Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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LABEL OR WRAPPER WITH PREMIUM
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to novelty items added to consumer
products including food or beverage containers, wrappers and otlier packaging.
Background of the Invention
Cereal companies have employed toys or other premiums inside
boxes or containers to stimulate consumer interest in their products. Rings,
toys,
books, comics and the like have been included in boxes or affixed to food
containers to add value to the purchase of a particular cereal or snack.
Producers
of other products such as packaged goods and foodstuffs sold in cans, bottles,
cones, tubes rolls, tubs or other containers have found it difficult,
expensive or
otherwise impractical to add a "premium play element" or collectible value to
their products because there has not been an efficient and cost effective
method
to consistently deliver the premium to the consumer without investing in other
equipment to insert the premium into or onto a package.
Cereal boxes provide a large, dry environment for reception of a
toy or other premiums, while cans, tubs, bottles and other containers do not
allow for the insertion of premiums because of the potential contamination and
safety hazards for consumers. To place an item on a package traditionally has
necessitated additional packaging equipment that may not otherwise be
available
to the packager. The addition of this equipment often results in the reduction
of
production line speed and the reconfiguration of a manufacturing or packaging
line adds time and expense to the product that increases the added up-front
costs
associated witli including the premium in the food product. Premiums are
therefore unlikely to be added or to be used by a variety of manufacturers.
The backs of labels have been used to deliver coupons or special
messages for consumers but they have been limited to standard printing inks
and
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paper, with no real play or collectible value for children or adults. For
example,
U.S. Patent Nos. 1,054,826 and 1,756,944 disclose the use of labels on canned
goods that includes information, such as recipes printed on the inside surface
of
the label. U.S. Pat. No. 4,634,149 discloses a label having a game of chance
positioned on the back side of a label and U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,664 discloses
the
incorporation of a puzzle onto a label or packaging.
The addition of each type of unique play premium to packaging
wrappers creates its own unique problems since the addition of pigments, or
non-
traditional inks or substrates and materials on the front or back surface of a
wrapper can raise the premium above the surface of the wrapper material.
Wrappers are generally dispensed from magazines or trays during assembly
and/or loading and the automated incorporation of the food into a wrapper or a
wrapper onto a container of food or beverage generally requires that the
wrapper
sit flat and provide an essentially uniform thickness throughout to avoid
reconfiguration of the wrapper assembly and packaging and to maintain
uniformity and accuracy in the process of adding the food to the wrapper or
adding the wrapper to a food or beverage container..
A variety of children play toys, activities and novelty items are
known, including, but not limited to, self adhesive or remoistable adhesive
stickers, activity books with a number of activities such as paintable inks,
such
as inks paintable with water or other safe solvents, transfers, tattoos,
scratch-off
type hiding activities for adults or children, glow-in-the-dark pictures,
"scratch
and sniff' type activity books, and the like. Despite their attraction to
children
and adults, these types of activities are virtually impossible to efficiently
deliver
as a collectible premium on many consumer products because of their cost in
manufacture, the need for additional equipment to facilitate the addition of
the
premium to a product and the rate at which the assembly process must normally
be slowed to facilitate and verify premium placement and assembly.
Traditional label or wrapper application processes often employ
heat. Depending on how the wrapper is applied, high temperatures can
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compromise a premium that is closely associated with a wrapper. Heat, for
example, can cause both pressure sensitive and remoist adhesives to melt,
migrate, burn or cause equipment to jam during the packaging process. The
addition of premium stickers or other novelty items to packaging would
generally require the reconfiguration of the packing or labeling equipment.
This
added cost becomes prohibitive since the costs cannot be passed readily to the
consumer. Many pre-manufactured pressure sensitive or self adhesive materials
are far more expensive than traditional wrapper or label paper and the added
cost
of these materials, in addition to the glues, special inks die cutting, etc.,
in any
quantity added to food packaging becomes economically prohibitive particularly
because the assembly is often performed as separate independent manufacturing
steps. In addition, the self adhesive or remoistable adhesive materials do not
have the same application properties as labels comprising paper. Due to their
stiffness and rigidity, they require expensive resins, solvents or hot glues
for
application. Pre-made pressure-sensitive materials, especially films, may also
conduct static electricity. Moreover, the premade films tend to curl when cut
and
placed in a tray or magazine thereby making it undesirable for automated
labeling schemes. In addition, the stickers may be affected by the heat or
cold of
the cans, packages or containers as they exit the manufacturing line off of a
cooker, bottling equipment, wrapper, or the like.
Stickers, for example, have been used as a play device by children
for many years and they have been popular as a collectable item in many forms
including a variety of stamps, reward by teachers and parents, as games, as
trading items between children and to incorporate the stickers into a picture
in a
book or on a poster. Methods for producing multiple ply labels are known and
methods for manufacturing multiple labels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
1,756,944 to Gordon. This type of paper has little intrinsic value as a play
piece
or as a collectible item to a child or adult or as a value added item on
products.
Preferred collectible stickers and other premiums must be
positioned with accuracy on the label surface to fit within the confmes of the
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overall wrapper. For example, a large area for stickers, taking up 25% or more
of the label, needs to be repeatably positioned relative to the edges of the
label to
facilitate automation. U.S. Pat. No. 1,756,944 to Gordon does not disclose
methods to provide the positioning accuracy that would permit efficient
deliver
of the stickers. It is also difficult to "kiss cut" or die cut only through
the
pressure sensitive layer of a two ply label construction (i.e. self adhesive
sticker
paper and release base) without cutting through the base material of a two ply
construction that is flexible and pliable enough to be efficiently wrapped
around
a product. Previous attempts have resulted in tremendous waste and
inefficiency. The rolls or webs that could possibly be used to manufacture a
suitable pressure sensitive material are generally narrow, adding to the
expense
and inefficiency since labels are generally produced on wide web or sheet fed
presses that allow for fast and efficient manufacturing.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to the addition of value to a
consumer package, or portion thereof through the addition of a play or
collectible
premium to the packaging. The play premiums of this invention are integrally
provided as a premium on a portion of a consumer package to increase the value
of the product package or advertising. The collectible premiums are positioned
on at least one surface of the consumer packaging for the use and enjoyment of
children or adults who purchase or consume the products in the can, bottle,
wrapper, container or other package. In a preferred embodiment, the
collectible
or play premiums are positioned on either the front or the back face of the
packaging. Once the packaging containing the premium is emptied of product,
trimmed, if necessary, or removed from the container and/or separated from the
label, the premium is available for the use and enjoyment of a child or adult.
In one embodiment, the play premium is a sticker and the sticker
is produced directly on the surface of a label. Advertising graphics related
to
product identification and/or source or other information is added to the
label.
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Preferably the stickers are produced on the label at the same time as the
label is
printed with advertising or other information. The simultaneous manufacturing
of the stickers onto the labeling material by printing applying glue, die
cutting
and trimming assures that the application equipment will not be hampered by
5 stacks of uneven labels that bulge or stick together because of glue
coatings or
uneven label trimming. The stickers are integral with the label and the label
with
the stickers has an essentially uniform thickness.
The present invention also relates to a method to produce and
dispense labels that does not require any special application equipment in the
manufacturing plants or changes in the manufacturing process at the packaging,
canning or bottling facility. Unlike stickers "die cut" into relatively thick
materials, such as standard weight pressure sensitive materials, the labels of
this
invention do not significantly slow down the production lines, and the process
is
not affected by heat or cold from the cans or containers as they exit the
manufacturing line and are affixed onto the container.
