GB2522190A

GB2522190A - Label

Info

Publication number: GB2522190A
Application number: GB1400486.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Emily Smart
Original assignee: Essentra Packaging and Security Ltd
Current assignee: Essentra Packaging and Security Ltd
Priority date: 2014-01-13
Filing date: 2014-01-13
Publication date: 2015-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 2034-01-13
Also published as: GB201400486D0; EP3095106A1; WO2015104420A1; GB2522190B

Abstract

There is disclosed a label 10 for sealing product packaging 2 comprising a laminate having upper and lower layers 12, 14. A tear strip 18 is defined in the lower layer and an adhesive coating 16 is provided such that the label can be adhered to the product packaging. In use, the tear strip 18 can be pulled through the upper layer 14 to separate the label into first and second label parts 26, 26 for opening a package to which the label is applied. The tear strip is preferably defined by one or more cuts 20 in the lower layer. An adhesive deadening layer 24 may be applied to the tear strip.

Description

LABEL

The invention relates to a label for product packaging. In particular, a laminate or multi-ply label having a lower layer having tear strip defined therein which can be pulled through an upper layer to separate to the label into first and second parts.

Many different types of packaging exist. One known type of packaging comprises first and second packaging parts that can be moved relative to one another to provide access to the interior of the packaging. Examples include, cigarette boxes having a main box and a hinged lid, tobacco pouches having a main pouch and a flap, and cylindrical containers or tubs having a base part and a removable lid.

It is known to provide a label over the join, or interface, between the first and second packaging parts (such as the base and lid) in order to prevent the packaging from being opened. In order to open the packaging, the label must be broken or torn so that the first and second parts can be moved relative to one another to open the packaging.

This is sometimes referred to as a tamper-evident label.

One such type of label is disclosed in WO 2013/024284. This discloses a single-ply linear label for sealing a cylindrical container. An upper part of the linear label can be torn away from the remainder of the label along a tear line to allow the container to be opened. The tear line is not pre-formed, but the label substrate is a directionally oriented polymer, such as mono-oriented polypropylene (MOPP), which ensures that the label tears along the linear tear line. Whilst this arrangement may be satisfactory, it may present a number of disadvantages. For example, the label must be made from a directionally oriented polymer which may be expensive, and it is difficult to produce a label that is curved along its length as the label tends to tear along a linear line.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved label which may overcome at least some of these disadvantages.

According to an aspect there is provided a label for product packaging, comprising: a laminate having upper and lower layers with a tear strip defined, such as pre-defined, in the lower layer and an adhesive coating provided such that the label can be adhered to product packaging; wherein in use, the tear strip can be pulled through the upper layer to separate the label into first and second label parts. In use, the tear strip may be completely separated from the remainder of the label and may form a third label part. The upper and lower layers may be adhered to one another, such as with a lamination adhesive. The tear strip, defined in the lower layer, guides the tearing of the upper layer as it is pulled through it. This allows a range of materials to be used for the upper and lower layers. Further, the shape of the tear strip can be non-linear and the label itself may also be non-linear.

The upper and/or lower layer may be single ply or may be a laminate. The upper and/or lower layers may be filmic. The upper and/or lower layer may comprise biaxially oriented or monoaxially oriented polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), for example. Any of the layers described, including adhesive layers or coatings, may be continuous or discontinuous.

The shape of the tear strip may be cut into the lower layer. The shape of the tear strip may be completely cut into the lower layer, and the cuts may be continuous. The tear strip may be defined by one or more cuts in the lower layer. The tear strip may be defined by two cuts in the lower layer. The cuts may be spaced apart to define the edges and/or width of the tear strip. The or each cut may extend from a first end of the label to a second opposing end of the label. The or each cut may be continuous (i.e. non-perforated). The or each cut may extend through the entire thickness of the lower layer. The upper layer may be continuous. The shape of the tear strip may be defined by a perforations in the lower layer.

