WO2013096622A1

WO2013096622A1 - Label assembly and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2013096622A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/070948
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takeshi Yamada; Michiko TACHI
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2011-12-21
Filing date: 2012-12-20
Publication date: 2013-06-27
Also published as: KR20140116414A; JP2015505072A; JP6195575B2; CN104067332A; CN104067332B

Abstract

Label assemblies comprising adhesive-backed labels on a carrier sheet wherein the carrier sheet is divided into first and second carrier segments corresponding to each label. In use, labels are first separated from corresponding first carrier segments and then separated from corresponding second carrier segments thereby reducing their tendency to curl.

Description

LABEL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE

Field

The present invention relates to label assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to a design for label assemblies in which the labels are curl resistant.

Background

Self-adhesive labels are widely used for a variety of organizational and communication purposes. In general, they have a basic construction comprising a body or facestock with an adhesive on its back surface (sometimes referred to as label stock) and are provided disposed on a temporary liner or carrier sheet. The body may be a single ply or may be of multilayer construction. The front surface is typically adapted to receive a legend, e.g., via typing, handwriting, printing with a computer printer, etc. For instance, an image receptive layer may be provided on the front surface of the body to make it easier to place a desired legend or information thereon. Illustrative examples of materials used in the label body include paper, polymeric films, fabrics, etc. with the selection being dependent in part upon the performance properties desired of the resultant labels. Many different adhesives are known to be used in label constructions with selection being dependent in part upon such factors as desired label performance, intended substrates, body properties, etc.

Many label assemblies (sometimes referred to as "label sheets") currently sold in the marketplace comprise die cut labels that can be removed from the label assembly either by peeling individual labels from a carrier sheet or liner or by individualizing the label assemblies into smaller label assemblies where each label remains adhesively attached to its liner. These individual labels are either offered on a label assembly with perforations that allow for separation or are already individualized.

In typical use, after a legend is formed on one or more of the labels, e.g., via printer, typewriter, handwriting, etc., the label must be removed from the carrier sheet or liner and applied to a substrate. When the label is removed from the carrier sheet or liner, the label tends to curl. In some instances, the label may even curl so far as to adhere to itself. The application of a label that has even partially curled can be somewhat difficult, time consuming, and require a fair amount of manual dexterity.

Despite the many variations of known label constructions, the need exists for improved label constructions.

Summary

The present invention provides a label assembly and method of using such an assembly to fabricate the labels in a quick, easy fashion with limited waste pieces and increased convenience. The configuration of label assemblies of the invention permits good printer feedability with a variety of printing devices and retains a printable margin for product information. In brief summary, a label assembly of the invention comprises a carrier sheet having a front major surface and a back major surface; and a plurality of labels releasably adhered on the front major surface of the carrier sheet. Each label comprises a sheet of label stock with adhesive on the rear side thereof. In accordance with the invention:

the carrier sheet has at least one enclosed separation line;

the separation line defines a first carrier segment and a second carrier segment;

the second carrier segment has an area smaller than an area of a label;

the second segment section comprises at least one tab that extends beyond a perimeter of a label; and each label and its corresponding second segment section are configured to be separated from the first carrier segment such that at least a portion of the second carrier segment remains releasably adhered to the label.

Briefly summarizing, the method of the invention comprises removing the matrix from the front major surface, separating a label and its corresponding second carrier segment from first carrier segment by pulling up the tab, and pulling the tab of the second carrier segment and the second carrier segment away from the label.

According to another aspect of the invention, the method of the invention comprises removing the strip from the front major surface, removing the the label and the second carrier segments from first carrier segment by pulling up the tab, and pulling the tab of the second carrier segment and the second carrier segment away from the label.

Typically images can be printed on the front surfaces of label assemblies of the invention by hand, by printer, e.g., a laser printer or inkjet printer such as are commonly used with personal computers.

An advantage of the present invention is that the labels may be removed from a labels assembly without developing a curl and the label may be easily applied to a substrate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention can be better explained with reference to the drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the front (i.e., label) side of a conventional label assembly;

Fig. 2 is a section view of the conventional label assembly shown in Fig. 1 taken along lines 1- 1 of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the front (i.e., label) side of one embodiment of a label assembly of the invention;

Fig 3 a is a plan view of the rear side of the label assembly shown in Fig 3;

Fig 4 is a section view of the label assembly shown in Fig. 3 taken alon lines 3-3 of Fig. 3;

Fig 5 is a plan view of the front side of one embodiment of a label assembly of the invention; Fig 5a is a plan view of the rear side of the label assembly shown in Fig 5;

Fig 6 is a section view of the label assembly shown in Fig. 5 taken along lines 5-5 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a plan view of the front side of one embodiment of a label assembly of the invention; Fig. 8 is a section view of the label assembly shown in Fig. 7 taken along lines 7-7 of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a plan view of the front side of one embodiment of a label assembly of the invention; Fig. 10 is a section view of the label assembly shown in Fig. 9 taken along lines 9-9 of Fig. 9; Fig. 1 1 is a plan view of the front side of one embodiment of a label assembly of the invention; Fig. 12 is a section view of the label assembly shown in Fig. 1 1 taken along lines 1 1-1 1 of Fig.