By producing the premium directly on the back or front surface of
the label, one is assured that the premium is delivered on each and every
package
that moves through the packaging line. Electric eyes verify that every package
is
labeled on the packaging line. When premiums are independently affixed to a
package, it is much more difficult to confirm that the premium is on every
container. When premiums are independently affixed to a package, both
accurate placement of the premium and even delivery of the label or premium on
every product is reduced. The use of a sticker or stamp premium that is
integral
with the label assures that the premium is delivered to each package and this
invention provides options for delivery of the premium using a label material
of
about the same weight, grade and performance as the material that is currently
in
use in the consumer product. Little or no additional verification equipment
becomes necessary and no substantial reengineering, retooling or
reconfiguration
of the packaging process is needed. The present invention can be incorporated
into wrappers, boxes, liners, bags, tubes, covers, tubs, trays and other
containers
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or barriers for food or beverage or other packaged goods and products,
particularly where the premium can be integrated into the advertising message.
In a preferred embodiment of this invention a flexible label for
consumer packaging is disclosed that includes a first layer, visible to the
consumer, comprising advertising identifying the consumer product; and a back
layer, wherein the label comprises at least one collectible sticker premium
positioned on at least one of the layers and wherein the collectible sticker
is
integral with and removable from the label. In one aspect of this embodiment,
the sticker is positioned on the front face of the label and in another
aspect, the
sticker is positioned on the back face of the label. In a preferred embodiment
there are more than two stickers on the label and in another embodiment there
is
a single large sticker on the label. The label can be adapted to be affixed to
the
consumer package and in one embodiment there is a zoned area on the label
suitable for affixing the label to the consumer package.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the label is positioned on a can,
canister, jar or bottle. In another aspect the label or wrapper is formed as a
pouch or bag, a cylinder, liner material or a tube. The label can also be part
of a
stack of labels, such as would be present during the assembly process.
The labels of this invention can be positioned on a variety of
consumer packaging. In one embodiment, the label is positioned on a package
containing a food or beverage and in another embodiment the label is
positioned
on a personal care product package. In another embodiment the label is
positioned on a cleaning product and in another the label is positioned on
audiovisual packaging.
polymeric material.
In another aspect of this invention the invention relates to a multi-
layer flexible label or wrapper comprising a first layer having a front face,
visible
to the consumer, comprising advertising identifying the consumer product, a
second layer having a back face comprising a removable sticker, and a third
layer
affixed to a consumer package wherein the first and second layers are removed
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together from the consumer package. In one embodiment, the consumer package
is selected from the group consisting of food or beverage packaging, personal
care packaging, and audiovisual packaging. In another embodiment the label is
positioned on a can, canister, jar, bottle, pouch, cylinder, or tube.
In a further aspect of this invention, the invention relates to a
flexible label comprising: a front face, visible to the consumer, comprising
advertising identifying the consumer product and a back face, wherein the
label
comprises at least one transfer premium printed on the label. Preferably the
transfer is selected from the group consisting of a finger puppet tattoo,
finger nail
applique, earring tattoo, bracelet, and transfer disguises. In another
embodiment
of this aspect of the invention the transfer is a decorative transfer for
fabric or a
transferable decoration for a food item. Alternatively the invention includes
a
comic strip type scene printed on the article comprises a transfer.
In a further aspect of this invention a flexible label or wrapper for
consumer packaging is disclosed comprising a front face, visible to the
consumer, comprising advertising identifying the consumer product and a back
face, wherein the label comprises at least one painting, folding, tearing,
cutting,
drawing or scratch-type activity printed on the label. In one embodiment a
painting activity is positioned on the article and preferably the article
further
comprises water moistenable paints. In another embodiment the article
comprises face paints and in another the article comprises color-bleed paints,
frosted inks, invisible inks and water-soluble inks. In yet another
embodiment,
the article comprises a hidden image and/or a scratch-suitable varnish. In one
embodiment the article further comprises a laminate or varnish to facilitate
repeat use of the drawing or painting activity. In one aspect of this
embodiment,
the activity is selected from the group consisting of puzzles, mazes, games,
and
figures. In yet another embodiment, the activity is a folding activity and at
least
a portion of one face of the article comprises a printed foldable image. In
another, the activity is a tearing activity comprising creating disposable
jewelry
and preferably the jewelry comprises at least one bracelet. In another
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embodiment, the article comprises a heat-responsive material that is isolated
from the label. In another embodiment the article comprises
a water-soluble, readily dissolvable paper.
In another aspect of this invention the invention relates to a
flexible label for consumer packaging comprising a front face, visible to the
consumer, comprising advertising identifying the consumer product and a back
face wherein the label comprises at least one solarchromtic, thermochromatic
or
glow-in-the-dark type or scented ink printed on at least a portion of a face
of the
label or wrapper.
In a preferred embodiment, the scented ink is activated by scratching the ink.
Preferably the article can be used in standard automated labeling machinery.
In another aspect of this invention, a flexible label or wrapper for
consumer packaging comprising a front face, visible to the consumer,
comprising advertising identifying the consumer product and a back face
comprising an image, color pattern or figure and an opaque coating positioned
over the figure, color pattern or image, wherein scratching of the coating
reveals
the figure, color pattern or image.
In another embodiment, the invention relates to a flexible label
for consumer packaging comprising a front face, visible to the consumer,
comprising advertising identifying the consumer product, a back face and a
liner
covering a food wherein a premium is positioned on at least one surface of the
label or wrapper and wherein the label or wrapper has a substantially uniform
thickness. Preferably the premium is positioned on the liner of the article
and in
another preferred embodiment, the premium is positioned on a face of the
article.
Another embodiment of this invention relates to a multi-layer
flexible label or wrapper for consumer packaging comprising a front face,
visible
to the consumer, comprising advertising identifying the consumer product and a
back face,
wherein the label comprises at least one flap that can be lifted to reveal a
hidden
image or message. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a flexible
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label or wrapper for consumer packaging comprising a front
face, visible to the consumer, comprising advertising
identifying the consumer product and a back face, wherein
the label comprises at least one seed. Yet another
embodiment relates to a flexible label or wrapper for
consumer packaging comprising a front face, visible to the
consumer, comprising advertising identifying the consumer
product and a back face, wherein at least a portion of the
label or wrapper comprises lenticular lens material.
The invention also relates to a method for
printing a tattoo onto a wrapper or label comprising the
steps of adding ink to a photopolymer plate via a rubber
blanket fitted on an offset press, transferring the ink to a
set of one or more rollers to offset the flexographic image,
and transferring the ink from the rollers to a sheet that is
then used as flexible label stock for consumer packaging.
In a broad aspect, there is provided a flexible
label for consumer packaging characterized by: a first
layer having a front face, visible to the consumer,
comprising advertising identifying the consumer product; a
second layer having a back face, wherein the first layer and
the second layer are coextensive with one another such that
the label has a substantially uniform thickness; and a
removable sticker integrally formed in one of the first and
second layers, wherein the removable sticker is defined by a
peel guideline contained within the layer in which the
sticker is formed.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a
bottle having at least one sticker as taught by the present
invention.
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Figure 2 is a perspective view, similar to
Figure 1, with stickers on the back face of a label.
Figure 3 is a perspective view, similar to
Figure 2, with stickers positioned on the back face of a
container label.
Figure 4 is a collection of exemplary packaging
that can be used to deliver the premiums of the present
invention.
Figure 5 provides an illustration of a label for
delivery of a premium that uses multi-layer construction.
Figure 5A is a perspective view of the label removable from
a beverage container. Figure 513 demonstrates the
removability of a sticker premium from the label of
Figure 5A.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a preferred
painting premium according to this invention. Figure 6A
illustrates the moistenability of paint positioned on the
label and Figure 6B illustrates the transferability of the
paint to another image.
