to the continuous rewind material [45] and applied to the container [44] in FIG F, the roll is oriented so that the booklet is fed in a spine first fashion, the exposed base label portion [46] leading. As the container [44] is rotated and the label [45] wrapped around the container, the fold [48] allows the laminated cover [47] - adhered to the continuous rewind material [54] in FIG G by the adhesive laminate [50] in FIG F - to travel a greater circumference. As the bottle [51] in FIG G rotates in a typically clockwise fashion the multi-laminar booklet [55] and laminated cover [53] flatten and adhere to the continuous rewind material label [54] as the concertina fold or crease [52] extends to accommodate the greater circumference created by the presence of the booklet [55].

When the booklet label is wrapped around the container [57] in FIG H in a closed configuration, the fold or crease [58] is no longer visible, having extended out to allow the laminated cover [59] to travel over the booklet [60], so that the adhesive laminate [63] remains adhered to the underlying continuous rewind label [60] without causing the same to ruck. The drawings have shown the booklet in an open configuration for illustrative purposes only; during application the laminated cover [59] in FIG H remains adhered to the film label [61]. In the event that the booklet label opens during application, the laminated cover is brushed back down onto underlying continuous rewind label and reseated.

The booklet is revealed and removed by peeling the tab [64] in FIG I away from the underlying continuous rewind label [68] to reveal the booklet [67], which can be removed and replaced as desired. The cover [66] is then resealed to the container [69] by pressing the adhesive laminate [65] back onto the underlying continuous rewind label [68]. Typically, the cover [66] can be opened and closed several times in this manner.

It is an economic and environmental advantage to reduce the number of materials used in the construction of such labels, whilst retaining functionality, and FIG J shows a simplified method of constructing a booklet label featuring the third inventive step in accordance with claim 5.

With reference to FIG J, a booklet [74] forme cut with a pull tab extending from its fore edge [78] is laid down onto a continuous rewind material [70] and adhered using a re-sealable adhesive [73], typically a hot melt glue. A laminate [72] with a typically pressure sensitive adhesive [75] on one side has an adhesive neutralizing solution, typically an ultraviolet adhesive deadener, applied to the adhesive side of the laminate material [72], typically a transparent polypropylene material, in a pattern of transverse strips to provide non-adhesive sections [79]. The strips are dried and exposed to ultraviolet light (UV) that neutralizes the adhesive in strips where the neutralizing material has been applied. When the adhesive laminate is laid down onto the continuous rewind film, to which has been applied the booklet [74], the laminate adheres to the continuous rewind film material [72] and [77] but does not adhere to the booklet [74].

In accordance with the present invention, a fold or crease [71] is applied at the transverse edge of the non-adhesive section of the laminate [79] to allow for application of the whole to a typically but not exclusively cylindrical container, and the pull tab [78] extension of the booklet cover is adhered to adhesive section of the laminate [75] and perforated [76] to allow for the removal of the booklet [74] which can be replaced or not as desired and the laminate resealed to the continuous rewind film by pressing the adhesive section [77] onto the film material [7Ob].

FIG K shows a similar construction, but instead of the adhesive laminate material [72] of FIG J, the cover material [81] is typically a non-adhesive continuous roll fed paper or film material carrying print graphics on one or both sides and to which an adhesive has been applied to its underside in a pattern of transverse strips [82] and [87], this latter typically being a re-sealable low tack adhesive. A booklet [85] is adhered directly to a continuous rewind material [80], typically using a hot melt glue [84], over which the cover material [81], to which has been applied print graphics, the fold or crease [83] of the present invention and the pattern of adhesive transverse strips [82] and [87].

In accordance with claim 8, FIG X shows a method for manufacturing, for example, the booklet label of FIG F, using a retractable prong [233], triggered by a typically printed registration mark [222] on the rewind substrate [214], to create the excess gathering of material, or fold or crease [216], needed to allow the outer ply laminate [217] of the booklet label to travel around a greater circumference than the inner ply, including but not limited to the booklet [215] and rewind substrate [214].

As the rewind substrate [214] travels along a web path a, typically printed, registration mark [222] or other device is detected by a sensor [221] which triggers a prong [223] (sized in accordance with the thickness of the booklet [215J and circumference of the container to which the booklet label is to be applied) to rapidly extend across the web path at the point at which a non-adhesive section of laminate [224] (the adhesive having been neutralised in the manner disclosed herein and whereby preferably an adhesive laminate [219] passes through a neutralising device [220]) is laid down over the extended prong, which rapidly retracts on contact, so that the neutralised section of laminate, unable to adhere to either itself or the underlying rewind substrate [214] or cover sheet [217] or booklet [215] creates a pocket which serves as a crease, fold or other gathering of material [216], so that the outer ply is able to travel around a greater circumference than the underlying rewind substrate.

