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Patent 2461147 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2461147
(54) English Title: IMPROVED LABEL FOR STRETCH WRAPPED STACKS
(54) French Title: ETIQUETTE AMELIOREE POUR PILES ENVELOPPEES EXTENSIBLES
Status: Deemed expired
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • G09F 3/02 (2006.01)
  • G09F 3/10 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • SCHMELZER, WINFRIED (Germany)
(73) Owners :
  • THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY (United States of America)
(74) Agent: MBM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW LLP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2010-06-22
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2002-09-30
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2003-04-03
Examination requested: 2004-03-22
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2002/031051
(87) International Publication Number: WO2003/027765
(85) National Entry: 2004-03-22

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
01123429.1 European Patent Office (EPO) 2001-09-28

Abstracts

English Abstract




The present invention relates to labels which are adhesively attached to the
outside of a stack of packages or articles which packages or articles are
combined on a pallet typically by a stretch wrapped film. Such stretch wrapped
stacks are highly stable but due to the stretch in the film used for holding
the stack together and depending on the compressibility of the packages or
articles, the stack will shrink by a certain amount during further handing and
shipment. Such stretch wrapped stacks are usually provided with labels, which
have to allow the stretch wrapped stack to shrink and be deformed to a certain
extent during handing and shipment. The present invention relates to labels,
which are designed, to achieve a substantial improvement in stability after
having been applied to a stretch wrapped stack of packages or articles.


French Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à des étiquettes qui sont fixées de manière adhésive à l'extérieur d'une pile de paquets ou d'articles qui sont combinés dans un plateau généralement au moyen d'un film enveloppé extensible. Des telles piles sont extrêmement stables mais en raison de l'étirement du film utilisé pour maintenir les piles ensemble et en fonction de la compressibilité des paquets ou des articles, la pile va rétrécir dans une certaine proportion au cours de la remise et de l'expédition ultérieures. Ces piles enveloppées extensibles sont généralement pourvues d'étiquettes qui permettent aux piles enveloppées extensibles de rétrécir et d'être déformées jusqu'à un certain point au cours de la remise et de l'expédition. L'invention en question concerne aussi des étiquettes qui sont conçues de manière à offrir une nette amélioration après avoir été appliquées sur une pile enveloppée extensible de paquets ou d'articles.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



What is claimed is:

1) A label (10) for adhesive attachment to a stack of articles which stack is
combined by an exterior substrate, said label (10) having four sides (11), a
signal surface comprising indications and an adhesive surface for
attachment to a stack,
said adhesive surface being provided with a protective release cover (20),
said release cover (20) being releasably attached to said adhesive on said
adhesive surface of said label (10),
said label (10) being characterized in that
said release cover (20), comprises at least two separating lines (25, 26)
each of said separating lines (25, 26) divides one region of said release
cover (20) from an adjacent region of said release cover (20) thereby
dividing the release cover into two outer regions (21) and one center
region (22) which center region (22) separates the two outer regions (21)
and further characterized in that the resistance to wrinkling of the
combination of said label (10) and said release cover (20) is higher than
the resistance to wrinkling of the label (10) alone and further characterized
in that the release cover (20) in said outer regions (21) can be removed
without removing the release cover (20) in said central region (22).

2) A band of a multitude of labels (10) as defined in claim 1 wherein the
release cover (20) of adjacent labels (10) connects said adjacent labels
(10) by being connected in said outer regions (21) and said release cover
(20) is disconnected between adjacent labels (10) in said center region
(22).

8



3) A band of labels (10) according to claim 2 where said release cover (20) is
provided from a continuous release cover strip and said labels (10) are
combined with said release cover (20) and said release cover (20) is cut
into said center region (22) and said outer regions (21) by a micro-cut
process after the labels (10) and the release cover (20) have been
combined.

4) A stack of articles which stack is combined by a stretch wrap film for
protection and stability, said stack having attached on the outside of said
stretch wrap film a label (10) as defined in claim 1, said label (10) being
attached in both said outer regions (21 ) of said release cover (20) by
removal of said release cover (20) while said release cover (20) in said
center region (22) remains on said label (10).