The label may be elongate. The label may have a length of at least 100mm, at least 150mm, at least 200mm, or at least 300mm, for example. The label may have a length of between 50-1000mm, between 70-800mm, between 100-600mm, between 120- 500mm, or between 150-350mm, for example. The width of the label may be at least 5mm, at least 7mm, at least 10mm, at least 12mm, at least 15mm, or at least 20mm.

The width of the label may be between 5-50mm, between 7-40mm, between 10-30mm, between 12-25mm, or between 15-20mm. The length of the tear strip may be substantially the same as that of the label. The tear strip may have a width of at least 2mm, at least 4mm, at least 6mm, at least 8mm, or at least 10mm. The tear strip may have a width of between 1-20mm, between 2-16mm, between 4-13mm, or between 5-10mm.

The upper and lower layers and/or the tear strip may be elongate. The upper and lower layers and the tear strip may be mutually coextensive. The upper and lower layers may be substantially the same shape and size. The upper and lower layers may have substantially the same width. The width of the lower layer may be at least the width of the upper layer. The length of the upper and lower layers may be the same.

The label may be curved along its length. The label may be curved along its length and may have a constant radius of curvature. The shape of the label may be a circular arc. The upper and lower layers and may be curved along their lengths. The shape of the upper and lower layers may be a circular arc. The upper and lower layers may be curved along their lengths and may have a constant radius of curvature. The tear strip may be curved along its length. The shape of the tear strip may be a circular arc. The tear strip may be curved along its length and may have a constant radius of curvature.

The shape of the tear strip may be linear or non-linear. The tear strip may extend along a linear or a non-linear line. The width of the tear strip may vary along its length.

The shape of the tear strip may be wavy or curved or may taper towards a first or second end.

The lower side of the tear strip may be adhesive-free or may be provided with an adhesive deadening layer. The label and/or tear strip may comprise a pull-tab. The pull-tab may be integral with the lower layer. The lower side of the pull-tab may be adhesive-free or may be provided with an adhesive deadening layer.

A first end of the upper layer may comprise at least one tear initiation feature aligned with the tear strip. A first end of the upper layer may comprise first and second spaced tear initiation features aligned with either side (or edge) of the tear strip. The or each tear initiation feature may be a cut or notch in a first end of the upper layer.

At least a part of the lower side of the lower layer may be provided with the adhesive coating, such as a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive coating. The entire lower side of the lower layer may be provided with an adhesive coating.

The label may be arranged such that in use, the tear strip can be pulled through the upper layer and completely separated from the remainder of the label (to form a third part of the label). The label may be arranged such that in use pulling the tear strip through the upper layer causes a portion of the upper layer to be removed with the tear strip. The portion of the upper layer removed may be substantially the same shape and size as the tear strip.

The invention also concerns a wound reel of labels comprising a wound backing sheet with a plurality of labels, each in accordance with any statement herein, releasably adhered to the backing sheet.

According to another aspect there is provided packaging for at least one article or substance comprising: a container having first and second container parts that can be moved apart so as to open the container; and a label in accordance with any statement herein applied over at least a part of the interface (or join) between the first and second container parts, thereby preventing them from being moved apart; wherein the tear strip can be pulled through the upper layer to separate the label into first and second parts which are adhered to the first and second container parts respectively, thereby allowing the container to be opened.

One of the container parts may be a base part having a cavity for retaining the at least one article or substance, and wherein the other container part is a lid detachably attached to the base part. The container may be generally cylindrical. The container may be a pot or tub or the like. The container may be for a tobacco product, such as snus.

The container may have a curved surface, such as a substantially frusto-conical surface, at least in the region of the interface. The label may be curved along its length and may be applied over at least a part of the frusto-conical surface and the interface.

The radius of curvature of the label may correspond to the curved surface of the container.

According to yet another aspect there is provided a method of opening packaging in accordance with any statement herein, the method comprising: pulling the tear strip through the upper layer to separate the label into first and second parts which are adhered to the first and second container parts respectively; and moving the first and second container parts apart so as to open the container. The tear strip may be pulled through the upper layer to completely separate it from the remainder of the label.