This inventive step may also be used to produce the booklet label of FIG E, wherein the pocket which serves as a crease, fold or other gathering of material [216] is applied in the method disclosed above, the non-adhesive section of laminate [224] disposed to cover the tab edge of the cover sheet [217] and the prong [221] typically programmed to extend over said tab [218] at the point at which the non- adhesive section of laminate is laid down onto the same, so that the inventive feature of the pocket which serves as a crease, fold or other gathering of material [216] is preferably positioned over the tab [218] in the manner shown in FIG E.

FIG L shows the apparatus typically employed to construct such the booklet label product of FIG K. A reel of material [96], typically a paper or film stock and preferable printed with graphics and registration (cutting) marks, is fed along a web path [99] using an unwind unit [97] with the outer surface facing down. The material [96] passes through a folding plate or impression roller [95] where a fold or crease [98] is formed. An adhesive [94] is applied using a pressure sensitive adhesive [93] and a low tack, re- sealable adhesive [92] and the reel of material fed onto a release liner [91], typically silicon coated, which is carried along a conveyor [90] to a separator which separates the release liner [101] from the folded adhesive label material [100]. A continuous rewind material [106], typically a film stock, printed and supplied on a reel [104], is unwound using an unwind unit and a rewind unit. A re-sealable adhesive [105] is applied to the outer facing surface typically using a hot melt glue unit [102].

The booklets [107], which are printed and folded off-line, are fed down a booklet feeder [103] and laid down onto the continuous rewind material, positioned over the adhesive [108] and carried along the web path where the adhesive label material [109] is married to the continuous rewind material, in such a fashion that the booklet is sandwiched between the continuous rewind material and the adhesive label material [111] to its upper and lower planes, and by the adhesives strips [110] to its transverse edges. The whole passes through a rotary cutting drum [112] creating a succession of booklet labels products [113] as seen in FIG K.

The web of finished label products [113] is wound on a reel in a rewind unit and this reel is applied to bottles or other containers using high speed, continuous roll fed labelling machines.

In accordance with claim 11, FIG N shows a booklet [123] with an extended front cover [127] featuring a perforation at the transverse fore edge [124]. The insulating material [121] is typically a paperboard or other sleeve, of the type commonly found in outlets selling take-away coffee for instance. With reference to FIG M, a piece of typically corrugated board [141] is die cut to wrap around, or otherwise fit over, a standard disposable takeaway cup. Incisions [115] and [117] are made on the board to allow it to fold flat and a strip of adhesive [118] is applied to one end and adhered to the other [116], to form a conical cup insulator [119J, pressed fiat [1201 for ease of distribution. At the point of purchase, typically the customer collects the cup insulator [120], re-forms it to a circular, conical shape [119] and inserts a cup, typically conical and filled with either a hot or cold beverage, to insulate hands from the heat or cold.

FIG O shows a folded insulating sleeve [131] is placed on an automated production line where a removable glue [129] and permanent glue [130] are applied, as shown in FIG N [122] and [126] respectively. The magazine [133] with its folded or creased cover [132] and perforation [134], constructed as shown in FIG N, is applied to the insulator in a standard "cut and stack" label applicator and held in place by the glue at points [129] and [130], thereby coupling the booklet [135] to insulating sleeve [136].

The feature of a folded or creased cover means that, when the insulator is returned to its final position [140] the booklet is able to be wrapped around the differing radii without crumpling whilst its pages [138] are secured closed by the cover [139] being adhered to the insulating sleeve [141]. A cup [137] is inserted into the insulating sleeve [140] for distribution of both the beverage and the magazine.

FIG P shows an ergonomic design for an insulating sleeve [142]. The booklet [143] with the featured inventive step [145] is adhered to the face of the insulating sleeve whose opposing sides [144] and [142] are adhered together, before the whole is flattened, as seen in FIG Q for distribution to retail environments with the booklet [148] held in position on the insulating sleeve [146] by the cover [147] adhered to the insulating sleeve at the fore edge [149] and along the spine.

The insulating sleeve [157] carrying the booklet [152] is married to a container, typically a disposable paper or plastic cup [150] as shown in FIG R. The pages of the booklet fan out [155] as each page is disposed over a larger wider circumference than the underlying page. The fold [158] extends to allow for such movement, whilst holding the booklet securely in place.

This effect can be seen with greater clarity in FIG S, where the booklet cover [163] extends over the fore edge of the booklet [160] where its inert "spring back" tension is absorbed by the fold [162] at which point the cover is adhered to the insulating sleeve [161] which is slipped over a typically but not exclusively cylindrical, conical cup [159].

