HK1221693B - Label form including concealable label - Google Patents

Description

Label style including concealable label

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is related to priority rights claiming U.S. patent application serial No. 14/071,794 filed on 5.11.2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

Labels are commonly used to secure printed indicia to packages to indicate shipping or other information. In an example of a shipping use, a separate packing slip containing the purchased items may be attached to a package shipped to the customer.

This requires in particular a labeling method: which is capable of automatically printing a lower label and an upper label and applying the lower label and the upper label to a surface. For example, there is a particular need for such labeling methods: which is capable of automatically printing packing slips and shipping labels and applying the packing slips and shipping labels to the surface of the sealed carton. Opening the cartons for insertion of the packing sheets is inefficient because the cartons are sealed prior to the production of the packing sheets. The bulk transport of such packages requires the quick attachment of packing slips and shipping labels to the packages. Preferably, the packing list information is hidden until the final recipient receives the shipped package.

For the reasons described above, it is desirable to provide labeling styles and methods that: which is capable of automatically printing packing slip labels and shipping labels and affixing the brushed packing slip labels and shipping labels to the surface of the sealed carton while avoiding many of the deficiencies of existing labeling styles and methods.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention discloses a label style including a concealable label. In at least one embodiment, a label form according to the present disclosure comprises a sheet of material comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the sheet of material comprising a cover section comprising a bottom border and a concealable section connected to the cover section, the concealable section comprising a top edge; a reinforcement comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the reinforcement comprising at least one reinforcement boundary line, the lower surface of the reinforcement being bonded to the first surface of the sheet of material; and a first line of weakness through the sheet material, the first line of weakness defining a top edge of the concealable region, the first line of weakness being located below the reinforcement.

In one aspect of the label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the top edge of the concealable section is inboard of the bottom boundary of the cover section.

In one aspect of the label format according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the concealable region is foldable at the first line of weakness in a direction that: the orientation is such that a bottom surface of the concealable section is in contact with a bottom surface of the cover section.

In one aspect of the label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cover section comprises an adhesive.

In one aspect of the label form according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the label form further comprises a release patch on the first surface, the release patch underlying at least a portion of the stiffener, the portion of the stiffener removably adhered to the release patch. In one aspect of the label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the first portion of the breakaway patch is located in the cover section. In one aspect of the label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the second portion of the breakaway patch is located in the concealable region.

In one aspect of the label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the concealable region is foldable at the first line of weakness, and the second portion of the separation patch is separated from the stiffener when the concealable region is folded at the first line of weakness.

In one aspect of the label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the concealable region is foldable at the first line of weakness and a portion of the lower surface of the reinforcement is exposed when the concealable region is folded at the first line of weakness.

In one aspect of the label pattern according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the label pattern further comprises a second line of weakness through the reinforcement, the second line of weakness being aligned with the first line of weakness. In one aspect of the label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the second line of weakness is at least as long as the first line of weakness. In one aspect of the label pattern according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the label pattern further comprises at least one further line of weakness passing through the sheet material and the reinforcement, the at least one further line of weakness being connected to an end point of the first line of weakness, the first line of weakness and the at least one further line of weakness defining a border line of the removable region of the cover region. In one aspect of the label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the second line of weakness, the at least one other line of weakness, and the at least one reinforcement boundary line define a removable region of the reinforcement that is adhered to the removable region of the sheet of material. In one aspect of the label format according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the concealable region is foldable at the first line of weakness in a direction that: the orientation is such that a bottom surface of the concealable section is in contact with a bottom surface of the cover section and the concealable section fits within the boundary line of the removable area of the cover section when the concealable section is folded into such orientation.