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Figure 7 illustrates a repeat use dry-erase marker (Figure 7B)
activity positioned on a pouch or bag.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a label or wrapper comprising a
fabric transfer image. Figure 8A provides the image and 8B illustrates a
5 preferred method for application.
Figure 9A is a perspective view of a rub-down type transfer.
Figure 9B illustrates the transfer to paper and Figure 9C illustrates the
transfer to
skin.
Figure 1 OA illustrates a label comprising a printed image and an
10 invisible image. Figure l OB illustrates an ink composition using a coin
rub to
reveal the hidden image. Figure 10C illustrates an ink composition using
pencil
lead to reveal the hidden image.
Figure 11A is a perspective view of a label from a consumer
product that comprises solarchromatic ink. Figure 11B illustrates the effect
of
sun on the label and Figure 11 C illustrates the effect obtained when the
label is
removed form the sun.
Figure 12 illustrates the use of thermochromatic inks in play
premiums or labels or wrappers. Figure 12A illustrates a label with
thermochromatic ink. Figure 12B illustrates the effect of ink on the label and
Figure 12C illustrates the effect caused by the removal of heat.
Figure 13 illustrates the use of glow-in-the-dark inks. Preferably
the label is reverse image printed with the ink (Figure 13A), a light-visible
image
is printed over the reverse image (Figure 13B) and the reverse image becomes
visible in the dark following light exposure.
Figure 14 illustrates a scratch art activity.
Figure 15 illustrates a scratch (Figure 15A) and sniff (Figure 15B)
according to this invention.
Figure 16 illustrates a lift-the-flap type activity on a label or
wrapper.
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Figure 17 illustrates the incorporation of seeds into a label or
wrapper.
Figure 18 illustrates a folding origami activity on a label or
wrapper.
Figure 19 illustrates the incorporation of jewelry into a wrapper or
label.
Figure 20 illustrates a novelty activity created by rotating
separable portions of a wrapper or label.
Figure 21 is a perspective view of a stack of labels.
Figure 22 illustrates a preferred method for printing a tattoo on a
wrapper or label.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The present invention relates to collectible or play premiums
presented on the surface of consumer packaging to provide added value to the
packaging and therefore, added value to the product contained in the
packaging.
The collectible premium or play premium provides an incentive for the initial
and repeat purchase of the consumer product. In addition, the collectible
premium integral with product designators gives value to the product
identifier
information and this information is kept, because of the play or collectible
premium, after the consumer good has been consumed.
The term "sticker" refers to a flexible printed material, of interest
to children or adults for collection, trade or play that includes a first
surface with
an image printed thereon and a second surface having an adhesive such as a
self
adhesive, for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a remoist adhesive,
for
example, a surface that is made adhesive through the addition of moisture to
the
second surface.
The term "label" is used interchangeably with "wrapper" and is
used herein to refer to all or a portion of a consumer package where the label
or
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wrapper includes a product identifier, a product source/manufacturer
identifier,
bar codes, nutritional information, and the like. Thus, the labels of this
invention
may include all, or a portion of a removable portion of the packaging, whether
or
not the removable portion is a paper label, a plastic label applied with an
adhesive, perforated labels, a wrapper, or the actual packaging itself, such
as a
paper or polymeric film pouch. For example, the label of a can, paper or
synthetic film laminated onto cardboard packaging. Tubes, bottles (both glass
and synthetic, including squeeze type bottles, juice-type bottles, asceptic
cartons,
milk jugs, cartons and the like), wrappers, bags, pouches, tubs, cups,
including
cups with seals or wrappers over the top of the container opening on lids as
well
as bowls and trays, and the like also serve as packaging that can incorporate
the
labels of this invention. Importantly, the play premium or collectible premium
of this invention are integrally formed with the label material. Preferably,
whether on the front or on the back face of the label, the play premium or
collectible premium is an integral portion of the advertising message and is
connected with the material containing the advertising and/or message
printing.
The term "integral" as used herein refers to the notion that many of the
premiums
are not merely additions to the label, but are the label, whether in part or
whole.
Many of the premiums are prepared from unique inks or laminates that become
part of the label so that the label preferably has a substantially uniform
thickness
across the length of the label. The premiums of this invention are also
flexible
and therefore distinguishable from heavy cardboard labels. The connection can
exist by virtue of the premium being printed or applied directly on to the
advertising. In another embodiment, the premium is added to a wrapper or liner
that is separate, but adjacent to the layer of material containing the
advertising
message. In both instances, no or only minimal reconfiguration of the
packaging
or labeling equipment is needed. Preferably the play premium or collectible
premium is incorporated onto the label so that the premium does not add
substantial thickness to the label and so that the label, overall, is of an
essentially
uniform thickness. In a preferred embodiment, the addition of the premium does
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not add substantial variation to the length and height dimensions of the label
in a
way that would require additional manufacturing assembly and reconfiguration
of machinery for addition of the consumer good to the label or wrapper or the
application of the label or wrapper onto a container or package housing the
consumer good. The labels of this invention are prepared using a flexible
material. This material can then be laminated or otherwise affixed to
inflexible
materials such as cardboard, inflexible plastics, and the like.
The premiums of this invention can be incorporated into the
labeling or wrappers for a variety of consumable or purchased goods or
products
including, but not limited to, consumable products such as; personal care
products including, but not limited to soaps, shampoos, make-up, facial
tissues,
paper products, insect repellents; first aid products including, but not
limited to,
bandages, ointments, sunscreens, and the like; cleaners, including but not
limited
to, detergents, cleaning solutions, paints and sprays; audio/visual products
including, but not limited to, videocassette packaging, audiocassettes,
including
electromagnetic tapes or compact discs, and the like; and, foodstuffs,
including,
but not limited to, pastas, including boxed pastas, crackers, cookies and
other
bakery goods, cereals, candies, gums, snacks including chips, pretzels,
popcorn,
nuts, pizza, produce identifiers, butter, and the like, or ice cream novelty
wrappers. The premiums of this invention can be incorporated into labels for
jars, cans, containers or bottles including, but not limited to, jams, peanut
butter,
vegetables, fruits, puddings, applesauce, yogurt, soups, stews, meats, cheese,
condiments, microwavable products, as well as beverages including soda,
juices,
milk, sport drinks, beer, other alcoholic beverages, and the like. The
premiums
can also be included in frozen foods, including, but not limited to, frozen
meal
packaging, pizzas, vegetables, fruits, ice creams as well as in the packaging
of
concession items including popcorn, hot dog, ice cream and peanut packaging,
and the like.
The labels, as defined above, of this invention include a generally
planar surface with a front face comprising advertising or information that
can
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include product identifier and/or source identifier, product logos and
trademarks
along with a back face, or inner surface, with the back face positioned on a
surface facing the packaged goods.
In one embodiment of this invention, the premium is a sticker. In
general, there are two types of stickers that are commercially available at a
reduced cost. These include self adhesive-type stickers and remoist adhesive
stickers. Both self-adhesive stickers and remoist adhesive stickers present
challenges when they are adapted for packaging. Self adhesive stickers are
produced on rolls or sheets of a paper, film or other similar material coated
with
adhesive. Self adhesive paper is generally laminated to a release paper or
film
base to provide easy release of the stickers. Generally, self adhesive
material of
two or more plys is considerably thicker and of a heavier weight of paper than
most common paper or film labels for cans or bottles. This added weight and
thickness presents problems when wrapping around a container using
conventional packaging equipment. In addition to the problems of the thickness
of the sticker material, the stickers can delaminate from the material and
create
other problems. The plies or layers of these stickers are generally one to
three
ply thick.
Remoist adhesive stickers (including most postage-type stamps,
for example) have an adhesive applied to the surface that allows the sticker
to
adhere to another surface or to itself once moisture has activated the glue.
