[0001] The present invention is related to a multiple-layer label for a container according
to the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] Many consumer products which are packed in cylindrical containers carry a label on
the respective container, on which a plurality of information is imprinted, such information
being for example the reproduction of a trademark, lists of ingredients, instructions
on how to use the respective product, information about the manufacturer, health-
and security information, and so forth. The imprinted matter may consist of pictures,
icons and text, all related to the aforementioned information.
[0003] In many cases, the available space on the labels turns out to be insufficient to
display all the information the product manufacturer may wish to provide. In other
cases, the diversity of information turns out to be confusing for a consumer who is
only interested in specialized information, e.g. instruction related to a particular
application of the consumer product.
[0004] In order to meet these needs, labels for cylindrical containers are described in
the prior art, which provide transparent windows or cut-outs, and which are rotatable
moreover, so that by rotating the label, information imprinted on a layer below the
label becomes visible troght the respective windows or cut-outs.. By rotating the
label, the consumer can thus select the information he is interested in. Labels of
this kind are for example described in
US 2,860,431 or
WO 01/78977.
[0005] Usually, these rotatable labels consist of a strip of paper material having a transparent
region or a cut-out, which is winded around the cylindrical container and the ends
of which are attached one another by use of an adhesive. As part of the adhesive comes
into contact with the layer underneath, a sealing is established between the label
and said layer, which has to be broken prior use by rotating the outer label with
force, thus to make it freely rotatable.
[0006] Accordingly, the labels described in the prior art require several steps in order
to be applied to a cylindrical container. Methods of applying these labels are therefore
time- and labour-consuming and thus expensive.
[0007] It is thus a problem of the present invention to provide a multiple-layer label for
a cylindrical container, which can be applied to said container in a more efficient
and less time-consuming manner.
[0008] This problem is solved by a label according to claim 1, and a method for attaching
such label to a cylindrical container.
[0009] For this purpose, a multiple-layer label for a container having an outer shape which
is essentially cylindrical is provided.
[0010] The label comprises at least an outer layer and an inner layer. The inner layer is
either the container wall itself or a label already affixed to the container wall.
Optionally, one or more middle layers may be provided.
[0011] Accordingly, the meaning of the term "multiple layer label" does also include labels
which have only one layer. In this context, the inner layer is represented by the
container wall bearing imprinted information.
[0012] The outer layer comprises a transparent window, a cut-out or a perforated area which
can be removed by tearing. The layer underneath the outer layer or the container wall
itself bears imprinted information.
[0013] By rotating the outer layer part of the imprinted information becomes visible through
the transparent window, the cut-out, or a breach produced after the perforated area
has been removed by tearing.
[0014] The label according to the invention is characterized in that at least the outer
layer is made out of a heat-shrinkable material. By this means, it can be applied
to the container without addition or use of an adhesive, simply by application of
heat.
[0015] The label is applied to the container in such way that the friction between the outer
layer and the layer underneath is arranged in such way that the outer layer can be
rotated by manually exerting a force directed tangentially with respect to the cylindrical
container.
[0016] The use of a heat-shrinkable material for the label according to the invention facilitates
the attachment of the label to the container considerably.
[0017] The blank label may be cut off from a hose-shaped raw material already bearing the
respective imprints, put over the container, and attached to the latter by application
of heat. The use of an adhesive or any other steps requiring further efforts are thus
obsolete.
[0018] As heat shrinkable materials for such labels, PVC, PET, Polyolefins, Poly(vinylether)
and OPS may for example be used.
[0019] As can be seen from the above discussion, it is a crucial point to the present invention
that the outer layer of the label does not adhere or stick to the layer underneath.
Achieving such objective is difficult when a heat-shrinkable material is used, as
by application of heat, the tube-shaped label does not only shrink in terms of its
diameter, but part of the label material - particularly material disposed on the inner
and outer surface of the label - becomes softer, as a pre-stage of heat induced melting.
[0020] Upon contact with a material having a low heat conductivity or a rough surface, the
partly molten material will tightly attach to that surface and build up a sealing,
in such way that the attached label will be immobilized and cannot be rotated.
[0021] This is especially the case when the heat-shrinkable label is attached directly to
a cylindrical container made out of a plastic material, as the latter has a low heat
conductivity, and a rough surface sometimes.
