DE102024108827A1 - Label for a vessel, system and method for producing a label for a vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

A label (1) for a container (10) comprises a label layer with a plurality of raised structural elements (2) which are designed with a predetermined height in accordance with a geometry of the container (10). The structural elements (2) are designed to protrude in such a way, relative to a state in which the label (1) is applied to the container (10) as intended, that they surround the container (10) all the way around and provide contact protection for the container (10), which counteracts direct contact of the container (1) with an adjacent surface in the region of the applied label (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a label for a container that can contribute to reliable identification and secure protection for the container in a simple and cost-effective manner. The invention also relates to a system comprising such a label and a method for producing such a label.

Labels are used, among other things, for authorization, authentication, or proof of origin of a given item. This particularly applies to containers in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, whose contents must be reliably labeled and protected.

It is an object underlying the invention to contribute in a simple and cost-effective manner to reliable labeling and secure protection for a container and its contents.

The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the respective dependent patent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, a label for a container comprises a label layer with a plurality of raised structural elements configured to match a geometry of the container with a predetermined height. Such that, when the label is applied to the container as intended, the structural elements circumferentially surround the container and provide contact protection for the container, which counteracts direct contact of the container with an adjacent surface in the region of the applied label. The height can refer to a center and/or a highest point of the structural elements.

Using the described label structure, pharmaceutical containers such as syringes, vials, or injection bottles can be reliably labeled and safely protected against mechanical contact. This can prevent, in particular, glass breakage of a glass container, for example, if it is lying sideways on a surface, comes into sideways contact with a wall, a casing, or another container, or falls onto a surface such as the floor. The raised structural elements act as buffers that dampen mechanical contact with an adjacent surface. This allows for reliable mechanical protection, eliminating the need for additional protective devices such as complex secondary packaging.

The structural elements, in particular, form a plurality of separate raised shapes in or on the label layer and are arranged such that unwanted direct contact of the container, possibly also of the container covered with sections of the label in which no raised structural elements are arranged, with an adjacent surface, such as a substrate or another adjacent container, is prevented by means of the structural elements. Alternatively or additionally, a coherent damping structure in the form of a raised structural element, for example a surface or a strip, can also be provided. Such a coherent structural element is formed, for example, centrally on the label layer and, when attached to the container, provides circumferential protection against external mechanical influences. Alternatively or additionally, one or more structural elements can be formed integrally with the label layer, which, for example, comprises a plurality of raised structural elements as a film layer.

It is a finding in connection with the present invention that pharmaceutical packaging made of glass, such as vials and syringes, are often prone to breakage during use. Damage or glass breakage can also lead to leakage, contamination, and/or potential hazards from the contents of the container. Various products therefore require protection against glass breakage, which can also open up further fields of application.

The described label structure enables, in particular, lateral protection against glass breakage, lateral protection against mechanical overload, impacts, and/or vibrations. The raised structural elements provide breakage protection and enable physical separation of multiple products from one another, so that, for example, a spacer function is established and container bottles do not collide with one another, for example, during transport in cartons or during processing or filling of the containers. Thus, the raised structural elements also provide additional protection against mechanical overload. In addition, the raised structural elements prevent a rollable container, which usually has a cylindrical container body, from rolling away. Due to their shape and, in particular, their height, the raised structural elements can counteract rolling away.

According to a further development of the label, the structural elements have a adjacent surface of the label layer have a predetermined height of at least 50 µm, 100 µm, or 150 µm. Furthermore, the structural elements can have a predetermined height of a maximum of 500 µm, 400 µm, or 300 µm compared to an adjacent surface of the label layer. Preferably, the structural elements have a predetermined height of 200 µm to 250 µm inclusive, in order to enable a flat label structure, which also provides reliable damping protection.

According to a further development of the label, the structural elements are arranged along a line which, in relation to the state in which the label is applied to the container as intended, surrounds the container circumferentially, in particular radially. Relative to an edgewise direction transverse to the radially circumferential line, the structural elements are designed such that, when projected along the edgewise direction, they overlap one another at least in sections and/or interlock. The arrangement of the structural elements can follow a straight or oblique line, or the structural elements can be arranged along a curved line or a zigzag path.