Envelopes, for example, generally have a remoist adhesive applied to the
flaps.
Sticker with remoist adhesive can present problems since the adhesive can
cause
a stack of stickers to adhere together or "brick" due to moisture or humidity
in
the atmosphere.
For remoist stickers it is possible to include a moisture barrier such as
plastic, a
paper slip sheet, a silicone liner or a powder coating to prevent the glue
from
activating due to humidity or condensation. Assurance that the liner extends
in
an even fashion over the label can prevent uneven stacking of the labels or
m _ __.. .. .._.. ..
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wrappers in a tray or magazine to assure consistent application of the labels
using rapid, automated processes.
Referring now to the Figures, Figure 1 discloses a beverage bottle
10 having sides 11 and a neck 12 adapted to receive a bottle top 13. An
5 elongated label 14 is applied on the bottle to serve as advertising. The
term
"advertising" is used herein to refer to product and/or source identifiers 15
as
well as logos, collectible premium-related advertising, and the like. The
product
and/ or source identifier 15 is positioned on a front face of the label (i.e.,
the side
of the label exposed to the consumer) and the label 14 has a first layer 16
and a
10 second layer (not shown). In Fig. 1, the label 14 also includes at least
one sticker
premium 17 with cut or tear guides 18, positioned on the first surface 16.
Figure 2 illustrates an identical beverage container 10 having
sides 11 and a neck 12 adapted to receive a bottle top 13. Here, an elongated
label 19 is positioned on the container to provide advertising including
product
15 and/or source identification. The label 19 can also include product
advertising
logos, collectible premium advertising, and the like, on the front face of the
label. Labels 14 (Fig. 1) and 19 (Fig. 2) are preferably removably affixed to
the
bottle 10, for example, using glued end portions 22, as provided in Figure 2.
Glued end portions 22 permit the label to be removably affixed to the bottle
surface. Label 19, includes a first layer 23 and a second layer 25. An
intermediate portion 24 of second layer 25 includes at least one sticker.
Removal of the label 19 and removal of the sticker 17 using guide lines 26
results in a sticker having a printed surface, formerly part of second layer
25, on
one side and an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, on the back
side.
Figure 3 is similar to Figures 1 and 2, in that a label is affixed to a
consumer product; however, the container of Figure 3 is a metallic container
or
can 28 to house consumable goods including soups, stews, meats, vegetables,
pet
foods, and the like. The can is formed generally as a cylinder with
substantially
straight sides 30, a top 32 and bottom (not shown). A removable labe134 is
positioned on the can and, like the labels of Figure 1 and 2, the label 34 of
Figure
3 includes product and/or source identifier information on a first layer 37
and can
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also include product advertising logos, collectible premium advertising, and
the
like. In the embodiment of Figure 3, like the container of Figure 2, at least
one
sticker 36 is positioned on the second layer 40 of the label. Optionally,
guide
lines 39 surround the sticker to facilitate separation of the sticker 36 from
first
layer 37. The sticker includes a printed surface, formerly a portion of second
layer 40 and an adhesive containing surface where the adhesive containing
surface is separable from the first layer 37.
The ends of the labe134 preferably include an area or zone 42 for
gluing or otherwise securing the label 34 to the container 28. The labels of
this
invention can be applied to a variety of canned goods or goods in canisters
and a
variety of sizes of canned goods or goods in canisters are contemplated in
this
invention.
Referring now to Figure 4, there are a variety of labels or
wrappers that can deliver the premiums of this invention. For example, where
the premium is a sticker, the stickers can be positioned on a variety of
concession-type food items. In one aspect of this embodiment, a label, in the
form of a sanitary wrapper 42, paper or plastic, is positioned around an ice
cream
cone, either premade frozen cones, cones sold in stores or shops, or cones
separately available for the addition of ice cream. The ice cream cone
includes a
grip portion and the grip portion comprises a label wrapped around the grip
portion. The label can include a sticker or another premium positioned on the
label. Where the premium is a sticker, the label is preferably prepared from a
first layer and a second layer with an adhesive positioned on the back surface
of
the layer that includes the sticker. The sticker is integral with one of the
layers
and die-cuts or other cutting guidelines extend through the layer containing
the
sticker but do not extend through the entire thickness of the label. The
sticker is
removable from the layer and is preferably removable using the cuts extending
around the sticker. Adhesive is provided on the back of the sticker to permit
the
sticker to be affixed to a variety of surfaces. Preferably, at least two edges
of the
label are provided with glue or other means to secure or otherwise affix the
label
edges to each other to position the label on the grip portion of the cone.
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In another embodiment, the premiums, including the stickers of
this invention, are applied to a cookie tube wrapper or to cylindrical
wrapping
around a food product such as a roll of candy 44. Similarly, the stickers
could be
positioned on other wrappers such as wrappers for refrigerator doughs
including,
but not limited to, cookie, roll, biscuit doughs, and the like. The wrapper
could
be positioned around other cylindrically shaped packaging such as rolls of
cookies, canisters of snacks, such as potato chips, or the like. In this
embodiment, a cylindrical tube includes a removable label with a sticker or
other
premium positioned on at least one layer of the label. The label is peelably
removed or otherwise separated from the packaging to separate the sticker or
other premium from the tube. Other cylindrical containers can include crimped
ends, such as are found in packages of refrigerated dough.
In another aspect of this invention, the labels of this invention are
applied to frozen foods including frozen pizzas 46, and the like. In one
aspect of
this embodiment, a label is included in a pizza package. The stickers or other
premiums are included within transparent packaging. The label is preferably
positioned over the pizza and includes advertizing that is visible to the
consumer.
In one embodiment, the sticker or other premium is positioned on a layer on
the
front surface of the label and in another embodiment the premium is positioned
on a layer on the back surface of the label. Those of ordinary skill in the
art
recognize that the label embodied within this embodiment includes a variety of
transparent packaging for any of a variety of consumer products including, but
not limited to, individually wrapped candies 48, snack bags, such as potato
chip
bags 50, pouches 52, soaps 54, straw wrappers 56, gum packaging and candy bar
packaging 58.
In the pouch-type embodiment 52 of this invention, the label is
formed as a pouch to enclose candies, seeds, snacks, and the like. Crimps or
sealed portions keep the candies, or the like, from escaping the sealed pouch.
The pouch is generally prepared from a material comprising paper or a
printable,
flexible, polymeric product and front preferably includes advertising such as
product and/or source identifiers. The pouch itself functions as a label and
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where the premium is stickers, the label is again prepared in at least two
layers
with a layer facing the consumer that comprises advertising and a layer facing
toward the interior of the pouch. The premiums provided on pouch-type
packaging can be positioned on the inside face of the label; however, it is
understood that the premiums can extend around all or a portion of the inside
face of the pouch. Alternatively, the premium can be positioned on the layer
of
the label facing the consumer.
In candy bar-type packaging 58 or other multi-layered packaging
that comprises an outer wrapper 60 and an inner lining 62, the premiums of
this
invention can be incorporated on the advertising surface of the outer wrapper
60
or on the inner aspect of the outer wrapper, similar to the embodiments of
Figures 1-3. In addition, the premiums of this invention can be incorporated
on
the outer aspect of the inner lining 62 or on the inner aspect of the inner
lining 62
adjacent to the candy.
Where the label or wrapper incorporates one or more pressure
sensitive adhesive stickers, the label or wrapper preferably includes at least
two
layers, a first layer and a second layer. The two layers are affixed to one
another.
One layer includes product advertising identifying the consumer product.