9


Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02461147 2004-03-22
WO 03/027765 PCT/US02/31051
Improved label for stretch wrapped stacks
Winfried Schmelzer
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to labels which are adhesively attached to the
outside of a stack of packages or articles which packages or articles are
combined on a pallet typically by a stretch wrapped film. Such stretch wrapped
stacks are highly stable but due to the stretch in the film used for holding
the
stack together and depending on the compressibility of the packages or
articles,
the stack will shrink by a certain amount during further handing and shipment.
Such stretch wrapped stacks are usually provided with labels, which have to
allow the stretch wrapped stack to shrink and be deformed to a certain extent
during handing and shipment. The present invention relates to labels, which
are
designed, to achieve a substantial improvement in stability after having been
applied to a stretch wrapped stack of packages or articles.
Background all the invention
Especially for handing and shipment of such stacks it has become usual to
provide them with large and easily identifiable labels, which are machine-
readable. The most common label indications are bar codes. Of course these
labels, if provided prior to shrinking of the stack, will have to allow
shrinking or
else they will crumple and wrinkle. This may cause the bar code to become
unreadable by a machine reader and cause the further handing and shipment to
become more difficult if not impossible, as the indications on the label can
no
longer be used.
Hence there exists a problem of providing labels for shrink wrapped stacks or
otherwise combined articles which labels improve that indications on the
labels
remain readable throughout the handing and shipping and in particular which
labels are indifferent to the potential shrinking of the stack or other
deformation
1


CA 02461147 2004-03-22
WO 03/027765 PCT/US02/31051
which may occur during handing and shipment.
Brief description of the Figures
Fig. 1 shows an individual label in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows a continuous band of a multitude of labels also in accordance
with
the present invention.
Summary over the invention
The present invention relates to a label for adhesive application to a stack
of
articles which stack is combined with an exterior substrate such as a stretch
wrapped film. The label has a signal surface with indications, for example
about
the content of the stack, and on its opposed side an adhesive surface for the
attachment to the exterior substrate of the stack of articles. The adhesive
surface
is provided with a protective release cover which is releasably attached to
the
adhesive on the adhesive surface and the release cover has two separating
lines,
e.g. cuts, which generate two outer regions of the release cover and one
center
region intermediate the two outer regions. Each separating line divides one
region of the release cover from the adjacent region of the release cover.
This
allows the release cover in the outer regions to be removed without having to
remove the release cover in the center region. In accordance with the present
invention the combination of the label and the release cover has a higher
resistance against wrinkling than the label material alone, due to the
additional
release cover material.
In an alternative and preferred embodiment, according to the present
invention, a
band of a multitude of labels as defined above is provided on a continuous
release cover where only the outer regions are connected, preferably
continuous,
but the adjacent intermediate regions of the release cover of the adjacent
labels
are separated from each other. In preferred embodiments the labels are
provided
by polymeric material. The release cover is preferably provided by a
continuous
2


CA 02461147 2004-03-22
WO 03/027765 PCT/US02/31051
release cover, preferably a release coated paper strip. The release coating
can
for example be a silicon coating. Preferably the release cover is divided into
regions by a micro cut process where the cutting is done after the label and
the
release cover are combined and the cutting only extends through the thickness
of
the release cover but does not cut into the label material.
Finally, in another alternative and preferred embodiment according to the
present
invention a stack of articles is claimed, which is combined by a stretch film
for
protection and stability of the stack. The stack has attached on the outside
of the
stretch film a label as defined above in which only the outer regions of the
release
cover are removed from the label to attach the label to the stretch film while
maintaining the release cover in the central region on the label.
Detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention.
According to the present invention a label for adhesive application to a stack
of
articles is shown in Figure 1. A stack of articles can for example be a number
of
small packages of products, such as plastic bags, comprising smaller
quantities
of products than the whole stack. Such stacks of articles are typically
created on
a pallet such that they are easy to handle for shipment and transport. The
products inside each article, for example a carton or a plastic bag, can be
any
kind of product that are subdivided into smaller quantities for further
distribution,
sale or handling. A good example in this respect are absorbent products, such
as
diapers or sanitary napkins or adult incontinence products which are packed
together in a small number, being reasonable for those purchasing such
products. The package in which these products are provided is typically a
plastic
bag. The bags are intended to provide esthetic and protection from the
environment of the product. In the context of the present invention, such
packages are referred to as articles and they are combined in a stack to form
a
larger shipment unit. The most frequently used way of combination of such
stacks
into a unitary transportable and easy-to-handle unit is to palletize them and
to
wrap the whole pallet including the packages with a stretch wrapped film. Such
3