The booklet is removed by peeling its spine [164] away from the insulating sleeve [168], the spine held in place by removable glue [122] of FIG N. Once the spine is detached, the booklet is fully removed by holding the spine and pulling the booklet away from the fold [167] and tearing the cover along the perforation [166]. The waste is minimal, the booklet, once read, either being kept or disposed of. The remaining part of the booklet attached to the insulating sleeve can be recycled along with the cup [165] in a separation bath to separate the glue from the booklet and insulating sleeve substrate.

While the principles of the invention have been described above in connection with a specific apparatus and applications, it is to be understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationship for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

(1 ) a booklet label comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive base label, attached to a web of release material, typically silicon coated, die cut to provide single units carried on such web of release material in succession, to which is applied a multi-laminar booklet, adhered with a resealable adhesive, typically a hot melt glue, with a preferably die cut cover sheet typically with a tab protruding from its right hand transverse edge, its opposing side adhered to the base label, typically with a hot melt glue, and disposed to at least partially cover the booklet and extend beyond the underlying base label, the whole over-laminated so that the over-laminate adheres on one side to the base label and on the opposing side, according to the location of the tab, to the release material, the base label being proportionally shorter in relation to the booklet label product than previously envisaged in the art to allow the label to be applied directly to a continuous rewind material of the type used, typically, in labelling food and beverage packaging using a typically high-speed and preferably continuous roll fed labelling machine;

(2) a method for making such label products to include separating release material from label material in an elongated web of label stock, the label material having a preferably pressure-sensitive adhesive on a selected side thereof which faces the release material before separation, printing on and cutting the label material to form a succession of initial base labels, without cutting through the release material, removing label material outside the initial bases, feeding and adhering a printed booklet onto each of the initial bases in succession, feeding and adhering a printed cover sheet preferably die cut with a pull tab onto each of the initial bases in succession disposed to cover the booklet and extend beyond its fore edge, applying a laminate material having pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side thereof over the web, thereby adhering the laminate material to the initial bases and the printed cover sheet, and the release liner between adjacent initial bases, and cutting at least the laminate, cover sheet, multi-laminar booklet and portions of the initial bases to form a succession of the label products, said label products then applied to a roll of continuous rewind material, typically BOPP (Bi-Axially Oriented Polypropylene) or such other, preferably using a modified rewind based technology developed around the use of typically servo and hydraulic control tensioners and gears of the type used in the rewind of reel fed flexible packaging materials;

(3) the booklet label of claim 1 wherein the pressure sensitive base material is replaced with a continuous rewind substrate, typically a film or paper stock, of the type commonly used in flexible packaging, to which is applied a multi-laminar booklet, adhered with a resealable adhesive, typically a hot melt glue, with a preferably die cut cover sheet typically with a tab protruding from its right hand transverse edge, its opposing side adhered to the base label, typically with a hot melt glue, and disposed to at least partially cover the booklet, the whole over-laminated, so that the over-laminate extends beyond the cover sheet on one side and adheres to the underlying rewind substrate upon which the booklet and cover sheet sit and on the opposing side, according to the location of the tab, to rewind substrate. The thickness of the whole booklet label is measured so that it can navigate the web path of a preferably continuous roll fed labelling machine of the type used, typically, in labelling food and beverage packaging facilities;

(4) a method for making such label in claim 3 wherein, an elongated web, preferably a reel, of continuous rewind substrate, typically a film or paper stock, of the type commonly used in flexible packaging applications, is coated with, typically, a silicon release material in predetermined areas to correlate with the placement of the booklet label of claim 3, is run along a web path so that a printed booklet, loaded into an automatic feeder, is laid onto the rewind substrate in succession and adhered with a resealable, typically hot melt glue, and a printed cover sheet preferably die cut with a pull tab, loaded into a, typically automatic, feeder, is laid over the booklet so that its opposing edges extend beyond those of the booklet, and is adhered on its non-tab edge to the rewind substrate with a resealable, typically hot melt glue, over which is applied a laminate material having pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side thereof over the web, thereby adhering the laminate material to the rewind substrate and the printed cover sheet, and cutting at least the laminate, cover sheet, multi-laminar booklet and portions of the initial bases to form a succession of the label products, the waste laminate material being removed from the parts of the rewind substrate coated with the release material;