Alternatively, structural elements are arranged along a circumferential line so that they are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance. The distance between two adjacent structural elements must be set so that potentially damaging contact between the vessel and an adjacent surface can be prevented. The possible distance also depends on the geometry of the vessel, so that the distance between two adjacent structural elements can be larger if the diameter of a cylindrical vessel is larger. For vessels with a relatively small radius or diameter, a correspondingly small distance must be set up, or the structural elements are designed as raised shapes with no lateral distance from one another, so that they are arranged as individual elements offset from one another, partially overlap and/or interlock. In addition, the possible distance between the structural elements is determined by the height of the structural elements, so that the distance between two adjacent structural elements can be larger if the structural elements are taller.

Furthermore, the line thickness, arrangement, and vertical spacing of the structural elements on a label carrier material can be varied. Therefore, the structural elements preferably form several individual structures, ensuring that the label remains easy and reliable to apply, and is also suitable for vessels with a relatively small diameter and not too rigid. For example, the label can be used for glass syringes with an outer diameter between 5 and 20 mm. This means that even commercially available glass syringes or vials with an outer diameter of 6.85 mm, 8.15 mm, 10.85 mm, or 16 mm can be reliably labeled and securely protected.

According to a further development of the label, the structural elements are formed on opposite edge regions of the label layer and are each arranged along a circumferential line. The positions of the structural elements on the label layer are designed, in particular, to match the geometry of the vessel, preferably in the edge regions of the label layer that, based on the state in which the label is applied to the vessel as intended, are assigned to a respective upper and lower vessel edge of the vessel, which form particularly critical vessel locations for glass breakage.

According to a further development of the label, one or more of the structural elements have a Y-shape, a crescent shape, an S-shape, or a rod shape. The structural elements can be formed, in particular, by printing.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more structural elements are formed by dripping or dispensing, by embossing and/or by deep drawing.

According to a further development of the label, the structural elements and/or the label layer are transparent. A partially or fully transparent label structure can provide reliable mechanical protection, which also offers a useful inspection option. Alternatively or additionally, one or more structural elements can be colored. The label layer can, for example, provide a substrate for the structural elements as a transparent or white film.

According to a further development of the label, the label or label layer comprises a functional layer that provides a predetermined protective effect against the penetration of light and/or gas. In this way, in addition to the mechanical protection provided by the raised structural elements, further reliable and secure protection for containers and their contents can be created, thus counteracting adverse effects due to the entry and/or exit of reactive gases, liquids, and/or radiation, particularly in the ultraviolet and/or visible spectral range. Such a barrier layer comprises a material that implements the desired barrier function. For example, The barrier layer or functional layer comprises material compositions based on EVOH (ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer). Alternatively or additionally, the barrier layer comprises a metal oxide, such as aluminum oxide (Al _x O _y , such as Al ₂ O ₃ ) or silicon oxide (SiO _{x ,} such as SiO ₂ ). The barrier layer can be transparent or opaque.

The label can be single-layered or multi-layered and, in addition to the single label layer, can also have additional label layers or label plies. The label layer can comprise the functional layer, or one or more functional layers can form separate layers. The functional layer can provide a predetermined temperature resistance as an alternative or in addition to the barrier functions described above. The label can therefore comprise one or more functional layers that take into account a respective intended application of the label and can thus be single-layered or multi-layered. The label can, for example, comprise a respective functional layer that is designed as an at least partially transparent, white and/or colored film element.

According to a further development of the label, the label or label layer comprises a foam material with a predetermined softness. The label, for example, has a foam layer on the back or underside, which, after application, wraps around the container like a protective cushion. In conjunction with the raised structural elements, this provides particularly safe and reliable protection against glass breakage, and the processing and transport of break- and impact-sensitive medication containers can be carried out more economically. For example, with conventionally labeled containers in cartons, such as vials, there is a risk of damage during transport due to the constant bumping against each other. This can not only cause economic damage, but also poses the risk of potentially toxic substances being released through broken containers. These adverse effects can be reliably counteracted with the foam label and the raised structural elements.