CA 02461147 2004-03-22
WO 03/027765 PCT/US02/31051
stacks of articles in accordance with the present invention are provided with
the
label according to the present invention in order to identify the content and
possibly indicate other information about the content of such a stack.
In the context of such stacks which are combined by use of a stretch wrapped
film or more generally an exterior substrate, it is necessary that the label
attached
on the outside of the substrate be readable during the whole transportation
and
handling process. In particular stretch wrap film has a tendency to continue
to
shrink during such handling because empty spaces and voids inside the stack
are gradually shaken out and the strength of the film allows further
compression
of the unified stack of articles. For a label, this however requires that the
label be
able to either follow such deformation or prevent the deformation to that part
of
the label which carries the signals of the label.
The present invention addresses this problem by providing the label in
accordance with Fig. 1 in which the label (10) is shown from its signaling
surface.
No signals are indicated on the label, but typically bar codes would be
provided
with the bars extending between line 25 and line 26 for reading e.g. by a
laser
scanner. The label has four sides (11 ) and is provided with an adhesive
surface
on the reverse side of the signaling surface. Preferably the adhesive extends
across the whole label on the adhesive surface, but is not required to be co-
extensive with the whole label. The adhesive has to be selected such that the
attachment to the exterior substrate of the stack is safely provided released
from
the release cover (20), is facilitated without problems.
In Fig. 1 the release cover (20) is shown to extend beyond the side edges (11
) of
the label on all four sides. This, however, is not necessary if the adhesive
surface
on the label does not extend to the side edges (11 ) of the label (10). In a
practical
embodiment the side edges of the release cover (20) may be co-extensive with
and aligned with the side edges (11 ) of the label.
4


CA 02461147 2004-03-22
WO 03/027765 PCT/US02/31051
The release cover (20) has two separating lines (25, 26), which in the
preferred
embodiment shown in Fig. 1, are provided by cutting the label along the lines
(25,
26). These separating lines provide the release cover with two outer regions
(21 )
and a center region (22). The release cover in each region can be removed from
the label (10) individually without interfering with the remainder of the
release
cover. This then allows to remove the release cover from the label in an outer
region (21 ) and maintain the release cover in a center region (22) on the
label. If
such a label is attached to a stack, its central region substantially
coextensive
with the central region (22) of the release cover will be provided with
additional
strength withstanding the wrinkling, which is otherwise possible when
attaching
the label across its whole surface to an exterior substrate on a stack of
articles.
The separating lines (25,26) do not need to divide the outer regions (22) from
the
center region (22) such that these regions are immediately adjacent. However
for
all practical purposes, the easiest construction is that wherein the
separating
lines (25,26) are provided by a micro cut that is run through the release
cover
while the label has already been joined by its adhesive to the release cover.
In another preferred embodiment the same label and release cover construction
as shown in Fig. 1 is combined to a band of labels on a release cover (20).
The
continuous part of the release cover shown in Fig. 2 is that portion which
continuously extends in the outer region (21 ) where the adjacent outer
regions of
one label and another label are not separated. In principle labels as shown in
Fig.
1 could be made continuously by joining the adjacent outer regions (21 ) of
the
release cover (20) between two labels, for example with a tape tab. However,
the
preferred embodiment as shown in Fig. 2 simply uses a continuous band of
release cover material cut by micro-cutting along the separating lines (25,
26) in a
continuous fashion and also provided with a center region separating line (27)
where adjacent center regions between labels are disconnected. Also this line
(27) preferably is provided by the same cutting mechanism as the separating
lines (25, 26). Again, the labels on such an endless band can be separated