(5) the method of claim 4 wherein the elongated web of continuous rewind substrate is not coated with a release material, rather the pressure sensitive laminate material is deadened such in predetermined portions, its pressure sensitive adhesive side being desensitised in a transverse section in a manner which typically involves applying a solution on predetermined portions, the solution being reactive to ultraviolet light, and exposing the solution to ultraviolet light to neutralize the adhesive, so that such desensitised portions do not adhere to the rewind substrate in the method described in claim 4 and can therefore be removed from the rewind substrate as waste material in the manner of claim 4;

(5) the booklet label of claim 3 wherein to the desensitised area a small fold or crease is formed to allow the passage of the laminate material, fastened at both latitudinal ends to the underlying continuous rewind material and the booklet sandwiched between the two, across a wider circumference than the underlying rewind material when applied to a cylindrical container;

(6) the booklet label product of claim 1 , wherein the laminated cover material is folded or creased along its longitudinal axis, formed at the point at which the booklet label product is applied to a continuous rewind material, for application as a composite label using typically high speed and preferably continuous roll fed labelling systems and having the benefit of allowing the overlying cover to extend around the greater circumference of a cylinder;

(7) the booklet label product of claim 6, wherein the base and cover sheet materials are not required, the booklet featuring a perforated pull tab on its fore edge and being adhered directly to the rewind material over which a transparent laminate cover is disposed, its pressure sensitive adhesive side being desensitised in a transverse section in a manner which typically involves applying a solution on predetermined portions, the solution being reactive to ultraviolet light, and exposing the solution to ultraviolet light to neutralize the adhesive and to which desensitised area a small fold or crease is formed to allow the passage of the laminate material, fastened at both latitudinal ends to the underlying continuous rewind material and the booklet sandwiched between the two, across a wider circumference than the underlying rewind material when applied to a cylindrical container;

(8) a method to manufacture a crease, fold or other gathering of material using a retractable piston, triggered by sensor, to extend across web as a desensitized, typically pressure sensitive adhesive laminate is laid down onto a web of material, creating a pocket in the outer laminar surface to allow for bending around a circumference a multi-page booklet label adhered to a rewind substrate along both of its opposing transverse edges;

(9) the booklet label product of claim 7, wherein the overlying laminate materials is rather a non- adhesive paper or film material to which has been applied a printed registration mark, a plate fold or pressed crease and an adhesive, typically pressure sensitive, in parallel strips along the latitudinal axis, disposed to accommodate the underlying booklet, which may or may not include a pull tab, in a non-adhesive section of the cover, and of differing strengths to allow both the adhesion of the booklet label product to rewind material which is applied to a container using well-known continuous roll fed labelling systems;

(10) the method of claim 9, wherein a reel of cover material, typically a paper or film stock and preferable printed with graphics and registration (cutting) marks, is fed along a web path using an unwind unit with the outer surface facing down. The cover material passes through a folding plate or impression roller after which an adhesive is applied using a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side and a low tack, resealable adhesive on the other. The cover material is married to a release liner, typically silicon coated, which is carried along a conveyor to a separating plate that separates the release liner from the folded adhesive label material. A rewind material, typically a film stock, printed and supplied on a reel, is unwound using an unwind unit and a rewind unit. A resealable adhesive is applied to the outer facing surface of the rewind material typically using a hot melt glue unit and a feeder lays down booklets onto the rewind material, positioned over the adhesive and carried along the web path where the cover material is married to the rewind material, in such a fashion that the booklet is sandwiched between the rewind material and the cover material and between the adhesives strips to the spine and fore edge of the booklet. The whole passes through a rotary cutting die cutting at least the laminate, cover sheet, multi-laminar booklet and portions of the initial bases to form a succession of booklet labels products which are wound on a reel and applied to bottles or other containers using continuous roll fed labelling machines;

(11) a booklet with an extended front cover featuring a perforation at the transverse fore edge and a concertina fold or corrugated crease the size of which is proportional to the thickness of the booklet; and

(12) the method of claim 11 , wherein the booklet is applied to the cylindrical surface of a typically disposable cup or to an insulated sleeve formed around said disposable cup without causing the booklet to crease or crumple. The magazine is attached to an insulated sleeve using both permanent and resealable adhesives, the booklet being adhered directly to the insulating sleeve at both the spine edge and on the opposing side, where the extended front cover of the booklet is adhered directly to the insulating sleeve thereby keeping the booklet secure and in a closed configuration. Where a multi- laminar booklet is sealed at both spine and fore edge and wrapped around a curved surface, the inner pages wrap around a smaller radius than the outer ones creating slack in the inner pages which crumple and crease. The tapered shape of the takeaway cup exaggerates this problem. The use of the concertina fold or corrugated crease allows the secure attachment of the magazine to the insulating sleeve whilst creating a pocket for the magazine to fill as it is bent around the curved surface of the cup.