Patent Grant
8353998
Labels are commonly used to secure printed indicia to packages to indicate shipping or other information. In the instance of a shipping use, a separate packing list may be enclosed within a package shipped to the customer containing a purchased item.
There is significant demand for a labeling method that allows automatic printing and application of a lower label and an upper label to a surface. For example, there is significant demand for a labeling method that allows automatic printing and application of a packing list and shipping label to the surface of a sealed carton. Because the carton is sealed prior to packing list generation, it is not efficient to open it to insert a packing list. High volume shipping of such packages requires rapid attachment of a packing list and a shipping label to the package. It is preferred to conceal the information of the packing list until the final recipient receives the shipped package.
Complicated methods have been implemented for application of a lower label and an upper label to a surface. For example, where a packing list and shipping label are to be applied to the surface of a sealed carton, complicated methods have been implemented in which a packing list is applied and adhered as a pattern adhesive label atop a carton, using a first roll of labels (packing list labels) and a first label applicator. After the packing list label is applied, an address label is applied and adhered atop the packing list label, to conceal the packing list information, using a second roll of labels (address labels) and a second label applicator. Such methods have many shortcomings. For example, precise timing between the packing list application and the shipping label application is required to properly align the two labels, and to avoid mismatches between the packing list and the shipping label (e.g., where the packing list contains information about goods to be shipped to a first customer and the shipping label contains the address of a different customer. In addition, because two printers and two label applicators, along with related hardware and software, are required to apply a packing list and shipping label in sequence, such methods require significant floor space and investment.
For the foregoing reasons, it is desired to provide labeling methods that allows automatic printing and application of a lower label and an upper label to a surface while avoiding the many shortcomings of existing labeling methods. For the foregoing reasons, it is desired to provide labeling methods that allow automatic printing and application of a packing list label and shipping label to the surface of a sealed carton while avoiding the many shortcomings of existing labeling methods.
The present disclosure includes disclosure of at least one method of applying a lower label and an upper label to a surface. In at least one embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the step of providing a carrier material. According to at least one such embodiment, the carrier material comprises an upper label thereon and a lower label thereon in a position on the carrier material adjacent to the upper label, the lower label comprising a top side and an opposing underside in a position facing and removably adhered to the carrier material, the upper label comprising a top surface and an opposing undersurface in a position facing and removably adhered to the carrier material. A method according to at least one such embodiment comprises the steps of dispensing the lower label onto a label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower label is held in position against the label applicator apparatus and the underside is exposed; and dispensing the upper label onto the label applicator apparatus between the lower label and the label applicator, whereby the top side of the lower label is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label. At least one such embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the step of applying the upper label and the lower label to a surface simultaneously using a label applicator apparatus, whereby after application the underside of the lower label is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is in contact with the top side of the lower label.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label comprises a removable segment and a lower label comprises a removable region, and after the upper label is dispensed onto the label applicator apparatus, the removable segment and the removable region are in registration.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the undersurface of an upper label comprises a zone with reduced adhesive properties, and the underside of a lower label comprises an area with reduced adhesive properties, and after the upper label is dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the zone with reduced adhesive properties and the area with reduced adhesive properties are in registration.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a zone of an undersurface of an upper label with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layer covered with an adhesive deadening agent. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an area of an underside of a lower label with reduced adhesive properties comprises an adhesive layer covered with an adhesive deadening agent.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label is held in position against a label applicator apparatus by a vacuum force generated by the label applicator apparatus. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a lower label is held in position against the undersurface of an upper label by a vacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label comprises one or more holes therethrough, and a lower label is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label by the vacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus, the vacuum force acting through the one or more holes.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, all of an underside of a lower label comprises reduced adhesive properties. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, all of an underside of a lower label comprises an adhesive layer covered with an adhesive deadening agent. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, all of an undersurface of an upper label comprises pressure sensitive adhesive that removably adheres the undersurface to the carrier material.