Sticker images are printed on either the first or second layer and an adhesive
layer is interposed between the layers and is positioned on the back surface
of
the layer that contains the printed sticker image. Cuts circumvent the sticker
image and extend entirely through the layer with the sticker image but
preferably
do not extend through the layer that does not include the sticker image.
Preferably, the cut lines around the printed image form peel guidelines to
peelably remove the printed sticker image from the label.
Figure 5 demonstrates another embodiment for delivering
premiums, and particularly stickers, according to this invention. In this
embodiment stickers or other premiums are provided in a multi-layer
construction held in place using dry release adhesive or adhesive extensions.
In
Figure 5A a milk carton or jug 64 contains a label 66 having advertising
positioned over a second label 68. Label 66 is affixed to 68 and to jug 64
using a
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dry release adhesive such as that available from Promo Edge, Neenah, WI)
corresponding to U.S. Patent Nos. 4,621,442 and 4,621,837, or extension wings
that comprise a peelable adhesive. The wings or rails are known in the art and
are created, for example, using a laminate of film or paper materials with
perforations on the ends to separate the plys. Label 66 is preferably prepared
in a
three or multi-layer construction as provided above. Label 66 comprises a
first
layer, with a front side visible to the public 70 and a second layer 72
affixed to
the back side of the first layer (Figure 5B). Once removed from the container,
the sticker is removable, preferably from the second layer 72 of the three-
layer
construction the third layer remains on the product as an identifier. This
type of
label can be positioned on a variety of consumable products including, but not
limited to fruit, soaps, beverages, and the like.
The sticker premiums of this invention can include a variety of
figures or messages including cartoon characters, action figures, sports
personalities, artist renditions, trademark logos, removable recipies, and the
like,
that are attractive to children, adults, or both. The labels of this invention
can
include one or more stickers positioned on the surface of the label. For
example,
a single long sticker can be used as a "bumper sticker" or as a sticker for
notebooks or for a bike. The stickers can be smaller and used for light switch
plate covers, or as pencil wraps. Alternatively, there can be a few or a large
number of stickers on the label with a single repetitive image or a variety of
images. The stickers themselves can include a novelty aspect, such as flavored
stickers, fragrance enhanced stickers, glitter stickers, glow-in-the-dark
stickers,
colorable stickers, reflective stickers, holograms and the like.
Preferably the stickers are positioned on the consumer label "in
register" meaning that the sticker image is consistently and repeatably
positioned
on the label in substantially the same location. In a preferred embodiment of
this
invention, one or more images will be discretely positioned on the surface of
the
label to guarantee that each label received contains an image positioned in
the
desired location.
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The sticker premiums of this invention can be prepared using a
variety of processes known in the art. For example, a first layer can be
printed
with advertising identifying the consumable good, a layer can be printed with
a
sticker image and a base ply. Adhesive is applied to the layer having the
sticker
5 image and the layers are positioned adjacent to one another with the
adhesive
positioned between the first and second layer. Additional adhesive can be
used,
for example, at the edges of the label to ensure that the first and second
layers
remain affixed to one another.
The sticker premiums are readily removable from the label when
10 the consumer product is purchased. Cutting guidelines can be positioned on
the
front face of the labeling to aid in the removal of the label from the
consumer
product without destroying the collectible sticker premium. Cuts, perforations
or
scorings around the sticker images provide peel guidelines to facilitate
removal
of the sticker image from the label.
15 The sticker premiums can be affixed to a variety of surfaces, such
as paper, hands, clothing, and the like. They can be collected in books or
applied
to posters. Stickers can also be unprinted or printed in solid colors only and
die
cut in shapes that can then be removed by the consumer and placed on a surface
to create mosaic designs. Further, the base ply of the label can be printed in
one
20 or more colors to create a scene upon which individual stickers can be
placed.
The stickers can then be repositioned to change the scene if the child wishes.
In another embodiment of this invention the play premium is a
transfer such as a temporary tattoo, including comic strips with transferable
tattoos, finger puppet tattoos, finger nail applique, earring tattoo or other
jewelry
tattoos, bracelets, transfer disguises such as moustaches, scars and moles,
decorative transfers for fabric, and transferable decorations for hard-boiled
eggs
or for other food items, such as pumpkins, apples, and the like. Comic strips
with scenes that are printed in a combination of water soluble or transfer
inks
and permanent inks allow a child to read a comic strip and then transfer the
characters from the strip to the child's skin. Alternatively solid outlines
can be
transferred from the back of a label to be transferred to the skin and a
pallet of
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21
paints can be used to color in the images. A variety of inks are known for
transfers and these include, but are not limited to, Colorcon inks (West
Point,
PA) for water soluble tattoos, semi-permanent tattoos, heat transfer iron-on-
sublimation ink systems, and the like.
The inks used for transfers can be printed using one or more
standard printing techniques such as, but not limited to, sheet fed dry
offset,
letter press, silk screen, flexography or gravure printing. lnk systems are
commercially available for producing these premiums from a variety of
manufacturers including suppliers such as Colorcon (supra). The techniques,
inks and printing methods to commonly produce most transfers differs from the
high speed, high volume methods of printing standard labels and wrappers
making the combination of the two media unique. Transfers require a uniform
smooth surface and use printing methods that generally require printing on
narrow with equipment running at slower speeds. Special care is needed to
provide proper collation and cutting of the labels to prevent the inks from
sticking together and causing the labels to "brick" or to harden.
Fabric transfers such as t-shirt or clothing transfers are another
aspect of this invention. Figure 8A provides an illustration of an exemplary
fabric transfer image 100 that is positioned on the back surface 102 of a
label
104. Sublimation dyes available from Colorcon or other ink suppliers can be
used to print an image in reverse on the back surface of a label. The image
can
then be transferred to a t-shirt 106, jacket, handkerchief, or the like using
heat,
such as heat from an iron 108 (Figure 8B). Such transfers can also be
supplemented with a pallet of sublimation dyes or paints that can be printed
on
the label to permit the consumer to apply color or designs to the transfer
with a
with a brush swab or other methods before bonding the image on the fabric
using
heat, from example, an iron. U.S. Patent No. 4, 308,679 to Ray Ill et al.
teaches
the addition of a transfer to a rigid side cardboard carton but this is
provided as
an added piece to the cardboard and is not integral with the advertising
portion of
the label or wrapper and the addition to the packaging rather than as an
integral
piece of the packaging can add unnecessary cost to the packaging process.
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Other forms of transfers include "membrane" or "rub down" type
transfers where a thin latex or other flexible polymer membrane used to print
an
image such as a character, lettering or a photograph in one or more colors in
reverse. As illustrated in Figure 9, these types of transfers can be printed
onto
the back or the front of a label 110. The transfer is preferably also coated
with a
low tack adhesive to permit the image to be transferred to another surface by
burnishing the back of the label that acts as a carrier sheet. The image is
transferred by positioning the image on paper 112 (Figure 9B) or skin 114
(Figure 9C) and applying pressure such as by the use of a hard instrument 116
(Figure 9B) or by generally rubbing (Figure 9C) over the back of the transfer.
When the image is transferred, the transfer is clean, leaving no or minimal
ink on
the carrier sheet label.
In general, the inks and ink systems are available commercially
for specific applications and are produced using a variety of traditional
printing
methods. Advantageously, the transfer premiums do not add sufficient bulk.
Therefore, standard labeling/wrapping machinery can be used without
substantial
reconfiguration.