In at least one embodiment, a label form according to the present invention comprises a sheet material and a reinforcement; the sheet of material comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the sheet of material comprising a covered region and a concealable region connected to the covered region and folded under the covered region such that the concealable region is in contact with the second surface of the covered region, the second surface of the covered region comprising adhesive at an area partially surrounding the concealed region; the stiffener includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface of the stiffener including an adhesive at least a portion thereof, the lower surface including a first portion bonded to the first surface of the sheet of material and a second portion including an exposed adhesive. In one aspect of the label pattern according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the label pattern further comprises at least one line of weakness passing through the sheet material and the reinforcement, the at least one line of weakness defining a boundary line of the removable region of the cover region. In one aspect of the label format according to at least one embodiment of the invention, the removable area of the cover section is aligned with the hidden section folded underneath.

In at least one embodiment, the present invention includes a container (container) comprising a deck; a label and a stiffener; the label includes: a sheet of material comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the sheet of material comprising a cover region and a concealable region connected to the cover region and folded under the cover region, at least a portion of the second surface being adhered to the box face; the stiffener includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface of the stiffener including an adhesive at least a portion thereof, the lower surface including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being bonded to the first surface of the sheet of material and the second portion being bonded to the box face. In one aspect of the label pattern according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, such label pattern further comprises at least one line of weakness passing through the sheet material and the reinforcement, the at least one line of weakness defining a boundary line of the removable region of the cover region. In one aspect of the label format according to at least one embodiment of the invention, the removable area of the cover section is aligned with the hidden section folded underneath.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the present invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and be better understood by reference to the following description of the method and system of the invention presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1A shows a top view of a partially assembled label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a partially assembled label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3A illustrates a top view of a partially assembled label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3B illustrates a top view of a partially assembled label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partially assembled label format in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4A shows a top view of a label format according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4B shows a top view of a label format according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4C illustrates a top view of a label format according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5A illustrates a bottom view of a label style in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5B illustrates a bottom view of a label style in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of a label format according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a side view of a label format according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows an end view of a label format according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9A shows a top view of a label format according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9B shows a top view of a label format according to at least one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 illustrates a top view of a label format according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 illustrates a bottom view of a label style in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 illustrates a label pattern according to at least one embodiment of the invention attached to a container.

Fig. 13 illustrates a flow diagram for use of a label style in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.

Fig. 1A shows a top view of a partially assembled label format 10 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the partially assembled label format 10 of FIG. 1A as it would appear along line I-I of FIG. 1A. Shown in fig. 1A and 1B is a tag 18. The label 18 comprises a material such as paper that facilitates printing indicia thereon.

The label 18 is removably adhered to the inner liner 12. The inner liner 12 includes a release layer 14, and in at least one embodiment, the release layer 14 substantially covers the surface of the underside of the inner liner 12 facing the label 18. The label 18 comprises an adhesive 16, the adhesive 16 being located on the surface of the label 18 facing the liner layer 12. The separating layer 14 and the adhesive 16 are both visible in fig. 1A. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive 16 comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive. Also shown in fig. 1A and 1B is a release sheet 20, the release sheet 20 being printed on the surface of the label 18. The release layer 14 and the release patch 20 may comprise, for example, a silicone material that allows the adhesive material to removably adhere thereto. Any type of coating material (including a non-silicon coating) that allows the adhesive material to removably adhere thereto may be used.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of a partially assembled label format 10 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 2, slits 26 and 28 cut through the discrete patches 20 and labels 18, but not into the inner liner 12, by, for example, die cutting.

Fig. 3A shows a top view of a partially assembled label format 10 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3A, a backing material 24 has been mounted over the discrete patch 20. The backing material comprises paper, polyester, or other suitable sheet material. Fig. 3B shows a top view of the partially assembled label format 10 according to fig. 3A, with backing material 24 clearly shown to indicate that backing material 24 is aligned with the breakaway patch 20 and the slits 26 and 28. Fig. 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the partially assembled label format 10 of fig. 3A and 3B as it would appear along the line III-III in fig. 3B.