Pulling the tear strip through the upper layer may cause a portion of the upper layer to be removed with the tear strip. The portion of the upper layer removed may be substantially the same shape and size as the tear strip.

The invention may comprise any combination of the features and/or limitations referred to herein, except combinations of such features as are mutually exclusive.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically shows a container having a label applied around part of its circumference; Figure 2 schematically shows a plan view of the label of Figure 1; Figure 3 schematically shows the cross-sectional view A-A of Figure 2; Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the label of Figure 1 applied to the container; Figure 5 schematically shows the container of Figure 1 with the tear strip partially torn away from the remainder of the label; Figure 6 schematically shows a close-up of the pull-tab of the label of Figure 2; Figure 7 schematically shows an alternative of the pull-tab region of Figure 2; Figure 8 schematically shows the label of Figure 2 with the tear strip torn away; Figure 9 schematically shows the cross-sectional view of Figure 4 with the tear strip torn away; Figure 10 schematically shows the container of Figure 1 with the tear strip torn away; Figure 11 schematically shows the container of Figure 10 with the lid removed; Figure 12 schematically shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a label; Figure 13 schematically shows the label of Figure 12 with the tear strip torn away; Figure 14 schematically shows a plan view of a third embodiment of a label; Figure 15 schematically shows the label of Figure 14 with the tear strip torn away; Figure 16 schematically shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a label; Figure 17 schematically shows the label of Figure 16 with the tear strip torn away; and Figure 18 schematically shows the label of Figure 16 applied to a frusto-conical container.

Figure 1 shows packaging 1, in the form of a cylindrical container 2, having a base part 3 and a lid 4 which is detachably attached to the base part 3. The base part 3 comprises a cavity (not shown) within which at least one article, substance or product is contained. In this embodiment, the container 2 is a snus container and therefore snus is contained within the cavity. However, it should be appreciated that the container could be for other substances or products, such as a cosmetic product, a food product, or another tobacco product, for example. Further, as will be explained in detail below, it is not essential that the container is generally cylindrical. The lid 4 is threadedly attached to the base pail 3 and they meet at an interfaceS, or join, that circumferentially extends around the periphely of the container 2. As will be readily appreciated, the lid 4 can be detached from the base part 3 to allow the contents of the cavity to be removed therefrom. In other embodiments, the lid 4 could be snap-fitted to the base part 3, or detachably attached in any other suitable way.

An elongate tamper-evident sealing label 10 is adhered to the container 2 over the majority of the interface 5 between the base part 3 and the lid 4. The label 10 therefore circumferentially extends around the majority of the periphery of the container 2, with the centreline (or axis) of the longitudinally extending elongate label 10 aligned with the interface 5. A lower part of the label 10 is adhered to the outer surface of the base part 3, and an upper part of the label 10 is adhered to the outer surface of the lid 4.

Therefore, with the label 10 intact and applied as shown in Figure 1, the lid 4 cannot be detached from the base part 3 and therefore access to the interior of the container 2 is prohibited.

As best shown in Figure 2 and 3, the tamper-evident sealing label 10 is generally rectangular and elongate. The label 10 extends along a linear line and has a length of approximately 220mm and a width of approximately 17mm. It should be appreciated that any suitable dimensions can be chosen depending on the particular application.