The invention also relates to the incorporation of painting and/or
drawing activities added to a label or wrapper where the label or wrapper
comprises advertising identifying or relating to the consumer product. For
example, a variety of water soluble inks are known that can be deposited onto
a
surface alone or in combination with a printed figure. Wetting of the paint
with
a solvent, typically water, using an application tool such as a brush, finger
or
swab provides a premium painting or drawing activity. A variety of ink systems
to permit painting and/or drawing activities are known in the art including,
but
not limited to, water soluble, printable inks, black bleed color (i.e.,
permanent
inks blended with soluble inks) printing systems that print black or other
colors,
but bleed a color when wet, and ink dye or makeup systems suitable for face
painting, such as to use as a mask or make-up.
Figure 6 provides an example of a painting activity using a label
or wrapper. In this example, a label or wrapper 74 is removed from the
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23
consumer product. The label includes a front face with advertising (not shown)
and a back face 76 that was adjacent to the consumer good and not visible to
the
consumer at the time of purchase. Water moistenable paints 78 are printed in
block on the label and a coloring activity 80 is also printed on the label.
The
application of a solvent, preferably water, to the printed paint (Figure 6A)
results
in the transferability of the paint to another location, such as a printed
image 80
on the label (Figure 6B).
Other painting activities include rainbow painting using frosted
inks. These activities can be readily incorporated as premiums onto the labels
or
wrappers according to this invention. For example, a label can be printed in
one
or more colors and then coated with a "frosted" ink. Such inks are available
from
a number of ink manufacturers and provide an opaque or near opaque effect
when covering a printed image. When these inks are wetted using a brush,
cotton swab or finger tip, they become temporarily invisible to reveal an
image
or color beneath their surface in much the same way that a warm finger can
create a picture on a steamed winter window. When the ink dries, the picture
disappears and the premium can then be reused.
Inks used for painting and/or drawing activities can typically be
printed onto a variety of substrates using a variety of printing techniques.
For
example, water soluble inks and black bleed inks can be used in many major
printing methods. Face painting inks can also be printed using a variety of
techniques known in the art, including but not limited to flexography,
rotogravure, screen printing, letter press, dry offset processes, and the
like. Face
painting can be delivered as a premium in a form similar to Figure 6 except
that
the paint is transferable to skin for face or body painting. Other painting
and
drawing activities known in the art can be added to labels or wrappers where
the
label or wrapper comprises advertising identifying a product and/or its
source.
Alternatively, the activity can be positioned on a liner such as an inner
liner 62
for gum or candy bars, as diagramed in Figure 4. Inks are known that when dry
and printed have muted hues. The addition of a solvent, such as water, with an
applicator to the ink on the label or wrapper results in vibrant color once
the ink
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24
is moistened. Such ink systems are available from Colorcon (supra), or
Handschy Inks (Chicago, IL). Inks can also be positioned on a label or wrapper
surface as moistenable inks to use with stamps. The label, in effect, becomes
a
stamp pad for rubber stamps, sponges or vegetable cut stamps.
Water soluble and invisible inks can also be combined and used
to provide premiums according to this invention. An invisible ink or varnish
can
be printed on a label near an area of water soluble ink. When a solvent,
generally water, is applied, the invisible message or picture becomes visible.
Similarly frosted inks, generally a white frosted ink, can be applied over an
image printed onto a surface of a label or wrapper. Moistening of the surface
bearing the frosted ink reveals the hidden image which disappears when the
frosted ink coating dries. These inks are available from a variety of ink
manufacturers. Including Kohl & Madden Inks in Minneapolis, MN.
Hidden pictures can be applied to a wrapper or label using
scratch-suitable varnishes such as those available from Kohl & Madden (supra).
Similarly, water wash off inks can be applied over a hidden figure on a label
or
wrapper. When the label or wrapper is removed from the consumer product,
wetting of the surface washes away the surface covering the ink or causes the
ink
to become transparent to reveal the hidden figure. Another form of hidden
pictures is created by printing over an image with a removable ink that can be
removed by scratching or scraping with a fingernail or coin. These coatings
are
generally made with a high latex content pigment that is opaque when applied.
These pigments can be subsequently printed onto the label or wrapper with one
or more colors to create a scene or picture. The pigment can be scraped away
to
reveal a hidden image such as hidden animals, word games or mazes. Ink
systems are available from ColorCon (supra) for these types of hidden
applications.
In another hidden application, a label 116 or wrapper comprises at
least one printed image 118 and an invisible image 120 or lines created using
clear varnish (such as Colorcon scratch-suitable varnish) is printed in the
form of
a message or figure (see Figure 10). The message or picture is invisible to
the
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eye on the substrate until the area is rubbed with the lead of a pencil or
other
writing instrument, the varnish resists the lead or ink and the message or
image
is revealed against the residue of the pencil lead. Similarly invisible ink,
generally with a white latex compound added to the formulation appears
5 invisible when printed on a substrate. By scratching the surface with a coin
the
residue or dirt from the coin is transferred to the invisible ink causing it
to
become invisible. Rubbing of the area with a coin 122, a pencil 124, or
another
suitable tool results in visualization of an otherwise invisible image.
In another embodiment, the wrappers include surface
10 modifications that permit the use of repeatable play activities. These
types of
activities involve other inks dyes, chemicals, substrates and the like to
produce a
visual effect on one or more surfaces of the label or wrapper. These include
solarchromatic, thermochromatic, glow-in-the-dark or luminescent materials.
For example, as illustrated in Figure 11, one or more novelty scenes 128 or
15 games can be achieved by printing on at least one surface of a label 126 or
wrapper with a combination of regular printing inks to create part of a
cartoon
scene or game combined with sun activated inks that either appear or fade from
view when exposed to ultraviolet light (see Figure 11A). In such an example,
the premium permits the label or wrapper to be taken out into the sun 130 to
20 reveal the hidden parts of the picture or hidden words or characters
(Figure 11 B).
When the wrapper is removed from direct contact to ultraviolet radiation
(Figure
11 C), the image printed in these inks disappears for view until the next
exposure.
Solorchromatic inks that can be used in conventional offset printing presses
are
distributed, for example, by Graphic Management Specialty Products (Green
25 Bay, WI).
Similar effects can be achieved using thermochromatic inks and
papers that can create the illusion of color pictures, text and illustrations
to
appear or vanish through the application of heat or cold, for example, by
rubbing
with a finger, hand or other object. For example in Figure 12A, the back
surface
130 of a label 132 is printed with an image 134, here a map of the United
States.
Rubbing 136 of an area of the image 134 (see Figure 12B) results in the
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visualization of one or more otherwise hidden images 136. After a time the
hidden image is again invisible (see Figure 12C). A similar effect can be
created
using pressure-sensitive papers that contain a micro-encapsulated invisible
ink
(Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing and Craig Adhesives, Newark NJ). The
ink is invisible when dry. An image is revealed after rubbing a finger or an
instrument over the area causing micro-encapsulated substances to rupture and
mix, thus causing a chemical reaction that makes the hidden message or scene
to
become visible. Since these inks, pigments and papers can be chemically mixed
to become visible or invisible at a variety of temperatures, they allow for a
variety of premium applications on labels and wrappers including, but not
limited to games, toys, novelties, puzzles, drawing boards, and the like. For
example, the back surface of a label can be flood coated with a solid coating
of a
solid light tint. The consumer could use their finger as a drawing instrument
to
Erase the tint for a few moments to create a picture. As the tint cools, color
returns and the picture vanishes. Thermochromatic inks can be printed by a
variety of methods and are available from the Mitsui Ink Company (Los
Angeles, CA). Thermochromatic color change papers are available from the
Touch-It Paper Company.