As shown in fig. 3A-3C, the backing material 24 includes lateral edges 326, 327 and the adhesive 22, the adhesive 22 being located on the surface of the backing material 24 facing the discrete patch 20. In at least one embodiment, adhesive 22 comprises a permanent pressure sensitive adhesive, although removable pressure sensitive adhesives may be used. Such adhesives may be acrylic adhesives or hot melt adhesives. As shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the backing material 24 extends beyond the boundary line of the discrete patches 20 because the surface area of the backing material 24 is larger than the surface area of the discrete patches 20. Thus, the backing material 24 extends beyond the boundary line of the discrete patches 20 at, for example, regions 241 and 242, and the adhesive 22 directly adheres the backing material 24 to the label 18. In those areas outside the boundaries of the discrete patches 20 (e.g., in areas 241 and 242), the interaction between the adhesive 22, the label 18, and the backing material 24 substantially permanently adheres the backing material 24 to the surface of the label 18 in those areas. However, in the area where the backing material 24 covers the discrete patches 20, the interaction between the discrete patches 20 and the adhesive material 22 causes the backing material 24 to removably adhere to the discrete patches 20.

Fig. 4A shows a top view of a label format 10 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4B shows a top view of the label format 10 according to fig. 4A, wherein the backing material 24 is clearly shown for illustrative purposes. As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, boundary lines 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 341, 342, and 343 are die cut through the label 18 and the backing material 24, but do not enter the liner layer 12, and portions of the backing material 24 and the label 18 that are outside of the boundary lines 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 341, 342, and 343 are removed, thereby exposing the surfaces of the release coating 14 and the liner layer 12 in these areas. As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the boundary lines 324 and 325 are aligned with the lateral edge 326 of the substrate material 24. As shown in fig. 4B, the boundary lines 341 and 342 are aligned with the slits 26 and 28, respectively.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the die cutting process results in label 18 being formed into a first portion including cover section 32 and a second portion including foldable section 34. As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the cover section 32 is bounded by lateral edges 326 and boundary lines 321, 322, 323, 324 and 325. The cover section 32 includes a first width W1 extending between the boundary lines 321 and 322. As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the foldable area portion 34 is limited on three sides by boundary lines 341, 342, and 343. The foldable section 34 includes a first surface 345 and a second width W2 extending between the boundary lines 341 and 342. The second width W2 is less than the first width W1.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the cover section 32 further includes lines of weakness 38, 39, 40, and 41. Lines of weakness 38, 39, 40 and 41 define the boundaries of removable section 33. The line of weakness 41 also forms a fourth boundary line of the foldable section 34.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the removable section 33 includes a first surface 337. The removable section 33 further includes a third width W3 extending between the lines of weakness 38 and 40. The third width W3 is less than the first width W1, but greater than the second width W2.

As shown in fig. 4A-4B, the line of weakness 38 includes a line segment 381 and a line segment 382. As shown in fig. 4A-4B, line segment 381 begins at the intersection with the line of weakness 39 and extends to the lateral edge 327 of the substrate material 24. The line segment 382 begins at the lateral edge 327 of the substrate material 24 and extends to the intersection with the line of weakness 41. The line of weakness 40 includes line segment 401 and line segment 402. As shown in fig. 4A-4B, line segment 401 begins at the intersection with line of weakness 39 and extends to lateral edge 327 of substrate material 24. The line segment 402 begins at the lateral edge 327 of the substrate material 24 and extends to the intersection with the line of weakness 41. The lines of weakness 39 and 42 and the line segment 401 form the boundary of the tear strip 44. The line segments 381 and 401 and the lines of weakness 39 and 42 are die cut through the label 18 but not into the inner liner 12. The line segments 382 and 402 and the line of weakness 41 are die cut through the label 18 and the backing material 24, but not into the inner liner 12.

Fig. 4C shows a top view of a label format 10 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the label style 10 shown in fig. 4C is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 4A and 4B, except that the embodiment of the label style 10 shown in fig. 4C does not include a tear strip.