1 1 ;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the front side of one embodiment of a label assembly of the invention; and

Fig. 14 is a plan view of the front side of one embodiment of a label assembly of the invention.

The drawings present the invention by way of representations and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by one skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principals of this invention. The figures are idealized, are not drawn to scale, and are intended merely for illustrative purposes.

Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments

An illustrative conventional label assembly is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown in other figures. Like reference numbers are used throughout the description to refer to analogous components and features.

Label assembly 10 includes a plurality of labels 20, a carrier sheet 30, and an adhesive 24 between labels 20 and carrier sheei 30, Each of the plurality of labels 20 is separated from adjacent labels and surrounding matrix by label separation lines 28. The adhesive 2.4 and the separation lines 28 permit a user to remove the label 20 from the carrier sheet 30.

Illustrative label assemblies of the invention are shown in Figs. 3, 3a, 4, 5, 5a, and 6 wherein the label assembly 10 is shown from the front side, in section view, and from the rear side. The label assemblies 10 comprise a plurality of labels 20, a carrier sheet 30 and an adhesive 24 on the back side of the label stock between a plurality of labels 20 and carrier sheet 30,

Carrier sheet 30 has a front major surface 30a and a back major surface 30b.

Each of labels 20 is defined by and separated from other components of the label assembly (i.e., adjacent labels, surrounding matrix, etc.) by a label separation line 28, Although, the label assembly 10 is shown without a matrix between individual labels 20, the label assembly 10 may include a matrix between neighboring labels. Additionally, each label assembly 10 is shown with a matrix 26 completely surrounding the plurality of labels 20, but if is not necessary for ihe invention that the label assembly 10 includes a matrix 26 completely surrounding the labels 20, The carrier sheet 30 includes a carrier sheet separation line 38, which defines a first carrier segment 32 and a second carrier segment 34. The separation line 38 also defines a tab 36 of the second carrier segment 34, which extends beyond the label 20. The adhesive 24, separation line 28, and separation line 38 permit a user to remove the label 20 and the second carrier segment 34 from the first carrier segment 32. The second carrier segment 34 is now ready to be easily peeled from the label and applied to a substrate.

Figs. 3, 5, 7, 9, and 1 1 are front views. In the figures, the carrier separation lines 38 are shown in dotted lines in order to show their relationship with labels 20 but as shown the respective cross section views, the carrier separation lines do not extend through the labels. Similarly, Figs. 3a and 5a are rear views and label separation lines 28 are shown in dotted form to show their relationship with second carrier segments 34.

In some other embodiments, such as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, and 9 and 10, respectively, the label assembly 10 includes a strip 42 that is releasably adhered to the front major surface 30a of the carrier sheet 30 and is positioned between the matrix 26 and the labels 20.

Each label assembly may comprise, typically a plurality, of labels. For example, as shown in Figs. 3, 5, 7 and 9, each label assembly comprises eleven labels arranged in a predetermined configuration in one column.

In another illustrative embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 1 , the label assembly comprises ten labels arranged in a predetermined configuration of two columns of five rows.

Fig. 1 1 illustrates a label assembly 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of this invention. The label assembly 10 includes a first column of a plurality of labels 20 and a second column of a plurality of labels 20. Each of the first and second label columns is arranged or stacked lengthwise on the label assembly 10. Each label 20 includes the second carrier segment 34 surrounded by the separation line 38 which substantially underlies the label. The separation line 38 also defines a tab 36 of the second carrier segment 34, which extends beyond the label 20.

In use, a label assembly of the invention is used as follows.

First, legends may optionally be formed on one or more labels, e.g., by passing the assembly through a computer printer, by hand, or the adhesion of a decal, etc.

Next, the matrix 26 is removed along the separation line 28 from the front major surface 30a. The tabs 36 of the second carrier segments 34 are exposed. The label 20 and the second carrier segments 34 are easily removed from first carrier segment 32 by pulling up the tab 36. The second carrier segment 34 is removed from the label 20 by pulling the tab 36 away from the label 20. The label 20 is now ready to be easily applied to a substrate.

Alternatively, the strip 42 is removed along the separation line 28 from the front major surface 30a. The tab 36 of the second carrier segment 34 of first label 20 is exposed. The first label 20 and the second carrier segments 34 are easily removed from first carrier segment 32 by pulling up the tab 36. The tab 36 of the second carrier segment 34 of second label 20 is exposed. The second carrier segment 34 is removed from the first label 20 by pulling the tab 36 away from the label 20. The label 20 is now ready to be easily applied to a substrate. Other label sizes, and label layouts are available and are readily adapted for use in accordance with the present invention. The labels could be of various shapes and sizes, and need not all be of the same shape or size. Figs. 13 and 14 show such possibility in wich the labels are round. The labels could be completely separated from each other by a matrix there between or by a bare liner.