The break-resistant effect provided by the raised structural elements can be further enhanced by the use of carrier materials with appropriate intrinsic material properties. The label layer forms a carrier material and can, for example, comprise one or more films with a foamed core, a relatively thick, soft polyethylene film, a multi-layer structure, and/or a wrap-around label structure with suitable films. In particular, standard films can also be used for the label construction.

According to a further development, the label is designed with a predetermined length to match the container, so that it creates a wrap-around label and has an overlapping area in which the label lies on itself when applied. As a wrap-around label, the label has corresponding dimensions coordinated with the intended use on the container to be labeled. A length or width along an application or winding direction is accordingly designed such that it is greater than a circumferential length of the container at the application point. Accordingly, when wrapped around the container, the label lies on itself, at least in sections. Thus, in addition to its function as an information carrier, it can provide the greatest possible protection for the contents of the container against certain substances and radiation, in addition to the mechanical protection provided by the structural elements.

The label can be used as a wrap-around label, providing extensive protection for the contents of the container. The label can, in particular, be designed so that, for use on a syringe, it extends over a syringe shoulder and over the syringe closure, closes in on itself, and seals the syringe closure in a sleeve. This also allows the shoulder and closure area of the syringe or the container in general to be additionally protected from the effects of light/UV radiation and/or against the ingress of gas or water. Alternatively, the label can also be intended for a glass vial. Alternatively or additionally, the previously described and/or other functionalities, such as UV/light protection, a barrier protection film, and/or an intended cryogenic application of the label, can be taken into account, so that corresponding functionalities can be integrated with a suitable choice of a top material for a label layer or the label and/or by a suitable choice of adhesive. The label may further cooperate with a cap element that is attached to a syringe or injection vial and provides, in addition to the vessel body, a labelable surface in the region of the vessel closure.

Alternatively, the label can be designed as a wrap-around label, so that a length or width along the application or wrapping direction is designed such that it is substantially equal to a circumferential length of the vessel at the intended application site. Alternatively, the label can be designed such that, after wrapping, it partially or not completely covers a circumference of the vessel in the longitudinal direction, but it is ensured that the structural elements are arranged in such a way as to prevent direct contact of the vessel, for example a side wall of the vessel body, with an adjacent surface, for example a substrate when the vessel rests laterally, or with another vessel arranged adjacently.

For example, a small gap is provided between a starting edge and an opposite end edge of the label after application to the container. Accordingly, structural elements are then formed on the end edge and the starting edge with a corresponding height and/or width, which can reliably prevent direct contact of the container with a surface in the region of the gap.

The label can also be designed to match the dimensions of the vessel in terms of its length or height. The vessels to be labeled are usually cylindrical and essentially rotationally symmetrical, so that an edgewise direction of the label is generally set up or aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis, central axis, cylinder axis and/or rotation axis of the vessel during application. The label is then rotated around a vessel during application and encloses it. The height or length of the label can therefore also be related to a longitudinal axis of the vessel and usually extends perpendicular to the width or a circumferential direction of the vessel. The length of the label can be designed to cover the vessel as much as possible or even enclose it beyond it, so that it can be sealed, for example, glued and/or welded, above the vessel closure and/or below the vessel base.

In the context of this description, terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "upper side", and "underside" refer to positions and orientations as they occur during the intended, normal use of the label. Thus, an upper side faces an outside area or away from the vessel and generally contains information such as printing and/or labeling. The underside accordingly faces the vessel body. A front or leading label edge refers to the side of the label that is applied to the vessel first, according to the direction of application. Accordingly, the vessel closure essentially forms a head portion of the vessel and is usually arranged on top of the vessel body. A rear or trailing label edge is accordingly the opposite side of the label, which is usually pressed down last when wrapping the syringe or vessel. The direction of application represents, for example, the direction in which the label is applied to the vessel.

The label may further comprise two or more label sections, which may be of identical or different design and which are preferably arranged as mutually adjacent regions of a common material web of the wrap-around label or the label.