[0022] Although for many applications, a tight sealing between the label and the cylindrical
container is not a disadvantage, or is even a desired feature, such sealing is disadvantageous
for a label which is meant to be rotatable.
[0023] Heat shrinkable labels which are applied to cylindrical containers are well known
from the prior art. They have so far not been described for rotatable labels with
transparent windows for two reasons:
- 1. Heat shrinkable labels tend to stick to the surface of the respective container,
as described above, and
- 2. The shrinking process has so far not been completely under control, leading to
distortions and displacements of parts of the labels as well as to the generation
of wrinkles.
[0024] The latter problem has so far barred the implementation of transparent windows, as
these windows would become opaque during the shrinking process due to wrinkles. Moreover,
the boundary between the label and the transparent would be affected by distortions
and displacements during the shrinking process.
[0025] The applicant has developed the know how to completely control the shrinking process
in order to avoid the above mentioned problems. For these reasons, it is his merit
to provide the use of heat shrinkable material for rotatable labels having transparent
windows for the first time.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the label according to the invention the inner layer
located underneath the outer layer is made out of a paper material.
[0027] In contrast to plastic material, paper has a good heat conductivity, so that upon
contact with the paper the partly molten material of the heat shrinkable label will
immediately cool down and grow stiff again. A sealing between both materials can thus
not be built up.
[0028] Moreover, a paper material can be provided with a very smooth surface, either by
selecting respective ingredients and manufacturing conditions, or by applying a dedicated
coating.
[0029] Accordingly, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a material
underneath the outer layer (i.e. either for the container itself or for an inner layer
of the label) which is characterized in that it has a good heat conductivity and/or
a smooth surface.
[0030] In this respect, it is especially preferred to provide a container made from metal,
e.g. aluminium or suitable alloys. These materials have a good head conductivity and
a smooth surface. As information can be directly imprinted on such material, there
will be no need for an additional layer underneath the outer label in these cases;
however, if printing needs require a paper material, an inner paper layer may be provided.
[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the imprinted information comprises
printed matter selected from the group consisting of pictures, icons and text.
[0032] In case the imprinted information consists of text, it may for example be provided
that consumer instructions or informations are given in different languages. By rotating
the label, the consumer may thus select the language he understands by rotating the
label. Likewise, it can be provided that instructions for different applications of
the respective product are given, so that the consumer may select the instructions
for the application he is interested in by rotating the label.
[0033] In case the imprinted information consists of icons, it may for example be provided
that these symbolize potential applications of the packed product. By rotating the
label, the consumer can thus receive new suggestions on how to use the product in
a manner easy to understand.
[0034] In case the imprinted information consists of pictures, it may for example be provided
that these pictures form part of an entertaining sequence, like a comic strip or the
like. By rotating the label, the consumer can thus read the comic strip, and feel
entertained for example when waiting in a supermarket queue. The sequence can as well
be an educating story, which is easy to understand even for children, or the like.
[0035] It will be apparent to the skilled person that the use of any other type of printed
matter being either text, icons or pictures, will fall under the scope of protection
of the present invention.
[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the label according to the invention comprises more
than a single transparent window, cut-out or perforated area. In such embodiment,
it may be provided that the information that becomes visible in the respective windows
upon a given rotation angle may be directly related to one another.
[0037] For example, a national flag may be displayed in one window, and consumer information
in the respective language may be display in a second window.
[0038] As another example, security information may be displayed in one window, and a warning
icon may be displayed in a second window, while, after rotating the label, information
related to nutritional facts may be displayed in one window and a balance icon may
be displayed in a second window, and so forth.
[0039] It is to be understood that other combinations of displayed information fall under
the above definition as well.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner layer may be attached to the
container by means of an adhesive.
[0041] In another preferred embodiment, at least one of the transparent windows in the outer
layer comprises optical magnifying means.
[0042] This may for example be an optical lens having a convex and a concave side, the latter
being attached to the label and having a flection with a greater radius than the convex
side.
[0043] By providing magnifying means, information displayed on the layer underneath is more
easy to be read, for example by people having an impaired vision, or by elderly people.