Further, it is not essential that the label 10 is either elongate or linearly extending. The label 10 is of a laminate structure and comprises a lower (or base) layer 12 and an upper layer 14 that are adhered together. The lower and upper layers 12, 14 are of substantially the same width and length and are therefore coextensive with one another. In other words, the lower and upper layers 12, 14 have the same shape and size. In this embodiment, the lower layer 12 has a thickness of 3Opm and is made from clear biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP). The lower layer 12 is directly printed onto with any suitable colours, graphics, designs or text. The lower layer 12 is printed with a solid colour which extends over the entire surface of the lower film and branding information. The upper layer 14 is adhered to the upper surface of the lower layer 12 using a lamination adhesive and in this embodiment has a thickness of 12pm and is also made from clear biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPF). The upper layer 14 therefore provides a protective layer over the print which can be seen through the upper layer 14. The entire lower surface of the lower layer 14 is provided with a permanent adhesive coating 16. Therefore, the area of the adhesive coating 16 is substantially the same as that of the lower and upper layers 12, 14. The adhesive coating 16 may be a continuous or discontinuous layer. The adhesive coating 16 is a pressure-sensitive adhesive and may be a rubber or acrylic based adhesive, a hot melt, emulsion, solvent based or UV hot melt adhesive. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, other suitable adhesives may be used The label 10 comprises a tear strip 18 which is formed, or defined, in the lower layer 12 by two spaced-apart longitudinally extending cuts 20 that extend through the entire thickness of the lower layer 12, but do not extend into the upper layer 14. Both cuts 20 extend from a first end of the label 10 to a second opposing end of the label 10. The cuts 20 are parallel to one another and extend in the linear direction (i.e. parallel to the axis of the label). Therefore, the tear strip 18 has a constant width along its length and is coextensive with both the lower and upper layers 12, 14. In this embodiment the cuts 20 are continuous, but it should be appreciated that in other embodiments they could be perforated cuts. The cuts 20 are shown in Figure 2 as dotted lines as the label 10 is being viewed from above, not because the cuts 20 are perforated.

The tear strip 18 also comprises a generally circular pull-tab 22 that is provided at the first end of the tear strip 18. The pull-tab 22, like the tear strip 18, is formed by the lower layer 12 and is therefore integral with the tear strip 18. The upper layer 14 also overlaps the pull-tab 22, but need not necessarily do so. The lower surface of the lower layer 12 in the region of the tear strip 18 and pull-tab 22 is provided with an adhesive deadening layer 24 which is applied over the adhesive coating 16. The adhesive deadening layer 24 reduces, or completely deadens, the adhesive properties of the adhesive coating l6in the regions to which it is applied. Alternatively, the lower surface of the tear strip 18 and pull-tab 22 may be adhesive-free.

Referring back to Figure 1 and as also shown in Figure 4, the label 10 is applied (i.e. adhered) to the container 2 over the interface 5 (Join) between the base part 3 and the lid 4. The label 10 extends around the circumference of the container 2 and the length of the label 10 is slightly less than the circumference. The label 10 is aligned with the interface 5 so that the tear strip 18 formed in the lower layer 12 is over the interface 5.

An upper part 26 of the label 10 which is above the tear strip 18 is adhered to only the lid 4 and a lower part 28 of the label 10 which is below the tear strip 18 is adhered to only the base part 3.

Referring now to Figure 5, in order to open the container 2, a user grasps the pull-tab 22 and pulls it away from the container 2. Since the pull-tab 22 is provided with an adhesive deadening layer, it is not adhered to the container 2 and it is easy for the user to grasp. The pull-tab 22 is integral with the tear strip 18 and therefore as it is pulled it starts to pull through the upper layer 14. This results in stress concentrations around tear initiation features 30, 32 in the upper layer 14 (Figure 6). The tear initiation features 30, 32 are spaced apart by substantially the same distance as the width of the tear strip 18. In this embodiment the tear initiation features 30, 32 are the locations in the upper layer 14 between the pull-tab and the main part of the upper layer 14. As the pull-tab 22 is pulled away from the container 2, the stress at the tear initiation features 30, 32 increase and the upper layer 14 starts to tear. As show in Figure 7, the tear initiation features 30, 32 could be cuts or notches in the upper layer 14 which are spaced apart and aligned with the longitudinal cuts 20.