According to a further development, the label has, at least in sections, an adhesive-neutral area on an underside that is designed to be applied to the container and/or on an upper side of the label. Preferably, an adhesive layer is provided on the underside of the label to enable it to be easily and reliably attached to the container. An adhesive-free or adhesive-reduced area is preferably formed on the underside of a label section, which, in the case of a wraparound label, lies on an underlying label section. Thus, the upper label section can be lifted more easily if necessary, and underlying information and/or a viewing window can be exposed.

Furthermore, an adhesive-free, adhesive-reduced, or adhesive-neutral region can be provided in conjunction with a perforation, which is particularly located in a transition region between a vessel closure and a vessel body. This can improve the opening dynamics of the labeled vessel, since less force is required when twisting and/or peeling off the vessel closure and cutting through the label compared to a fully adhesive label. Such an adhesive-free, adhesive-reduced, or adhesive-neutral region can be configured by applying no adhesive to this position or by applying an adhesive-weakening agent that predetermines the adhesive strength and neutralizes it. The adhesive-free region(s) can accordingly also be referred to as adhesive-reduced or adhesive-neutral regions. A predefined adhesive-neutral area can also contribute to improved break protection, as it provides a shear effect of the associated label layer and thus enables a certain degree of shock impulse dissipation due to the non-continuous tackiness.

Furthermore, depending on the intended application, a targeted choice of an adhesive can be particularly useful, for example one that is selected with regard to cryogenic applications and autoclaving, so that the label can be used for a particularly wide temperature range of, for example, -196°C in deep-freeze applications. applications up to +140°C in sterilization applications.

The label may have one or more perforations. Alternatively or additionally, the label may comprise a severing element, such as a tear strip, a slit, a groove, and/or one or more additional perforations, so that when the container with the label applied is opened, the label can be torn along the perforations or the severing element, allowing, for example, a portion of the upper label area, together with the container closure, to be easily removed from the lower label area and the container body.

Furthermore, the label can comprise security features, such as a void layer, which is arranged, for example, in the label layer or coupled to it. The void layer can, for example, be arranged below the label layer and above an adhesive layer with respect to the stacking direction. The void layer provides a void effect that offers protection against tampering. For example, the void layer is implemented with two or more structures or release gradations with different adhesive strengths. For example, a more strongly adhesive structure is implemented in the form of lettering in the void structure, while other sections of the void structure are less adhesive. If the void structure or the label with a void layer is applied to an object to be marked, the more strongly adhesive lettering, for example, remains stuck to the object when the label is removed, while the less strongly adhesive sections are removed with the label or a section of the label detached from the object. Alternatively, the structures described can also be designed in the opposite way with regard to their adhesive strength, so that, for example, the structure in the form of lettering has a weaker adhesive strength.

Alternatively or additionally, security features in the form of perforations can be provided, which create a predetermined weakening structure in a layer of the label. Thus, for example, tear positions can be provided at which the label tears in a predetermined manner in the event of a tampering attempt or upon opening of the container to which it is applied. Alternatively or additionally, further perforations can be provided in one or more layers of the label, which enable a targeted tearing through or opening of a respective layer. The perforations and/or further perforations can be provided separately or in conjunction with the perforation of the first and/or second label section.

The label can further comprise RFID functionality, for example, by having an RFID transponder arranged on or integrated into the label. The RFID transponder comprises an RFID chip and an antenna structure that is signal-coupled to the RFID chip. The antenna structure can comprise a tamper loop that crosses the first or second perforation of the respective label section, so that if the label is torn open, this event can be electronically detected. Alternatively or additionally, the label can also comprise functionality based on another wireless standard, such as Bluetooth LE. Active systems including a power supply are also possible, which, for example, track or store a temperature and/or time.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a system comprises a vessel having a vessel body, and an embodiment of the previously described label, which is applied at least partially to the vessel body, such that the label surrounds the vessel body and the structural elements are raised relative to an adjacent surface of the vessel body and the label layer. Because the system comprises an embodiment of the described label, properties and features of the label are also disclosed for the system, and vice versa.