In at least one embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the step of providing a carrier material. According to at least one such embodiment, the carrier material comprises an upper label removably adhered thereto and a lower label removably adhered thereto in a position on the carrier adjacent to the upper label. In at least one such embodiment, the upper label comprises a top surface, an undersurface, a removable segment and is bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges, where the undersurface comprises adhesive on at least a portion thereof and is removably adhered to the carrier material by the adhesive. In at least one such embodiment, the lower label comprises a top side and an opposing underside, and is circumscribed by the leading margin, the trailing margin, and the first and second side margins. In at least one such embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the steps of dispensing a lower label onto a label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower label is held in position against the label applicator apparatus and the underside of the lower label is exposed; advancing an upper label toward the label applicator apparatus; and dispensing the upper label onto the label applicator apparatus between the label applicator and the lower label while the lower label is held in position relative to the label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower label is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label and the adhesive on the undersurface of the shipping label adhesively interacts with the top side of the packing list label. In at least one such embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the step of applying an upper label and a lower label to a surface simultaneously using a label applicator apparatus, whereby after application the underside of the lower label is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is in contact with the top side of the lower label and adhered to the surface.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label comprises a removable segment, and after the upper label is dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the removable region of a lower label and the removable segment of the upper label are in registration.
In at least one embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the step of providing a carrier material. According to at least one such embodiment, the carrier material comprises an upper label removably adhered thereto and a lower label removably adhered thereto in a position on the carrier adjacent to the upper label. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment, the carrier material comprises a release coating on a surface thereof. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment, the lower label comprises a top side and an opposing underside that are bounded by a leading margin, a trailing margin, and first and second side margins, where the top side comprises a first surface area circumscribed by the leading margin, the trailing margin, and the first and second side margins. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment, the underside comprises adhesive on at least a portion thereof and the underside is removably adhered to the release coating by the adhesive. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment, the upper label comprises a top surface, an undersurface, and a removable segment that are bounded by a leading edge, a trailing edge, and first and second side edges, and the top surface comprises a second surface area circumscribed by the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the first and second side edges, where the second surface area is no larger than the first surface area. In an aspect of at least one such embodiment, the undersurface comprises adhesive on at least a portion thereof and is removably adhered to the release coating by the adhesive. In at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises the steps of dispensing the lower label onto a label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower label is held in position against the label applicator apparatus and the underside is exposed; advancing the upper label toward the label applicator apparatus; and dispensing the upper label onto the label applicator apparatus between the label applicator and the lower label while the lower label is held in position relative to the label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower label is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label. In at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises the step of using the label applicator apparatus to apply the upper label and the lower label to a surface simultaneously, whereby after application the underside of the lower label is adhered to the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is adhered only to the top side of the lower label.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, after a lower label and an upper label are dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the first and second side edges of the upper label are not outside of the leading margin, the trailing margin, and the first and second side margins of the lower label, respectively.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, after a lower label and an upper label are dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the leading edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the upper label are inboard of the leading margin, the first side margin, and the second side margin of the lower label, respectively.
In at least one embodiment, a method according to the present disclosure comprises the step of providing a carrier material. According to at least one such embodiment, the carrier material comprises a removable upper label thereon and a removable lower sheet thereon in a position on the carrier material adjacent to the upper label, the lower sheet comprises a top side and an opposing underside, the underside facing the carrier material, the upper label comprises a top surface and an opposing undersurface, the undersurface facing the carrier material. In at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises the steps of dispensing a lower sheet onto a label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower sheet is held in position against the label applicator apparatus and the underside is exposed; and dispensing an upper label onto the label applicator apparatus between the label applicator and the lower sheet while the lower sheet is held in position relative to the label applicator apparatus, whereby the top side of the lower sheet is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label. In at least one such embodiment of the present disclosure, a method comprises the step of applying an upper label and a lower sheet to a surface simultaneously using a label applicator apparatus, whereby after application the underside of the lower sheet is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is in contact with the top side of the lower sheet.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label comprises a removable segment, and a lower sheet comprises a removable region, and after the lower sheet and upper label are dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the removable segment and the removable region are in registration.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an undersurface of an upper label comprises a zone with reduced adhesive properties, and an underside of a lower sheet comprises an area with reduced adhesive properties, and after the lower sheet and upper label are dispensed onto a label applicator apparatus, the zone with reduced adhesive properties and the area with reduced adhesive properties are in registration.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label is held in position against a label applicator apparatus by a vacuum force generated by the label applicator apparatus. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper label comprises one or more holes therethrough, and a lower sheet is held in position against the undersurface of the upper label by a vacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus, the vacuum force acting through the one or more holes. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a lower sheet is held in position against the undersurface of an upper label by a vacuum force generated by a label applicator apparatus.
In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, all of the underside of a lower sheet comprises reduced adhesive properties. In an aspect of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, all of the underside of a lower sheet comprises an adhesive layer covered with an adhesive deadening agent.