Fig. 5A illustrates a bottom view of a label 18 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, including a cover section 32, a removable section 33, and a foldable section 34, the removable section 33 including a second surface 336 and the foldable section 34 including a second surface 344. Fig. 5A shows the label 18 after removal from the inner liner 12, the label 18 including a cover section 32, a removable section 33, and a foldable section 34. As shown in fig. 5A, the adhesive 16 remains on the bottom surface of the label 18 after the label 18 is removed from the liner layer 12. As shown in fig. 5A, the adhesive 16 is applied in such a way that the second surface 336 of the removable section 33 is free of the adhesive 16. Boundary lines 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 341, 342, and 343 are shown in fig. 5A. As shown in fig. 5A, the boundary lines 341 and 342 are aligned with the slits 26 and 28, respectively. Also shown in fig. 5A are the lines of weakness 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 and the underside of the tear strip 44. As shown in fig. 5A, boundary lines 341, 342, and 343 and the line of weakness 41 define the boundaries of the foldable section 34.

Fig. 5B illustrates a bottom view of the label 18 including the cover section 32, the removable section 33, and the foldable section 34, the removable section 33 including the second surface 336 and the foldable section 34 including the second surface 344, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5B shows the label 18 after removal from the liner 12, the label 18 including a cover section 32, a removable section 33, and a foldable section 34. As shown in fig. 5B, the adhesive 16 remains on the bottom surface of the label 18 after the label 18 is removed from the liner layer 12. As shown in fig. 5B, the adhesive 16 is applied in such a manner that the second surface 336 of the removable section 33 is covered with the adhesive 16. Other patterns of adhesive 16 are possible within the scope of the invention. Boundary lines 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 341, 342, and 343 are shown in fig. 5B. As shown in fig. 5B, the boundary lines 341 and 342 are aligned with the slits 26 and 28, respectively. Also shown in fig. 5B are lines of weakness 38, 39, 40, and 41. The embodiment of the label style 10 shown in fig. 5B does not include a tear strip. As also shown in fig. 5B, boundary lines 341, 342, and 343 and line of weakness 41 define the boundaries of foldable section 34 including second surface 344.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of a label 18 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 6, the label 18 has been removed from the inner liner 12. The label 18 and backing material 24 are shown in FIG. 6; label 18 includes boundary lines 322, 323, 325 and 343, cover section 32, foldable section 34; substrate material 24 includes a boundary line 325 and lateral edges 326 and 327. The location of the surfaces 336 and 337 of the removable section 33 and the surfaces 344 and 345 of the foldable section 34 are also shown in fig. 6, as are the locations of the lines of weakness 41. For clarity, adhesive 16, breakaway patches 20, and adhesive 22 are not shown in fig. 6. In the embodiment of the label 18 shown in fig. 6, the adhesive 16 covers all or part of the surface 344 and all or part of the underside of the cover section 32, for example, as shown in fig. 3C, 5A and/or 5B. In the embodiment of the label 18 shown in fig. 6, the release patch 20 and adhesive 22 are, for example, as shown in fig. 3B, 3C, and 4B.

Fig. 7 shows a side view of a label 18 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 7, the label 18 has been removed from the inner liner 12. Shown in fig. 7 are the label 18, backing material 24, cover section 32 and foldable section 34; label 18 includes boundary lines 322, 323, 325, and 343; substrate material 24 includes a boundary line 325 and lateral edges 326 and 327. The location of the surfaces 336 and 337 of the removable section 33 and the surfaces 344 and 345 of the foldable section 34 are also shown in fig. 7, as are the locations of the lines of weakness 41. For clarity, adhesive 16, breakaway patches 20, and adhesive 22 are not shown in fig. 7. In this embodiment of label 18 shown in fig. 7, adhesive 16 covers all or part of surface 344 and all or part of the underside of section 32, e.g., as shown in fig. 3C, 5A, and/or 5B. In this embodiment of the label 18 shown in fig. 7, the release patch 20 and adhesive 22 are present, for example, as shown in fig. 3B, 3C, and 4B. As shown in fig. 7, the foldable section 34 is separated from the cover section 32 at slits 26 and 28 (not shown) and transferred (display) in the direction of arrow 50. The foldable region 34 remains attached to the cover region 32 at the line of weakness 41, wherein the line of weakness 41 forms a hinge about which the foldable region 34 pivots. Surface 344 of the foldable section 34 faces surface 336 of the removable section 33 as indicated by arrow 50.