The label or wrapper can also be printed or treated with a
phosphorescent ink or pigment to create glow-in-the dark premium scenes and
effects. The inks are generally inconsistent with standard label printing
techniques because the ink is of a much greater density than conventional
printing inks. This results in a glow-in-the-dark image that is raised above
the
surface of the substrate when it dries. This is not suitable for standard
labeling
machinery. However, glow-in-the-dark premiums can be delivered using
standard labeling machinery if the entire surface of the label is coated with
the
phosphorescent ink and then printed in a reverse image over the ink causing
only
a controlled portion of the label to be light sensitive. The uniform coating
of the
phosphorescent ink across the label insures that the stacks of labels are of a
uniform thickness as required for automated feeding equipment. The glow-in-
the-dark images used as premiums can include a variety of images such as
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27
dinosaurs, animals, figures and the like. In Figure 13A, a label 140 is flood
coated with a glow-in-the-dark ink 142 to create a reverse image 144 of a
dinosaur. An image 146 is printed onto the glow-in-the-dark ink (Figure 13B).
When the label is removed from the consumer goods, and under light, the image
of the dinosaur is evident. When the label is viewed in the dark the reverse
image 144 appears. Glow-in-the-dark inks are available from a variety of ink
suppliers and the preferred methods for printing the ink include flexography,
silk
screen or offset printing. Premiums using glow-in-the-dark inks can be
combined with stickers and other premium ideas of this invention.
Alternatively, all or part of one or more surfaces of the label or
wrapper can be coated with a varnish or laminate suitable for dry erase
markers
or wipe-off crayons. The surface can then also be used as a chalkboard or
erase
board. The coating is generally a standard varnish coating or a laminate for
dry
erase and a toothy or roughened texture can be used to accommodate chalk
particles where a chalkboard is provided as a premium. The coating can be
applied over another printed picture or over a background color to permit the
user to draw a picture or words and erase then again and again. Figure 7A
illustrates a pouch 148 that has been opened to provide an image on the inner
surface of the pouch. The inner surface is coated with a transparent laminate
that
permits repeated drawing onto the surface with a dry erase marker 150 (Figure
7B) and the image can be erased (Figure 7C). The activity can include a
variety
of puzzles, mazes, dot pictures, tic-tac-toe, illustrations to assist in the
drawing
of a favorite figure or cartoon character, and the like.
Another drawing activity premium contemplated in this invention
relates to a pre-printed scene printed on a coated substrate on the label or
wrapper. The coating on the substrate is generally black or some other darker
color. By scratching the coating, the coating can be removed to reveal hidden
colors or pictures that have been preprinted on the label or wrapper. Such an
activity is provided in a label 160 of Figure 14. This premium permits a child
or
adult to participate in an arts and crafts activity by allowing them to color
a
picture without having to use crayons or paints. Color can be revealed section
by
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28
section by scraping with the edge of a utensil to remove the opaque top
coating.
Substrates with a preprinted top coating are available from the Scratch Art
Company in Avon, Mass.
In yet another drawing premium activity suitable for use on a
label or wrapper is a modified magic slate that is deliverable as a play
premium
on a label. In this embodiment, a two-ply label consisting of a drawing
surface
and a backing surface is used. The drawing surface can include a film or vinyl
that is generally translucent in nature. The backing surface is preferably a
solid
color and generally black. This permits the top surface to temporarily cling
to
the bottom surface in areas where pressure is applied. The two surfaces are
attached together on one end forming a two-part pad that is wrapped around a
consumer product. After removing the two part composite label and placing it
on a flat surface, a stylet, toothpick or other object can be used to draw a
picture
or message on the top surface causing the surface to cling in those areas
where
pressure is applied to create an image at the point of contact. The images can
be
subsequently erased by separating the two surfaces to redraw on them again and
again. These materials can be printed on conventional presses with
conventional
inks. The two-ply construction of the label may require slightly different
handling as compared with conventional labels; however, conventional
equipment can be used to apply the premium to consumer packaging.
There are a variety of other novelty premiums that can be
incorporated into labels and wrappers. For example, micro-encapsulated
fragrance and press varnish technologies are known. This technology, known
generally as "SCRATCH & SNIFF" has been used as a sampling medium for
perfume companies and has been printed on inserts distributed at department
stores, for use in magazines, in children's books and the like. In this
invention,
micro-encapsulated fragrance technology can be incorporated into the labels or
wrappers either as a play premium or as a method for allowing a manufacturer
to
preview one or more scents either within that particular product or as a panel
of
scents for related products. In this technology the fragrance is incorporated
into
capsules and the capsules can optionally be incorporated into an ink. Abrasion
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29
of the surface containing the capsules result in the release of the fragrance.
Figure 15 provides a label 162 with at least one fragrance-associated ink
image
164. Scratching of the image 164 (Figure 15A) results in release of the
fragrance
(Figure 15B). In one example, a shampoo or perfume manufacturer can
incorporate their fragrance on a label for consumer use. In another
embodiment,
a fruit juice manufacturer can print one or more fruit scents on a particular
beverage label for play or for marketing purposes. Micro-encapsulated
technology is known in the art including SCIENTIFIC technologies (Sandy
Alexander Inc., Clifton, NJ) or micro-encapsulated technologies, such as those
available from Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing (St. Paul, MN).
The play premium on a label or wrapper 166 (Figure 16) can also
comprise multi-ply label with flaps 168 or windows that are die cut or
perforated
along one or more plys of the label allowing a child to lift the flap to
reveal a
hidden word, picture or scene. A common hidden image activity is an Advent-
type Christmas calendar and this invention relates to the incorporation of
this
type of concept onto a label or wrapper. The hidden windows encourage child
participation and involve surprise associated with the uncovering of a hidden
or
missing scene.
Another play premium on a label 170 (Figure 17) or wrapper
considered in this invention involves incorporating small seeds 172, such as
carrot or geranium seeds, into a label or wrapper. In this embodiment,
preferably
the label is prepared at least in part from a substrate that is at least
degradable in
part to permit the seeds to germinate and grow in the presence of moisture. In
one example, the seeds can be added during the manufacturing process of a
paper
label in the pulp while the pulp is pressed into sheets or rolls. Optionally
growth
promoters, such as fertilizers or plant food can also be incorporated into the
labeling if desired. Seeds that are small and flat and do not substantially
add to
the thickness of the label are preferred to ensure that the labels can be
easily
dispensed with automatic labeling or wrapping equipment. The finished product
acts as both a label or wrapper on a product, such as a soup can or another
removable label. ln use, all or a portion of the label is removed from the
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consumer product and at least a portion of the removed label is inserted into
a
container containing dirt 174 or other suitable seed germination and growth
media. In one embodiment, the container is the empty consumer product. Dirt is
added to the can along with water and the can is positioned in a suitable
5 environment for growth.
In yet another application, the label or wrapper 176 (Figure 18)
incorporates a foldable premium, such as origami figures that children can
fold
on designated printed lines 177 to form animals 178, cartoon characters, magic
tricks, airplanes, vehicles, and the like. Similarly, the label 180 can be
printed
10 on one or more sides with graphics, such as friendship bracelets 182
(Figure 19)
that can be removed from the label by die cut or by perforation 184. The
bracelets can then be placed around a wrist 186 and held in place with remoist
or
pressure sensitive adhesive that has been pre-applied to the label.
Still another variation involves dividing a label on a cylindrical
15 container into two or more sections and printing the face, body, or similar
designs of more than one character on the sections (Figure 20). By twisting
the
sections of the label around the axis of the cylindrical consumer product, a
novelty effect is achieved by creating different face or body combinations
from
the artwork.
20 In yet another embodiment of this invention, all or a portion of
the label or wrapper can be prepared from heat-responsive materials that curl,
for
example, in the presence of heat. In one aspect of this embodiment, a fish or
other character or image can be printed onto the back of a light cellulose
paper
(available from a variety of paper supply houses) or thin film, such as
25 cellophane. The figure is removable by cutting, tearing or via perforations
in the
label. The properties of the cellulose or film are such that the material
bends or
curls when placed on the palm of an outstretched hand. The degree to which the
figure moves, flips, turns over or wiggles can be humorously interpreted as
predicting the future of the person holding the figure.