As the tear strip 18 is pulled away from the container 2, the upper layer 14 tears along longitudinal tear lines that are aligned with (i.e. correspond to) the cuts 20 that define the tear strip 18. The tear strip 18 is therefore pulled through the upper layer 14, removing with it a portion 34 of the upper layer 14 that is substantially the same width (and shape) as that of the tear strip 18. As the tear strip 18 is progressively pulled through the upper layer 14, eventually it, and the portion 34 of the upper layer 14, is completely detached from the remainder of the label 10. As best shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, this results in the label 10 being completely separated along a longitudinal line into upper and lower parts 26, 28 which are adhered to the lid 4 and base part 3 respectively. After the tear strip 18 has been removed, the label 10 no longer overlies the interface 5 of the base part 3 and lid 4 and hence the lid 4 can be detached from the base part 3 permitting access to the interior of the base part 3 (Figure 11).

Since the lower surface of the tear strip 18 is provided with an adhesive deadening coating 16, it is not adhered to the container 2, and therefore it is relatively easy to pull it away from the container 2. The force required to pull the tear strip 18 away from the container 2 and through the upper layer 14 is less than the adhesive strength between the remainder of the label 10 and the container 2 and this results in the upper and lower parts 26, 28 of the label remaining adhered the base part 3 and lid 4 respectively.

Figures 12 and 13 show a third embodiment which is similar to the first embodiment described above. However, the tear strip 18 cut into the lower layer 12 tapers towards the second end and therefore has a non-constant width. The cuts 20 are therefore non-linear and are not parallel to each other. When the linear tear strip 18 is pulled through the upper layer 14, it causes the upper layer 14 to tear along two non-linear lines that are guided by the non-linear edges of the tear strip 18.

Figures 14 and 15 show a second embodiment which is similar to the first embodiment described above. However, the tear strip 18 cut into the lower layer 12 is non-linear (although it generally extends along a linear line) and has a wavy shape of a constant width. Mien the tear strip 18 is pulled through the upper layer 14, it causes the upper layer 14 to tear along two wavy lines that are guided by the wavy edges of the tear strip 18.

Figures 16 and 17 show a third embodiment which is similar to the first embodiment described above. However, the label 10 itself is non-linear and instead forms a circular arc. The tear strip 18 is cut into the lower layer 12 and is formed by two cuts 20, each of a circular arc. Therefore, the tear strip 18 itself has a constant width and is also a circular arc. As shown in Figure 18, this means that the label 10 can be applied to a curved surface, which in this embodiment is a frusto-conical surface. \Mien the tear strip 18 is pulled through the upper layer 14, it causes the upper layer to tear along two circular arc lines that are guided by the edges of the tear strip 18.

Since the tear strip 18 is pre-defined in the lower layer 12 by two cuts 20, when it is pulled through the upper layer 14 it guides the tearing of the upper layer along tear lines that substantially correspond to the edges of the tear strip 18. This allows non-linear tear strips 18 to be torn away from the label 10, and also allows tear strips 18 of a non-constant but controlled width to be torn away. Therefore, pre-defining the tear strip 18 in the lower layer gives greater control over the shape and size of the tear strip 18. Further, pre-defining the tear strip 18, such as by cutting it into the lower layer 12, allows a wide choice of materials to be used for both the lower and upper layers 12, 14.

It is not necessary to use a material that is arranged to tear in a particular direction.

For example, bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) where the polymer chains are not oriented in a single direction can be used for the lower and/or upper layers 12, 14, whilst still being able to closely control the tearing of the upper layer 14. This is because it is the pre-defined tear strip 18 that guides the tearing of the upper layer, not the nature of the material or film itself.

In the foregoing embodiments it has been described that the tear strip 18 is completely cut into the lower layer 12 by two continuous cuts 20 that extend through the entire thickness of the lower layer 12 and from the first end to the second end of it. However, it should be appreciated that the tear strip 18 may be defined in other suitable ways.