Fig. 8 shows an end view of the tag 18 of fig. 7. The label 18, foldable section 34 and backing material 24 are shown in FIG. 8; label 18 includes boundary lines 324, 325, 341, 342, and 343; substrate material 24 includes boundary lines 324 and 325 and lateral edge 326. Also shown in fig. 8 is a surface 345 of the foldable section 34, including a portion of the discrete patch 20 attached to the surface 345. As shown in fig. 8, the foldable section 34 separates and diverts at the slits 26 and 28. The foldable region 34 remains attached at the line of weakness 41, where the line of weakness 41 forms a hinge about which the foldable region 34 pivots. As shown in fig. 8, when the foldable section 34 is transferred, a portion of the discrete patch 20 is also transferred as shown in fig. 8. As shown in fig. 8, the portion of the breakaway patch 20 is displaced such that the adhesive 22 is exposed to a corresponding portion of the underside of the backing material 24.

Fig. 9A shows a top view of an embodiment of cover section 32 in which foldable section 34 is completely hidden under cover section 32. Fig. 9B shows a top view of an embodiment of cover section 32 in which foldable section 34 is completely hidden under cover section 32. The embodiments of fig. 9A and 9B differ in that: the embodiment of fig. 9A includes a tear strip 44, while the embodiment of fig. 9B does not. Referring to fig. 7, as shown in fig. 9A-9B, foldable section 34 has been translated in the direction of arrow 50 such that surface 344 contacts surface 336. As discussed elsewhere herein, in at least one embodiment, surface 344 includes adhesive 16. When surface 344 is contacted with surface 336, adhesive 16 on surface 344 substantially permanently adheres surface 344 to surface 336. As discussed elsewhere herein, in at least one embodiment, surface 344 includes adhesive 16 and surface 336 includes adhesive 16. When surface 344 is in contact with surface 336, adhesive 16 on surface 344 and adhesive 16 on surface 336 substantially permanently adhere surface 344 to surface 336.

Fig. 10 shows a top view of the embodiment of the blanket section 32 of fig. 9A, with the substrate material 24 being shown in detail for illustrative purposes. As shown in fig. 10, the foldable section 34 is completely hidden under the cover section 32. Referring to fig. 7, as shown in fig. 10, foldable region 34 has been displaced in the direction of arrow 50 such that surface 344 is in contact with surface 336, wherein line of weakness 41 acts as a hinge about which foldable region 34 is displaced. Referring to fig. 8, when the foldable section 34 is displaced, a portion of the discrete patch 20 is also displaced. As shown in fig. 10, only the portions of the discrete patches 20 outside of the slits 26 and 28 and the line of weakness 41 remain in place. As shown in fig. 10, the portion of the discrete patch 20 located within the slits 26 and 28 and the line of weakness 41 that was previously located beneath the backing material 24 is displaced. Referring to fig. 8, the portion of the discrete patch 20 is transferred such that the adhesive 22 (not shown in fig. 10) is exposed to a corresponding portion of the underside of the backing material 24.