30 Lenticular lenses are known as novelty and advertising devices
used in rings, packaging, such raised areas on the covers of videos, books or
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31
compact discs, and toys to create the illusion of animation, motion or three
dimensional imaging. Other forms of creating an animated image on a bottle or
a
can can be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,525,383 to Witkowski. Lenticular lenses
allow the effect of motion to be seen without the need to turn a secondary
sleeve
and they have wide appeal. However, lenticular lenses have generally been
manufactured with a relatively stiff or semi-rigid material and therefore are
impractical for use as a label or wrapper substrate since many labels or
wrappers
conform to the configuration of the consumer packaging. Lenticular lenses as a
premium in this invention can include plastic lenses laminated to a printed
image. The channels of the lens permit an individual to see a corresponding
group of images or a "channel" of images depending upon the angle of viewing.
There can be two or more channels that create the illusion of motion,
transformation or three dimension with a singular lenticular lens. In the
present
invention, the flexible lenticular lens material includes a vinyl or
polypropylene
produced preferably via extrusion and laminated to a printed paper base. The
flexible material can then be cut into label stacks and applied to consumer
packaging using conventional label or wrapper equipment with minimal changes
to the packaging process.
In another aspect of this invention, substrates can be used as
labels or wrappers where the substrate is readily dissolvable in the present
of a
solvent, such as water. On example is DISSOLVO paper (available from
welding trade suppliers) that has been used for determining the effectiveness
of
welds for pipefitters, for novelty purposes or used as a means to destroy
confidential information. By incorporating this type of substrate into
wrappers
and labels, a premium can be prepared where images, such as pictures of
animal,
can disappear when the picture is removed from the label and placed in a glass
of
water. For example a series of "endangered species" animal pictures could be
incorporated onto a label or wrapper. Alternatively, the paper can be used to
create disappearing-type magic tricks for children that are deliverable on a
wrapper or label.
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32
Three-dimensional pictures can also be incorporated into labels or
wrappers as well as a variety of optical illusions. Pictures involving
multiple
colors that can be unscrambled when viewed through a filtering lens, supplied
separately or together with the consumer product, are provided to descramble
the
image. These novelty items can be printed on one or more surfaces using
conventional inks and removed for play or enjoyment.
This invention also relates to methods for making the premiums
of this invention. Importantly, the labels or wrappers are preferably
substantially
uniform in thickness over the length of the label or wrapper to facilitate
automated application of the label or wrapper to the consumer item. In one
example, Figure 21 is a perspective view of a stack of labels 82 that
incorporate
the sticker premium of this invention. The stack of labels 82 is provided in a
shakable form for a magazine or tray suitable for loading onto machinery
capable
of applying the labels to a container or package. Alternatively the labels 82
can
be provided on a roll or in folded strips. In the embodiment of Figure 21, the
collectible sticker premium is provided on one face of each label; either the
back
or the front face. The label is prepared from a first layer and a second
layer.
Importantly, the stickers are integral with one of the label layers and do not
add
substantial thickness to the label. This permits the labeling, with the
sticker
premium, to be added to the consumer packaging without substantial
reconfiguration, manipulation of existing packaging and labeling equipment.
That is, the labeling machinery does not have to be substantially modified to
accommodate overall increased label thickness. Therefore, the premiums can be
added to a variety of labels without added expense or time in the product
packaging process.
Essentially uniform thickness is important to the automated
labeling process. A uniform thickness assures that the application equipment,
for example, in the form of a magazine or tray will not be hampered by stacks
of
uneven labels that bulge or stick together because of addition of a sticker to
the
label. The stack of labels 82 illustrates the overall uniform thickness of the
individual labels.
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33
In another method of this invention, a method is provided for
printing a tattoo or other transfer onto a wrapper or label. Standard
flexographic
printing is inefficient for tattoo label production because the narrowness of
the
flexographic presses render them inefficient for label printing, and
particularly
when high quality advertising graphics are required on a face of the labels
for
products such as canned soup or pasta that often includes food photography.
Flexography is generally considered a substandard alternative for these types
of
graphics although a traditionally preferred medium for creating water soluble
tattoos. Flexographic presses are also generally web or roll fed, while a lot
of
label printing is printed in sheet form and therefore flexographic printing is
not
always compatible with soup or pasta can and bottle labeling. Gravure printing
can also be used to apply tattoo on labels; however, gravure plates and costs
associated with printing by this method are high and the product of tattoos
printed by this method can be poor since the gravure method deposes too much
ink and results in blotchy or blurred tattoos that may not transfer well to
the skin.
Letter press printing achieves the same blotchy or blurred tattoos and is
highly
inefficient for printing anything but a small quantity of tattoos in a limited
combination of colors. Tattoos that are not well prepared and that do not
transfer
well are not useful premiums since they ultimately can result in the
disappointment of the child by the premium.
The present invention provides a process (Figure 22) to create the
tattoo portion of a label or wrapper where a standard offset press is used to
print
water soluble inks are transferred to rubber or photopolymer plates (such as
CYREL plates, available from many flexographic plate manufacturers) via a
rubber blanket the plates then transfer the ink to a second set of one or more
rollers or blankets essentially offsetting the flexographic image that is then
transferred to the paper through one or more blankets. Here ink is added in an
ink well 190 that transfers the ink to a plate roller 192 via an ink roller or
blanket
193 that in turn can transfer the inked image to an offset transfer blanket
194.
The offset transfer blanket 194 then transfers the image to the sheet 196
using a
roller 198 to feed the paper.
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34
The benefit of this method for producing labels or wrappers with
tattoos is that the same press can be used to print both sides of the label by
two
different methods, (standard offset and "flexographic offset") and it is not
necessary to rebuild the press to accommodate the new direct flexographic
process because the new method for producing the tattoos relies on a
combination of raised plate printing and offset printing resulting in a
superior
image with water soluble inks.
Because the water soluble inks do not have the same color or
drying properties as conventional inks, the method is a great improvement over
other methods of printing water soluble tattoos. The precise amount of ink can
be transferred to the paper in a manner that can most effectively simulate
traditional process printing. The method also allows a superior reproduction
to
four color process printing with greater clarity and a tighter dot pattern to
produce a fine reproduction of artwork not previously available using other
printing methods employing water soluble inks for tattoos.
The method disclosed here is less time consuming and less
expensive that direct printing with photopolymer plates on an offset press..
Moreover, the paper feed or flow does not have to be reconfigured for the two
processes. These adjustments can be both time consuming and expensive since
the press must be refitted to accommodate the direct flexographic plates that
stamp the ink directly onto paper.
A further benefit of offset printing tattoos with a photopolymer
printing plate is that the plates and the offset image on a rubber roller
causes the
plates to last longer and provide a clearer image for a longer time because
they
are coming in contact with a soft surface (i.e., a roller) instead of a hard
surface
(paper). This delivers an image that is less likely to blur due to the fluid
nature
of the inks having direct contact with the paper from the plates, particularly
when the inks have been liquified after the press has heated up on a print run
of
long duration.
All references and publications cited herein are expressly
incorporated by reference into this disclosure. Particular embodiments of this
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invention have been discussed in detail and reference has been made to
possible
variations within the scope of this invention. It will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in
connection
with particular embodiments, the invention is not necessarily so limited and
that
5 numerous other embodiments, uses, modifications and departures from the
embodiments, examples and uses may be made without departing from the
inventive scope of this application which is limited only by the spirit of
this
disclosure and by the claims as provided below.
