GB2283005A - Multi-layer label - Google Patents

Abstract

The label consists of a sheet having at least one fold line, as shown two parallel fold lines (10, 11), separating it into equal-sized portions (12, 13 and 14). Each portion has tabs formed by C-shaped cuts and these are superposed when the sheet is folded. The tabs can be pressed through to the back of the folded label and folded under. The tabs become trapped in this position when the label is adhesively attached to a surface. Where there are two or more folds, they may be parallel, as shown, or mutually perpendicular but in all cases the parts forming each layer have cuts in register with those in the other layers thus forming superposed tabs. The folded label may include transparent portions and may serve as a pocket for a printed insert. The label may also be used as a fixed penalty parking fine slip, in which case it would be made of waterproof material and such labels would be in a pad wherein each label would have a duplicate copy page and employ self-manifolding material. <IMAGE>

Description

MULTI-LAYER LABEL This invention relates to a multi-layer label.

There exists a demand for labels which can contain a great deal of information. For example, packages are often labelled by attaching thereto an envelope containing a folded delivery note. The conventional envelope may be a window envelope or it may be formed of transparent or translucent film to display the required delivery address printed or otherwise depicted on the delivery note. An envelope is necessary because it is required to include in the delivery note much more information concerning the contents of the package than should be displayed on the exterior of the package.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a label which can serve as a delivery note or other document without requiring any separate envelope.

A label in accordance with the invention comprises a sheet having first and second areas foldably connected together along a fold line such that said first part can be superimposed on said second part, an adhesive area on one side of said second part by means of which the label can be attached to an article, said first and second parts being formed with cut tabs which are superimposed when the label is folded, said tabs being so disposed that they can be pushed through to said one side of said second part and folded behind said adhesive area when the label is being attached.

The sheet may be designed to be folded just once, or to be folded two or more times on parallel or mutually perpendicular fold lines. In every case the part forming each layer formed by such folding has at least one appropriately positioned tab.

Preferably, each such part has at least two tabs.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of one example of a label (shown in the flat) in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the label of Figure 1 folded and attached to an article; Figure 3 is a view like Figure 1 of a second example of the invention; Figure 4 is a view like Figure 1 of a third example of the invention; Figure 5 is a view like Figure 1 of a fourth example of the invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fifth example of the invention shown folded.

Referring firstly to the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the label comprises a single sheet of paper divided by creased or weakened lines 10, 1 1 into three equal size portions 12, 13 and 14. These can be folded into a Z-shape with the back of portion 14 at the back and the front of portion 12 at the front.

The back of portion 14 is provided with an adhesive area 15 which is preferably self-adhesive with a strip-off cover sheet.

Each of the three portions 12, 13, 14 is formed adjacent opposite ends with a pair of tabs formed by C-shaped cuts in the paper. When the label is folded, these tabs are superposed on one another and can be pushed through to the back of portion 14 and folded behind the adhesive area 15. When the tab is attached to an article as shown in Figure 2, the tabs are held captive by the adhesive (although only the tab of portion 14 adheres thereto) and inhibit unfolding of the label.

With the arrangement shown in Figure 1 there may be pre-printed and/or laser or other printing on portions 13 and 14 which is not visible when the label is attached to an article. Only the front of portion 12 remains visible and this may bear the delivery address or other delivery instructions.

Figure 3 shows an example in which there is only one fold line 110 dividing the label into two portions 112 and 113. Portion 112 has a window 1 1 2a which may have a slip of translucent or transparent material pasted over it to reveal an address area 11 3a on the portion 113.

The remainder of the portions 112 and 113 may be used for other preprinter or individually laser printed information.

Figure 4 shows another example like the one shown in Figures 1 and 2, but peel off reply or registration portions are provided in known manner on the portion 212.

Figure 6 shows a similar arrangement added to label like the one shown in Figure 3. Additionally Figure 6 shows an arrangement using three tabs on each portion of the label.

Finally, Figure 5 shows an arrangement like that shown in Figure 1, but, instead of having printed material on its front face, it has a transparent sheet 416 glued thereto around three edges to form a pocket into which a separately printed invoice, delivery note or other document can be inserted before the label is folded and secured in place. Printed matter on this document is displayed through sheet 416 to provide the delivery address and other details.

The labels described could also be used for such purposes as fixed penalty parking fine slips. In this case, the traffic warden would have a pad of the labels, each with a duplicate copy page and suitable selfmanifolding material. The labels in this case would be made of a waterproof material such as "Teslin" (Registered Trade Mark).

Claims (9)

1. A label comprising a sheet having first and second areas foldably connected together along a fold line such that said first part can be superimposed on said second part, an adhesive area on one side of said second part by means of which the label can be attached to an article, said first and second parts being formed with cut tabs which are superimposed when the label is folded, said tabs being so disposed that they can be pushed through to said one side of said second part and folded behind said adhesive area when the label is being attached.

2. A label as claimed in Claim 1, in which the sheet is designed to be folded two or more times on parallel or mutually perpendicular fold lines, the part forming each layer formed by such fold having at least one of said tabs.

3. A label as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which each part has at least two tabs.

4. A label as claimed in any preceding claim, in which one of said areas has a window through which matter depicted on an underlying area can be viewed.

5. A label substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

6. A label substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.

7. A label substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

8. A label substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.

9. A label substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.