The vessel is particularly designed as a multi-part article with a vessel closure and a vessel body, such as a syringe, an injection vial, or a vial. A surface or outer surface of the vessel thus forms a substrate for the label and can be implemented, for example, by the outer surface of a syringe or an injection vial. The label is applied to the vessel such that the label layer wraps around a periphery of the vessel body and/or the vessel closure, and a normal or damaged state of the label is formed on the vessel. The structural elements form outwardly projecting shapes that provide reliable damping and/or prevent the vessel, possibly with sections of the label layer on which no structural elements are formed, from coming into direct, undesired contact with adjacent surfaces.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for producing a label for a vessel comprises providing at least one label layer, and forming a plurality of raised structural elements which are designed to match a geometry of the vessel with a predetermined height, so that, with respect to a state in which the label is attached to the vessel is applied as intended, the structural elements surround the vessel all the way around and provide contact protection for the vessel, which counteracts direct contact of the vessel with an adjacent surface in the area of the applied label. Because the respective method is designed in particular for producing an embodiment of the previously described label and/or system, properties and features described in connection with the label or system are also disclosed for the method, and vice versa.

The label enables the simple and cost-effective implementation of reliable and secure protection against glass breakage and can be combined with a variety of additional label features, such as barrier functions and/or inspection options. The label therefore offers a high degree of variability and flexibility and can be customized with additional features. The label can be dispensed easily and reliably, particularly automatically, and does not require any expensive components.

The structural elements can be applied to the label layer using a printing process, such as screen printing, stencil printing, and/or flexographic printing. Alternatively or additionally, other processes for generating the raised structural elements are possible, such as embossing, deep drawing, and/or dispensing. The structural elements can also be anchored to the surface of the label layer, ensuring a particularly reliable hold and ensuring that the raised shapes remain on the label and the container it is provided with. Anchoring the raised structural elements to the carrier material provided by the label layer can be achieved, for example, by directly applying a suitable surface to the carrier material, by suitable surface pretreatment, by suitable pre-coating, or by applying a primer.

The structural elements are distributed particularly along critical points on the label or corresponding points on the container that are to be covered with the label, such as the upper and lower label edges, which are to be assigned to a respective container rim. Other areas of the label, such as a central area, can remain free or be provided with additional raised structural elements for particularly reliable protection. The structural elements can also be distributed evenly across the entire label. The raised structural elements can also be placed on other design layout areas of the label.

• 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Etiketts für ein Gefäß,
• 2-3 Ausführungsbeispiele von erhabenen Strukturelementen des Etiketts,
• 4-18 weitere Ausführungsbeispiele des Etiketts mit Strukturelementen, und
• 19 ein Ablaufdiagramm für ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Etiketts für ein Gefäß.

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained using schematic drawings. They show:

• 1 an embodiment of a label for a container,
• 2-3 Examples of raised structural elements of the label,
• 4-18 further embodiments of the label with structural elements, and
• 19 a flow chart for a method for producing a label for a container.

Elements or features of the same design or function are identified by the same reference symbols throughout the figures. For reasons of clarity, not all elements or features shown may be identified by corresponding reference symbols in all figures.

The 1 to 18 show embodiments of a label 1 or components of the label 1 in respective plan views or views from above of an upper side 9 of the label 1. The label 1 is provided for marking and in particular for protecting a glass vessel 10 and comprises a label layer with a plurality of raised structural elements 2, which are designed with a predetermined height in coordination with a geometry of the vessel 10, so that, based on a state in which the label 1 is applied to the vessel 10 as intended, the structural elements 2 surround the vessel 10 all the way around and provide contact protection for the vessel 10. The contact protection counteracts direct contact of the vessel 1 with an adjacent surface in the area of the applied label 1.

The vessel 10 is in particular a multi-part glass container, such as a vial, an injection bottle or a syringe, and has a vessel closure 11 and a vessel body 12 (see 14 and 15 ). The structural elements 2 are, for example, Y-shaped (see 1, 4, 10 and 13 to 17 ) and arranged along a respective line that runs around the container 10 when the label 1 is applied as intended. An application direction A is shown in 1 illustrated with an arrow and perpendicular thereto an upright direction H, which is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the vessel 10, provided that the label 1 is provided for being attached to the vessel 1 (see 15 ).