Fig. 11 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of the cover section 32 of fig. 9A and 10. Referring to fig. 7, as shown in fig. 11, foldable section 34 has been displaced in the direction of arrow 50 such that surface 344 (not shown in fig. 11) is in contact with surface 336 (not shown in fig. 11). In the bottom view of cover section 32 shown in fig. 11, surface 345 of foldable section 34 is visible. The foldable section 34 is bounded by boundary lines 341, 342 and 343 and a line of weakness 41. Surface 345 comprises a portion of the discrete patch 20. Also shown in fig. 11 are lines of weakness 38, 39, 40, and 42. Lines of weakness 38, 39, 40 and 41 comprise the boundaries of removable section 33. In the embodiment shown in fig. 11, the lines of weakness 39 and 42 define tear strips. Other embodiments do not have a tear strip. As discussed elsewhere herein, when the foldable section 34 is displaced, the portion of the discrete patch 20 shown in fig. 11 is also displaced. Transferring the portion of the separation patch 20 exposes the adhesive 22 as shown in fig. 11 to the portion of the underside of the backing material 24 bounded by the slits 26 and 28, the line of weakness 41, and the lateral edges 326. Adhesive 16 is shown on the other surface of the cover section 32 in fig. 11.

Fig. 12 shows a tag according to at least one embodiment of the invention attached to a container. In fig. 12, a container 1200 is shown with a tag 18 attached to the container 1200. Fig. 12 shows a top view of an embodiment of cover section 32 in which foldable section 34 is completely hidden under cover section 32. Referring to fig. 7, as shown in fig. 12, the foldable section 34 has been displaced in the direction of arrow 50 so that surface 344 is in contact with surface 336. As discussed elsewhere herein, in at least one embodiment, surface 344 includes adhesive 16. When surface 344 is in contact with surface 336, adhesive 16 on surface 344 substantially permanently adheres surface 344 to surface 336. As discussed elsewhere herein, in at least one embodiment, surface 344 includes adhesive 16 and surface 336 includes adhesive 16. When surface 344 is in contact with surface 336, adhesive 16 on surface 344 and adhesive 16 on surface 336 substantially permanently adhere surface 344 to surface 336.

Fig. 13 illustrates a flow diagram for use of the label style 10 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in step 1302 of fig. 13, indicia are printed on the removable section 33 and the foldable section 34. Such a flag may be information that: such as shipping and/or return addresses, instructions on how to use the label form 10, packing slip information, business information such as telephone numbers and business names, etc. Such indicia may include, for example, information indicating a return or change policy for the package to which the label is affixed, the label having indicia, a bar code, an identification number, or a bullseye code (maxicode). The label, including the cover section 32, the removable section 33, and the foldable section 34, is removed from the inner liner 12, as shown in step 1304 of fig. 13. Foldable section 34 is folded under cover section 32, as shown in step 1306 of fig. 13. As shown in step 1308 of fig. 13, the foldable section 34 is bonded to the removable section 33. The folded tag is adhered to the container as shown in step 1310 of fig. 13. Referring to fig. 11, the area covered by exposed adhesive 16 and adhesive 22 is used to adhere the label to the container. In at least one embodiment, steps 1302 through 1310 are performed automatically by a machine adapted to perform these steps.

As shown in step 1312 of fig. 13, removable section 33 is removed to expose foldable section 34. In embodiments of the present label format 10 that include a tear strip (e.g., tear strip 44), the removable section 33 is removed by separating the tear strip 44 along lines of weakness 39 and 42, and then separating the removable section 33 from the remainder of the cover section 32 along lines of weakness 38, 40, and 41. The foldable section 34 is bonded to the removable section 33. Thus, as the removable region 33 is separated from the line of weakness 41, the foldable region 34 is separated from the line of weakness 41.

In embodiments of the present label format 10 that do not include a tear strip, the removable region 33 is removed by separating the removable region 33 from the remainder of the cover region 32 along lines of weakness 38, 39, 40 and 41. The foldable section 34 is bonded to the removable section 33. Thus, as the removable region 33 is separated from the line of weakness 41, the foldable region 34 is separated from the line of weakness 41.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the apparatus and method according to the present invention can be further modified within the scope and spirit of this invention. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. For example, any method disclosed herein and in the appended claims represents a possible order of performing the steps of that method. The practitioner can determine in a particular implementation that multiple steps of one or more of the disclosed methods can be combined, or that a different order of steps can be employed to achieve the same result. Each of such embodiments falls within the scope of the invention as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Claims (20)

1. A label style, comprising:

a sheet of material comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the sheet of material comprising a cover section comprising a bottom border and a concealable section connected to the cover section, the concealable section comprising a top edge;

a reinforcement comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the reinforcement comprising at least one reinforcement boundary line, the lower surface of the reinforcement being bonded to the first surface of the sheet of material; and

a first line of weakness passing through the sheet of material, the first line of weakness defining the top edge of the concealable region, the first line of weakness underlying the reinforcement.