The features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by reference to the following descriptions of the disclosed methods and systems, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.
According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, lower label 14 is bounded by leading edge 18, trailing edge 22, and side edges 20 and 24. One or more lines of weakness 36 define a boundary of removable region 44. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure where lower label 14 comprises a packing list label, removable region 44 comprises a removable packing list. Frame 40 exists between a line of weakness 36 and leading edge 18, trailing edge 22, and side edges 20 and 24.
According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, upper label 16 is bounded by leading edge 26, trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32. One or more lines of weakness 38 define a boundary of removable segment 46. Frame 42 lies between line of weakness 38 and leading edge 26, trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32.
According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, the area of lower label 14 bounded by leading edge 18, trailing edge 22, and side edges 20 and 24 is greater than the area of upper label 16 bounded by leading edge 26, trailing edge 30, and side edges 28 and 32. According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, the area of removable region 44 is no larger than the area of removable segment 46.
According to at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, lower label 14 and upper label 16 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 12 and removably adhered to carrier 12, thereby enabling lower label 14 and upper label 16 to be dispensed from carrier 12 in sequence as discussed herein. Carrier 12 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 15 on the surface of carrier 12 facing the underside of lower label 14 and undersurface of upper label 16. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, release coating 15 is a silicone release coating. According to at least one embodiment of label system 10 according to the present disclosure, adhesive 13 is interposed between release coat 15 and the underside of lower label 14 and undersurface of upper label 16, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive 13 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, carrier 12 comprises transverse stripe 34. Transverse stripe 34 comprises a color or shading of a region of carrier 12 that is different from the color of the remainder of carrier 12. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 34 is located after each lower label 14 and before the adjacent upper label 16. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 34 overlaps the trailing edge 22 of each upper label 16 and the leading edge 26 of each lower label 14.
In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes 34 are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the lower label 14 and the adjacent upper label 16.
In at least one embodiment, underside 1014 of lower label 14 comprises a first portion 1040 and a second portion 1044, separated by a line of weakness 36. First portion 1040 comprise the underside of frame 40. Second portion 1044 comprises the underside of removable region 44. In at least one embodiment, first portion 1040 comprises adhesive 13 on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1044 is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1044 comprises adhesive 13 on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 17 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 13 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 13 ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 17 is selected so as to not render adhesive 13 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 17. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 13 with adhesive deadening agent 17, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness.
In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1016 of upper label 16 comprises a first portion 1042 and a second portion 1046, separated by a line of weakness 38. First portion 1042 comprises the undersurface of frame 42. Second portion 1046 comprises the undersurface of removable segment 46. In at least one embodiment, first portion 1042 comprises adhesive 13 on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1046 is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1046 comprises adhesive 13 on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 17 thereby such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 13 in those areas rendering adhesive 13 ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 17 is selected so as to not render adhesive 13 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 17. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 13 with adhesive deadening agent 17, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness.
Turning now to
In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, prior to the time lower label 14 is dispensed from carrier 12, indicia is printed on or applied to lower label 14. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where lower label 14 is a packing list label, indicia, such as, for example, container contents and/or other packing list indicia, may be printed on or applied to lower label 14.
In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, prior to the time upper label 16 is dispensed from carrier 12, indicia is printed on or applied to upper label 16. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where upper label 16 is a shipping label, indicia, such as, for example, destination address and/or other relevant shipping indicia, may be printed on or applied to upper label 16.
In at least one embodiment, label applicator 500 comprises a printing capability such as, for example, a thermal transfer printer or a direct thermal printer. In such an embodiment, indicia may be applied to upper label 16 and/or lower label 14 by label applicator 500.
As shown in
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, side tabs 131 and 133, trailing tab 135, and removable region 144. In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system 100 according to the present disclosure such as is shown in
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label 116 is bounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132. One or more lines of weakness 138 define a boundary of removable segment 146. Frame 142 lies between a line of weakness 138 and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label 116 comprises one or more holes 147. Holes 147a, 147b, 147c, 147d, 147e, 147f, 147g, and 147h are shown in the embodiment of label system 100 of
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to use lower label 114 and upper label 116 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 112, thereby enabling lower label 114 and upper label 116 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein. Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115 on the surface of carrier 112 facing the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating. According to at least one embodiment of label system 100 according to the present disclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat 115 and the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label 116, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134. Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region of carrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder of carrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is located after each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is located after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label 114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailing tab 135 of each lower label 114 and the leading edge 126 of each upper label 116.