In the 2 and 3 Two adjacent structural elements 2 are shown enlarged, each of which is Y-shaped. The structural elements 2 can be located in a transition area 3 in project tion overlap (see 2 ) or spaced apart from one another so that the transition region 3 remains free of sections of the structural elements 2. In each case, the arrangement of the structural elements 2 ensures that the vessel 10 does not come into direct contact with a surface, such as a substrate or an adjacent vessel wall of another vessel. Direct contact may also include contact of the vessel 10 with a section of the label layer which partially covers the vessel 10 but does not have a structural element 2, since, unless the label layer has shock-absorbing properties, there may be an essentially unchanged risk of breakage for the vessel 10. In other words, the structural elements 2 are designed and arranged such that they are always placed between the vessel 10 and a substrate or an adjacent surface when the applied vessel 10, for example, lies on its side on the substrate or is tightly packed upright in a carton with a large number of other vessels.

The 4 to 9 show different design options for the structural elements 2 with a Y-shape (see 4 ), a stick shape (see 5 ), an S-shape (see 6 and 9 ), an arch shape (see 7 ) or a sickle shape (see 8 ). The respective shapes can interlock like a zipper or partially overlap in projection and establish a reliable mechanical contact protection for the vessel 10. According to the 4 to 9 The structural elements 2 are arranged in the application direction A on an upper and a lower label edge along two circumferential lines that surround the container 10 when the label 1 is applied as intended. Alternatively, the label 1 can be formed over the entire surface or predominantly over the entire surface with structural elements 2, as shown in the 10 to 12 Alternatively, the structural elements 2 can also be provided individually or in groups on or in the label 1, as shown in 17 is indicated.

The distribution of the structural elements 2 is particularly tailored to critical points of the container 10, so that the two circumferential lines with the structural elements 2 are assigned to an upper and a lower container edge of the container body 12 or of the container 10. An inner central area of the label 1 can be printed or labeled, for example, for a layout or information regarding the contents of the container 10. A respective circumferential line with structural elements 2 can, for example, also be shifted downwards or towards the center of the label, if this is beneficial with regard to the container 10 to be labeled (see, for example, 14 ).

Furthermore, an overlapping area 4 without structural elements is illustrated, on which the label 1 comes to rest when it is pre-attached to the container 10. The label 1 is designed in particular depending on the geometry of the container 10 and, with a correspondingly wide design, creates an overwrap label which radially surrounds a peripheral surface of the container 10. The overlapping area 4 in a overwrap label 1 can be rectilinear (see 14 ) or bent. The overlapping area 4 enables, for example, a stronger bond or an improved guarantee of reliable bonding, since the structural elements 2, on the one hand, contribute to safe and reliable mechanical protection for the container 10, and on the other hand, they also lead to a stiffening of the label 1 compared to a flat label without break protection elements. By a suitable shape, height, and positioning of the structural elements 2, stiffening can be kept to a minimum and reliable break protection for the container 10 can be established.

Alternatively or additionally, the label 1 can be formed with a nose or grip tab 14, which subsequently comes into contact with the container 10 and/or the label 1 during application (see 15 ). Such a grip tab 14 enables easy lifting of the label 1 or an upper label layer, for example, to conduct a visual inspection or to expose underlying information. Alternatively, a slit or perforation can be incorporated into the label 1, for example, below the upper structural elements 2 and above the lower structural elements 2, so that when the label 1 is opened by pulling on the grip tab 14, for example, an upper label layer is partially removed and the label strips with the protective structural elements 2 remain on the pharmaceutical container 10.

The label 1 can have a single-layer and multi-layer structure with one or more label layers. In a multi-layer structure, the raised structural elements 2 are preferably formed on the uppermost label layer 9. The structural elements 2 can be distributed as break-protection structures over the entire uppermost layer of the label 1, which can be partially or completely lifted off from an underlying layer of the label 1, for example to view information stored on the lower layer or to enable an inspection of the container contents. Thus, the label 1 can have an opening function. Alternatively or additionally, the uppermost layer can be designed such that it can be torn off from the lower layer. Such an optional tear-off function can be achieved by means of one or more perforations of label 1. The top layer of label 1 then forms a break-protection layer and is available for as long as necessary and can then be torn off if necessary.