[0044] This feature allows moreover the use of smaller font sizes or smaller icons or pictures
for the information imprinted on the layer underneath. This means that even more information
may be imprinted on said layer.
[0045] According to another aspect of the invention, a container having an outer shape which
is essentially cylindrical is provided, bearing a multiple-layer label according to
the above definition. The container is characterized in that it comprises limiting
means which prevent the outer label from being removed from the container by upward
or downward shifting.
[0046] Such container will thus allow the label to be rotated around a vertical axis, whereas
upward or downward shifting of the label, which would lead to a removal of the label
from the container, is not possible.
[0047] In preferred embodiments, said limiting means are selected from the group consisting
of a tapered edge arranged at the top and/or bottom end of the cylindrical container
over which at least the outer layer extends in a form-locking manner, a rim being
arranged at the top and/or bottom end of the cylindrical container, and extending
over the perimeter of the cylindrical container, a circular bulging being arranged
at the top and/or the bottom end of the cylindrical container, or a convex bulging
of the cylinder wall, giving the container a barrel-like shape.
[0048] In order to more fully understand the features and advantages related to any of these
embodiments, reference is drawn to the respective figures.
[0049] In yet another preferred embodiment of the container according to the invention,
said container is essentially made out of a plastic material.
[0050] Containers made of plastic material have many advantages. The raw material is cheap
and the container can be produced at low costs. It is non-corrosive, food safe, unbreakable,
lightweight, and can be produced in all colors.
[0051] As plastic material has a low heat conductivity and often a rough surface, it may
occur that the heat-shrinkable label may stick to the container. For this reason,
an inner layer made out of a paper material may be provided in a preferred embodiment,
which is attached to the container wall before the outer label is put over the container.
[0052] As paper has a better heat conductivity than plastic material, the partly molten
material of the heat shrinkable label will immediately cool down upon contact with
the paper layer and grow stiff again. A sealing between both materials can thus not
be built up. Moreover, a paper material can be provided with a very smooth surface,
either by selecting respective ingredients and manufacturing conditions, or by applying
a dedicated coating.
[0053] In this respect, any other material having similar properties may be used, e.g. a
plastic material having a smooth surface, and the like.
[0054] In another preferred embodiment, the container can also be made out of a metal alloy,
or aluminium. Advantages of such embodiment have already been mentioned above.
[0055] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for attaching a label
with the above mentioned features to a cylindrical container with the above mentioned
features is provided. The method is characterized in that a tube-shaped blank label
having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the cylindrical container,
or greater than the outer diameter of the limiting means, is put over the container,
and - if applicable - over labels which are already attached to the container.
[0056] Thereupon, heat is applied to the label so that the diameter of the tube-shaped label
shrinks, and the label becomes tangent to the layer underneath in such way that after
completion of the shrinking step the friction between the outer layer and the layer
underneath (e.g. an inner paper label or the container wall, respectively) is arranged
in such way that the outer layer can still be rotated by manually exerting a force
directed tangentially with respect to the cylindrical container.
[0057] In order to achieve such goal - i.e. to keep the friction between the outer layer
and the layer underneath within certain limits - a variety of additional steps and/or
precautions is provided.
[0058] It is for example provided that heat for shrinking the label is applied by application
of hot-air blowing means. These means may for example be provided in a heat-tunnel
device which is known per se.
[0059] Another type of heating medium which can accurately be controlled is steam. Accordingly,
steam generators, which are sometimes provided in a steam-tunnel device can also be
used.
[0060] By help of these means, the temperature which is applied to the label can be controlled
with high accuracy. For this reason, the shrinking process, which is directly dependent
on the applied temperature, is under immediate control.
[0061] In another preferred embodiment, an anti-adhesive agent is applied to the container
before the label is attached to the container by shrinking, in order to prevent the
outer label from sticking to the layer underneath. Examples for such anti-adhesive
agent are silicon beads, talcum powder, and the like.
[0062] In another preferred embodiment useful to keep the friction between the outer label
and the layer underneath within certain limits is to select the inner diameter of
the tube-shaped blank label accordingly. Due to the fact that the shrinking ratio
can accurately be controlled by controlling the applied heat and selecting a material
with well defined shrinking properties, selecting the inner diameter of the blank
label properly will - under constant shrinking conditions and properties of the raw
material - lead to a reproducible shrinking result, in which the friction between
the label and the layer underneath is solely dependent of the inner diameter of the
label selected in advance.