CA 02461147 2004-03-22
WO 03/027765 PCT/US02/31051
between labels and from the peripheral edges of the band as shown in Fig. 2.
However, this is not necessary since the labels could in principle be provided
immediately adjacent to each other so that front and end edges (11 ) of the
adjacent tables (10).
The labels according to the present invention are preferably made from a
polymeric film. The film needs to allow easy provision of the signal
indications.
Usually such films are provided as a role that can be unwound and be combined
with the release cover material. The release cover material is preferably
provided
by a release-coated paper again provided as a role. Such roles can be combined
by providing the adhesive for the label onto the release coated release cover
surface, joining the release cover surface with the polymeric film of the
label in
which step also the adhesive transfers from the release cover surface to the
label
material. The next step is cutting the label on one side of the laminate
formed
between the film, adhesive and release cover system in order to shape the
labels. This cutting step can be such that no part of the polymeric film
material
needs to be removed. When considering the design shown in Fig. 2 or Fig. 1 of
the label the rim of the label material needs to be removed from such a
system.
This, on one hand, creates additional costs while it on the other hand creates
clear definition of where the label is and allows easy access to remove the
label
from the release cover. As a second step in the process of creating labels in
accordance with the present invention the release cover needs to be cut along
the separating lines (25, 26) and a further cut along line (27) separating
adjacent
center regions of the release cover between labels. This can be provided by
micro cutting extending only into the depth of a material so it does not
create a
cut in the adhesive surface of the table.
The labels created in such a system may also be provided in shapes and designs
other than simple rectangular as shown in the figures. For example rounded
edges have found wide spread use in the field of labels which the present
invention does of course also support. In principle the present invention
allows
6


CA 02461147 2004-03-22
WO 03/027765 PCT/US02/31051
combination with all those aspects of modern labeling technology usual in the
art
without removing any of the characteristic features of the present invention.
The experienced practitioner will however readily recognize that the
embodiments discussed herein above are those most preferred for use in a
commercial environment since they do not generate any additional cost or
material usage or create complexity in handling the labels, other than
additional
cuts along the lines (25, 26, 27) versus the label systems of the prior art.
Thereby
the benefit from creating the added wrinkle resistance in the center region of
the
label adjacent the release cover region (22) can be achieved without
additional
cost, complexity for labeling system or burden in material consumption on the
disposal system of a manufacturer.
7

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2010-06-22
(86) PCT Filing Date 2002-09-30
(87) PCT Publication Date 2003-04-03
(85) National Entry 2004-03-22
Examination Requested 2004-03-22
(45) Issued 2010-06-22
Deemed Expired 2018-10-01

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Request for Examination $800.00 2004-03-22
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2004-03-22
Application Fee $400.00 2004-03-22
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2004-09-30 $100.00 2004-03-22
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2005-09-30 $100.00 2005-06-23
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2006-10-02 $100.00 2006-06-29
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2007-10-01 $200.00 2007-06-26
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2008-09-30 $200.00 2008-06-25
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 7 2009-09-30 $200.00 2009-06-26
Final Fee $300.00 2010-03-29
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 8 2010-09-30 $200.00 2010-08-20
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 9 2011-09-30 $200.00 2011-08-17
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 10 2012-10-01 $250.00 2012-08-29
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 11 2013-09-30 $250.00 2013-08-13
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 12 2014-09-30 $250.00 2014-08-13
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 13 2015-09-30 $250.00 2015-08-12
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 14 2016-09-30 $250.00 2016-08-11
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
Past Owners on Record
SCHMELZER, WINFRIED
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2004-03-22 1 61
Claims 2004-03-22 2 59
Representative Drawing 2004-03-22 1 5
Description 2004-03-22 7 335
Drawings 2004-03-22 2 15
Cover Page 2004-05-28 1 39
Representative Drawing 2010-05-27 1 5
Cover Page 2010-05-27 2 43
Correspondence 2004-08-30 6 234
Correspondence 2004-09-27 1 13
Correspondence 2004-09-28 1 15
PCT 2004-03-22 6 193
Assignment 2004-03-22 5 210
Prosecution-Amendment 2005-08-18 3 80
Prosecution-Amendment 2006-02-16 5 220
Correspondence 2010-03-29 2 59