2. The label style of claim 1, wherein the top edge of the concealable section is inboard of the bottom boundary of the cover section.

3. The label format of claim 1, wherein the concealable region is foldable at the first line of weakness in a direction such that a bottom surface of the concealable region is in contact with a bottom surface of the cover region.

4. The label format of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface of the cover section includes an adhesive.

5. The label style of claim 1, further comprising:

a breakaway patch on the first surface, the breakaway patch underlying at least a portion of the stiffener, the portion of the stiffener being removably adhered to the breakaway patch.

6. The label form of claim 5, wherein the first portion of the breakaway patch is located in the cover section.

7. A label form according to claim 5, wherein the second portion of the breakaway patch is located in the concealable region.

8. The label format of claim 7 wherein the concealable region is foldable at the first line of weakness, wherein the second portion of the separation patch is separated from the stiffener when the concealable region is folded at the first line of weakness.

9. The label format of claim 1, wherein the concealable region is foldable at the first line of weakness, wherein a portion of the lower surface of the stiffener is exposed when the concealable region is folded at the first line of weakness.

10. The label style of claim 1, further comprising:

a second line of weakness passing through the reinforcement, the second line of weakness being aligned with the first line of weakness.

11. The label format of claim 10 wherein the second line of weakness is at least as long as the first line of weakness.

12. The label style of claim 10, further comprising:

at least one further line of weakness passing through the sheet material and the reinforcement, the at least one further line of weakness being connected to an end point of the first line of weakness, the first line of weakness and the at least one further line of weakness defining a boundary line of the removable region of the cover region.

13. The label format of claim 12 wherein the second line of weakness, the at least one other line of weakness, and the at least one reinforcement boundary line define a removable region of the reinforcement that is adhered to the removable region of the sheet material.

14. The label format of claim 12, wherein the concealable region is foldable at the first line of weakness in a direction that brings a bottom surface of the concealable region into contact with a bottom surface of the cover region, wherein the concealable region fits within the boundary line of the removable area of the cover region when the concealable region is folded into this direction.

15. A label style, comprising:

a sheet of material comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the sheet of material comprising a cover region and a concealable region connected to and folded under the cover region such that the concealable region is in contact with the second surface of the cover region, the second surface of the cover region comprising an adhesive at an area partially surrounding the concealable region; and

a stiffener including an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, at least a portion of the lower surface of the stiffener including an adhesive, the lower surface including a first portion bonded to the first surface of the sheet of material and a second portion including an exposed adhesive.

16. The label style of claim 15, further comprising:

at least one line of weakness passing through the sheet material and the reinforcement, the at least one line of weakness defining a boundary line of a removable region of the cover section.

17. A label form according to claim 16 wherein the removable area of the cover section is aligned with the hidden section folded underneath.

18. A container, comprising;

a box surface;

a label, the label comprising:

a sheet of material comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the sheet of material comprising a cover region and a concealable region connected to the cover region and folded under the cover region, at least a portion of the second surface being adhered to the box face; and

a stiffener including an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, at least a portion of the lower surface of the stiffener including an adhesive, the lower surface including a first portion bonded to the first surface of the sheet of material and a second portion bonded to the box face.

19. The container of claim 18, wherein the tag further comprises:

at least one line of weakness passing through the sheet material and the reinforcement, the at least one line of weakness defining a boundary line of a removable region of the cover section.

20. A container as claimed in claim 19, in which the removable area of the cover section is aligned with the hidden section folded underneath.