[0063] In another preferred embodiment, it may be provided that other conditions applied
during the shrinking step are selected in such way that after completion of the shrinking
step the friction between the label and the layer underneath is within certain limits,
i.e. that the outer layer can still be rotated by manually exerting a force directed
tangentially with respect to the cylindrical container.
[0064] Other conditions according to the above definition may for example be the humidity
in the atmosphere of the manufacturing facility, or the duration of the application
of heat, and the like. A person skilled in the art will without being inventive recognize
from his knowledge which other conditions may be controlled or altered in order to
achieve the above outlined goal.
[0065] The invention is further illustrated in more detail by means of the following figures,
which are however not to be construed as to limit the scope of protection set forth
in the attached claims. Additional features, advantages and details will be apparent
from the figures and the respective description.
[0066] Figure 1 shows a container 10 according to the invention having an outer label 11,
which is rotatably attached to the container. The label has a transparent window 12
through which information imprinted on a layer underneath becomes visible. The label
can be rotated, so that the information made visible through the window 12 may be
changed. The rotatable label has been attached to the container by putting a tube-shaped
blank label having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the cylindrical
container over the container, and shrinking the label by application of heat, in such
way that the diameter of the label shrinks and the label becomes tangent to the layer
underneath or to the container. The container provides limiting means 13a, 13b, in
the form of a rim being arranged at the top and the bottom end of the container, which
extends over the perimeter of the cylindrical container, in such way that the outer
label 11 cannot be removed from the container by upward or downward shifting.
[0067] Figure 2 shows another container 20 according to the invention with a rotatable label
21 and two transparent windows 22, 23. The container further comprises limiting means
24a, 24b in the form of tapered edges arranged at the top and the bottom end of the
container over which the outer labels extends in a form-locking manner, in such way
that the outer label cannot be removed from the container by upward or downward shifting.
Again, the outer label has been attached to the container by putting a blank label
over the container and shrinking the label by application of heat.
[0068] In the shown embodiment, the container provides two transparent windows 22, 23, wherein
through window 22 information in the form of text imprinted on the layer underneath
becomes visible, wherein through window 23 information in the form of an icon imprinted
on the layer underneath becomes visible. By rotating the label 21, different types
of information in the form text become visible through label window 22, whereas through
label 23 information in form of icons related to the respective text shown in window
22 become visible. This means for example that in the present embodiment, a warning
icon is shown in window 23 when safety instructions are shown in window 22, whereas
for example an icon showing a balance may be shown in window 23 when nutritional information
are shown in window 22, or a fork and a knife icon may be shown in window 23 when
recipes are shown in window 22, and so forth.
[0069] Figure 3 shows a container 30 according to the invention with a label 31, and two
transparent windows 32 and 33. Through window 32, information in the form of text
imprinted on the layer underneath becomes visible, whereas through window 33, information
in the form of a flag icon imprinted on the layer underneath becomes visible.
[0070] In this embodiment, by rotating the label 31, information in different languages
can be presented through window 32. At the same time, through window 33 a flag icon
is shown which symbolises the language of the information shown in window 32. Such
embodiment is especially useful for countries or economical regions with different
languages, for example the internal market of the European Union. A potential customer
can thus simply use the language in which he desires to read the information by selecting
the respective national flag.
[0071] Figure 4 shows another embodiment according to the invention, namely a cylindrical
container 40 having a rotatable label 41 and a transparent window 42. The transparent
window 42 is further equipped with a magnifying means 43, presently in the form of
an optical lens having a convex and a concave side. The concave side is attached to
the label, whereas the convex side is directed to the periphery. Such embodiment may
help to facilitate reading of the information imprinted on the layer underneath, for
example for people having an impaired vision, or for elderly people. Moreover, such
feature allows the use of smaller font sizes or smaller icons or pictures for the
information imprinted on the layer underneath. This means that more information may
be imprinted on said layer.
[0072] Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a container 50 according to the invention. The
container has a rotatable label 51, a transparent window 52 and two limiting means
53a, 53b in the form of a circular bulging being arranged at the top and the bottom
end of the container. The limiting means prevent the outer label from being removed
from the container by upward or downward shifting.