The label 1 can also be designed as a single- or multi-layer wrap-around label with several label sections 7 and 8, as shown in 16 is shown. No structural elements 2 are formed in the first label section 7. In the applied state, the first label section 7 forms a lower label layer, which is covered by the overlying label layer, which is formed by the second label section 8. In the applied state, the first label section 7 is thus arranged radially between the vessel 10 and the second label section 8.

For example, the first label section 7 is transparent and forms the subsequent lower label layer, while the second label section 8 is non-transparent and covers the first label section 7 after application. Alternatively, the second label section 8, one or more structural elements 2 and/or the entire label 1 can also be transparent. The label sections 7 and 8 are, for example, designed to be wide enough that the label 1 covers the circumference of the container 10 in two layers. If necessary, the second label section 8 can then be lifted from the first label section 7, for example to carry out a visual inspection of the contents of the container 10. According to such an embodiment, it is useful for the label 1 to have, on an underside 5, in particular in the region of the liftable second label section 8, a weakened adhesive surface with one or more adhesive-free, neutral, or weakened areas 6, as is shown, for example, in 18 is illustrated.

The label 1 can have a double-layer or multi-layer structure, which, as a laminated composite, comprises several film layers with or without adhesive between the individual layers. Adhesive can be present between existing individual layers or partially neutralized. Adhesive neutralization can be applied over the entire surface or in sections, or in a predefined structural pattern, such as a checkerboard pattern (see [Fig. 18 ), which can also be beneficial for the fracture protection effect.

By means of the described embodiments of the label 1, a reliable and secure breakage protection for a glass vessel 10 can be realized cost-effectively. A design of the label 1 can be produced according to the flow chart according to 19 In a step S1, the label layer is provided with one or more label layers.

In a step S2, a plurality of raised structural elements 2 are formed on or in the label layer. In particular, the structural elements 2 are formed as separate individual elements with a predetermined shape on the upper side 9 of the label layer. In an applied state, the upper side 9 points outwards away from the container 10. The raised structural elements 2 are formed with a predetermined height in coordination with a geometry of the container 10, so that, based on an applied state of the label 1 on the container 10, the structural elements 2 circumferentially surround the container 10 and establish contact protection for the container 10, which counteracts direct contact of the container 10 with an adjacent surface in the region of the applied label 1. This also includes contact of the container 10 with an area in which a section of the label layer covers the container 10 but no structural elements 2 are present. Unless the label layer has additional damping properties, such an area is also susceptible to glass breakage due to impact. The structural elements 2 are therefore always designed and arranged such that they are present between the vessel 10 and an adjacent surface, preventing direct contact.

The structural elements 2 can be printed on the label layer in various graphic forms with a height of, for example, 200-240 µm. The structural elements 2 can be arranged over the entire surface or only along critical areas, such as for an upper and lower vessel edge. The structural elements 2 are formed on the label layer, for example, offset from one another, partially overlapping, and/or interlocking.

The label 1 can be completely transparent and/or allow for inspection of the container 10 through partially transparent sections. A partially or fully transparent design of the label 1 also allows for protection of a subsequent labeling area through overlapping. The label 1 provides reliable breakage protection for the container 10 with a small number of elements and does not require a complex structure and/or costly components.

After application, the buffering structural elements 2 are firmly connected, in particular glued, to the primary packaging or the container 10, and no secondary packaging for impact protection is required. The label 1 is further provided with Further security and functional features, such as UV protection, light protection or a barrier effect, can be combined, for example, by selecting and/or combining a carrier material that forms the label layer with specific properties.

The label 1 can further interact with cap elements that are attached to the vessel 10 and adhered to the label 1. For example, the label 1, in interaction with a cap element on the vessel 10, can enable the complete enclosure of the glass vessel 10, so that in addition to reliable breakage protection provided by the label 1, shatter protection and protection against leakage of the contents of the vessel 10 in the event of damage are also provided. The label 1 can further be designed as an iron-on label and have a fold-out iron-on element. The label 1 can further have removable parts that, for example, provide proof of opening and/or serve documentation purposes.