In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes 134 are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the lower label 114 and the adjacent upper label 116
In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 is substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area, but underside 1114 comprises an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness. In at least one embodiment, all of underside 1114 is free of or substantially free of adhesive properties, although in such an embodiment underside 1114 may retain a slight tackiness. In at least one alternate embodiment, at least a portion of the underside of trailing tab 135 may comprise adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area. In such an embodiment, adhesive 113 serves to removably adhere lower label 114 to carrier 112 until lower label 114 is dispensed.
In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1116 of upper label 116 comprises a first portion 1142 and a second portion 1146, separated by a line of weakness 138. First portion 1142 comprises the undersurface of frame 142. Second portion 1146 comprises the undersurface of removable segment 146. In at least one embodiment, first portion 1142 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1146 is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1146 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness.
Turning now to
In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, prior to the time lower label 114 is dispensed from carrier 112, indicia is printed on or applied to lower label 114. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where lower label 114 is a packing list label, indicia, such as, for example, container contents and/or other packing list indicia, may be printed on or applied to lower label 114.
In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, prior to the time upper label 116 is dispensed from carrier 112, indicia is printed on or applied to upper label 116. In an embodiment of applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure where upper label 116 is a shipping label, indicia, such as, for example, destination address and/or other relevant shipping indicia, may be printed on or applied to upper label 116.
In at least one embodiment, label applicator 500 comprises a printing capability such as, for example, a thermal transfer printer or a direct thermal printer. In such an embodiment, indicia may be applied to upper label 116 and/or lower label 114 by label applicator 500.
As shown in
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, side tabs 131 and 133, and trailing tab 135. In an embodiment of auto-applied upper and lower label system 101 according to the present disclosure, a trailing edge of side tabs 131 and 133 may be substantially even with trailing edge 122.
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label 116 is bounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132. One or more lines of weakness 138 define a boundary of removable segment 146. Frame 142 lies between a line of weakness 138 and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label 116 comprises one or more holes 147. Holes 147a-147h are shown in the embodiment of label system 101 of
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to use lower label 114 and upper label 116 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 112, thereby enabling lower label 114 and upper label 116 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein. Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115 on the surface of carrier 112 facing the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating. According to at least one embodiment of label system 101 according to the present disclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat 115 and the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label 116, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134. Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region of carrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder of carrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is located after each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is located after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label 114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailing tab 135 of each lower label 114 and the leading edge 126 of each upper label 116.
In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes 134 are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and the adjacent lower label 114.
In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 comprises adhesive 113 on at least a portion of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1116 of upper label 116 comprises a first portion 1142 and a second portion 1146, separated by a line of weakness 138. First portion 1142 comprises the undersurface of frame 142. Second portion 1146 comprises the undersurface of removable segment 146. In at least one embodiment, first portion 1142 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1146 is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1146 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness.
Auto-applied upper and lower label system 101 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to a surface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantially similar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, and trailing tab 135. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label 116 is bounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132. One or more lines of weakness 138 define a boundary of removable segment 146. Frame 142 lies between a line of weakness 138 and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label 116 comprises one or more holes 147. Holes 147a-147i are shown in the embodiment of label system 102 of
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to use lower label 114 and upper label 116 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 112, thereby enabling lower label 114 and upper label 116 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein. Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115 on the surface of carrier 112 facing the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating. According to at least one embodiment of label system 102 according to the present disclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat 115 and the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label 116, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134. Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region of carrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder of carrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is located after each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is located after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label 114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailing tab 135 of each lower label 114 and the leading edge 126 of each upper label 116.
In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes 134 are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and the adjacent lower label 114.
In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 of lower label 114 is free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, underside 1114 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness.
In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, undersurface 1116 of upper label 116 comprises a first portion 1142, a second portion 1146, and a third portion 1147. First portion 1142 and third portion 1147 comprise the undersurface of frame 142. Second portion 1146 comprises the undersurface of removable segment 146. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, first portion 1142 and second portion 1146 are separated by a line of weakness 138.
In at least one embodiment, first portion 1142 comprises adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of its surface area. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1146 and third portion 1147 are free of or substantially free of adhesive. In at least one embodiment, second portion 1146 and third portion 1147 comprise adhesive 113 on all or substantially all of their surface area, but an adhesive deadening agent 117 such as, for example, a non-adhesive varnish, covers adhesive 113 in those areas thereby rendering adhesive 113 ineffective in those areas. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive deadening agent 117 is selected so as to not render adhesive 113 completely ineffective in those areas treated by adhesive deadening agent 117. In such an embodiment, after treatment of adhesive 113 with adhesive deadening agent 117, the treated areas retain a slight tackiness.