The label has a printable surface. By the phrase "printable surface" what is meant is a surface of any type of matter upon which a person or machine can draw, print, color, paint, photocopy, write, emboss, or make any other type of mark or graphic. Laser printers, ink jet printers, impact printers, thermal transfer printers, direct thermal printers, typewriters, copier, or any other suitable graphical printing device is preferred but not necessary for use with the printable surfaces according to this invention.

The label stock is preferably, but not necessarily, constructed of any suitable paper, paper composite, film, plastic, fabric, non-metal, and/or metal sheet material that can be used as a label.

Selection of suitable materials will be dependent in part upon the desired application including such factors as desired color, moisture stability, flexibility, elongation, elasticity, receptivity to imaging materials, etc.

Those skilled in the art will be able to readily select appropriate label stock materials for desired applications.

Commonly known configurations include standard paper size sheets that are 8.5 x 5.5 inches, American standard letter size (i.e., 8½ x 1 1 inches or 216 x 279 mm in dimension), legal size (8.5 by 14 inches), A4 (i.e., 210 x 297 mm in dimension), and post card size (i.e., 4 x 6 inches or 100 x 148.5 mm in dimension). The label assembly is of any suitable shape, and generally any suitable size that can be accepted by and fed through a printer, such as a laser printer or an ink jet printer.

The adhesive permits the label to be adhered. In many embodiments, the adhesive will be pressure sensitive. Depending upon the labeling performance required an activated, e.g., by heat or initiator reaction, adhesive may be used if desired. Repositionable, removable, and permanent bonding adhesives may also be used as desired. If a light transmissive adhesive is used, the color(s) of the substrate to which the label is applied will provide special effect through the label, e.g., if the labels are used as name tags the labels on persons wearing different colored clothing will have unique appearances. If desired, one or more colorants such as pigments and dyes may be incorporated into the adhesive layer to impart desired appearance to the resultant labels.

Suitable adhesives for selected labeling applications can be readily selected by those skilled in the art.

Suitable release liners may also be readily selected by those skilled in the art. The selection will be dependent partly upon such factors as properties of the adhesive, conditions under which the labels will stored, used, and applied. Each separation line, according to this invention, comprises, for example, at least one of a die cut line, a kiss cut line (which is a die cut line that does not extend completely through a layer or sheet), a laser die cut line, a score cut line, a perforation line, a microperforation line, a chemically etched line, a liquid etched line and/or a gas etched line.

Typically, the carrier sheet is rectangular in shape, although carrier sheets having other configurations may be used in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention is well suited for applications in which labels will be individually removed by hand. However, the invention is not limited to hand use. The invention could be used with automated machinery for separating the plurality of labels 20 and the second carrier segment 34 from the first carrier segment 32, thereafter removing the second carrier segment 34 from the plurality of labels 20 and placing plurality of labels 20 on a substrate. The invention could also be used in applications in which a plurality of labels are to be positioned over one or more substrate objects and applied thereto as a group in the same relative positions on which those labels are found on label assembly 10.

it will be appreciated that details of the foregoing embodiment, given for purposes of illustration, is not to be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. Further, it is recognized that many embodiments may be conceived that do not achieve all of the advantages of some embodiments, particularly of the preferred embodiments, yet the absence of a particular advantage shall not be construed to necessarily mean that such an embodiment is outside the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A label assembly comprising:

a carrier sheet having a front major surface and a back major surface; and

a plurality of labels releasably adhered on the front major surface of the carrier sheet; wherein: the carrier sheet has at least one enclosed separation line;

the second carrier segment has an area smaller than an area of the label; the second segment section comprises at least one tab that extends beyond a perimeter of the label; and

the label and the second segment section are configured to be separated from the first carrier segment such that at least a portion of the second carrier segment remains releasably adhered to the label.

2. The label assembly according to claim 1 wherein the separation line substantially underlies the label.

3. The label assembly according to claim 2 wherein the label is substantially rectangular in shape.

4. The label assembly according to claim 2 wherein the label is substantially round in shape.

5. The label assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a matrix that is releasably adhered on the front major surface of the carrier sheet and surrounds plurality of labels.

6. The label assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a strip that is releasably adhered on the front major surface of the carrier sheet and is positioned next to the label.

7. The label assembly according to claim 5 wherein at least one tab underlies the matrix.

8. The label assembly according to claim 5 further comprising a strip that is releasably adhered on the front major surface of the carrier sheet and is positioned between the matrix and the label.

9. The label assembly according to claim 6 wherein at least one tab underlies the strip.

10. The label assembly according to claim 1 wherein the assembly has configuration selected from the group consisting of standard letter format and A4 format.

1 1. The label assembly according to claim 1 wherein the separation line comprises a plurality of cuts and ties,

12. A method for using the label assembly of claim 4 comprising:

removing the matrix from the front major surface;

removing the the label and the second carrier segments from first carrier segment by pulling up the tab; and

pulling the tab of the second carrier segment and the second carrier segment away from the label.

13. A method for using the label assembly of claim 5 comprising:

removing the strip from the front major surface;