By means of the described embodiments of the label structure of the label 1, pharmaceutical glass containers, such as vials or injection bottles or syringes, can be labeled reliably and automatically and a particularly reliable breakage protection can be set up.

List of reference symbols

1

label

2

raised structural element

3

Transition area between structural elements

4

Label overlap area

5

Bottom of the label

6

adhesive-neutral area

7

first label section

8

second label section

9

Top of the label

10

vessel

11

Vascular occlusion

12

vascular body

14

Label pull tab

A

Application direction

H

Portrait direction

L

Longitudinal axis of the vessel

Claims (18)

A label (1) for a container (10), comprising: a label layer having a plurality of raised structural elements (2) configured to a predetermined height in accordance with a geometry of the container (10), such that, in a state in which the label (1) is applied to the container (10) as intended, the structural elements (2) circumferentially surround the container (10) and provide contact protection for the container (10), which counteracts direct contact of the container (1) with an adjacent surface in the region of the applied label (1). Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structural elements (2) have a predetermined height of at least 100 µm compared to an adjacent surface of the label layer. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the structural elements (2) have a predetermined height of a maximum of 500 µm compared to an adjacent surface of the label layer. Label (1) after Claim 2 or 3 , in which the structural elements (2) have a predetermined height of 200 µm to 250 µm inclusive compared to an adjacent surface of the label layer. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the structural elements (2) are arranged along a line which, with respect to the state in which the label (1) is applied to the vessel (10) as used, circumferentially surrounds the vessel (10), wherein the structural elements (2) overlap one another at least in sections in projection with respect to an edgewise direction (L) transverse to the circumferential line. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the structural elements (2) are arranged along a line which, with respect to the state in which the label (1) is applied to the vessel (10) as intended, circumferentially surrounds the vessel (10), wherein the structural elements (2) are formed at a predetermined distance from one another along the circumferential line. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the structural elements (2) are formed on opposite edge regions of the label layer and are each arranged along a line which, with respect to the state in which the label (1) is applied to the vessel (10) in accordance with its use, circumferentially surrounds the vessel (10). Label (1) after Claim 7 , in which positions of the structural elements (2) on the label layer are designed in coordination with the geometry of the vessel (10), so that the structural elements (2) are arranged in the edge regions of the label layer which, with reference to the state in which the label (1) is applied to the vessel (10) in accordance with its use, are assigned to a respective vessel edge of the vessel (10). Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which one or more of the structural elements (2) have a Y-shape, a sickle shape, an S-shape or a rod shape. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the structural elements (2) form a separate raised element on the label layer. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the structural elements (2) and/or the label layer are transparent. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the structural elements (2) are formed by means of printing, dripping, embossing and/or deep drawing. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the label layer has a functional layer which establishes a predetermined protective effect against the passage of light and/or gas. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the label layer comprises a foam material with a predetermined softness. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the label (1) is designed in coordination with the vessel (10) with a predetermined length, so that it establishes an all-round label and has an overlapping region (4) in which the label (1) comes to lie on itself in the state in which the label (1) is applied to the vessel (10) as used. Label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the label (1) has, at least in sections, an adhesive-neutral region (6) on an underside (5) which is designed to be applied to the container (10) and/or on an upper side (9) of the label (1). System comprising: - a vessel (10) with a vessel closure (11) and a vessel body (12), and - a label (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is applied at least partially to the vessel body (12) such that the label (1) surrounds the vessel closure (11) and/or the vessel body (12) and the structural elements (2) are raised compared to an adjacent surface of the vessel closure (11) and/or the vessel body (12) and the label layer. A method for producing a label (1) for a container (10), comprising: - providing at least one label layer, and - forming a plurality of raised structural elements (2) on or in the label layer, which are designed with a predetermined height in accordance with a geometry of the container (10), such that, in a state in which the label (1) is applied to the container (10) as intended, the structural elements (2) circumferentially surround the container (10) and establish contact protection for the container (10), which counteracts direct contact of the container (10) with an adjacent surface in the region of the applied label (1).