Auto-applied upper and lower label system 102 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to a surface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantially similar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, lower label 114 comprises leading edge 118, trailing edge 122, side edges 120 and 124, side tabs 131 and 133, trailing tab 135, and removable region 144. One or more lines of weakness 136 and 137 define a boundary between removable region 144 and side tabs 131 and 133, respectively. In at least one such embodiment, trailing edge 122 comprises a plurality of trailing tabs 141. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, removable region 144 comprises a removable packing list.
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label 116 is bounded by leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132. One or more lines of weakness 138 define a boundary of removable segment 146. Frame 142 lies between a line of weakness 138 and leading edge 126, trailing edge 130, and side edges 128 and 132. According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, upper label 116 comprises one or more holes 147. Holes 147a-147h are shown in the embodiment of label system 103 of
According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to use lower label 114 and upper label 116 are deployed adjacent to each other on carrier 112, thereby enabling lower label 114 and upper label 116 to be dispensed from carrier 112 in sequence as discussed herein. Carrier 112 comprises, in at least one embodiment, release coating 115 on the surface of carrier 112 facing the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label 116. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, release coating 115 is a silicone release coating. According to at least one embodiment of label system 103 according to the present disclosure, adhesive 113 is interposed between release coat 115 and the underside of lower label 114 and undersurface of upper label 116, as discussed hereinafter. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, adhesive 113 is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
In at least one embodiment, carrier 112 comprises transverse stripe 134. Transverse stripe 134 comprises a color or shading of a region of carrier 112 that is in contrast with the color of the remainder of carrier 112. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is located after each lower label 114 and before the adjacent upper label 116. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 is located after each upper label 116 and before the adjacent lower label 114. In at least one embodiment, a transverse stripe 134 overlaps the trailing tabs 141 of each lower label 114 and the leading edge 126 of each upper label 116.
In at least one embodiment of an auto-applied upper and lower label system according to the present disclosure, one or more transverse stripes 134 are used in conjunction with a detection apparatus for purposes of synchronizing the dispensing of the upper label 116 and the adjacent lower label 114.
Also shown in
Auto-applied upper and lower label system 103 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may be automatically applied to a surface through the use of apparatuses and processes substantially similar to the apparatuses and processes shown and described in
While this disclosure has been described as having preferred designs, the apparatus and methods according to the present disclosure can be further modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. For example, any method disclosed herein and in the appended claims represent one possible sequence of performing the steps thereof. A practitioner may determine in a particular implementation that a plurality of steps of one or more of the disclosed methods may be combinable, or that a different sequence of steps may be employed to accomplish the same results. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the present disclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/951,232, filed Nov. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,142,596, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/965,139, filed Dec. 10, 2010. The disclosure of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4255220 | Kucheck et al. | Mar 1981 | A |
| 4951970 | Burt | Aug 1990 | A |
| 5337663 | McKillip | Aug 1994 | A |
| 5376217 | Janssen, Jr. et al. | Dec 1994 | A |
| 5413384 | Principe et al. | May 1995 | A |
| 5520629 | Heinecke et al. | May 1996 | A |
| 5785804 | Kovacs et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
| 6035568 | Grosskopf et al. | Mar 2000 | A |
| 6305717 | Chess | Oct 2001 | B1 |
| 6350342 | Steidinger et al. | Feb 2002 | B1 |
| 6378588 | Nixon et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
| 6451149 | McKenney et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
| 6511569 | Nixon et al. | Jan 2003 | B1 |
| 6857714 | Hohberger et al. | Feb 2005 | B2 |
| 7534476 | Banks et al. | May 2009 | B2 |
| 7762302 | Dangami | Jul 2010 | B2 |
| 7850207 | Valenti et al. | Dec 2010 | B1 |
| 7914869 | Hodsdon et al. | Mar 2011 | B2 |
| 7922210 | Valenti et al. | Apr 2011 | B1 |
| 20030127180 | Williams | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20050126701 | Hodsdon et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| WO9505976 | Mar 1995 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12951232 | Nov 2010 | US |
| Child | 13295127 | US | |
| Parent | 12965139 | Dec 2010 | US |
| Child | 12951232 | US |