For example, the tear strip 18 could be formed by two perforated cuts or lines, or by two continuous score lines that partially extend through the thickness of the lower layer 12. However, it is important that the tear strip is pre-defined in the lower layer 12 meaning that what it is pulled through the upper layer 14, it separates from the remainder of the lower layer 12 along these pre-defined lines and forces the upper layer 14 to tear along two corresponding tear lines.

It has been described that the container is a generally cylindrical container having a base part and a lid. However, in other embodiments the label may be used to seal any other type of packaging such as a box, a flexible or rigid packet, or a bag, for example.

Although not described in detail, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the labels can be provided on a reel comprising a wound backing sheet provided with a release coating to which a plurality of labels are adhered.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A label for product packaging, comprising: a laminate having upper and lower layers with a tear strip defined in the lower layer and an adhesive coating provided such that the label can be adhered to product packaging; wherein in use, the tear strip can be pulled through the upper layer to separate the label into first and second label parts.
2. A label according to claim 1, wherein the tear strip is defined by one or more cuts in the lower layer.
3. A label according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the tear strip is cut into the lower layer.
4. A label according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the or each cut extends through the entire thickness of the lower layer.
5. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the label is elongate.
6. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper and lower layers and the tear strip are elongate.
7. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper and lower layers and the tear strip are mutually coextensive.
8. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper and lower layers are substantially the same shape and size.
9. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the label is curved along its length.
10. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper and lower layers and are curved along their lengths.
11. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the tear strip is curved along its length.
12. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the shape of the tear strip is non-linear.
13. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the width of the tear strip varies along its length.
14. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower side of the tear strip is adhesive-free or is provided with an adhesive deadening layer.
15. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the tear strip comprises a pull-tab.
16. A label according to claim 15, wherein the lower side of the pull-tab is adhesive-free or is provided with an adhesive deadening layer.
17. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein a first end of the upper layer comprises at least one tear initiation feature aligned with the tear strip.
18. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein a first end of the upper layer comprises first and second spaced tear initiation features aligned with either side of the tear strip.
19. A label according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the or each tear initiation feature is a cut or notch in the first end of the upper layer.
20. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a part of the lower side of the lower layer is provided with the adhesive coating, such as a permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive coating.
21. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein in use, the tear strip can be pulled through the upper layer and completely separated from the remainder of the label.
22. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the label is arranged such that in use pulling the tear strip through the upper layer causes a portion of the upper layer to be removed with the tear strip.
23. A label according to claim 22, wherein the portion of the upper layer removed is substantially the same shape and size as the tear strip.
24. A wound reel of labels comprising a wound backing sheet with a plurality of labels, each in accordance with any preceding claim, releasably adhered to the backing sheet.
25. Packaging for at least one article or substance comprising: a container having first and second container parts that can be moved apart so as to open the container; and a label in accordance with any preceding claim applied over at least a part of the interface between the first and second container parts, thereby preventing them from being moved apart; wherein the tear strip can be pulled through the upper layer to separate the label into first and second parts which are adhered to the first and second container parts respectively, thereby allowing the container to be opened.
26. Packaging according to claim 25, wherein one of the container parts is a base part having a cavity for retaining the at least one article or substance, and wherein the other container part is a lid detachably attached to the base part.
27. Packaging according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the container is generally cylindrical.
28. Packaging according to any of claims 25-27, wherein the container has a substantially frusto-conical surface in the region of the interface, and wherein the label is curved along its length and is applied over at least a part of the frusto-conical surface and the interface.
29. A label or packaging substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
30. A method of opening packaging in accordance with any of claims 25-28, the method comprising: pulling the tear strip through the upper layer to separate the label into first and second parts which are adhered to the first and second container parts respectively; and moving the first and second container parts apart so as to open the container.
31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the tear strip is pulled through the upper layer to completely separate it from the remainder of the label.
32. A method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein pulling the tear strip through the upper layer causes a portion of the upper layer to be removed with the tear strip.
33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the portion of the upper layer removed is substantially the same shape and size as the tear strip.