[0073] Figure 6 shows another container 60 according to the invention, having a rotatable
label 61, a transparent window 62 and two limiting means 63a, 63b in the form of two
rims being arranged at the top and the bottom end of the cylindrical container.
[0074] Figure 7 shows another container 70 according to the invention. The container has
a rotatable label 71 and a transparent window 72. In this embodiment, the limiting
means consist of a convex bulging 73 of the complete cylinder wall. This bulging gives
the container a barrel-like shape, by which the outer rotatable label is affixed to
the container in such way that it cannot be shifted upwards or downwards.
1. A multiple-layer label for a container having an outer shape which is essentially
cylindrical
a) wherein the label comprises at least an outer layer and an inner layer, and optionally
one or more middle layers,
b) wherein the outer layer comprises a transparent window, a cut-out or a perforated
area which can be removed by tearing,
c) wherein further the layer underneath the outer layer or the container wall itself
bears imprinted information,
d) and wherein by rotating the outer layer part of the imprinted information becomes
visible through the transparent window, the cut-out, or a breach produced after the
perforated area has been removed by tearing,
characterized in that
e) at least the outer layer is made out of a heat-shrinkable material, so that
f) the outer layer can be applied to the container without addition or use of an adhesive,
g) in such way that the friction between the outer layer and the layer underneath
is arranged in such way that the outer layer can be rotated by manually exerting a
force directed tangentially with respect to the cylindrical container.
2. The multiple-layer label according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner layer is made out of a paper material.
3. The multiple-layer label according to any of the aforementioned claims, wherein said
information comprises printed matter selected from the group consisting of pictures,
icons and text.
4. The multiple-layer label according to any of the aforementioned claims, characterized in that the inner layer is attached to the container by means of an adhesive.
5. The multiple-layer label according to any of the aforementioned claims, characterized in that the transparent window in the outer layer comprises optical magnifying means.
6. A container having an outer shape which is essentially cylindrical, and bearing a
multiple-layer label according to any of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the cylindrical container comprises limiting means which prevent the outer label
from being removed from the container by upward or downward shifting.
7. The cylindrical container according to claim 6, wherein said limiting means are selected
from the group consisting of:
a) a tapered edge arranged at the top and/or bottom end of the cylindrical container
over which at least the outer layer extends in a form-locking manner,
b) a rim being arranged at the top and/or bottom end of the cylindrical container,
and extending over the perimeter of the cylindrical container,
c) a circular bulging being arranged at the top and/or the bottom end of the cylindrical
container
d) a convex bulging of the cylinder wall, giving the container a barrel-like shape.
8. The cylindrical container according to claim 6 or 7, the container being essentially
made out of a plastic material.
9. The cylindrical container according to any of claims 6 - 8, characterized in that an inner layer made out of a paper material is attached to the container wall.
10. A method for attaching a label according to any of claims 1 - 5 to a cylindrical container
according to any of claims 6 - 9,
characterized in that
a) a tube-shaped blank label having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter
of the cylindrical container, or greater than the outer diameter of the limiting means,
is put over the container, and - if applicable - over labels which are already attached
to the container,
b) heat is applied thereafter to the label so that the diameter of the tube-shaped
label shrinks and the label becomes tangent to the layer underneath in such way that
c) after completion of the shrinking step the friction between the outer layer and
the layer underneath, or the container wall, respectively, is arranged in such way
that the outer layer can still be rotated by manually exerting a force directed tangentially
with respect to the cylindrical container.
11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that heat for shrinking the label is applied by application of hot-air blowing means.
12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that anti-adhesive agent is applied to the container before the outer label is attached
to the container by shrinking.
13. The method according to any of claims 10 - 12, characterized in that the inner diameter of the tube-shaped blank label is selected in such way that after
completion of the shrinking step the outer layer can still be rotated by manually
exerting a force directed tangentially with respect to the cylindrical container.
14. The method according to any of claims 10 - 13, characterized in that the other conditions applied during the shrinking step selected in such way that
after completion of the shrinking step the outer layer can still be rotated by manually
exerting a force directed tangentially with respect to the cylindrical container.